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Rat mutant (NZNU) showing "nude" characteristics.
Transplantation
|June 1, 1979
Summary
A new autosomal recessive rat mutant, nznu, is hairless and lacks thymus function, similar to the nude mouse. This immunodeficient rat model offers new research possibilities.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Animal Models
Background:
- The nude mouse is a well-established model for studying thymus-dependent immunity.
- A similar mutant in rats could provide an alternative or complementary model for immunological research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a newly identified rat mutant (nznu) with characteristics analogous to the nude mouse.
- To investigate the immunological deficiencies and genetic basis of this rat mutant.
Main Methods:
- Phenotypic characterization of the hairless mutant (nznu).
- Assessment of thymus gland development and lymphocyte populations.
- Evaluation of immune function through skin graft acceptance and response to T cell mitogens.
- Analysis of blood leukocyte differentials.
Main Results:
- The nznu rat is an autosomal recessive mutant exhibiting hairlessness and deficient thymus development.
- Homozygotes accepted histoincompatible skin grafts and showed no response to T cell mitogens (phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A).
- Blood analysis revealed elevated neutrophils and reduced lymphocytes in homozygotes compared to normal rats.
Conclusions:
- The nznu rat exhibits a profound deficiency in thymus-derived lymphocytes, mirroring the nude mouse phenotype.
- This mutant rat serves as a valuable new animal model for research in immunology and related fields.
- Heterozygotes display intermediate immunological values, suggesting a gene dosage effect.