Buccal Pouch of the Syrian Hamster (Cricetus auratus) : Importance in Experimental Oral Biology

Abstract

The postnatal development of of the Syrian hamster (Cricetus auratus)is described in terms of gross anatomy, musculature, nerve supply and blood supply and embryology. Acid phosphatase was localized primarily in 2 areas of the buccal pouch. The most significant and most abundant acid phosphatase was present in the basal 1/2 of the stratified squamous epithelium of the pouch lining. The heaviest concentration occurred in the basal layer, and the enzyme decreased as maturation advanced. A second localization of acidphosphatase was found in the mast cells of the lamina-propria. The mast cells were stained red. Acidphosphatase was demonstrated in the wall of the buccal pouch with Naphthal AS-MX phosphate-LB red violet salt histochemical substrate at pH 5.4.