Systemic carcinogens induce respiratory tract tumors in various animals species. Typical examples of systemic carcinogens are the N-nitroso compounds, which require metabolic conversion to exert their carcinogenic effect. In this review particular emphasis is put on the comparative studies performed in the same species with different nitrosamines, providing an experimental model in which is possible to examine and correlate the biochemical changes preceding the development of detectable tumors and the carcinogenic effect. In addition studies describing synergistic or additive effects in respiratory carcinogenesis are reviewed and discussed.
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