Changes in de novo DNA (cytosine-5-)-methyltransferase activity in oncogenically susceptible rat target tissues induced by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea.

The activity of de novo DNA (cytosine-5-)-methyltransferase (DNA methylase) in various rat tissues after administration of a single dose of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) has been analyzed. The total and specific activities of the DNA methylase of the brain, where tumor induction is important, are increased. In kidney, the DNA methylase activity first increases up to 16 h and decreases afterwards. Liver DNA methylase activity does not change. This organ is not susceptible to MNU induced cancers. Because organs in which the DNA methylase activity is high or increased after MNU are more prone to carcinogenesis by this compound, we argue that there is a relationship between the effects of MNU and DNA methylase activity.