The Laboratory Rat, Volume I: Biology and Diseases focuses on the use of rats in specific areas of research, ranging from dental research to toxicology. The first part of this book retraces the biomedical history of early events and personalities involved in the establishment of rats as a leading laboratory animal. The taxonomy, genetics and inbred strains of rats are also elaborated. The next chapters illustrate the hematology, clinical biochemistry, and anatomical and physiological features of the laboratory rat. This text concludes with a description of infectious diseases that may be contracted from laboratory and/or wild rats. This volume is a good source for commercial and institutional organizations involved in producing rats for research use, specialists in laboratory animal, animal care and research technicians, as well as students in graduate and professional curricula.

List of ContributorsPrefaceContents of Volume IIChapter 1 Historical Foundations I. Origin of the Laboratory Rat II. The Wistar Institute III. Nutrition and Biochemistry IV. Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology V. Cancer Research Institutes VI. Behavioral Research VII. Genetics VIII. Other Stocks of Rats IX. Genealogy of Major Rat Stocks and Strains X. Some Key Events after World War II XI. Information Requested ReferencesChapter 2 Taxonomy and Genetics I. Introduction II. Taxonomy and Geographical Distribution III. Adaptation to the Laboratory IV. Genetics V. Chromosome Mapping VI. Cytogenetics VII. Inbred Strains ReferencesChapter 3 Inbred Strains I. Introduction II. Nomenclature Rules ReferencesChapter 4 Morphophysiology I. Introduction II. General Appearance III. The Digestive System IV. Respiratory System V. Cardiovascular System VI. Urinary and Reproductive Systems VII. Endocrine System VIII. Nervous System IX. Special Sense Organs ReferencesChapter 5 Hematology and Clinical Biochemistry I. Introduction II. Sources of Variation III. Microtechniques IV. Quantities and Units V. Hematology VI. Clinical Biochemistry ReferencesChapter 6 Nutrition I. Introduction II. Dietary Considerations in Experimental Studies III. Nutrient Requirements ReferencesChapter 7 Reproduction and Breeding I. Introduction II. Biotic Aspects III. Nutrition IV. Spatial Aspects V. Climatic Aspects VI. Temporal Aspects VII. Management ReferencesChapter 8 Housing to Control Research Variables I. Introduction II. Physical Factors Affecting Biological Response III. Chemical Factors Affecting Biologic Response IV. Microbial Factors Affecting Biologic Response V. Ethical and Legal Considerations ReferencesChapter 9 Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases I. Introduction II. Bacterial Diseases III. Mycotic Diseases ReferencesChapter 10 Mycoplasmal and Rickettsial Diseases I. Introduction II. Mycoplasmal Diseases III. Rickettsial Diseases ReferencesChapter 11 Viral Diseases I. Introduction II. DNA Viruses III. RNA Viruses IV. Unclassified Viruses or Viruslike Agents V. Experimental Viral Infections VI. Collection of Samples for Serological Tests and Virus VII. Isolation VIII. General Comments on the Detection, Diagnosis, and IX. Control of Viral Infections ReferencesChapter 12 Parasitic Diseases I. Introduction II. Parasites of Parenteral Systems III. Parasites of the Alimentary System IV. Parasites of the Integument ReferencesChapter 13 Neoplastic Diseases I. Introduction II. Integumentary System III. Musculoskeletal System IV. Respiratory System V. Cardiovascular System VI. Digestive System VII. Endocrine System VIII. Hematopoietic System IX. Urinary System X. Female Reproductive System XI. Mammary Gland XII. Male Reproductive System XIII. Nervous System ReferencesChapter 14 Lesions Associated with Aging I. Introduction II. Major Age-Associated Lesions III. Influence of Diet on Longevity and Age-Associated Lesions IV. Other Age-Associated Lesions ReferencesChapter 15 Health Hazards for Man I. Introduction II. Allergy III. Bites IV. Bacterial Diseases V. Rickettsial Diseases VI. Viral Diseases VII. Protozoan Diseases VIII. Helminth Infections IX. Arthropod Infestations X. Mycoses XI. Conclusion ReferencesAppendix 1 Selected Normative DataAppendix 2 Drugs and DosagesSubject Index