Hamsters (other than Syrian) Flashcards
What characteristics of the Chinese hamster make it an appealing research subject?
Small size
Polyestrous cycle
Short gestation period (20.5d)
Low chromosome number
What tissue/cell line from this animal is used extensively in biomedical research as a source of cell lines?
Chinese hamser ovary (CHO) cells are used for cell culture experiments to obtain heterologous protein products.
T/F Chinese hamsters are more radioresistant than Syrian hamsters.
True
Name three areas of research in which this Chinese hamsters are used.
- Radiobiology
- Diabetes mellitus - spontaneous hereditary DM with similarities to human disease
- Cancer research - susceptible to induction of esophageal and stomach cancer
How many chromosomes does the Chinese hamster have?
2N = 22
What organs in the Chinese hamster are relatively large compared to the Syrian hamster?
Testicles, brain, and spleen
How is sexual maturity indicated in female Chinese hamsters?
Vaginal opening with mucus-like material frequently secreted at the beginning of estrus.
What is the length of the estrous cycle in Chinese hamsters?
4 days
What environmental factor may increase the number of runts in litters of Chinese hamsters?
Temperature > 82F
T/F: Chinese hamsters are highly susceptible to demodecosis.
T/F: Chinese hamsters are more susceptible to Tyzzer’s disease.
False - Chinese hamsters have low susceptibility to demodicosis
True - Chinese hamsters are more susceptible to Tyzzer’s disease
For which type of diabetes mellitus is the Chinese hamster a good model?
What are the genetics of the disease?
Type I (insulin-dependent) DM & it is genetically recessive
Disease is associated with degranulation of the beta cells resulting in a primary defect in the biosynthesis of insulin.
T/F: Chinese hamsters have a high incidence of spontaneous neoplasia.
False
Why was the Armenian hamster originally chosen as a laboratory research animal?
Because of it’s susceptibility to mutagenic and carcinogenic agents
Also important for studying meiosis due to unique semisynchronous meiotic progression beginning at day 15.
T/F: Like the Syrian hamster, the Armenian hamster is highly susceptible to oncogenic viruses.
True
What is unique about Armenian hamster spleen cells with respect to hybridoma formation?
They can form stable hybridomas with mouse myeloma cell lines.
What is the diploid chromosome number of Armenian hamsters?
2N = 22
How does amyloidosis differ in the Armenian hamster compared to that in the Syrian hamster?
Expression of spontaneous amyloidosis differs in gender-specific AP expression and susceptibility to AA amyloidosis compared to Syrian
The European hamster (Cricetus cricetus) is susceptible to N-diethylnitrosamine, with subsequent development of ___________tumors.
Respiratory
The European hamster has been found more suitable than the Syrian hamster for what type of studies?
Highly concentrated & prolonged smoke-inhalation studies
What is the diploid chromosome number of the European hamster?
2N = 22
What is the lifespan of the European hamster?
34 months for female
31 months for male
Reports of 6-10 years
T/F: The European hamster breeds year-round.
False: sexual activity is not observed in the winter months, during which time females and males are very aggressive towards each other.
T/F: The European hamster is a true hibernator.
True
In which sex is there a higher incidence of spontaneous tumors in European hamsters?
Male
