Naked Mole Rat

Spontaneous Histologic Lesions of the Adult Naked Mole Rat (Heterocephalus glaber)

“…29,31,57 Furthermore, NMRs are highly xenophobic and will kill individuals from foreign colonies or conspecifics at the command of their queen. 21,31 NMRs are valuable models for aging research due to their reported excellent anti-aging defenses resulting in an exceptionally long life span (9 times longer than laboratory mice), sustained good health and reproductive potential, and minimal age-related changes in body composition, physiology, and molecular function. 15,16,36,51 Buffenstein and colleagues have championed the NMR model and have described the unique biology and physiology that may have implications for healthy human aging.…”

“…NMRs are housed at 28 C to 30 C with 50% to 60% humidity. 21,92 Autolysis is accelerated at higher temperatures, and if dead animals are not necropsied or tissues fixed in a timely manner, definitive diagnoses cannot be made. Comprehensive histology is relatively expensive, and research grants to study specific aspects of NMR physiology or molecular biology often lack sufficient funds for full comprehensive histopathology by a pathologist.…”

“…Maintenance of the cecal microbial population is necessary for the production of essential volatile fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins that support basal metabolic needs. 21,24 NMRs are 1 of 2 eusocial mammal species (the other is the Damaraland mole rat, Cryptomys damarensis), both of which have been studied extensively. Similar to social structures seen in various insects such as ants, bees, and wasps, NMRs live in large colonies typically ranging from 20 to 300 (average of 75) individuals with a division of labor into reproducers (breeders) and subordinate workers.…”

“…15,16,36,51 Buffenstein and colleagues have championed the NMR model and have described the unique biology and physiology that may have implications for healthy human aging. 15,17,18,21 These unique rodents have been used to test theories of aging, including the oxidative stress theory, among others. 2,3,32,51,74,97 Despite exhibiting higher levels of lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and DNA oxidative damage than mice, NMRs age at a much slower rate and appear to have increased resilience to oxidative stress and mitochondrial injury.…”

“…7,92 Captive diets aim to provide high levels of fiber and include a variety of fresh vegetables, the staple food being sweet potato, and small amounts of fruit and baby cereal. 7,21,73,92 Cecotrophes are soft, partially digested fecal pellets that are reingested to provide water, nourishment, and protein in young NMRs and to replenish cecal protozoa and bacteria in older individuals. Maintenance of the cecal microbial population is necessary for the production of essential volatile fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins that support basal metabolic needs.…”