Cancer induction in mice by 4-hydroxybenzenediazonium sulfate of the Agaricus xanthodermus mushroom

4-Hydroxybenzenediazonium sulfate (HBD) was administered to Swiss mice by subcutaneous injection at weekly intervals of two or 36 times at 10 or 2 μg per gram body weight, respectively. The HBD given 36 times induced tumors of the subcutis in 22% of females and in 22% of males. The corresponding tumor incidences in the untreated controls were 2% in females and 8% in males. Histopathologically, the neoplasms were classified as fibromas, fibrosarcomas, myxosarcomas and rhabdomyosarcomas. The HBD given two times was, however, without tumor-inducing effect. HBD is an ingredient of the Agaricus xanthodermus, a non-cultivable unedible mushroom, which is closely related to the mushroom of commerce Agaricus bisporus. HBD is now the third compound of the diazonium class to exhibit carcinogenic activity.