Sprague Dawley rats are a specific strain of laboratory rats that are widely used in biomedical research. They are named after the Sprague Dawley Company, an American animal supply company that developed this particular strain in 1925.
These rats are albino in color, with pink eyes, and have a medium to large size, typically weighing between 250-350 grams for males and 200-250 grams for females. They are known for their calm and docile temperament, which makes them easy to handle and work with in laboratory settings.
Sprague Dawley rats have become one of the most popular rat strains in animal research due to their predictable behavior and general good health. They have been extensively bred in controlled laboratory environments to maintain consistent genetic characteristics. This standardized genetic background allows researchers to reduce variability in their studies, enabling more reliable and reproducible results.
Due to their genetic predisposition, Sprague Dawley rats are commonly used in a wide range of scientific investigations, including studies related to toxicology, pharmacology, physiology, and behavioral research. They have been vital in advancing our knowledge of numerous human diseases, drug development, and the identification of potential therapeutic strategies.
Overall, the Sprague Dawley rat strain has become an invaluable research tool, serving as a model organism to elucidate complex biological processes in both preclinical and translational research.
