What does SHR mean in MEDICAL

What Are SHRs?

SHRs are specially bred rats with a genetic predisposition for hypertension or high blood pressure. Unlike most other strains of rat, these animals do not require any external form of treatment (such as diet, drugs, or exercise) to achieve the desired phenotype. Rather, they possess a genetic mutation that has been passed down through generations of selective breeding, resulting in rats that display higher blood pressure than normal health standards would indicate even under ideal living conditions. In some cases, this trait manifests itself at an early age; when subjected to stressors such as environmental changes or unfamiliar environments, however, it can become even more pronounced over time.

Why Are SHRs Used For Research Purposes?

SHRs are heavily studied because they provide researchers with an invaluable opportunity to examine behavior patterns associated with hypertension while mitigating any potential ethical issues associated with human subject testing. Their unique physiology also allows scientists to observe specific reactions quickly and accurately since they naturally develop higher levels of blood pressure on their own without external influence. From there, researchers can investigate why certain factors may be influencing an individual's propensity for hypertension and test possible interventions designed to reduce it or decrease the severity of its symptoms without putting human subjects at risk.