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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Is My Mouse Pregnant? High-Frequency Ultrasound Assessment
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Is My Mouse Pregnant? High-Frequency Ultrasound Assessment

Published on: March 18, 2021

Mouse gestation length is genetically determined.

Stephen A Murray1, Judith L Morgan, Coleen Kane

  • 1The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, United States of America.

Plos One
|September 3, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Genetics significantly influences gestation length in mice, with natural variation between strains approaching two days. This highlights the mouse as a valuable model for understanding preterm birth genetics.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Genetics
  • Developmental biology

Background:

  • Preterm birth affects over 12% of live births, posing a significant public health challenge.
  • Genetic factors are implicated in determining gestation length, as suggested by twin studies.
  • The mouse model's genetic basis for natural gestation length and labor timing remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish the mouse as a refined genetic model for preterm birth research.
  • To quantify natural variation in mouse gestation length across different inbred strains.
  • To investigate the genetic control of gestation length and labor timing.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a high-throughput monitoring system for precise gestation length measurement.

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Determination of Reproductive Competence by Confirming Pubertal Onset and Performing a Fertility Assay in Mice and Rats
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Determination of Reproductive Competence by Confirming Pubertal Onset and Performing a Fertility Assay in Mice and Rats

Published on: October 13, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Is My Mouse Pregnant? High-Frequency Ultrasound Assessment
02:39

Is My Mouse Pregnant? High-Frequency Ultrasound Assessment

Published on: March 18, 2021

Determination of Reproductive Competence by Confirming Pubertal Onset and Performing a Fertility Assay in Mice and Rats
06:38

Determination of Reproductive Competence by Confirming Pubertal Onset and Performing a Fertility Assay in Mice and Rats

Published on: October 13, 2018

  • Assessment of gestation length across 15 distinct inbred mouse strains.
  • Ovarian transplant experiments to differentiate maternal genetic influence.

    • Main Results:

    • Significant inter-strain variation in gestation length was observed, spanning nearly two days.
    • Intra-strain variation in gestation length was minimal, indicating strong genetic determination.
    • Maternal genetics plays a primary role in regulating gestation length, supported by transplant data.
    • Complex genetic control of gestation length is suggested by preliminary chromosome substitution strain analysis.

    Conclusions:

    • Genetic variation is a key determinant of gestation length in mice.
    • The mouse serves as a powerful genetic model for identifying genes associated with preterm birth.
    • Further research utilizing the mouse model can elucidate the genetic underpinnings of gestation.