Cytogenetic and histochemical analysis of experimental oral carcinogenesis in the rat.

The present investigation has shown that in chemical carcinogenesis progression of malignant epithelial changes in associated with an increased number of cells with chromosomal deviations. Each out of two oncogenic agents with different chemical characteristics had its own non-random pattern. There was usually a close relationship between such chromosomal changes and the simultaneous presence of morphological atypia (dysplasia) and metabolic atypia (aberrant G-6-P.DH activity) from moderate dysplasia and onwards during carcinogenesis. Changes in X-chromosomes, which i.a. in human code the synthesis of G-6-P.DH molecules, could perhaps explain and be reflected in deviating metabolic reactions in premalignant cells.