Quantitative analysis of initiating and promoting activities of five mycotoxins in liver carcinogenesis in rats.

The initiating and promoting activities of several mycotoxins were investigated in F344 male rats. N-2-Fluorenylacetamide (2-FAA) was used as an initiator or a promoter and citrinin, ochratoxin A, sterigmatocystin, (+)rugulosin or patulin was administered at a fixed dose for the same period in the initiation stage or the promotion stage. Partial hepatectomy and administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) were examined to increase the induction of hyperplastic nodules. Ochratoxin A, sterigmatocystin and (+)rugulosin administered in either the initiating or the promoting stage significantly increased the induction of hyperplastic nodules. Citrinin and patulin administered in the initiating stage significantly increased the induction of hyperplastic nodules, but were not effective when administered during the promoting stage. The theoretical classification of the mycotoxins examined is discussed.