Comparative studies of neoplastic response to a single dose of nitroso compounds. The effect of N-nitrosobis (2-hydroxypropyl)amine in Syrian golden hamsters.

Single s.c. applications of N-nitrosobis(2-hydroxypropyl)amine (BHP) caused carcinogenic effects in adult Syrian golden hamsters at doses as low as 1/40 of the LD50. The tumor spectrum decreased at lower doses, which affected the pancreas more strongly than the liver, whereas higher doses exhibited a more pronounced hepatocarcinogenicity and also induced tumors in the respiratory tract, gallbladder, kidney, and vagina. These results demonstrated a potent pancreatic carcinogenic effect of BHP at the lowest dose level. Hence, the presence of BHP in the environment, even in small quantities, should be regarded as a potential hazard to human health.