Proliferation of Tracheal Epithelial Cells in Normal and Vitamin A-Deficient Syrian Golden Hamsters2

Authors:
  • CHCurtis C. Harris
    Curtis C. Harris
  • TSToby Silverman
    Toby Silverman
  • JSJoseph M. Smith
    Joseph M. Smith
  • FJFrank Jackson
    Frank Jackson
  • HBHollis G. Boren
    Hollis G. Boren
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Abstract
The Syrian golden hamster is relatively insensitive to mitotic arrest caused by colchicine when compared to other animal species. Before measuring the mitotic index in vitamin A-deficient hamsters, we determined the dose of colchicine, which arrested the maximal number of mitotic cells in metaphase. This dose of colchicine was 10 mg/kg in the esophageal epithelium, 100 mg/kg in the duodenal epithelium, and 500 mg/kg in the regenerating epithelium of the trachea. The sensitivity to colchicine was, therefore, organ dependent. The number of mitotic cells arrested by colchicine was increased in the tracheal epithelium of vitamin A- deficient hamsters. Incorporation of3H-thymidine into mucous and basal cells was also augmented and measured by autoradiography.