Spontaneous hypertriglyceridemic obesity and hyperglycemia in an inbred line of rats.

A genetically mild obesity syndrome of pubertal onset in a highly inbred line of rats differentiated as beta (beta) has been described. It was discovered in both sexes fed a stock diet for rodents. Hyperphagia was not noticeable. Total fat content reached 31 percent of total body weight in mature males. Obesity was associated with normal plasma cholesterol values and hypertriglyceridemia. Fasting blood sugar levels at maturity were within the normal range for rats, but significantly higher than in lean alpha (alpha) controls. This syndrome developed into a mild glucose intolerance and glucosuria in older obese rats.