International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - Summaries & Evaluations
MEA-a-C (2-AMINO-3-METHYL-9H-PYRIDO[2,3-b]INDOLE)
VOL.: 40 (1986) (p. 253)
CAS No.: 68006-83-7
Chem. Abstr. Name: 3-Methyl-1H-pyrido[2,3-b]indol-2-amine
5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation
5.1 Exposure
MeA-a-C (2-amino-3-methyl)-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole has been found
in grilled foods, in the pyrolysis products of proteins and in
cigarette smoke. There is thus likely to be widespread human exposure
to this compound.
5.2 Experimental data
MeA-a-C was tested for carcinogenicity in one experiment in mice
by oral administration in the diet. It produced haemangioendothelial
sarcomas at various sites and hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas
in animals of each sex.
No data were available to evaluate the reproductive effects or
prenatal toxicity of this compound to experimental animals.
MeA-a-C induced prophage in bacteria. It induced DNA damage in
Bacillus subtilis and was mutagenic in Salmonella typhimurium in the
presence of an exogenous metabolic system. It gave positive results in
the wing spot test in Drosophila melanogaster. In cultured Chinese
hamster lung cells, MeA-a-C induced polyploidy in the absence, and
chromosomal aberrations in the presence, of an exogenous metabolic
system.
5.3 Human data
No case report or epidemiological study of the carcinogenicity of
MeA-a-C was available to the Working Group.
5.4 Evaluation
There is sufficient evidence for the carcinogenicity of MeA-a-C
to experimental animals.
No data were available on the carcinogenicity of MeA-a-C to
humans.
For definition of the italicized terms, see Preamble Evaluation.
Subsequent evaluation: Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 65: Group 2B)
Synonyms
- Glob-P-1
- Me-amino-a-carboline
- MEAC
- Methyl-amino-a-carboline
Last updated: 22 April 1998