Effect of magnesium hydroxide on methylazoxymethanol acetate-induced epithelial proliferation in the large bowels of rats.

The effect of magnesium hydroxide on the epithelial proliferation of the large bowel was examined using rats given methylazoxymethanol (MAM) acetate. Dietary administration of magnesium hydroxide at 250, 500, 1000 or 2000 ppm. for 1, 3 or 5 weeks did not influence the cell cycle of the cryptal cells of the large bowel. However, the exposure to magnesium hydroxide under these conditions lowered the bromodeoxyuridine labeling index of the cells of the large bowel of the rats which had been initiated by MAM acetate (25 mg/kg, 3 times). The decrease in labeling index was more apparent in the proximal segment than in the distal segment. Such an inhibitory effect on the DNA synthesis of the epithelial cells by magnesium hydroxide may be related to the suppressive action of the trace element on the carcinogen-induced large bowel carcinogenesis.