Ruth Young

Comparative carcinogenicity in F344 rats and Syrian golden hamsters of N′-nitrosonornicotine and N′-nitrosonornicotine-1-N-oxide☆

N-Nitrosonornicotine (NNN) or N-nitrosonornicotine-1-N-oxide (NNN-1-N-oxide), one of its metabolites, was added to the drinking water (0.012% for 36 weeks) of groups of male and female F344 rats or to the drinking water (0.016% for 31 weeks) of groups of male and female Syrian golden hamsters. All rats treated with NNN had died after 12 months but 50% of those treated with NNN-1-N-oxide survived for 22 months. NNN induced esophageal tumors in 23/24 rats and nasal cavity tumors in 21/24 rats. NNN-1-N-oxide induced esophageal tumors in 10/24 rats and nasal cavity tumors in 18/24 rats. There was no difference in survival rates among hamsters treated with either NNN or NNN-1-N-oxide. NNN induced tracheal tumors in 2/20 hamsters and nasal cavity tumors in 4/20 hamsters. NNN-1-N-oxide did not induce respiratory tract tumors in hamsters. These results demonstrate that NNN-1-N-oxide is less carcinogenic than NNN in F344 rats and Syrian golden hamsters.

Mass Spectra of Tobacco Alkaloid - Derived Nitrosamines, their Metabolites, and Related Compounds

Abstract The mass spectra of the tobacco alkaloid - derived nitrosamines NNN, NNK, NNA, NAB and NAtB and of known mammalian metabolites of NNN and NNK are presented. Mass spectra of synthetic derivatives related to these nitrosamines and their metabolites are also included. These spectra will be useful in studies on the occurrence and metabolism of the tobacco alkaloid - derived nitrosamines and in investigations of other compounds related to the tobacco alkaloids.