Inhibition of benz[a]pyrene-induced mammary carcinogenesis by retinyl acetate.

The administration of a 250-ppm retinyl acetate dietary supplement for various periods relative to intragastric administration of 50 mg benzo[a]pyrene (BP) significantly inhibited the induction of mammary cancers in virgin female inbred LEW/Mai rats. with day of BP administration taken as time 0, groups receiving the retinoid from weeks -2 to +1, +1 to +90, +20 to +90, and -2 to +90 showed a significant reduction in tumor response as compared to controls. The inhibition of carcinogenesis achieved by a +1 to +20 administration schedule was temporary; the tumor yield was suppressed initially but returned to control levels by week 60. Autoradiographic analysis of mammary glands from 50-day-old rats indicated that a 2-week exposure to supplemental retinyl acetate significantly reduced the mammary gland parenchymal cell labeling index in ductal, alveolar, and terminal end bud structures. Beginning the retinyl acetate supplement 1 week after the administration of BP significantly reduced the number of terminal ductal hyperplasias. The inhibition of carcinogenesis achieved by a short period of retinyl acetate administration before and during the period of carcinogen availability as well as the inhibition achieved by long-term postcarcinogen retinoid exposure may involve an antiproliferative effect on the rat mammary gland.