Mouse models are powerful in vivo systems that play an important role in biomedical research. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of immunodeficient mice for a wide variety of applications, including immunology, infectious diseases, autoimmunity, and cancer. Mice with compromised immune systems are invaluable tools that not only provide critical insight into genes essential for immune function, but when combined with the transplantation of human cells or tissues, they also have enormous potential to provide scientists with relevant models of human disease.
+ Read moreResearch models and services blog posts
20 April, 2017
Sprague Dawley®: The workhorse of reproductive endocrinology research - part 2
By Travis Rothrock
Providing reliable learnings in reproductive endocrinology studies
An adverse fetal environment can lead to disorders and complications in an offspring’s health. From exposure to toxins to poor maternal nutrition, researchers have observed many connections that affect the reproductive potential of offspring.Sprague Dawley®SD®rats serve an important role in reproductive endocrinology studies by providing a reliable means to understand the underlying mechanisms of some of these relationships.
20 April, 2017
Sprague Dawley®: The workhorse of reproductive endocrinology research - part 1
By Travis Rothrock
The history of advancing basic research
Infertility has profound psychological and social effects on millions of people. Despite considerable research, there remain many unanswered questions as to the potential causes of infertility or impaired fecundity. What if the humble rat could help unlock the puzzle of infertility? TheSprague Dawley®rat is no ordinary model. These rats have proven to be extremely helpful in reproductive endocrinology research.
The firstSprague Dawley®rat colony began in 1925, when Robert Dawley developed a vigorous rat with a good temperament and high rates of lactation. These rats were eventually used to study contraceptives. In 1980, the original colony was acquired by Harlan (now Envigo). These albino rats are now used widely in medical and psychological research.
+ Read moreKey considerations for selecting the most appropriate oncology model
Today’s breakthrough oncology treatments are the result of years of research and testing. Animal models represent an essential part of this ongoing effort to improve human health and better understand a treatment’s potential in humans. That’s why the specific model selected for testing can mean the difference between success and failure in a study.
Here we discuss the factors to consider when selecting the right animal model for your oncology research