Related Experiment Videos
Spontaneous, asymmetrical microphthalmia in C57B1/6J mice
1Department of Diagnostic Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7450.
Journal of Craniofacial Genetics and Developmental Biology
|January 1, 1990
Summary
This study found spontaneous microphthalmia (abnormally small eyes) in C57B1/6J mice, with right eyes typically smaller than left. Each eye should be measured independently in teratological testing.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Ophthalmology
- Laboratory animal science
Background:
- The C57B1/6J mouse strain is a common model for teratological studies.
- Understanding normal ocular development is crucial for identifying abnormalities.
- Spontaneous microphthalmia incidence and laterality in this strain are not well-characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate ocular size and shape in C57B1/6J mice.
- To determine the incidence and laterality of spontaneous microphthalmia.
- To provide data on normal and abnormal ocular development for teratogenic research.
Main Methods:
- Time-mated C57B1/6J mice were used, with embryos collected at gestational day 14.
- Ocular normality was assessed using both subjective veterinary ophthalmology methods and objective computer-derived measurements.
- Eye size and shape parameters were analyzed for laterality and distribution.
Main Results:
- A distinct laterality was observed, with right eyes consistently smaller than left eyes.
- The degree of laterality varied between subjective (19.0% vs. 6.9%) and objective (8.9% vs. 4.0%) assessment methods.
- Mean eye area and histogram distributions indicated inherent asymmetry in eye size within the strain.
Conclusions:
- The C57B1/6J mouse strain exhibits inherent ocular asymmetry.
- Spontaneous microphthalmia occurs with notable laterality in this strain.
- For teratological testing, each eye of the C57B1/6J mouse should be considered an independent unit of measure.