The binding of ethyl carbamate to liver DNA in gonadectomised mice

Castration, with or without subsequent hormone administration resulted in different levels of binding of a metabolite of ethyl carbamate to mouse liver DNA. In ovariectomised and ovariectomy plus testosterone-treated females, the binding persisted for longer than in intact and ovariectomy plus estradiol-treated females, although the maximum levels of binding were similar in all four groups. In males, orchidectomy dramatically lowered the level of binding compared with that in intact males. Twelve hours after dosing, the levels of binding were 276 and 9.8 nanomoles g. DNA^?1 respectively in the two groups. Estradiol treatment did not restore the level of binding whereas testosterone treatment did.