Why Are Rats Used in Research?
WouterThe use of rats as research animals dates back to the 1960s, when primates were not protected by welfare laws. Some of this research is a recapitulation of the experiments of Harry Harlow, who created psychologically damaged primates. In one study, Harlow placed juvenile monkeys in a pit of despair in order to induce depression in the animals.
Compared to primates, rats are easier to handle and feed. They also have shorter reproductive cycles. Moreover, recent genetic sequencing of Brown Norway rats has helped scientists gain a deeper understanding of human diseases. As a result, scientists have been able to use rats in a wide range of research endeavors.
In addition to their usefulness as research animals, rats are also highly efficient for testing different drugs and molecules. In fact, scientists rely heavily on these animals for research and development. More than a hundred million lab rats are used in the United States every year. Their genetics, anatomy, and physiology make them very efficient research animals.
The use of rodents in biomedical research is on the rise. In the past, the mouse was used more often than the rat, but now, genetic tools allow researchers to create knockout rat models. The choice of rodent species is usually determined by which species best mimics the symptoms of human disease. Nevertheless, each species has its advantages and disadvantages.
