The Har strains of rats: origins and characteristics

Origins of the principal lines of Rattus norvegicus used in behavior genetic research are identified. Broad descriptions are provided for 15 of the Har strains and substrains of well-established inbred lines and behaviorally selected stocks. Marker genes are identified for coat and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) loci. Detailed characteristics are summarized for 12 of these lines using a comprehensive behavioral test battery composed of a variety of measures of expressive behavior, learning, and physiological characteristics.