A strain is defined as inbred when it has been mated brother x
sister for 20 or more consecutive generations (F20). All offspring
can be traced back to a single ancestral breeding pair in the 20th
or subsequent generation. Such inbred strains are therefore
isogenic (genetically identical). At Harlan these colonies are
maintained as Foundation Colony (FC), Pedigreed Expansion Colony
(PEC), and Production Colony (PC). Offspring from the FC provide
breeders to the FC and PEC; offspring from the PEC provide breeders
for the PC. Offspring from the PC are supplied to
researchers.
Each inbred strain has a unique genotype and consequently a unique
phenotype. Phenotypical differences between inbred strains should
to be taken into account when designing experiments. Specific
strains have been developed for a high incidence of tumors, unique
pattern of behavior, specific immune responses, susceptibility to
spontaneous diseases and other characteristics. Inbred strains have
been used in cancer research for over 60 years. Although somewhat
more expensive than outbred animals, they have properties which
make them useful – and in some case essential – in many types of
research. Nomenclature of inbred strains is designated by capital
letters(s), followed by abbreviated name(s) or holder codes from
their breeder(s) history, to include transfers. For example:
F344/NHsd.
For specific information on the Inbred Rat models we
offer please choose from the list below.