Hormonally induced renal neoplasia in the male Syrian hamster and the inhibitory effect of 2-bromo-alpha-ergocryptine methanesulfonate.

One group of male Syrian hamsters received diethylstilbestrol (DES) over a period of 9 months. All developed widespread and severe renal tumors. Another group of male Syrian hamsters was given DES plus 2-bromo-alpha-ergocryptine methanesulfonate (CB154) over the same period. These hamsters either did not develop renal tumors or had renal tumors that were minimal in severity. DES treatment induced hyperplastic and neoplastic changes in the intermediate lobe of the pituitary glands of treated animals, increased the number of prolactin-secreting cells, and decreased the number of somatotrophin-secreting cells. Adding CB154 significantly inhibited those changes in the pituitary gland. Histopathologic and ultrastructural examinations indicated that the renal tumors were carcinomas originating from proximal convoluted tubules.