Physicochemical Aspects of Carcinogenic Agents

Anderson, William (1950) Physicochemical Aspects of Carcinogenic Agents. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

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Abstract

The theme of these investigations is the development of the concept that the proximate causal agent in chemical carcinogenesis is energy liberated during the oxidation of the substance administered. Oxidations of a wide range of carcinogens with various oxidising agents have been studied and chemiluminescence phenomena have been observed during many of the reactions, A special study of the azo-dye group of carcinogens was conducted and this shows the importance of the amino group in these compounds for the chemiluminescence effects. A close parallel has been established between carcinogenic activity and participation in chemiluminescent reactions, and there appear to be few noteworthy exceptions to this observation. The reactions which 3:4-benzpyrene and 4-dimethylamino-azobenzene, two typical carcinogens, undergo with the Milas reagents have been studied in detail. Interesting similarities were found between these oxidations and the in vivo re actions of the substances. During the course of the investigation with 4-dimethylaminoazobenzene it was desirable to have samples of the azoxy compounds derived from this substance. These compounds, previously unknown, were synthesised. The relationship between the rate of elimination of carcinogens from the animal body and the carcinogenic response has been studied in the case of 3:4-benzpyrene. The experiments show a parallel between the development of tumours and the continued presence of the carcinogen throughout the latent period. Finally, the bearing of the work on the mechanism of the carcinogenic process is discussed. A new theory on the mode of action of carcinogens is presented. This has a wide application to chemical carcinogens and links them with the physical carcinogenic agents.

Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
Qualification Level: Doctoral
Keywords: Medicine, Biochemistry
Date of Award: 1950
Depositing User: Enlighten Team
Unique ID: glathesis:1950-79809
Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
Date Deposited: 31 Mar 2020 09:09
Last Modified: 31 Mar 2020 09:09
URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/79809

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