4-nitroquinolone oxide (4NQO) is approved as a carcinogen/strong mutagen in experimental animals, especially on rat. I am looking for the mechanism of this carcinogen on rat tongue tissue, why not other organs?
Actually it causes oral squamous cell carcinoma that affect oral cavity -not limited to to tongue- and to lesser extent esophagus. Its mechanism involves inflammatory processes and DNA damage with several tissues changes like hyperplasia and so.
In some experiments it is applied as tongue paint -rather than in drinking water as usual-, that could explain its extensive effect on tongue tissues in particular.
Besides, I remember reading about its role in lung cancer, so I don't think its effect is limited to tongue tissues. May be it is just a matter of direct exposure.
- Badges
- Science topic