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Histocompatibility and isoenzyme differences in commercially supplied "BALB/c" mice
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|July 23, 1982
Summary
Commercially sourced BALB/c mice often deviate from the standard phenotype. Genetic analyses revealed mixed or heterozygous genotypes, impacting expected H-2 and glucose phosphate isomerase types.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Animal Models
Background:
- BALB/c mice are a widely used inbred strain in biomedical research.
- Standardization of animal models is crucial for reproducible scientific findings.
- Deviations in the phenotype of commonly used strains can impact experimental outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate phenotypic and genetic variations in commercially obtained BALB/c mice.
- To assess the genetic consistency of BALB/c mice from different commercial suppliers.
- To determine if these mice conform to the established BALB/c strain characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Phenotypic characterization of BALB/c mice from multiple commercial sources.
- Isoenzyme electrophoresis for genetic marker analysis.
- H-2 haplotype analysis to assess major histocompatibility complex (MHC) variation.
Main Results:
- Significant deviations from the standard BALB/c phenotype were observed.
- Mice from two of three sources exhibited mixed or heterozygous genetic profiles.
- Inconsistent expression of expected H-2 and glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI) types was noted.
Conclusions:
- Commercial BALB/c mouse populations may not consistently represent the standard strain.
- Genetic heterogeneity in commonly used mouse models can compromise research validity.
- Researchers should verify the genetic background of BALB/c mice to ensure experimental reliability.