Animal models are a staple of in vitro research endeavors used in a variety of applications globally. When it comes to selecting the animal model a researcher will use, however, there are many options available to choose from. Common animal models include mice, rats, rabbits, and other small mammals. In this blog post we’ll look at some of these popular animal models and go over the reasons why they might be chosen for in vitro research.
Mouse Models
Mouse models are the most used animal models in biomedical research. Most laboratory mice used in research today stem from mouse fanciers that were prominent around the turn of the 20th century. For studies that require genetically identical animals, inbred strains such as BALB/c, C57BL/6, or other similar strains are commonly used. For other applications, outbred stocks such as CD-1 mice are used (Hickman, Johnson, Vemulpalli, and Shepherd, 2016).
There are a variety of reasons why mice make up the vast majority of animal models in research, including their small size (leading to easier handling and housing), short reproductive cycle, they’re generally mild-tempered, possibility for breeding genetically manipulated mice, and the wealth of available information on their anatomy, genetics, and physiology. Mouse models have proven useful in a variety of research applications, including studies ranging from biology to psychology and even engineering. Similarities between mouse organs systems and human organ systems make mouse models excellent choices for studies focused on treating or curing diseases and chronic conditions. Mouse models are also used to study other human conditions, such as in behavioral studies, studies in aging, nutrition research, and genetic studies (Hickman et al., 2016).
A variety of biological samples from mice are commonly implemented in research applications. For drug and immune studies, pooled or single donor blood products sourced from mice (such as whole blood, plasma, serum, etc.) may be of use to researchers. Monoclonal antibodies produced by mice are also of use to researchers studying immune mechanisms. Finally, cells sourced from mice may be of use to those doing cell culture work.
Rat Models
Next to mice, rat models are the next most used animal models in research. In fact, mouse and rat models combined account for nearly 95% of animal models used in research. Characteristics like their relatively small size, ease of handling, known genetic background, known microbial status, short generation time, and similarities to disease conditions observed in humans make them ideal for a variety of research applications. For example, rats have played important roles in research related to space exploration, nutritional studies, genetics, immunology, neurology, infectious disease studies, metabolic disease, and behavioral studies (Hickman et al., 2016).
Like mice, rats are available to researchers in both inbred strains and outbred stocks. Many of the stocks and strains are well studied, and researchers can easily access data on information such as physiologic data, growth curves, complete blood count and serum biochemistry, and other relevant statistics (Hickman et al., 2016). Similar to mouse models, rat models can closely resemble human disease states and physiological mechanisms, making them a great choice to study a variety of human conditions.
Tissues and organ samples from rats are useful to researchers for a variety of research applications. Like mice, rat blood products and biological fluids are great for immune studies, drug development, development of diagnostic tools, aging studies, and more. Samples sourced from rats are also well suited to studies on biomarkers, cancer and disease research, and more.
Rabbit Models in Research
Rabbits have been used in research since mid-19th century and have also been part of a variety of pivotal studies. In laboratory settings, typically a select few breeds of rabbits are made available to researchers. The most common breed of rabbit used is the New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit, though the California breed and Dutch-belted breed are occasionally used as well (Hickman et al., 2016).
Rabbit models have played important roles in a variety of research applications, including studies modeling human pregnancy, atherosclerosis research, osteoporosis research, ocular and immune studies, and are vitally important in the production of polyclonal antibodies. The use of rabbits in the production of antibodies is primarily due to their relatively large blood volume compared to models like rats, mice, and other rodents. Because of their larger size compared to other rodent models, they are particularly well suited for studies involving implantable or wearable technologies (Hickman et al., 2016).
Hamsters in Research
Hamsters are rodents that belong to the Myomorpha suborder along with mice and rats. Although many species of hamster have been studied and described in scientific literature, the most common hamster used in research is the Syrian Gold hamster. It is thought that all modern Syrian Gold hamsters are descendants of a single litter or 3 or 4 hamsters from Syria in the 1930s (Hickman et al., 2016).
There are certain defining characteristics that made hamsters an interesting choice for researchers. For example, their susceptibility to disease and infection make them ideal for studies related to immune mechanisms and drug development. Other studies hamsters have been involved in have been related to parasitology, dental disease, cancer research, metabolic diseases, cardiovascular disease, reproductive endocrinology, and more (Hickman et al., 2016).
Sourcing Samples from Innovative Research
Innovative Research is a leading global supplier of animal biological samples for in vitro research. We pride ourselves in supplying high-quality research samples to researchers around the world and enabling them to make breakthroughs in a variety of research fields. We proudly carry samples from all the animal species mentioned in this blog in our product catalog. Innovative Research follows all federal and state protocols and regulations while ethically sourcing samples from animal donors. For our rat and mouse (Rattus and Mus genus) biological sample program, sample collection is performed by trained on-site personnel under established animal-care and collection procedures, with veterinary oversight. From an animal-welfare standpoint, we emphasize trained personnel, veterinary supervision, humane handling, appropriate anesthesia, and collection practices intended to minimize pain and distress.
When it comes to mouse samples, we specialize in providing both pooled, as well as single donor, samples from popular mouse strains. Contact us if you are looking to source whole blood, plasma, or serum from C57BL/6, BALB/c, and CD-1 mouse strains. Other popular mouse samples include Mouse Albumin Purified, Mouse IgG Affinity Purified, and Mouse Plasminogen Purified. You can also browse our Monoclonal Antibodies.
For researchers in need of rat samples, we carry blood products from Sprague Dawley and Fischer rats. We have rat blood products available in pooled and single donor formats, just like with our mouse samples. Other popular rat products include our Rat Total PAI-1 ELISA Kit, Rat Thrombin Purified, and Rat Plasminogen Purified.
Looking for rabbit biologicals? We’ve got what you need! First, you can browse our Polyclonal Antibodies for a large selection of rabbit antibodies. We also carry Rabbit Red Blood Cells and IgG Depleted Serum. Popular rabbit proteins include Rabbit IgG Fractionated Purified and Rabbit Albumin Purified Lyophilized.
Finally, for those needing hamster samples, we have biologicals for you as well! We carry a variety of Armenian hamster and Syrian Gold hamster biologicals. Popular samples include blood products like Armenian Hamster Plasma or Syrian Gold Hamster Serum, Hamster Fibronectin Purified, and Syrian Gold Hamster IgG Affinity Purified.
Need products from a species we didn’t mention, or looking for a custom collection? Feel free to reach out and we’ll be happy to assist! We look forward to helping you make that next discovery.
Citations
Hickman DL, Johnson J, Vemulapalli TH, Crisler JR, Shepherd R. Commonly Used Animal Models. Principles of Animal Research for Graduate and Undergraduate Students. 2017:117–75. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-802151-4.00007-4. Epub 2016 Nov 25. PMCID: PMC7150119 (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7150119/#abs0010)
