Five genes and four anonymous polymorphic markers, forming two linkage groups, were mapped in F2 intercross progeny of F344/N × LEW/N rats using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Both linkage groups were assigned to rat chromosome 8 because they contained genetic loci previously mapped to this chromosome. The first group was comprised of markers for three anonymous loci and two gene loci, thymus cell antigen-1 (Thy1) and tropoelastin (Eln). The second group was comprised of markers for one anonymous locus and three gene loci, cellular retinol binding protein II (Rbp2), matrin F/G (Matrl), and acylpeptide hydrolase (Apeh). Seven markers (identified by simple sequence repeat associated length polymorphisms) were characterized in an additional 13 inbred rat strains (ACI/N, BN/SsN, BUF/N, LER/N, LOU/ MN, MNR/N, MR/N, SHR/N, SR/Jr, SS/Jr, WBB1/N, WBB2/ N, and WKY/N). Two to six alleles were detected for each marker. The reported markers should facilitate genetic mapping and monitoring of inbred rat strains.