Resumo (EN)
Objective – To evaluate three methods to induce mucositis in hamsters. Methods – Intraperitoneal injection of variable doses (60, 90 or 100 mg/kg) of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was performed in 45 hamsters followed by mechanical irritation of the oral mucosa at different days. Mucositis was scored daily. Cheek pouches biopsies obtained on days 0, 4, 8, 12 and 15 were processed for microscopic examination. Results – The group that received 100 mg/kg of 5-FU developed severe mucositis and this dose caused a high mortality rate. When the animals received injections of 60 and 90 mg/kg associated with oral mucosa scratching on days 1 and 3, a very discrete mucositis was observed. Conclusion – Doses of 90 and 60 mg/kg of 5-FU associated with oral mucosa irritation on days 3 and 4 were more effective in producing mucositis in hamsters, representing a good model for future treatment agents.