Observations on the blood pressure of the golden hamster (mesocricetus auratus).
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Abstract
The hamster, because of its unique cheek pouch permitting direct microscopic observation of the circulation, is peculiarly suited for the study of peripheral vascular changes in normal and abnormal conditions. The initial problem in hypertensive work on the hamster was to find and then develop an indirect and noninjurious method of determining the blood pressure. Five indirect methods of measuring the blood pressure of the hamster were considered and the method of applying a cuff across the proximal portion of the cheek pouch was selected for development. [TRUNCATED]
It was concluded that the blood pressure of the hamster is significantly elevated by encapsulation of the kidney with latex or silk. The elevation of blood pressure brought about by collodion encapsulation was not considered significant. The elevation of blood pressure in apparently healthy hamsters with encapsulated kidneys was not accompanied by increased susceptibility to vascular fragility as determined by positive and negative pressure tests, nor were indications of concomitant pathological changes in the blood vessel walls, such as arteriolitis or aneurysms, observed. The administration of an egg-yolk diet, of DOCA alone, or of a combination of DOCA and sodium chloride did not result in an elevation of blood pressure in the hamster. DOCA and sodium chloride administered together proved lethal.
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Thesis (Ph.D.)--Boston University
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