American and Japanese Rats of the Same Species: Are They Same?

Background We have previously reported a chronic acid reflux esophagitis model using Japanese Wistar male (JWM) rats. The aim of this study is to discuss unexpected differences encountered within the same species bred in different countries. Materials and methods In JWM rats via a midline laparotomy...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of surgical research 2009-06, Vol.154 (1), p.56-59
Main Authors: Yano, Fumiaki, M.D., Ph.D, Stadlhuber, Rudolf J., M.D, Tsuboi, Kazuto, M.D, Omura, Nobuo, M.D., Ph.D, Kashiwagi, Hideyuki, M.D., Ph.D, Yanaga, Katsuhiko, M.D., Ph.D, Mittal, Sumeet K., M.D., F.A.C.S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
acid
animal model
Animals
Biological and medical sciences
chronic esophagitis
Duodenum - surgery
Esophagitis - surgery
Esophagitis - veterinary
Esophagus
experimental model
Female
Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen
General aspects
Japan
Male
Medical sciences
Other diseases. Semiology
Rats - classification
Rats - genetics
rats, species
Rats, Wistar
reflux esophagitis
Species Specificity
Stomach - surgery
Surgery
Surgical Procedures, Operative - mortality
Surgical Procedures, Operative - statistics & numerical data
Survival Rate
Survivors
United States
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Summary:Background We have previously reported a chronic acid reflux esophagitis model using Japanese Wistar male (JWM) rats. The aim of this study is to discuss unexpected differences encountered within the same species bred in different countries. Materials and methods In JWM rats via a midline laparotomy the limiting ridge of the stomach was ligated and the duodenum was covered with a small piece of an 18 Fr. catheter. We subsequently tried to reproduce the same model using American Wistar male (AWM) and subsequently with female (AWF) rats. Results The 3-wk survival rate of AWM rats (30%) was significantly lower than for JWM rats (90%) due to differences in growth curve and eating behaviors. On the other hand, the growth curve of AWF rats was similar to JWM rats. Still, the 3-wk survival rate was only 40% mainly due to different eating patterns. Since then we have modified our postoperative care to include restricted access to food and other objects and have achieved a 3-wk survival of 80%, which is the same as JWM rats. Conclusions Growth curve and eating behavior of rats from different countries exhibit significant differences even within the same species. It is important that such differences be taken into account when reproducing animal models created elsewhere.
ISSN:0022-4804
1095-8673
DOI:10.1016/j.jss.2008.05.004