Effects of time and duration of progesterone administration on mammary tumours induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene in Sprague-Dawley rats

Br J Cancer. 1973 Jan;27(1):63-71. doi: 10.1038/bjc.1973.8.

Abstract

A reduction in tumour yield was apparent when progesterone administration was begun 25 days before feeding 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA). This effect was most obvious when the duration of hormone administration was brief. Continuation of progesterone for some time after feeding DMBA caused a progressive diminution of the inhibitory effect, and 135 days of continuous hormone treatment entirely abolished the effects of 25 days pretreatment with the hormone.In contrast, when progesterone injections were begun 2 days after feeding DMBA, there was a trend towards enhancement of tumour yield. Continuous hormone administration appeared more effective than shorter treatment regimens.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Benz(a)Anthracenes / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Depression, Chemical
  • Drug Synergism
  • Female
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental* / chemically induced
  • Progesterone / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Benz(a)Anthracenes
  • Progesterone