The air pollutant 2-nitrofluorene as initiator and promoter in a liver model for chemical carcinogenesis.

2-Nitrofluorene (NF), a model substance for nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, is present in exhaust from diesel- and petrol-driven vehicles, in exhaust from kerosene heaters, and in urban air and river sediments. Therefore the possible consequences of human exposure are important to elucidate. In the present study the initiating and promoting activity of NF was studied in a liver model for chemical carcinogenesis in the rat. Furthermore, the metabolism and formation of genotoxic metabolites of NF were investigated. NF was found to be a moderate initiator and a weak promoter when compared to diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and 2-acetylamino-fluorene (AAF) respectively, both of which are potent carcinogens. Animals given NF excreted more urinary mutagenicity when compared to animals given AAF or DEN. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]