Induction of gliomas in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) following neonatal administration of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea.

Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) were given an sc injection (40 mg/kg body wt) of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea [(ENU) CAS: 759-73-9] on postnatal day 1 (group I) or day 29 (group II). Untreated gerbils served as controls (group III). Of 32 gerbils in group I, 10 (31%) developed a total of 14 gliomas after an observation period of 12 months, whereas no gliomas were observed in groups II and III. Seven gliomas were located in the spinal cord, 6 were in the cerebrum, and 1 was in the cerebellum. Histologically, all were oligodendrogliomas. In group II, 1 meningeal tumor (4%) was observed among 27 gerbils. ENU also induced cutaneous melanomas (22% in group I, 15% in group II, and 0% in group III), kidney hemangiomas (6% in group I, 26% in group II, and 0% in group III), and ameloblastomas of the lower jaw (6% in group I and 0% in groups II and III).