Internal hydrocephalus, optic nerve aplasia, and microphthalmia in CPB-WE (Wezob) and Cpb:WU (Wistar) rats

Wistar rats of the inbred CPB-WE and the random bred Cpb:WU strains have been used in neuroanatomical studies. In both groups of rats a high incidence of hydrocephalus was observed. In the CPB-WE rats the ventricular dilatation was accompanied by optic tract lesions and microphthalmia. The present report describes the gross and microscopic findings in these rats and discusses the possible aetiology.