Inhibition of Aflatoxin Carcinogenesis by Diethylstilbestrol in Male Rats

Abstract

Charles River Cesarean-Derived male rats were fed diets contaminated with aflatoxin, a potent hepatotoxin and liver carcinogen recently found to be contaminating staple food products. Rats fed diethylstilbestrol, in addition to the aflatoxin-contaminated diet, had decreased body weight and decreased incidence of tumors. Paired-feeding and feeding-to-weight studies indicated that the decreased tumor incidence associated with diethylstilbestrol was not the result of decreased food intake. These studies illustrate the extreme potency of aflatoxin and indicate that it represents a potential environmental hazard to man and domestic animals in many areas of the world. The male is more sensitive than the female to the effects of aflatoxin.