Liver tumors in male rats following treatment with glucocorticosteroids.

Male rats treated with either budesonide, prednisolone, or triamcinolone acetonide in drinking water for up to 104 weeks developed slightly increased incidences of basophilic foci, and significantly increased incidences of combined hepatocellular adenomas/carcinomas as compared to controls. Based upon reduced body weight gains and survivals, the doses administered were considered to be toxic. It was concluded that the positive findings represented a class effect, and probably involved glucocorticoid receptors.