Aflatoxin induced lesions in Syrian hamsters

Abstract

Aflatoxin administered to Syrian hamsters, intragastrically and intraperitoneally, induced lesions of the liver, kidney, small intestine and periodontal membrane of the incisor teeth. The tumors of the Harderian gland had two histological patterns, solid and papillary cystadenomas. Epithelial nests of Malassez were noted in the periodontal membrane. Focal hemorrhagic necrosis, hemosiderin deposits, megalocytosis, and bile duct proliferation occurred in the liver. The renal lesion was characterized by cytomegalic changes in the proximal tubules. Histologically the small intestine revealed alteration in the villous architecture with marked shortening of the villi and reduced thickness of the mucosa. The villous absorptive cells were cuboidal with centrally placed nuclei. © 1969, The British Empire Cancer Campaign for Research. All rights reserved.