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Neural tube defects in CD‐1 mice
Author(s) -
Mallela Murali Krishna,
Hrubec Terry C
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.21.5.a227
Subject(s) - neural tube , exencephaly , litter , zoology , biology , toxicology , veterinary medicine , medicine , embryo , ecology , fishery , teratology , pregnancy , genetics , fetus
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are congenital anomalies that occur as a result of incomplete neural tube closure during development of embryo. Several environmental, genetic and nutritional factors have been shown to cause NTDs in mice. We began to observe NTDs in mice not exposed to any etiological agents known to cause incomplete neural tube closure. Newly purchased females of both ICR and CD‐1 strains from different suppliers and female CD‐1 raised in house all demonstrated low levels of NTDs in every litter. We hypothesized the mice were being exposed unknowingly to an agent causing the NTDs and investigated the cause. The bedding material and feed were analyzed with no trace of toxic contamination. Mice were negative for routine and comprehensive screens of pathogens. Enrichment devices were removed with no changes in the incidence of NTDs. Different diets and sources of water were investigated. Mice raised in isolator cages under a HEPA filtered laminar flow hood with sterile distilled water and Zeigler's National Toxicity Program diet showed a reduction in rate of NTDs. Supported by NIH grant K01RR16241‐01