Carcinogenic studies on water-soluble and insoluble macromolecules
Hueper, W.C.
A.M.A. Archives of Pathology 67(6): 589-617
1959
ISSN/ISBN: 0096-6711 PMID: 13649045 Document Number: 3123
Certain water-soluble polymers, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, and dextran elicit upon parenteral introduction into rats and mice, and perhaps also in rabbits, sarcomas originating from organs and tissues in which these macromolecular substances are retained and stored, i.e., the reticulo-endothelial tissues. Cancers from other tissues, such as uterus and skin, observed in rats may be directly or indirectly caused by these substances. Polymers of the same general type but produced by different procedures and varying among each other in molecular weight and configuration differ greatly in their carcinogenic potency, i.e., some are noncarcinogenic, others weakly carcinogenic, and again others definitely carcinogenic. The experiments conducted have failed so far to provide any information on the physical or chemical molecular factors which may account for these differences. Experiments with silicon rubber and silicon latex showed that the rubber having a net molecule with many cross linkages possesses marked carcinogenic properties when subcutaneously implanted into rats, while the latex having a linear molecule is at best weakly carcinogenic. The total evidence on hand concerning the biologic action of synthetic and semi-synthetic polymers parenterally introduced into man and animals favors the view that their toxic, pharmacologic, and carcinogenic effects are mainly related to chemical properties and reactions rather than to their physical character -istics. There are possible hazards not yet demonstrated in the cosmetic use of these water-soluble polymers.
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