The effect of iron deficiency on early oral carcinogenesis in the rat.

In order to further investigate the known influence of iron deficiency on 4NQO oral carcinogenesis in the rat, groups of iron-deficient and iron-sufficient Charles River white rats were painted with carcinogen for 8 weeks or 14 weeks and then left untreated for 32 weeks or 26 weeks respectively. Tumour development and epithelial dysplasia were assessed at the time of killing. Animals painted for 14 weeks showed more severe dysplasia than those painted for 8 weeks, but no significant differences were noted between corresponding iron-deficient and iron-sufficient groups.