Development of an Initiation/Promotion Assay to Detect Foci of Enzyme-AlteredHepatocytes

摘要

The progression of biochemical and morphological changes that occur following thetransformation of a normal cell to a malignant cell have been poorly understood. There have been nine well-documented experimental protocols that have been developed and used to assess hepatocarcinogens (Faber and Sarma, 1987). One of these models has described a two-stage development of hepatocarcinogenesis in which a limited exposure to a potential carcinogen (initiation) is followed by a prolonged exposure to a second agent (promotion)(Peraino et al., 1973). Evidence has indicated that stimulation of cellular proliferation is required before the initiated cell can be detected (Cayama et al., 1978; Columbano, 1981), resulting in the occurrence of enzyme-altered foci (EAF). (jes)