Rodents Flashcards
What is the most commonly used animal model?
Rodents
Of rodents we predominantly use
Mice
Lab mice can help us develop a more complex understanding of what concept?
Genetics
How is genetic consistency achieved in mice?
In breeding
What is the first known animal domesticated for research purposes?
Rats
What are the 5 things that make rodents the Gold Standard?
- Similar anatomy and physiology
- share 95% of genes
- Sequenced genome
- Economical: small, cost effective to maintain
- Breeding: short gestation, quick to reach sexual maturity
The gestation length of mice and rats are almost the same, however, _____ can take less time to reach sexual maturity
Mice (5-8 weeks)
Rats (8-10 weeks)
What are some benefits to working with mice? 6
-Best model for mammalian development
-Closely related to humans
-Genome sequences
-Genetics manipulations are well developed
-Mice are small and easy to handle
-They have an accelerated lifespan to humans. 1 mouse year is 30 human years
What are some rat advantages? 4
-Larger size makes them more favourable for surgical interventions
-Socializable
-Genome sequenced
-Acclerated lifespan compared to humans
Limitations to working with mice? 4
-Mouse handling requires extensive care and labour
-Some genetic combinations do not perfectly resemble humans
-Transgenic mouse lines are expensive and time consuming
-Research mice are inbred so they do not capture the genetic variation existing in the human pop
Limitations to working with rats 4
-Limited number of available genetic manipulations
-Inbred strains do not capture genetic variation in human pop
-Rats are more expensive than mice
-Extensive training for handling and care
CCAC
canadian council on animal care
The three R’s
Replacement
Reduction
Refinement (less pain)
Type 2 diabetes is modelled in what organism?
db/db mouse
What are is a limitation of db/db mice>
They are sterile
