Dwarf mice

[Dwarf mouse]

These animals are the result of homozygous autosomal recessive mutations at the dw (dw/dw; Snell-Bagg mouse) or the df (df/df; Ames dwarf mouse) locus, respectively. Snell dwarf mice and exhibit a microcephalic cerebrum with hypomyelination, retarded neuronal growth, and underdevelopment of axons and dendrites.

The primary defect in these animals has been identified in the anterior pituitary and these mice are deficient in Growth hormone and Prolactin. They also show impaired production of other pituitary-derived hormones. The Snell-Bagg mouse has been shown to be deficient in thyroxine. Mutations in the gene encoding ... ... ... ... ... Subscribe to continue reading! ... ...