View source for N-Nitroso-N-Methylurea

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==Overview==
[[Image:N-nitroso-N-methylurea-2D-skeletal.png|thumb|left|right|[[Skeletal formula]] of ''N''-nitroso-''N''-methylurea, MNU]]

'''''N''-Nitroso-''N''-methylurea''' (CAS No.684-93-5), also known as MNU, is a highly potent carcinogen, mutagen, and teratogen.  MNU is an alkylating agent, and exhibits its toxicity by transferring its [[methyl]] group to [[nucleobases]] in [[nucleic acids]].

Acute exposure to MNU in humans can result in skin and eye irritation, headache, nausea, and vomiting.<ref name="NJ1">[http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/rtkweb/1411.pdf Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet for MNU] New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services</ref>  MNU is ''reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen'' based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals ([[International Agency for Research on Cancer|IARC]] 1972, 1978, 1987).<ref name="NTP1">[http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/eleventh/profiles/s132nitr.pdf MNU Substance Profile] NTP, Report on Carcinogens, Eleventh Edition</ref>  Various cancers induced in animal models include: squamous cell [[carcinomas]] of the forestomach, [[sarcomas]] and [[gliomas]] of the brain, [[adenocarcinomas]] of the pancreas, [[leukemia]], and [[lymphomas]].<ref name="NTP1"/>  However, the actual potential for human exposure is quite limited, as the chemical is not produced or used in large quantities <ref name="NTP1"/>

MNU is teratogenic and embryotoxic, resulting in craniofacial ([[cleft palate]]) and skeletal defects, increased fetal resorption, and fetal growth retardation.<ref name="wada">Wada, A., et al. (1994). Induction of Congenital Malformations in Mice by Paternal Methylnitrosourea Treatment. Congenital Anomalies '''34''':65-70.</ref><ref name="Nagao">Nagao, T., et al. (1991). Induction of Fetal Malformations After Treatment of Mouse Embryos with Methylnitrosourea at the Preimplantation Stages. Teratogenesis, Carcinogenesis, and Mutagenesis '''11''':1-10.</ref><ref name="Faustman">[[Elaine Faustman|Faustman, E]]., et al. (1989). ''In Vitro'' Developmental Toxicity of Five Direct-Acting Alkylating Agents in Rodent Embryos: Structure-Activity Patterns. Teratology '''40''':199-210.</ref>  Exposure to MNU during pre-implantation, post-implantation, organogenesis, or by paternal exposure can result in these effects.


==External links==



==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Carcinogens]]
[[Category:Nitrosamines]]

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