Penetration of Carcinogenic Hydrocarbons into Oral Tissues as Observed by Fluorescence Microscopy

¹ Department of Oral Pathology, Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry, Richmond, Virginia

One hundred and thirty albino hamsters were successively sacrificed 24 hours after each topical application of either 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene or 3,4-benzpyrene. Examination of skin, pouch, tongue, and palate was performed using fluorescence microscopy to trace the distribution of these carcinogens. It was noted that detectable fluorescence of the carcinogenic material was present in skin after one painting and in the oral mucous membranes following three to four applications.