HEREDITARY CARDIOMYOPATHY - A NEW DISEASE MODEL

Focal myocardial degeneration occurs spontaneously in all members of an inbred strain of Syrian hamsters (BIO 14.6 line). The underlying metabolic defect is transmitted by an autosomal recessive gene. The progressive, chronic cardiac condition results in the appearance of all the known features of congestive heart failure. Cardiomyopathic hamsters can be produced in large numbers simply by maintaining appropriate colonies through brother-sister matings. The histogenesis and some additional characteristics of this hereditary disease model have been clarified. These and other observations suggest that hamsters of the cardiomyopathic strain offer unique opportunities for investigative cardiology. © 1969.