Pam,
	I have worked with rats some, and now work solely with mice.  I
don't know exactly what you mean by a biocompatibility study (remember, I'm
a psychologist), but I do know that there can be vast differences in
reactions to different drugs depending on the strain of mouse used, and I
have heard that many of those same differences occur with rats.  Of course,
with mice there are a large number of inbred strains that are all
genetically similar, and I don't think the same is true of rats, but I had
at least one colleague tell me he found differences between pigmented and
non-pigmented rats.  You might have to use two or three different strains in
pilot studies to be sure .....if that's possible.
	Gayle

Gayle Brosnan-Watters, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Psychology Department
Vanguard University of Southern California
55 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA  92626
Phone 714-556-3610 Ext. 454
Fax 714-966-6316
GBrosnanwatters@vanguard.edu


> ----------
> From: 	pam plumlee
> Sent: 	Friday, February 25, 2000 7:49 AM
> To: 	HistoNet@pathology.swmed.edu
> Cc: 	rbellantoni@integra-ls.com
> Subject: 	Rat Study Biocompatability
> 
> Dear Histonetters that work with rats,
>      Our lab is setting up a biocompatability study
> using rats.  We are having a difficult time finding
> information regarding the optimal type of rat that
> should or could be used for this type of study.  Does
> anyone have any suggestions or know of published
> information regarding what types of rats are
> recommended for different studies?  
> Thanks so much, 
> 
> Rose Bellantoni
> Integra Lifesciences, CRC
> San Diego, Ca.
> rbellantoni@integra-ls.com
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