ABSTRACT
SARS-CoV-2 researchers faced the problem of specificity for ACE-2 receptors. In mice and rats, ACE-2 has a low affinity for this virus. In contrast, the Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) when infected with SARS-CoV-2 show clinical signs of infection with this virus. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the severity of pathological lesions and immune response for relevance to preclinical new drugs against SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we studied blood counts, serum levels of Il-6, TNF-α, IFN-α and IFN-γ and the histological state of the lungs of Syrian hamsters. In our study Syrian hamsters showed clinical signs of COVID-19. In infected animals, a decrease in the level of leukocytes and granulocytes was noted. There was some suppression of the immune response, without an increase in the main biomarkers of ARDS. The exception was high levels of TNF-α. Histological examination showed an early exudative phase of moderate ARDS. There were no significant gender differences in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In this study, it was shown that infection with COVID-19 in young Syrian hamsters is modeled with moderate severity, and can be applied in preclinical studies. © 2022 International Multidisciplinary Scientific Geoconference. All rights reserved.