Short-term evaluation using γ-H2AX immunostaining for mucosal toxicity and carcinogenicity of aromatic amines in the rat urinary bladder

Abstract

We performed immunohistochemistry for γ-H2AX in the urinary bladder of rats treated with aromatic amines to develop a method for early detection of bladder carcinogenicity. Nine of 11 bladder carcinogens increased γ-H2AX formation in the urothelium (sensitivity 82%), whereas 12 of 14 non-bladder carcinogens were negative (specificity 86%). Three aromatic amines of unknown toxicity increased γ-H2AX formation, suggesting the potential bladder carcinogenicity. Our results suggest that the bladder carcinogenicity of aromatic amines can be detected by γ-H2AX immunostaining in the short-term study.