The hamster as a model for experimental pulmonary emphysema.

The Syrian hamster was chosen as an animal model for experimental studies of papain aerosol-induced emphysema. The extent of the developed lesions correlated with concentration of papain and progressed with time following exposure. The same correlations of dose and time were similar to those found in man and were evaluated physiologically and histologically. The intratracheal administration of alpha1-antitrypsin prior to exposure to the single dose of papain aerosol prevented the development of lesions, whereas systemic administration of alpha1-antitrypsin did not.