Quantitative Trait Locus Analysis of Plasma Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels in KK × RR F2 Mice

A previous quantitative trait locus (QTL) study on hyperlipidemia in C57BL/6J x KK-Ay/a F2 mice identified three significant cholesterol QTLs (Cq1 and Cq2 on chromosome 1, and Cq3 on chromosome 3), and a suggestive triglyceride QTL on chromosome 9. An alternative analysis of this study identified a novel cholesterol QTL on chromosome 9 (Cq4), and a significant triglyceride QTL on chromosome 9 (Tgq1). In the present study, QTL analysis was performed on KK x RR F2 mice. A significant cholesterol QTL (Cq5, lod score 5.6) was identified on chromosome 9, and a significant triglyceride QTL (Tgq2, lod score 4.7) was identified on chromosome 8. The Cq5 locus was mapped to a region similar to the Cq4 locus. On the other hand, the Tgq2 locus overlapped with the QTL region responsible for glucose intolerance (Giq1) that was identified in a previous study. The results suggest that a different combination of QTLs is involved in the trait when a different counterpart strain is used. Identification of distinct, but related traits in an identical chromosomal region will facilitate revealing the responsible gene.     

Quantitative trait loci for growth traits in C57BL/6J × DBA/2J mice

Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for body weight and tail length are mapped in an F₂ population of 927 C57BL/6J × DBA/2J mice. We test the concordance between the locations of the mapped QTLs with those detected by changes of marker frequency under artificial selection in a previous experiment with the same base population. The directions of effects of the QTLs are generally in agreement, and in many cases significant QTLs are found in similar map positions, but there are also discrepancies between the two experiments. There are indications of age-specific QTL effects on growth. For body weight traits, the genetic variation in the F₂ appears to result from many loci with relatively small effects. For tail length at 10 weeks, however, a single QTL on Chromosome (Chr) 1 with a peak LOD score of ∼33 contributes most of the genetic variation detected, changes the trait value by about 6%, and explains about 20% of the phenotypic variance of the trait. Received: 4 August 1998 / Accepted: 17 November 1998     

Sex-restricted non-Mendelian inheritance of mouse Chromosome 11 in the offspring of crosses between C57BL/6J and (C57BL/6J × DBA/2J)F1 mice

We report on the observation of sex-restricted, non-Mendelian inheritance over a region of mouse Chromosome (Chr) 11, occurring in the offspring of crosses between two commonly used Mus musculus-derived inbred strains, C57BL/6J and DBA/2J. In the surviving backcross progeny of reciprocal matings between (C57BL/6J × DBA/2J)F₁ hybrids and the C57BL/6J parental strain, we observed the preferential appearance of C57BL/6J alleles along a region of Chr 11. The deviation from Mendelian predictions was observed only in female offspring from both reciprocal backcrosses, and not in males from either cross. The sex-specificity of the observed non-Mendelian inheritance points to an explanation based on embryonic or neonatal lethality. Our data add to previously obtained evidence for a Chr 11 locus or loci with sex-specific and allele-specific effects on viability. Received: 19 December 1997 / Accepted: 10 June 1998     

Determination of RBC Survival in C57BL/6 and C57BL/6-Tg(UBC–GFP) Mice

Although several methods for determining erythrocyte lifespan are used in research studies that involve mice, all involve the alteration of RBC to allow for its tracking over time, which may affect overall RBC survival. The aims of this study were to determine 1) whether sex affects RBC survival; 2) whether RBC survival differs between the biotin method and an alternative method that uses GFP; and 3) whether repeat exposure of mice to biotin results in an antibiotin antibody response or decreased RBC survival. The results suggest no difference in the RBC half-life between male and female C57BL/6 mice (22.9 ± 1.2 and 22.4 ± 0.9 d, respectively). In addition, RBC half-life did not differ between the biotin- and GFP-based methods (20.5 ± 2.1 d and 22.7 ± 2.1 d, respectively). Finally, retransfusion of mice 90 d after an initial transfusion with biotin-labeled RBC did not induce detectable antibiotin antibodies nor alter the half-life of transfused biotin-labeled RBC (initial transfusion, 22.0 ± 1.2 d; subsequent transfusion, 23.4 ± 1.4 d, respectively).Abbreviations: T_1/2, half-lifeRBC lifespan and senescence are important parameters used both clinically and in research studies of hereditary disorders of erythrocyte metabolism, transfusion medicine, and sepsis.^{8,21,27,32,35} Labeling RBC with a biotinylating reagent is a common method used to determine their circulating lifespan. Other methods involve using radioactive isotopes, such as ⁵¹Cr and ⁵⁹Fe.^7,20 Biotinylating reagents are preferred for various research applications with humans,^8,23,24 and are used in a variety of animal models.^{1,25,33,34,37} Once biotin attaches to RBC surface proteins, streptavidin (a protein derived from Streptomyces avidinii) that is labeled with a fluorescent dye is used to form a strong and rapid complex with biotin, thereby allowing for its detection through flow cytometry. Blood samples analyzed sequentially over a period of weeks will show a linear decline in biotin–streptavidin signal as labeled cells age and are cleared from the circulation through the reticuloendothelial system.The characteristics of an ideal label for performing RBC survival studies include: 1) stable presence on or within the cell throughout its normal lifespan; 2) specificity for RBC; 3) inertness, such that the cell does not become prone to accelerated destruction; 4) nonrecycling (that is, the label does not reenter the circulation and bind to new cells after destruction of the labeled RBC); and 5) easy and accurate measurement by using available assays. Radioactive isotopes and other labels fulfill several of these criteria, but their limitations include elution from RBC as well as safety concerns.^7,22 In contrast, biotin poses little to no risk of accumulation or toxicity. The sulfo- N-hydroxysuccinimide–biotin ester used for RBC tracking studies in humans and animals can be administered directly or through the transfusion of biotinylated RBC. Although it is generally accepted that biotinylation of RBC does not affect their function, antibodies to biotin have been demonstrated in some human studies, posing the question of whether repeated administration of biotin ester or biotinylated RBC could interfere with subsequent results within the same subject.^4,20 Repeat transfusions of biotinylated RBC to mice have not been described in the literature. One aim of this study was to determine whether exposure to biotinylated RBC induces an antibiotin antibody response in mice. Furthermore, we tested whether the survival of biotinylated RBC changed after repeat exposure.Recently GFP-expressing RBC have been used to track the posttransfusion survival and recovery of stored RBC administered to nonGFP-expressing recipient mice.^9,12,36 The C57BL/6-Tg(UBC–GFP)30Scha/J mouse strain is characterized by GFP expression under the control of a human ubiquitin C promoter. All tissues of these mice express GFP, including blood.²⁶ GFP expression appears to be consistent throughout life and does not otherwise alter the normal structure, physiology, or function of RBC. In addition, GFP is unaffected by ambient light contamination or degradation, drawbacks that are associated with fluorescent dyes.¹⁵ In addition, GFP allows for the separation of cell populations through flow cytometry.^9,11 Many qualities of GFP suggest that it may serve as a useful surrogate marker in place of other labeling techniques in mice. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the utility of UBC–GFP transgenic mice as an alternative to labeling RBC with biotin esters. Our aim for this work was to determine the survival of RBC in wild-type C57BL/6 mice and in the UBC–GFP strain and to compare methods for determining RBC half-life (T_1/2).     

Genetics of ethanol-induced locomotor activation: detection of QTLs in a C57BL/6J × DBA/2J F2 intercross

Moderate doses of ethanol (1–2 g/kg) markedly increase locomotor activity in some inbred mouse strains, for example, the DBA/2J (D2), but have relatively little effect in other strains, for example, the C57BL/6J (B6). In the present study, we conducted a genome-wide search in a B6D2 F₂ intercross (N = 925) for quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with the locomotor response. A QTL with a LOD score of 8.4 was detected on Chromosome (Chr) 2; this QTL accounted for 11.4% of the phenotypic variance and approximately 30% of the genetic variance. The QTL on Chr 2 is in the same general region as QTLs previously described for ethanol preference/consumption (Rodriguez et al. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 19, 367, 1995; Melo et al. Nat Genet 13, 147, 1996; Phillips et al. Mamm Genome, in press), acute ethanol withdrawal (Buck et al. J. Neurosci 17, 3946, 1997) and nitrous oxide withdrawal severity (Belknap et al. Behav Genet 23, 213, 1993). A logical candidate gene in the region of interest is the enzyme which synthesizes GABA, glutamic acid decarboxylase 1 (GadI). Received: 15 September 1998 / Accepted: 8 October 1998     

C57BL/6J小鼠超数排卵的研究

目的　确定C57BL 6J小鼠超排的最佳激素剂量和最合适的注射间隔时间 ,提高超排率。方法　 40只C57BL 6J雌鼠随机分为四组 ,分别用 5IU或 10IU的PMSG和HCG ,间隔 48h或 72h注射 ,比较排出卵母细胞的数量。结果　 5IU +5IU剂量的PMSG和HCG、间隔 48h注射组超排效果最好 ;8～ 10周龄雌鼠较 6～ 8周龄雌鼠超排效果好。结论　C57BL 6J小鼠超排的最佳激素剂量为 5IUPMSG +5IUHCG ,最合适的注射间隔时间为 48h ,处于繁殖期的雌鼠超排效果好。     

Genetic loci affecting body weight and fatness in a C57BL/6J × PWK/PhJ mouse intercross

To determine the genetic variation that contributes to body composition in the mouse, we interbred a wild-derived strain (PWK/PhJ; PWK) with a common laboratory strain (C57BL/6J; B6). The parental, F₁, and F₂ mice were phenotyped at 18 weeks old for body weight and composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). A total of 479 (244 male and 235 female) F₂ mice were genotyped for 117 polymorphic markers spanning the autosomes. Twenty-eight suggestive or significant linkages for four traits (body weight, adjusted lean and fat weight, and percent fat) were detected. Of these, three QTLs were novel: one on the proximal portion of Chr 5 for body weight (Bwq8; LOD = 4.7), one on Chr 3 for lean weight (Bwtq13; LOD = 3.6), and one on Chr 11 for percent fat (Adip19; LOD = 5.8). The remaining QTLs overlapped previously identified linkages, e.g., Adip5 on Chr 9. One QTL was sex-specific (present in males only) and seven were sex-biased (more prominent in one sex than the other). Most alleles that increased body weight were contributed by the B6 strain, and most alleles that increased percent fat were contributed by the PWK strain. Eight pairs of interacting loci were identified, none of which exactly overlapped the main-effect QTLs. Many of the QTLs found in the B6 × PWK cross map to the location of previously reported linkages, suggesting that some QTLs are common to many strains (consensus QTLs), but three new QTLs appear to be particular to the PWK strain. The location and type of QTLs detected in this new cross will assist in future efforts to identify the genetic variation that determines the ratio of lean to fat weight as well as body size in mice.     

Sensitivity to dietary obesity linked to a locus on Chromosome 15 in a CAST/Ei × C57BL/6J F2 intercross

Details of a new model of diet-dependent polygenic obesity are presented. CAST/Ei (Mus m. castaneus) mice remain lean after 12 weeks on a high-fat (32 kcal% fat) diet, while C57BL/6J mice become obese. The genes responsible for the obesity segregate in an F₂ population derived from an intercross between CAST/Ei and C57BL/6J mice. Quantitative trait analysis, with simple sequence length polymorphisms (SSLPs) at loci previously linked to rodent obesities, identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) on Chromosome (Chr) 15, accounting for approximately 9% of the variance in adiposity and 14% of the variance in mesenteric depot size. This locus appears to be at the same location as the dietary obesity-3 (Do3) locus controlling body fat content, which was previously identified in an F₂ population derived from an SWR/J × AKR/J cross. This is also at the same location as the multigenic obesity-4 (Mob4) locus found in BSB mice, which display spontaneous polygenic obesity. Suggestive linkage also was found at loci close to the single gene mutations A ^y on Chr 2 and tub on Chr 7. Received 15 January 1996 / Accepted 12 May 1996     

电磁脉冲对C57BL/6J 胸腺的作用

目的:观察电磁脉冲Electromagnetic Pulse(EMP)对C57BL/6J小鼠胸腺的影响。方法:50只C57BL/6J小鼠按体重区组随机化分为对照组和辐照组,每组25只。EMP每天照射400次,连续照射7天,照后1d(天)、3d、7d、14d、28d共5个时间点杀取胸腺。2只辐照组和2只对照组杀取的胸腺做HE染色,观察其病理改变;3只辐照与3只对照组的小鼠,杀后称取小鼠的体重和胸腺的重量,计算胸腺指数;然后提取T淋巴细胞进行计数;同时取小鼠外周血检测其中的IL-4的水平。结果:照后1d胸腺的切片没有明显改变。7天后,胸腺开始有出血,结构不清;胸腺指数呈现递减的趋势,但辐照组与对照组没有的差异没有统计学意义;T淋巴细胞数的变化也呈现先减后增的趋势,在第1d、14d、28d辐照组与对照组的差异没有统计学意义,在第3d和7d辐照组的细胞数小于对照组的细胞数(P<0.05);辐照组与对照组的外周血IL-4水平的差异也没有统计学意义。结论:电磁脉冲对雄性Balb/c小鼠胸腺结构造成一定的损伤,但胸腺指数改变不显著,T淋巴细胞数量增加。表明EMP对胸腺有一定的作用,但是胸腺不是EMP作用的敏感器官。     

Identification of candidate genes for nicotine withdrawal in C57BL/6J × DBA/2J recombinant inbred mice

Nicotine is the reinforcing ingredient in tobacco. Following chronic exposure, sudden cessation of nicotine use produces negative symptoms of withdrawal that contribute to dependence. The molecular mechanisms underlying nicotine withdrawal behaviors, however, are poorly understood. Using recombinant inbred mice, chronic nicotine was delivered by minipump and withdrawal induced using mecamylamine. Somatic signs of withdrawal, and anxiety-like behavior using elevated plus maze, were then assessed. Interval mapping was used to identify associations between genetic variation and withdrawal behaviors, and with basal gene expression. Differential gene expression following nicotine exposure and withdrawal was also assessed in progenitor mice using microarrays. Quantitative trait loci mapping identified chromosome intervals with significant genetic associations to somatic signs of withdrawal or withdrawal-induced anxiety-like behavior. Using bioinformatics, and association with basal gene expression in nucleus accumbens, we implicated Rb1, Bnip3l, Pnma2, Itm2b, and Kif13b as candidate genes for somatic signs of withdrawal, and Galr1, which showed trans-regulation from a region of chromosome 14 that was associated with somatic signs of withdrawal. Candidate genes within the chromosome 9 region associated with anxiety-like withdrawal behavior included Dixdc1, Ncam1, and Sorl1. Bioinformatics identified six genes that were also significantly associated with nicotine or alcohol traits in recent human genome-wide association studies. Withdrawal-associated somatic signs and anxiety-like behavior had strong non-overlapping genetic associations, respectively, with regions of chromosome 14 and chromosome 9. Genetic, behavioral and gene expression correlations, and bioinformatics analysis identified several candidate genes that may represent novel molecular targets for modulating nicotine withdrawal symptoms.     

Dual Opposing Roles of Metallothionein Overexpression in C57BL/6J Mouse Pancreatic β-Cells

Background

Growing evidence indicates that oxidative stress (OS), a persistent state of excess amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) along with reactive nitrogen species (RNS), plays an important role in insulin resistance, diabetic complications, and dysfunction of pancreatic β-cells. Pancreatic β-cells contain exceptionally low levels of antioxidant enzymes, rendering them susceptible to ROS-induced damage. Induction of antioxidants has been proposed to be a way for protecting β-cells against oxidative stress. Compared to other antioxidants that act against particular β-cell damages, metallothionein (MT) is the most effective in protecting β-cells from several oxidative stressors including nitric oxide, peroxynitrite, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide and streptozotocin (STZ). We hypothesized that MT overexpression in pancreatic β-cells would preserve β-cell function in C57BL/6J mice, an animal model susceptible to high fat diet-induced obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Research Design and Methods

The pancreatic β-cell specific MT overexpression was transferred to C57BL/6J background by backcrossing. We studied transgenic MT (MT-tg) mice and wild-type (WT) littermates at 8 weeks and 18 weeks of age. Several tests were performed to evaluate the function of islets, including STZ in vivo treatment, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests (IPGTT) and plasma insulin levels during IPGTT, pancreatic and islet insulin content measurement, insulin secretion, and islet morphology assessment. Gene expression in islets was performed by quantitative real-time PCR and PCR array analysis. Protein levels in pancreatic sections were evaluated by using immunohistochemistry.

Results

The transgenic MT protein was highly expressed in pancreatic islets. MT-tg overexpression significantly protected mice from acute STZ-induced ROS at 8 weeks of age; unexpectedly, however, MT-tg impaired glucose stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and promoted the development of diabetes. Pancreatic β-cell function was significantly impaired, and islet morphology was also abnormal in MT-tg mice, and more severe damage was detected in males. The unique gene expression pattern and abnormal protein levels were observed in MT-tg islets.

Conclusions

MT overexpression protected β-cells from acute STZ-induced ROS damages at young age, whereas it impaired GSIS and promoted the development of diabetes in adult C57BL/6J mice, and more severe damage was found in males.     

Ubiquitin–Proteasome System Impairment and MPTP-Induced Oxidative Stress in the Brain of C57BL/6 Wild-type and GSTP Knockout Mice

The ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) is the primary proteolytic complex responsible for the elimination of damaged and misfolded intracellular proteins, often formed upon oxidative stress. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is neuropathologically characterized by selective death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) and accumulation of intracytoplasmic inclusions of aggregated proteins. Along with mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, defects in the UPS have been implicated in PD. Glutathione S-transferase pi (GSTP) is a phase II detoxifying enzyme displaying important defensive roles against the accumulation of reactive metabolites that potentiate the aggression of SN neuronal cells, by regulating several processes including S-glutathionylation, modulation of glutathione levels and control of kinase-catalytic activities. In this work we used C57BL/6 wild-type and GSTP knockout mice to elucidate the effect of both MPTP and MG132 in the UPS function and to clarify if the absence of GSTP alters the response of this pathway to the neurotoxin and proteasome inhibitor insults. Our results demonstrate that different components of the UPS have different susceptibilities to oxidative stress. Importantly, when compared to the wild-type, GSTP knockout mice display decreased ubiquitination capacity and overall increased susceptibility to UPS damage and inactivation upon MPTP-induced oxidative stress.     

Quantitative trait loci for sensitivity to ethanol intoxication in a C57BL/6J?×?129S1/SvImJ inbred mouse cross

Individual variation in sensitivity to acute ethanol (EtOH) challenge is associated with alcohol drinking and is a predictor of alcohol abuse. Previous studies have shown that the C57BL/6J (B6) and 129S1/SvImJ (S1) inbred mouse strains differ in responses on certain measures of acute EtOH intoxication. To gain insight into genetic factors contributing to these differences, we performed quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of measures of EtOH-induced ataxia (accelerating rotarod), hypothermia, and loss of righting reflex (LORR) duration in a B6×S1 F2 population. We confirmed that S1 showed greater EtOH-induced hypothermia (specifically at a high dose) and longer LORR compared to B6. QTL analysis revealed several additive and interacting loci for various phenotypes, as well as examples of genotype interactions with sex. QTLs for different EtOH phenotypes were largely non-overlapping, suggesting separable genetic influences on these behaviors. The most compelling main-effect QTLs were for hypothermia on chromosome 16 and for LORR on chromosomes 4 and 6. Several QTLs overlapped with loci repeatedly linked to EtOH drinking in previous mouse studies. The architecture of the traits we examined was complex but clearly amenable to dissection in future studies. Using integrative genomics strategies, plausible functional and positional candidates may be found. Uncovering candidate genes associated with variation in these phenotypes in this population could ultimately shed light on genetic factors underlying sensitivity to EtOH intoxication and risk for alcoholism in humans.     

C57BL/6 J小鼠黑色素瘤肺转移模型的构建

目的探讨建立C57BL/6 J小鼠黑色素瘤肺转移模型的影响因素,包括肿瘤的接种方式、细胞接种数量和成瘤周期。方法体外培养小鼠黑色素瘤细胞B16F10。1)取6~8周龄,雄性小鼠18只,随机分三组,每组6只,分别采取尾静脉注射、腹腔注射和皮下注射方式,每只小鼠注射100μL(3×10~6个细胞)B16F10细胞悬液,2周后,解剖小鼠并观察黑色素瘤的生长和转移情况;2)分3组,同上,经尾静脉分别注射3×10~6个细胞、1×10~6个细胞、3×10~5个细胞,2周后,解剖小鼠并观察黑色素瘤的生长和转移情况;3)分3组,同上,尾静脉注射1×10~6个细胞,分别于1周、2周、3周解剖小鼠,观察黑色素瘤的生长和转移情况。结果 1)尾静脉注射小鼠黑色素瘤细胞,小鼠发生肺转移的成功率为100%,而腹腔注射和皮下注射未发生肺转移。2)接种小鼠黑色素瘤细胞数量为1×10~6时,发生肺部转移的黑色素瘤细胞数量适中;接种细胞数量为3×10~6时,发生肺部转移的黑色素瘤细胞数量过多;接种细胞数量为3×10~5时,发生肺部转移的黑色素瘤细胞数量较少。3)尾静脉注射1×10~6个小鼠黑色素瘤细胞,饲养2周后,可以观察到黑色素瘤细胞明显的肺部转移,且不会导致小鼠死亡;饲养3周,黑色素瘤细胞肺部转移数量过多,且小鼠死亡过半;饲养1周,黑色素瘤细胞肺部转移数量较少。结论经尾静脉注射1×10~6个小鼠黑色素瘤细胞,生长2周时间,为构建C57BL/6 J小鼠黑色素瘤肺转移模型的推荐方法。     

A Western-Fed Diet Increases Plasma HDL and LDL-Cholesterol Levels in ApoD–/– Mice

Objective

Plasma apolipoprotein (apo)D, a ubiquitously expressed protein that binds small hydrophobic ligands, is found mainly on HDL particles. According to studies of human genetics and lipid disorders, plasma apoD levels positively correlate with HDL-cholesterol and apoAI levels. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that apoD was a regulator of HDL metabolism.

Methods & Results

We compared the plasma lipid and lipoprotein profiles of wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice with apoD−/− mice on a C57BL/6 background after receiving a high fat-high cholesterol diet for 12 weeks. ApoD−/− mice had higher HDL-cholesterol levels (61±13-apoD−/− vs. 52±10-WT-males; 37±11-apoD−/− vs. 22±2 WT-female) than WT mice with sex-specific changes in total plasma levels of cholesterol and other lipids. Compared to WT, the HDL of apoD−/− mice showed an increase in large, lipid-rich HDL particles and according to size various quantities and sizes of LDL particles. Plasma levels of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase in the control and apoD−/− mice were not different, however, plasma phospholipid transfer protein activity was modestly elevated (+10%) only in male apoD−/− mice. An in vivo HDL metabolism experiment with isolated Western-fed apoD−/− HDL particles showed that female apoD−/− mice had a 36% decrease in the fractional catabolic rate of HDL cholesteryl ester. Hepatic SR-BI and LDLR protein levels were significantly decreased; accordingly, LDL-cholesterol and apoB levels were increased in female mice.

Conclusion

In the context of a high fat-high cholesterol diet, apoD deficiency in female mice is associated with increases in both plasma HDL and LDL-cholesterol levels, reflecting changes in expression of SR-BI and LDL receptors, which may impact diet-induced atherosclerosis.     

Why does a sucrose choice reduce the consumption of alcohol in C57BL/6J mice?

To determine why animals reject alcohol when offered palatable solutions of sucrose, male C57BL/6J mice were challenged first with 5% sucrose then with 10% sucrose, while given continuous free-access to alcohol and water. The 5% sucrose dramatically reduced the intake of alcohol and increased the intake of total fluid by an average of 7.3 ml/day. The suppression of alcohol intake could not be attributed to a volumetric ceiling since access to 10% sucrose produced a further large increase in total intake (8.8 ml/day). The results support the interpretation that animals consume alcohol for characteristics it shares with sucrose.     

Neuroprotective Effects of β-Myrcene Following Global Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion-Mediated Oxidative and Neuronal Damage in a C57BL/J6 Mouse

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of β-myrcene (MYR) on oxidative and histological damage in brain tissue caused by global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) in C57BL/J6 mice. Mice (n = 40) were equally divided into four groups: (1) sham-operated (SH), (2) global cerebral I/R, (3) MYR, and (4) MYR + I/R. The SH group was used as a control and received 0.1 % carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a vehicle following a medial incision without carotid occlusion. In the I/R group, the bilateral carotid arteries were clipped for 15 min, and treated with the vehicle intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 10 days. In the MYR group, mice were given 200 mg/kg MYR dissolved in 0.1 % CMC for 10 days following a medial incision without carotid occlusion. In the MYR + I/R group, the I/R procedure was performed exactly as in the I/R group, and they were then treated with the same dose of MYR for 10 days. Cerebral I/R induced oxidative stress via an increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation and a decrease in the antioxidant defense systems, including glutathione (GSH), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). However, MYR treatment protected against the oxidative effects of I/R by inducing significant increases in GSH, GPx, and SOD and a significant decrease in the formation of TBARS. Additionally, cerebral I/R increased the incidence of histopathological damage and apoptosis in brain tissue, but these neurodegenerative effects were eliminated by MYR treatment. This study has demonstrated that MYR effectively attenuates oxidative and histological damage in the brain caused by global I/R. The beneficial effects of MYR probably contribute to its strong antioxidant and radical scavenging properties. In conclusion, MYR may be useful for the attenuation of the negative effects of global cerebral I/R and, in the future, may be a viable and safe alternative treatment for ischemic stroke in humans.     

不同方法建立C57BL/6J小鼠抑郁症模型的探讨

目的用不同方法建立C57BL/6J小鼠抑郁症模型,为探讨GalR蛋白对小鼠抑郁症的治疗作用打下基础。方法 C57BL/6J小鼠经体重、敞箱实验及反抗抓获实验初筛后,随机分为4组:Ⅰ.CUMS组,Ⅱ.CUMS+CORT组,Ⅲ.CORT组,Ⅳ.正常对照组。每天记录小鼠体重及摄食量。28d后进行液体消耗及强迫游泳实验测试。结果小鼠抑郁模型在第28d建立成功。Ⅱ组小鼠短期内体重迅速下降并死亡。与Ⅰ组小鼠相比,Ⅲ组小鼠液体消耗和强迫游泳实验指标改变更明显。结论成功建立C57BL/6J小鼠抑郁症模型。CUMS和CORT模型结合,小鼠不能耐受,短期内死亡。单独CORT模型造模效果要优于CUMS模型。在后续试验中,将用CORT法建立C57BL/6J小鼠抑郁症模型。     

Utility of C57BL/6J × 129/SvJae embryonic stem cells for generating chromosomal deletions: tolerance to γ radiation and microsatellite polymorphism

We have previously reported a method for making nested deletion complexes in mice by irradiation of ES cells. The key to this technology is that F₁ hybrid ES cells (called v17.2) of the genotype (BALB/cTa × 129/Sv^Jae) retain germline colonizing ability after exposure to levels of ionizing radiation that induce chromosomal deletions. In an effort to identify other genotypes of ES cells that are suitable for this technology, the radiation sensitivity of the cell line v6.4, which is of the genotype (C57BL/6J × 129/Sv^Jae), was investigated. After treatment with a range of radiation exposures, the developmental potential of these cells was assayed by injecting them into blastocysts to generate chimeric mice. These experiments showed that while cell lethality increased as the level of radiation increased, the surviving ES cells retained full totipotency at all exposure levels, up to 400 Rads. Because polymorphism between parental microsatellite alleles in the F₁ hybrid ES cells is important for ascertaining the sizes of induced deletions, the 129/SvJ and 129/Sv^Jae allele sizes of 48 microsatellite loci on chromosome (Chr) 17 were determined. This revealed a higher level of polymorphism between 129 and C57BL/6J on Chr 17. The radiation tolerance, high polymorphism between parental strains, and presence of the widely used C57BL/6J strain component make v6.4 ES cells an attractive cell line for generating radiation-induced chromosomal deletions. Received: 11 August 1997 / Accepted: 13 November 1997