Pathogenesis of diethylnitrosamine-induced tumors in the trachea of the Syrian golden hamster.

The pathogenesis of tracheal tumors induced in Syrian hamsters by subcutaneous treatment of N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN) was examined in a serial sacrifice study using light and electron microscopy. Initial ultrastructural changes were noted in ciliated and mucous cells, and basal cells were identified as source of the later developing papillary polyps and squamous carcinomas.