Epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in experimental oral mucosal carcinogenesis: establishing a technique.

The carcinogen 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide was applied to the palatal mucosa of rats for varying periods of time. This tissue was separated into epithelial and connective components and then recombined in various combinations and implanted into hypothymic mice. Seventy-two per cent of the implants were recovered and were suitable for detailed histological analysis. The technique provides a suitable model for the assessment of epithelial-connective tissue interactions in experimental oral mucosal carcinogenesis.