Induction of enzyme-altered islands in rat liver by tryptophan pyrolysis products.

Two new gamma-carboline derivatives, 3-amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-1) and 3-amino-1-methyl-5H pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-2), isolated from the pyrolysis products of tryptophan, were found to be potent mutagens. When weanling rats were injected with Trp-P-1 and then given diet containing phenobarbital, they developed enzyme-altered islands in the liver. Since these islands are considered to be formed by immediate progeny of "initiated cells" and cell precursors in hepatocarcinogenesis, Trp-P-1 may well be carcinogenic in rat liver.