What are rats with white eyes called? - briefly
«Albino rats» have white irises because they lack melanin. They are frequently employed as laboratory animals.
What are rats with white eyes called? - in detail
Rats that display a completely white coat together with pink or red eyes are commonly referred to as “pink‑eyed white” (PEW) rats. The designation distinguishes them from standard albino rats, which have red eyes but a pinkish nose and may retain some pigment in the eyes. PEW rats result from a recessive mutation in the tyrosinase (Tyrc) gene, which blocks melanin production in the iris, producing a clear, blood‑colored appearance.
Key characteristics of pink‑eyed white rats include:
- Uniform white fur without any pigmented patches.
- Pink to ruby‑red irises that lack the typical dark pupil ring.
- Reduced melanin in the skin, leading to a pinkish nose and paw pads.
- Higher susceptibility to vision problems and increased sensitivity to bright light.
Breeding considerations focus on maintaining the recessive allele. Two heterozygous carriers (Tyrc+/Tyrc) can produce 25 % pink‑eyed white offspring, 50 % heterozygotes with normal eye color, and 25 % wild‑type rats. Careful selection avoids accidental introduction of other coat‑color genes that could mask the eye phenotype.
Health implications specific to the phenotype involve:
- Potential for ocular inflammation due to lack of protective melanin.
- Greater risk of skin lesions from UV exposure.
- Need for low‑light environments and protective bedding to reduce stress.
In laboratory settings, pink‑eyed white rats serve as a genetic marker for studies on ocular development, pigment pathways, and gene‑therapy trials. Their distinct visual phenotype simplifies identification without the need for external tagging.