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Intraocular pressure in genetically distinct mice: an update and strain survey
O V Savinova1, F Sugiyama, J E Martin
1The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA. ovs@jax.org
BMC Genetics
|September 5, 2001
Summary
Genetic differences significantly impact intraocular pressure (IOP) in mice. Key genes like leptin receptor (Lepr) and tyrosinase (Tyr) influence IOP, highlighting mice as a model for studying eye pressure regulation.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Ophthalmology
- Physiology
Background:
- Genetic factors influencing intraocular pressure (IOP) in mammals are largely unknown.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for managing eye conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine IOP ranges across genetically distinct mouse strains.
- Assess the impact of age, sex, and time of day on IOP.
- Evaluate the effects of specific candidate gene mutations on IOP.
Main Methods:
- Studied IOP in over 30 genetically distinct mouse strains.
- Analyzed variations based on age, sex, and diurnal rhythms.
- Investigated the impact of mutations in carbonic anhydrase II (Car2n), leptin receptor (Leprdb), and tyrosinase (Tyrc-2J) genes.
Main Results:
- Average IOP varied from 10-20 mmHg across strains.
- Aging decreased IOP in some strains; gender had minimal impact.
- Diurnal rhythms showed higher IOP during dark periods.
- Leprdb mutations increased IOP; Car2n mutations did not affect IOP.
- Albino mice (Tyrc-2J) had higher IOP than pigmented mice.
Conclusions:
- Significant interstrain genetic differences in IOP exist in mice.
- Age, time of day, obesity, and diabetes affect mouse IOP similarly to humans.
- Mutations in Lepr and Tyr genes increase IOP, validating mouse models for eye pressure research.
