The Chinese hamster as an excellent experimental animal model

Abstract

Hamsters are valuable rodent models that are distinct from mice and rats. Currently, the main hamster species used for experimental research are the Syrian golden hamster and Chinese hamster, in addition to hamster species from other countries. Chinese hamsters are small, easy to run and feed, and inexpensive. They are prominent species found only in China and are part of the experimental animal resources of Chinese specialty. Chinese hamsters are distinguished by a black stripe on their back, short tail, pair of easily retractable cheek pouches, and pair of large drooping testes in males with 22 chromosomes. Due to their unique anatomical structure and biological features, Chinese hamsters have been used as a model in biomedical research. Moreover, the breeding and use of Chinese hamsters was comprehensively studied in 1958, with significant breakthroughs. We present a thorough review of the current developments and applications of Chinese hamsters and support the use of this species as a suitable and innovative experimental research model. With the success of Chinese hamster transgenic technology, this species will become more commonly employed in biological and medical research in the future.