Gold thioglucose-induced brain lesions in hamsters

Previous studies suggest species differences in the central neural effects of gold thioglucose (GTG). To further assess these differences, we studied the effects of single intraperitoneal injections of GTG on the brains of golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). Within 48 hr of treatment, each of the GTG doses tested (500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg) had produced lesions in the ventromedial hypothalamus and area postrema. These findings are of interest since they identify the hamster as the first animal known to be susceptible to GTG-induced lesion formation, but resistant to the hyperphagia commonly associated with glucose analog glucoprivation.