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Strain differences in autotomy in mice after peripheral nerve transection or repair
Roee E Rubinstein1, Kenneth C Deem, John Jensen
1Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Microsurgery
|August 28, 2003
Summary
Researchers identified optimal mouse models for peripheral nerve injury studies. C57BL/6J and C57BL/10J mice show low self-mutilation, making them ideal for nerve and limb transplantation research.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Research
- Animal Models
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Peripheral nerve injury research requires reliable animal models.
- Self-mutilation (autotomy) is a common complication affecting study outcomes.
- Selecting appropriate mouse strains is crucial for transplant studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the best murine model for peripheral nerve injury research.
- To evaluate mouse strains for their suitability in nerve and limb transplantation studies.
- To assess the impact of housing on autotomy in different mouse strains.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated autotomy in four mouse strains (Balb/C, C57BL/6J, C57BL/10J, C3HEB) after sciatic and saphenous nerve injury.
- Compared nerve transection with and without repair.
- Assessed the influence of social housing versus isolation.
Main Results:
- Autotomy was significantly higher in Balb/c (56%) and C3H (89%) strains compared to C57BL/10 (22%) and C57BL/6 (11%) strains.
- Mouse strain and social contact were the strongest predictors of autotomy.
- C57BL/6J and C57BL/10J strains demonstrated marked resistance to self-mutilation.
Conclusions:
- C57BL/6J and C57BL/10J mice are superior models for peripheral nerve injury studies.
- These strains are ideal for research involving nerve and whole limb transplantation due to low autotomy.
- Housing conditions can influence autotomy, highlighting the importance of standardized protocols.