Laboratory Syrian hamster

Laboratory Syrian Hamster

The Laboratory Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is a small rodent commonly used in scientific research. It is a member of the Cricetidae family and is native to the arid regions of northern Syria and southern Turkey. The Syrian hamster is one of the most popular species of hamsters used in laboratories due to its manageable size, ease of breeding, and relatively short lifespan.

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History

The Syrian hamster was first discovered in 1839 by British zoologist George Robert Waterhouse. However, it was not until 1930 that the species was successfully bred in captivity. The first successful breeding of Syrian hamsters in captivity was conducted by Israel Aharoni, a zoologist at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Aharoni captured a female and her litter from the wild, and these individuals became the progenitors of all domesticated Syrian hamsters used in research today.

Physical Characteristics

Syrian hamsters are small, stout-bodied rodents with a length of approximately 5 to 7 inches (13 to 18 cm) and a weight ranging from 100 to 150 grams. They have a short tail, large cheek pouches, and a variety of coat colors and patterns due to selective breeding. Their fur is typically golden-brown with a white underside, although other color variations exist.

Behavior

Syrian hamsters are nocturnal and solitary animals. In the wild, they are known to be territorial and will aggressively defend their burrows. In captivity, they are generally docile and can be handled with care. They are known for their ability to hoard food in their cheek pouches, which they transport to their burrows for storage.

Use in Research

The Laboratory Syrian hamster is widely used in biomedical research due to its susceptibility to various human diseases. They are commonly used in studies related to infectious diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular research. Their immune system and metabolic processes are similar to those of humans, making them valuable models for studying human diseases.

Breeding and Care

Syrian hamsters are easy to breed in captivity. They have a gestation period of about 16 days, and litters typically consist of 6 to 12 pups. It is important to separate the pups from the mother at around 3 to 4 weeks of age to prevent aggression. In laboratory settings, they are housed in cages with appropriate bedding, food, and water.

Ethical Considerations

The use of Syrian hamsters in research is subject to ethical guidelines and regulations to ensure humane treatment. Researchers must adhere to protocols that minimize pain and distress, and the use of hamsters must be justified by the potential benefits of the research.

Related Pages

• Hamster
• Rodent
• Animal testing
• Biomedical research