Effects of Vitamin A Deficiency on Experimental Carcinogenesis in Submandibular Glands of Hamsters

¹ School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Vitamin A deficiency does not enhance induction of malignant tumors in the submandibular salivary glands of the hamster when injected with a chemical carcinogen. This may be due to the fact that vitamin A deprivation primarily affects the epithelial components of the glands. When injected, the chemical toxicity of the carcinogen destroys the epithelial component, which becomes replaced by scar tissue, reactive fibrosis, and sarcoma. If the epithelial components are subjected to slow and gradual action of the carcinogen, the effects of vitamin A deficiency on the induction of tumor may become apparent. This may be achieved if the carcinogen is implanted in the form of pellets. It would, therefore, seem desirable to investigate the role of vitamin A deficiency when the latter mode of administration is employed.