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Shape variation in cranium, mandible and teeth in selected mouse strains
Duygu Küçük Ağaç1, Ece Oktay2, Burcu Onuk3
1Department of Veterinary, Şiran Mustafa Beyaz Vocational School, Gümüşhane University, Gumushane, Turkey.
Anatomia, Histologia, Embryologia
|June 6, 2024
Summary
Laboratory mouse strains exhibit distinct anatomical variations. Geometric morphometry revealed significant differences in cranium, mandible, and molar shapes among CD-1, C57bl/6, and Balb-c strains, likely due to genetic and environmental factors.
Area of Science:
- Comparative anatomy
- Morphological analysis
- Laboratory animal science
Background:
- Different laboratory mouse strains are used across various scientific fields.
- These strains exhibit anatomical variations that can impact research outcomes.
- Understanding these morphological differences is crucial for accurate interpretation of experimental data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively analyze and compare the anatomical shape variations among three common laboratory mouse strains: CD-1, C57bl/6, and Balb-c.
- To identify specific skeletal regions (cranium, mandible, molars) exhibiting significant morphological differences.
- To explore potential contributing factors to these observed anatomical variations.
Main Methods:
- Geometric morphometry was applied to digital photographs of skeletal elements from 48 adult mice across the three strains.
- Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to identify patterns of shape variation in the cranium, mandible, and molars.
- Canonical Variate Analysis (CVA) with Mahalanobis and Procrustes distances was employed to statistically differentiate the strain groups.
Main Results:
- PCA revealed distinct shape variations for the cranium and mandible between CD-1 and C57bl/6 strains, with Balb-c showing intermediate or distinct patterns.
- PC2 further differentiated C57bl/6 and CD-1 lineage groups.
- Molars showed unique shape variations in the CD-1 group.
- CVA demonstrated statistically significant separation between strains for cranium, mandible, and molar shapes, with specific strain groupings identified along canonical variates.
Conclusions:
- Significant anatomical differences exist in the cranium, mandible, and molars among CD-1, C57bl/6, and Balb-c mouse strains.
- These morphological variations are likely influenced by a combination of genotypic factors, dietary differences, and functional/habitual influences on muscle activity.
- The findings highlight the importance of considering strain-specific anatomy in the design and interpretation of studies using these laboratory models.
