The spelling of the word "Wistar Rats" may be confusing for some people, but it's actually a simple pronunciation. The word is pronounced as /ˈwɪstər ræts/ with two syllables in each word, and the first syllable is stressed in "Wistar." The 'r' in both words has a slight roll, and the 'a' is pronounced as a short "a" sound. "Wistar Rats" are a commonly used breed of albino rats in scientific research, named after their creator Henry Wistar.
Wistar rats, also known as the Wistar Institute rats, are a popular strain of laboratory rats that are commonly used in scientific research, particularly in areas such as pharmacology, toxicology, physiology, and behavioral studies.
The Wistar rat strain was developed by a scientist named Helen Dean King at the Wistar Institute in Philadelphia in the early 20th century. It was derived from a mixed population of albino rats and selectively bred to create a genetically stable and uniform strain for research purposes.
Characteristically, Wistar rats have a white or albino coat, pink-colored eyes, and an average body weight of approximately 250-300 grams. They possess a calm and docile temperament, making them easy to handle and work with in laboratory settings. Due to their docility and ease of handling, Wistar rats are often preferred for behavioral studies and experiments requiring behavioral observation.
Wistar rats are widely used in research due to their established genetic stability and predictability, allowing researchers to obtain consistent and reproducible data. They are also considered a good model organism for human physiological and pharmacological studies, as they share many physiological and anatomical characteristics with humans.
Overall, the Wistar rat strain has proven to be an invaluable tool in scientific research, aiding in the advancement of various fields of study and contributing to our understanding of human biology and health.
The word "Wistar" in "Wistar rats" refers to the Wistar Institute, an independent research institution located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Wistar Institute was established in 1892 and has been involved in biomedical research and advancements.
The specific lineage of rats known as "Wistar rats" can be traced back to a breeding colony of albino rats originally developed at the Wistar Institute in the early 20th century. These rats were selectively bred for research purposes, mainly because of their desirable characteristics, such as being physiologically stable and having a consistent genetic background.
As a result, the name "Wistar rats" has become synonymous with this specific strain of laboratory rats widely used in experimental research across various scientific disciplines.