Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima (OLETF) rats are a specific strain of laboratory rats that have been selectively bred for a predisposition to develop obesity and type 2 diabetes. These rats are widely used in research aiming to understand the mechanisms and potential treatments for obesity-related disorders, as they exhibit similar physiological and metabolic characteristics to humans.
The OLETF rats were developed by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a Japanese pharmaceutical company, by selectively breeding Long Evans Tokushima (LETO) rats, which are the non-obese counterparts. Through selective breeding over multiple generations, OLETF rats gradually developed the propensity to gain excessive weight and develop symptoms resembling type 2 diabetes.
These rats typically demonstrate features such as increased food intake, reduced energy expenditure, hyperphagia, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, and hyperinsulinemia. These characteristics make them valuable subjects for studies related to obesity, diabetes, and associated conditions. Researchers utilize OLETF rats to investigate the underlying mechanisms, pathophysiology, and potential therapeutic interventions for these disorders.
The OLETF rat strain has contributed significantly to advancing our understanding of obesity-related conditions, such as insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases. Their use in various scientific studies and experiments has provided valuable insights into the complex interplay between genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors contributing to the development of obesity and its associated complications.
In summary, Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima (OLETF) rats are a selectively bred strain of laboratory rats that serve as an essential model for studying obesity and type 2 diabetes, allowing researchers to explore potential treatments and gain a better understanding of these disorders.
