Delay of bladder cancer induction in rats treated with N-nitroso-N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)amine by administration of sodium-2-mercaptoethanesulfonate (Mesna).

The influence of sodium-2-mercaptoethanesulphonate (Mesna) on urinary bladder cancer induced by N-nitroso-N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)amine (BBNOH) was studied in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The treatment consisted of 5 g/kg BBNOH per gavage and 63 g/kg Mesna in drinking water over a period of 39 weeks. A positive control group was given the same dose of BBNOH as the treated group. Although Mesna did not reduce the incidence of bladder carcinomas, it significantly increased the lifespan of the animals, thus suggesting a partial general protective action.