What are white rats with red eyes called? - briefly
«Albino rats» is the term for white rodents with red eyes, widely used in research and as pets. They are Rattus norvegicus individuals lacking pigment, which produces the characteristic coloration.
What are white rats with red eyes called? - in detail
Albino rats are the term applied to laboratory or pet rodents that exhibit a completely white coat and pink‑to‑red eyes. The lack of pigmentation results from a mutation in the tyrosinase gene, which halts melanin synthesis throughout the body. Consequently, the eyes appear red because the underlying blood vessels are visible through the unpigmented iris.
Key characteristics of these rodents include:
- Pure white fur with no spotting or shading.
- Pinkish skin, especially on the ears, tail, and footpads.
- Red or ruby‑colored eyes, often described as “blood‑shot.”
- Increased sensitivity to bright light due to the absence of ocular pigment.
Several strains are commonly referenced in scientific literature:
- Sprague‑Dawley albino – widely used in toxicology and pharmacology studies.
- Wistar albino – favored for behavioral research because of its docile temperament.
- Long‑Evans albino – selected for visual discrimination tasks owing to its relatively robust health.
Health considerations differ from pigmented rats. The absence of melanin renders albinos more prone to:
- Ultraviolet‑induced skin lesions.
- Ocular problems such as cataracts and retinal degeneration.
- Higher susceptibility to temperature extremes, requiring stable ambient conditions.
Care guidelines emphasize:
- Providing low‑intensity lighting to reduce eye strain.
- Maintaining a consistent temperature range of 20–26 °C.
- Supplying a diet enriched with antioxidants to mitigate oxidative stress.
In research contexts, the uniform coloration and genetic homogeneity of albino rats facilitate visual tracking of experimental manipulations, reducing variability in behavioral and physiological measurements. Their prominence in laboratories stems from these practical advantages, as well as a long history of breeding programs that have standardized their genetic background.