What is a hairless rat called? - briefly
The hairless laboratory rat is referred to as a nude rat. It is a genetically engineered strain that lacks fur.
What is a hairless rat called? - in detail
The rat that completely lacks fur is commonly referred to as the «nude rat». In laboratory terminology the same animal may also be identified as the «hairless rat» or the «Harlan Sprague‑Dawley hairless strain». The designation originates from a recessive mutation that eliminates normal pelage development.
The genetic defect responsible for the hairless phenotype is a loss‑of‑function mutation in the Foxn1 gene. Homozygous individuals display a total absence of cutaneous hair and a severely reduced thymus, a condition comparable to that observed in the «nude mouse». Breeding programs maintain the strain through careful genotyping to ensure the homozygous status of experimental subjects.
Research applications exploit the immunodeficient nature of the animal. Primary uses include:
- xenograft transplantation studies, where the lack of a functional thymus permits engraftment of foreign tissues without rejection;
- dermatological investigations, allowing direct observation of skin healing and barrier function without interference from fur;
- pharmacokinetic testing, providing unobstructed topical drug delivery.
Physical characteristics of the strain are distinctive. Adult individuals typically weigh 250–350 g, possess smooth pink skin, and exhibit heightened sensitivity to temperature fluctuations. The absence of fur simplifies the monitoring of subcutaneous tumor growth and wound progression.
Overall, the term «nude rat» precisely identifies the hairless laboratory rat, encompasses its genetic basis, and denotes its specialized role in biomedical research.