Argyrophilic carcinoids in two Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus).

Argyrophilic carcinoids were found in 2 Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). A solitary neoplasm was located in the glandular stomach of a 25.5-month-old animal that had ingested for 12 months laboratory chow to which arecoline and calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] had been added. In the other hamster, a primary carcinoid of the pancreas had metastasized to the mesenteric lymph nodes and liver; this was in a 22-month-old animal that had ingested for 16 months chow containing added snuff and Ca(OH)I. It is not known whether the carcinoids were spontaneous or induced by the treatment. Argyrophilic carcinoids have previously been reported in only one other rodent species.