Abstract

The modification potentials of capsaicin on the development of immunohistochemical glutathione S-transferase (placental type) positive (GST-P) liver cell foci were examined in an in vivo mid-term assay system. Rats were given a single intraperitoneal injection of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and then 0.002% capsaicin in drinking water (Group 1) or tap water (Group 2) from week 2 till termination in week 8. All rats of groups I and 2 were subjected to two-thirds partial hepatectomy in week 3. Control (Group 3) rats were given capsaicin only. Rats were given capsaicin showed no significant changes in body and liver weights. However, capsaicin with DEN caused significant enhancement of GST-P positive foci in numbers, areas and mean maximum diameter. These results suggest that capsaicin has significant promoting potential in rat hepatic carcinogenesis.