7,12-Dimethylbenzanthracene induced mammary tumours in Wistar rats by 'air pouch' technique--a new approach.

An 'air pouch' technique of inducing highly localized, transplantable, estrogen-dependent adenocarcinomas of the mammary gland in Wistar rats with 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) is described. The induction time was 67-80 days compared to 150-180 days by the conventional technique. Using this model estrogen receptor status, transplantation and effect of exogenous hormones on tumour growth have been studied. It is felt that this model might be a useful one for studying the biochemical mechanisms involved in hormone-dependent experimental mammary cancers.