Effect of chronic centrifugation on mouse breeding pairs and their offspring

Fetuses of chronically centrifuged mice are smaller than 1g fetuses, and have reduced areas of long bone ossification. Fewer pregnancies occurred in centrifuged mice. In this study, exposure of chronically centrifuged females to male bedding 48 hours prior to mating induced estrus as determined by vaginal smears. Females were paired with males on the centrifuge or at 1g, and were sacrificed at 18 days gestation. Fetuses were weighed, measured, and stained with alizarin red and methylene blue. This new mating method increased centrifuge pregnancies, but not to control levels. There were no pregnancies at 3.5 g. Weights and crown rump lengths of centrifuged 18-day fetuses were less than those of controls, significantly so at 2.6 and 2.9g. There was no effect on litter size, number of resorptions per litter or male/female ratio. Bones of centrifuged fetuses were found to be smaller and shaped differently from controls. Effects were mitigated by matings with 1g males. Results confirm our previous reports of decreased fetal size and areas of ossification in hypergravity, and demonstrate a reliable method for providing timed-pregnant mice in hyper-g conditions.