Basal physiological parameters of two congenic mice strains: C5 deficient C57BL/6 and C5 sufficient A/J

To investigate the in vivo role of complement component C5 it is common to compare the inflammatory response between C5-normal and C5-deficient inbred mice strains. Nevertheless, it should be expected that differences in the genetic backgrounds between those strains may affect several physiological parameters, complicating the correct interpretation of results. The use of congenic mice, developed by backcrossing, is therefore preferred. Still, several physiological parameters may be distinctive in the normal and deficient strains and therefore require careful analysis before animals are selected for investigation. We generated two congenic mouse strains: C57BL/6 (B6) C5(-), derived from the parental B6 C5(+) strain and A/J C5(+) mice derived from the parental A/J C5(-) strain. After confirmation by nucleotide sequencing, immunodiffusion and hemolytic activity analysis, several basal physiological parameters were analyzed in the congenic and parental strains before antigen exposition. Serum levels of liver alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, triglycerides, cholesterol and uric acid were found to be different in C5-sufficient and C5-deficient mice from one or both genetic backgrounds (B6 and/or A/J). On the other hand, serum levels of liver aspartate aminotransferase, glucose and urea were not affected by the presence of C5 in either strain. Furthermore, in some cases, C5-dependent variations in these parameters were more evident in mice of the same gender. We conclude here that C5-deficient mice strains may present distinct systemic behaviors which should be taken in consideration before differences in the immune responses are attributed solely to the lack of circulating C5.