Syrian Golden Research Articles

In vitro incubation of golden (syrian) hamster ovarian oocytes and human sperm with a human oviduct specific glycoprotein

The objective of this study was to determine if human oviduct specific glycoprotein (huOGP) would associate with hamster ovarian oocytes and human sperm during in vitro incubation. The huOGP used in these studies was partially purified from human hydrosalpinx fluid. Hamster ovarian oocytes and human sperm samples were incubated in culture medium with and without huOGP. Association of huOGP was assessed by indirect immunofluorescence assay using a polyclonal antibody prepared against huOGP. Intense fluorescence of the zona pellucida, and bright but uneven fluorescence of the perivitelline space, were observed in hamster ovarian oocytes following incubation in the presence of huOGP. A similar but more uniform pattern of fluorescence was observed when hamster oviductal oocytes (positive controls) were incubated in culture medium alone. Fluorescence was absent when oocytes were assayed with preimmune serum. The association of huOGP with the zona pellucida and perivitelline space appeared to be specific since thyroglobulin, a large molecular weight glycoprotein, and human serum albumin, the major protein in oviduct fluid, did not associate with the hamster oocytes nor inhibit huOGP association when included in the culture medium. Fluorescence was absent when human sperm incubated with huOGP were assayed with antiserum to huOGP. However, human sperm fluoresced when incubated with a uterine glycoprotein, CUPED, which had previously been shown to bind to cat sperm during in vitro incubation. Sperm also fluoresced brightly when human sperm antibody was used as a positive control. Solubilization of sperm membrane proteins postincubation and analysis of these proteins by 1-D SDS-PAGE followed by immunoblotting also failed to show an association of huOGP with human sperm. Electron microscopy of sperm both pre- and postsolubilization confirmed that the sperm membranes were removed by this process. In conclusion, the association of huOGP with hamster oocytes in vitro suggests that huOGP may associate with human oocytes in vivo, whereas that may not be true for human sperm in vivo. The association of huOGP with oocytes may serve to facilitate the process of fertilization and early embryonic development within the oviduct.

Effects of chronic melatonin administration on adrenal medulla catecholamine metabolism in adult male golden hamsters.

The role of melatonin on adrenal medullary function was evaluated in adult golden (Syrian) hamsters injected daily at either 0800 or 1600 with melatonin (25 micrograms/hamster) or vehicle (0.1% ethanol in saline). Sixty days after initiation of treatment and 16 or 24 hr after the last injection of melatonin, animals were killed by decapitation and blood and tissue collected. Plasma prolactin levels were reduced by chronic administration of melatonin only when animals were treated at 1600. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity in the adrenal medulla was not changed by either morning or afternoon administration of melatonin. Phenylethanolamine-N-methyl transferase (PNMT) was changed by afternoon administration of melatonin. Morning and afternoon melatonin injections led to the reduction of both adrenal monoamine oxidase (MAO) and catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) activities although the afternoon injections led to a greater magnitude of change. Norepinephrine and epinephrine contents were significantly reduced by morning melatonin administration but were not changed by afternoon administration of the hormone. These data suggest that melatonin has direct and possibly indirect effects on adrenal medullary function in the hamster. However, further studies will be required to characterize the effects of melatonin on catecholamine synthesis and release and the physiological significance of these effects.

Myometrial characteristics of the syrian hamster uterine smooth muscle cell line, SHM.

We describe several characteristics of a novel smooth muscle cell line, SHM (Syrian hamster myometrium) derived from a primary uterine leiomyosarcoma which was induced by chronic estrogen plus androgen treatment of a female Syrian (golden) hamster. To determine the usefulness of the SHM cell line as a model for understanding myometrial function and its regulation, we have examined the morphologic and immunocytochemical properties of these cells, and the ability of uterotonic agonists to activate transmembrane signaling via phosphoinositide hydrolysis. The SHM cells exhibited a spindle-shape, smooth musclelike morphology when subconfluent, and a more compact, stellate shape at confluence. Like primary myocytes, SHM cells expressed the intermediate filament desmin and the contractile protein alpha smooth muscle actin, but not the epithelial antigen cytokeratin. Norepinephrine and bradykinin, which stimulate contraction and inositol polyphosphate production in the uterus, also stimulated inositol polyphosphate production in SHM cells. The maximal phosphoinositide signaling responses were lower in SHM cells compared with primary hamster uterine myocytes. We conclude that the SHM cell line exhibits primary uterine myocyte characteristics, and may therefore be a useful system for examining the mechanisms through which myometrial functions are regulated.

Effects of dexamethasone on the hepatic cytochrome P 450IIIA subfamily in two hamster strains Mesocricetus auratus and Cricetus griseus

1. Administration of dexamethasone significantly reduced the amount of hepatic cytochrome P 450 in Syrian golden and Chinese hamsters, while it increased the amount in rats. 2. In contrast to rats, the induction rate of the activities of erythromycin and troleandomycin N-demethylases by dexamethasone was relatively low, while that of the testosterone 6β-hydroxylase was high in the two hamster strains. 3. Western blot analysis revealed that dexamethasone did not modify markedly the pattern of the P 450IIIA subfamily proteins in the two hamster strains.

First pregnancies and livebirths from transfer of sodium alginate encapsulated embryos in a rodent model

To determine the effect of sodium alginate encapsulation of rodent embryos on in vitro embryonic cleavage rates, implantation rates, and livebirth rates, and to find the in vivo degradation time for the capsules. Studies were conducted using both CB6F1 mice and Golden Syrian hamsters. Capsules made with 3.0% sodium alginate degraded in vivo within 24 to 48 hours after transfer. In vitro embryonic cleavage of encapsulated embryos was not impaired, nor were implantation rates in CB6F1 mice. Finally, 8.6% of transferred encapsulated embryos resulted in livebirths. Encapsulation of rodent embryos in 3.0% sodium alginate is not detrimental to embryonic development, implantation rates, or fetal development. Because the capsule degrades within 48 hours after transfer, encapsulating embryos may be beneficial for human in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.

Clotrimazole-induced modulation of hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes in Syrian and Chinese hamsters

Clotrimazole, an imidazole antifungal drug, is known to induce cytochrome P450 isozymes of the P450IIIA and P450IIB subfamilies in rats. This agent modulated hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes differently in golden Syrian and Chinese hamsters and also in hamsters and rats. Clotrimazole at a daily intraperitoneal dose of 100 mg/kg for three days increased the amount of cytochrome P450 in the livers of the two hamster strains. In Syrian hamsters, clotrimazole significantly induced the activities of 7-pentoxyresorufin O-dealkylase, coumarin 7-hydroxylase, benzphetamine N-demethylase and testosterone 15α- and 16α-hydroxylases, but reduced those of testosterone 15β-, 7α-, 6β-, 2α- and 2β-hydroxylases. In Chinese hamsters, clotrimazole markedly stimulated the activities of coumarin 7-hydroxylase and testosterone 15α-, 16α- and 2α-hydroxylases as well as the formation of androstenedione. Western blot analysis revealed that clotrimazole treatment induced mainly cytochrome P450 isozymes immunorelated to the P450IIB and P450IIA subfamilies in Syrian hamsters and isozymes immunorelated to the P450IIA subfamily in Chinese hamsters. In contrast, in both hamster strains, clotrimazole did not induce the isozymes corresponding to the P450IIIA subfamily.

Seasonal Changes in the Function of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis in the Syrian Hamster

In the overwhelming majority of animal species, reproductive functions exhibit pronounced annual rhythmicity. Fertility is usually restricted to a particular and often a very brief period of the year, the breeding season. The Syrian (golden) hamster, Mesocricetus auratus, is a very popular model for the study of seasonal breeding, and a substantial part of what is known about the mechanisms of environmental control of mammalian reproduction is derived from experiments conducted in this species.Golden hamsters have a relatively restricted geographic range and commercially available laboratory stocks are derived from a few animals collected over 50 years ago in northern Syria (1). In their natural habitat, hamsters breed in the spring and fall and hibernate during the winter. Under laboratory conditions, they remain reproductively active throughout the year, as long as they are exposed to long photoperiods, i.e., at least 12.5 hr of light per day. However, the transfer of adult animals to a short photoperio...

Effects of quinapril, a new angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, on left ventricular failure and survival in the cardiomyopathic hamster. Hemodynamic, morphological, and biochemical correlates.

The effect of chronic therapy with quinapril on the temporal progression of left ventricular failure and survival was assessed in the CHF 146 cardiomyopathic (CM) hamster, which is an idiopathic model of congestive heart failure. Age-matched Golden Syrian (GS) hamsters served as normal controls. Quinapril was administered in the drinking water at average daily doses of 10.2, 112.4, and 222.4 mg/kg/day. In untreated CM hamsters, in vitro left ventricular performance progressively deteriorated with increasing age beginning at roughly 180 days. This decline in left ventricular performance was accompanied by a decrease in coronary flow and an increase in left ventricular volume. Administration of quinapril from 180 to 300 days of age prevented the decline of in vitro left ventricular contractile performance and coronary flow and also reduced the age-dependent increases in left ventricular volume. The cardioprotective effects of quinapril were observed at doses of 112.4 and 222.4 mg/kg/day but not at 10.2 mg/kg/day. Lung angiotensin converting enzyme activity was significantly inhibited by quinapril in GS and CM hamsters at 240 and 300 days of age at all dose levels. In contrast, significant inhibition of ventricular angiotensin converting enzyme activity was observed consistently at doses of 112.4 and 222.4 mg/kg/day quinapril but not at 10.2 mg/kg/day. In the survival protocol, CM and GS hamsters were treated with vehicle or quinapril (100 mg/kg/day) from 180 to 522 days of age. During the initial 210 days of treatment (from 180 to 390 days of age) 78.3% of the vehicle-treated CM hamsters died compared with 27.7% of quinapril-treated CM hamsters. Quinapril increased the median survival time of CM hamsters by 32.9% (112 days). It is concluded that chronic quinapril therapy exerts a significant cardioprotective effect and also increases survival.

Armenian hamster female protein: a pentraxin under complex regulation

The serum of Armenian hamster (Cricetulus migratorius) contains a protein homologous to female protein (FP) that has been characterized in the Syrian (golden) hamster. Of unknown function, FP belongs to a family of proteins (called pentraxins) that have a common ancestral gene and are widely expressed in nature. Whereas serum concentration of FP in Syrian hamsters (SFP) is many fold greater (200- to 300-fold) in females vs. males, Armenian hamster FP (AFP) is only moderately elevated (approximately 3-fold) in female vs. males and only for the fall-winter months of the year. In the Armenian hamster testosterone administration to females or castration of males has no effect on AFP serum levels, whereas in Syrian hamster these treatments change SFP serum concentration to that characteristic of the opposite sex. Some sex steroid control of hepatic AFP synthesis is evident, however, as serum levels decrease after exogenous estrogen treatment. In contrast to Syrian hamster FP, normal levels of AFP are dependent on an intact hypophysial-pituitary axis and also are influenced by the season of the year. As an acute-phase protein, AFP responds in a typical fashion, with increasing serum levels detected in both sexes in contrast to the divergent sex-limited response in Syrian hamsters. Although AFP and SFP are similar structurally, morphologically, and antigenetically and share common binding specificities, the regulation of FP synthesis in Armenian hamster is very different from that previously found in Syrian hamster.

β-adrenergic ([ 3H] CGP-12177) receptors are elevated in slices of soleus muscle from CHF 147 dystrophic hamsters

We have utilized a muscle slice technique to compare the ontogeny of cell surface β-adrenergic receptor binding in soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles of male Golden Syrian (GS) and Canadian Hybrid Farms 147 (CHF 147) dystrophic hamsters. Binding of the β-adrenergic antagonist, [ 3H] CGP-12177 (CGP), to GS muscle slices was reversible, saturable, stereospecific and of high affinity. B max was higher in the soleus (2.57±.12 fmol/mg wet wt) than in the EDL (1.61±.17 fmol/mg wet wt) of adult animals while affinities were similar (0.35 ±.06 and 0.24 ±.04 nM respectively). No differences in binding characteristics were seen in EDL of GS compared to CHF 147 animals. In soleus slices frm GS hamsters, B max was highest at 16 days of age (5.72 ± 0.26 fmol/mg), decreased between 16 and 29 days and remained constant until 300 days (2.51 ± 0.52 fmol/mg). In dystrophic soleus slices, B max was also higher at 16 days than at any other age but receptor number decreased gradually, remaining higher than in GS until 90 days of age (p< 0.05). The failure of β-adrenergic receptor number to decrease at a normal rate may be implicated in the pathogenesis of hamster polymyopathy.

Veterinary work with non-domesticated pets. II. Mammals.

Abstract In the previous article features of the more commonly kept non-domesticated pets were discussed and basic requirements for dealing with them in practice were outlined. In this paper small mammals are covered in greater detail with particular attention to the mouse ( Mus musculus ), rat ( Rattus norvegicus ), golden (Syrian) hamster ( Mesocricetus auratus ), mongolian gerbil (jird) ( Meriones unguiculatus ), guinea pig ( Cavia porcellus ), rabbit ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ) and ferret ( Mustela putorius furo ). The first five are all rodents (Order Rodentia), the rabbit is a lagomorph (Order Lagomorpha), and the ferret is a carnivore (Order Carnivora). All will be described under the main headings of biological data, handling and restraint, anaesthesia, and diseases and treatment.

Characteristics of myoblasts isolated from golden Syrian and dystrophic (strain CHF-146) hamsters

A method for dissociating and culturing myoblast cells from normal (golden Syrian) and myopathic (CHF-146) hind leg muscles of 8- to 10-day-old hamsters has been described. We have compared the fusion ability of the myoblasts from normal tissue with that of myopathic myoblasts and, further, we have studied this process with respect to gelatin-coated and uncoated plastic culture dishes. Our data show that myoblasts from normal tissue grows well on both surfaces, although fusion is enhanced when these cells are grown on a gelatin-coated surface. Myoblasts from dystrophic tissue, however, appear to have an impaired ability to adhere to an uncoated surface, although fusion is enhanced when these myoblasts are grown on coated plates. The fusion percentage of the dystrophic cells is consistently lower than that of myoblasts from normal tissue. At low concentrations of 5-azacytidine tested, there seems to be no enhancement of fusion capability in either the normal or dystrophic lines.

Alterations in neuroendocrine function during photoperiod induced testicular atrophy and recrudescence in the golden hamster.

Transfer of golden (Syrian) hamsters from a 14L:10D (Light:dark) to a 5L:19D photoperiod causes profound changes in the reproductive axis. Testicular weight fell within 7 weeks of short photoperiod exposure and remained low until 19 weeks, at which time spontaneous recrudescence began. Plasma LH, FSH, and Prl levels were undetectable at 7.5 weeks of exposure, but LH and FSH returned to basal levels by 15 weeks and Prl by 20.5 weeks. Hypothalamic LHRH levels increased concurrently with the fall in LH and FSH, suggesting that LHRH release was decreased. Increasing plasma gonadotropin levels and testicular recrudescence were associated with decreases in hypothalamic LHRH content. Hypothalamic norepinephrine (NE) turnover was low at 10 weeks, suggesting that decreased LH and FSH levels were ultimately due to decreased adrenergic activity. At 15 weeks, plasma LH levels and hypothalamic NE turnover were both increased over values seen at 10 weeks. Hypothalamic dopamine turnover, possibly reflecting decreased Prl feedback, was decreased between 0 and 10 weeks, but returned to control level by 15 weeks. It, therefore, appears that the endocrine changes associated with photoperiod induced testicular regression and recrudescence are secondary to changes in hypothalamic function.

Inhalation experiments with 14C-labelled cigarette smoke III. Body size dependent distribution of particulate matter in small rodents during cigarette smoke inhalation

Syrian golden and European hamsters were exposed to 14C-labelled cigarette smoke. The deposition of the 14C activity in the respiratory and digestive tracts was determined immediately after the exposure. From the results obtained it can be seen that the distribution of particulate matter between the upper and lower respiratory tract, as well as, between the respiratory and digestive tracts is related to the body weight of the experimental animals.

Carcinogenic effects of different nitroso-compounds in Chinese hamsters. I. Dimethylnitrosamine and N-diethylnitrosamine.

Three hundred and twenty Chinese hamsters (Cricetulus griseus) (CH) were treated (s.c.) with 1/5, 1/10 or 1/20 LD50 of dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) or N-diethylnitrosamine (DEN). These substances, in several respects, showed a different organotropy in this species than in both the Syrian golden (SGH) and the European hamster (EH). In CH, DEN produced up to 100% squamous cell papillomata and occasionally also carcinomata of the cheek pouch, tongue, pharynix, oesophagus and forestomach. With DEN a high rate of hepatomata was simultaneously realized. DMN induced a considerable quantity of liver tumours, the highest incidence being demonstrated in the lowest dosage group.

Quinoline analog labeled with iodine 123 in melanoma detection.

Using the Greene melanoma in the hamster (Syrian Golden), the radiopharmaceutical, 123-1-4(3-dimethylaminopropylamino)-7-Iodoquinoline, was tested for its ability to localize melanoma. This quinoline analog has been described for use in the detection of melanoma, but this is the first report, to our knowledge, of its being used with an 123-l label. Hamsters with either skin or eye melanomas were studied. Both melanomas could be seen with a gamma camera at three hours after injection. In vitro analysis confirmed the tumor specificity. Thus, it appears that this preclinical trial of a new radiopharmaceutical justifies clinical testing to determine its value in the localization of melanomas of the eyes and skin of humans.

Carcinogenic effects of different nitroso-compounds in chinese hamsters: N-dibutylnitrosamine and N-nitrosomethylurea

Three hundred and twenty Chinese hamsters (Cricetulus griseus) (CH) were subcutaneously (s.c.) treated with 1/5, 1/10 or 1/20 the mean lethal dose (LD50) of N-dibutylnitrosamine (DBN) or N-nitrosomethylurea (NMU). In several respects these two substances produced the same organotropy in the CH as in the Syrian golden (SGH) and European hamsters (EH). DBN prolonged lung tumours and neoplasms of the injection site. NMU induced tumours of the injection site only.

Wirkung des Argon-Ionenlasers auf die Mikrozirkulation und gr��ere Gef��e der Schleimhaut der Hamsterbackentasche (16 mm Farbfilm) (Filmdemonstration)

On the evaginated and stretched cheek pouch of the “Golden Syrian” hamster the argon laser-beam is applicated. Through the microscope the effects in the microcirculation and on smaller and larger arterial and venous vessels caused by laser are described.

Biological Effects of Ingested Asbestos: Report and Commentary

Research ArticleOpen AccessBiological effects of ingested asbestos: report and commentary. D H Lee D H Lee Search for more papers by this author Published:1 December 1974https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.749113Cited by:6AboutSectionsPDF ToolsDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InReddit FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsCited by Toft P, Meek M, Wigle D, Méranger J and Miller A (2009) Asbestos in drinking water, Critical Reviews in Environmental Control, 10.1080/10643388409381716, 14:2, (151-197), Online publication date: 1-Jul-1984. McConnell E, Shefner A, Rust J and Moore J (2018) Chronic effects of dietary exposure to amosite and chrysotile asbestos in Syrian golden hamsters., Environmental Health Perspectives, 53, (11-25), Online publication date: 1-Nov-1983.McConnell E, Rutter H, Ulland B and Moore J (2018) Chronic effects of dietary exposure to amosite asbestos and tremolite in F344 rats., Environmental Health Perspectives, 53, (27-44), Online publication date: 1-Nov-1983. Sebastien P, Masse R and Bignon J (1980) Recovery of ingested asbestos fibers from the gastrointestinal lymph in rats, Environmental Research, 10.1016/0013-9351(80)90132-2, 22:1, (201-216), Online publication date: 1-Jun-1980. Banwell J (2018) Environmental contaminants and intestinal function, Environmental Health Perspectives, 33, (107-114), Online publication date: 1-Dec-1979. (1978) BIBLIOGRAPHY Asbestos and Disease, 10.1016/B978-0-12-636050-9.50026-X, (487-520), . Vol. 9December 1974Metrics About Article Metrics Publication History Originally published1 December 1974Published in print1 December 1974 Financial disclosuresPDF download License information EHP is an open-access journal published with support from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health. All content is public domain unless otherwise noted. Note to readers with disabilities EHP strives to ensure that all journal content is accessible to all readers. However, some figures and Supplemental Material published in EHP articles may not conform to 508 standards due to the complexity of the information being presented. If you need assistance accessing journal content, please contact [email protected]. Our staff will work with you to assess and meet your accessibility needs within 3 working days.

Epilaiton and Hair Greying in Hamsters Following one Single Application of Beta Rays

Syrian golden and white hamsters were exposed to a single application of beta rays from a Krypton 85 source in doses of 2,000, 4,000 and 10,000 rads. Permanent epilation was observed in Golden hamsters receiving the highest dose, permanent graying of hair was observed in lower doses. In white hamsters, permanent epilation occurred at lower doses than those for golden hamsters. Intense atrophy of the epidermis was observed histologically in animal's skin exposed to highest doses. A relatively higher mortality rate was observed in animals receiving higher doses of radiation. No spreading of the hair-greying effect of beta rays was observed in this experiment.