Ingestive behaviour of Syrian hamsters: advantages of the comparative approach

A brief review of laboratory feeding studies in Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) is presented. A number of profound behavioural differences between rats and hamsters are noted. One such difference concerns the diurnal organization of energy input and expenditure. It is suggested that several of these differences might be exploited at the level of neurochemical correlates of feeding, and some preliminary studies are summarized. Finally, some unexpected abnormalities in salt and water intake in regard to the actions of angiotensin II are identified as further areas for comparative investigation.