Rats, mice, or hamsters?

**Jozen-Bo** · 03-25-09, 08:22 AM

I will be conducting some research in the near future and will be using one of these 3 species as guinea pigs. I know that rats have Spindle Neuron Cells in their brains, but I do not know about mice or hamsters. Mice are cheaper and easier to take care of, so it would be good it they did. I heard that rats don't live as long as mice, which seems hard to believe...lifespan is also an important part in determining which to use.

Does anyone know if mice or hamsters have Spindle Neurons, or could you provide a link if you find one?

Also, can anyone make a case as to why one species would make a better guinea pig then another?

Thanks!

**~~draqon~~** · 03-25-09, 08:30 AM

couldnt find any spindle neuron cells present in either mice or hamsters...rats yes.

**Jozen-Bo** · 03-25-09, 08:33 AM

Take your pick:

Page of of many Links discussing the Spindle Neurons of Rats

**Jozen-Bo** · 03-25-09, 08:35 AM

Originally Posted by draqon

couldnt find any spindle neuron cells present in either mice or hamsters...rats yes.

Rats aren't as cute...

They eat more and poo more...

They are bigger and take up more space...

But I will use them if mice or hamsters don't have Spindle Neurons...

**~~draqon~~** · 03-25-09, 08:37 AM

what are DRG neurons? mice have them.

**Jozen-Bo** · 03-25-09, 08:43 AM

Originally Posted by draqon

what are DRG neurons? mice have them.

Do you have a link?

**~~draqon~~** · 03-25-09, 08:51 AM

Originally Posted by Jozen-Bo

Do you have a link?

http://www.jneurosci.org/cgi/content/abstract/15/9/5929

**Jozen-Bo** · 03-25-09, 09:32 AM

Dorsal root ganglion...are neuron cells, but not spindle neuron cells.

**Jozen-Bo** · 03-25-09, 11:30 AM

Do mice have Spindle Neurons...this answer isn't going to come easily from what I've seen so far...

**Orleander** · 03-25-09, 11:53 AM

what about gerbils?

**Jozen-Bo** · 03-25-09, 12:30 PM

Originally Posted by Orleander

what about gerbils?

I've considered Gerbils, though I don't know if they have Spindles either. Also, they are so fast that it could be more difficult getting them in and out of the cage on a regular basis as they wising up. Can you gain the trust of a Gerbil (in the same you can a rat or a mouse?)?

Also, the first pet I ever had as a kid was a Gerbil. I loved that Gerbil and wanted to make it happy, so one day I took him outside and let him wonder around in the park. He tried to get away and I tried to catch him, but, being young and clumsy I overstepped and crushed his little head. I buried him minutes later as tears washed my cheeks. Rough memory, that one is...

Though, I will consider using Gerbils too, though, in that case I am left wondering if they possess Spindle Neurons, and what other traits might make them good candidates.

**PsychoTropicPuppy** · 03-25-09, 04:32 PM

I thought it's spelled "guinea" pigs.

What kind of tests do you want to do on them anyway? Doesn't sound too professional. ;/

**Jozen-Bo** · 03-26-09, 06:38 AM

Originally Posted by PsychoTropicPuppy

I thought it's spelled "guinea" pigs.

What kind of tests do you want to do on them anyway? Doesn't sound too professional. ;/

I am not asking for opinions on my level of competence nor am I going to give any of the details.

Can anyone here answer the question????????????

**~~draqon~~** · 03-26-09, 06:40 AM

go with the rats. Only they have the Spindle Neuron Cells.

**~~draqon~~** · 03-26-09, 06:44 AM

or maybe you can get humpback whales for test subjects! =p or primates =p

**Jozen-Bo** · 03-26-09, 06:45 AM

Originally Posted by draqon

go with the rats. Only they have the Spindle Neuron Cells.

How do you know this? I will go with rats if I am unable to determine whether the others have them, though I have time before I begin and want to be sure before selecting the final subject.

**Jozen-Bo** · 03-26-09, 06:47 AM

Originally Posted by draqon

or maybe you can get humpback whales for test subjects! =p or primates =p

Lol...great idea! I'll simply stuff 16 whales into an aquarium! Lolllollolloll...

Primates are nice, maybe in the future I will get the opportunity to work with them, though for now they'd be too expensive and too much trouble. I think you need some sort of license to own such an animal.

**~~draqon~~** · 03-26-09, 06:52 AM

Originally Posted by Jozen-Bo

How do you know this? I will go with rats if I am unable to determine whether the others have them, though I have time before I begin and want to be sure before selecting the final subject.

cause I looked and looked and I couldnt find any mentioning of it.

**Jozen-Bo** · 03-26-09, 06:55 AM

Originally Posted by draqon

cause I looked and looked and I couldnt find any mentioning of it.

Damn...that makes two of us. At this point I highly doubt anyone here will be able to provide an answer. Maybe if I locate some neurologists and ask them I'll get the answer? Or maybe a biology or DNA forums? There has got to be a way to find out...we live in the information age after all.