| First Author | McNutt W | Year | 1969 |
| Journal | Anat Rec | Volume | 163 |
| Pages | 340 (Abstr.) | Mgi Jnum | J:12163 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:60413 | Citation | McNutt W (1969) Developmental abnormalities associated with the porcine (pr) gene in the mouse. Anat Rec 163:340 (Abstr.) |
| abstractText | Full text of Abstract: American Associated of Anatomists. McNutt, Wallace. Department of Anatomy, University of Texas Medical Sachool at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas. Developmental abnormalities associated with the porcine tail gene in the mouse. Porcine tail (pr) is an autosomal recessive gene which in the homozygous state produces an abortive tail in regular Mendelian ratios in some strains of mice. However, in other genetic backgrounds, the gene behaves irregularly regarding both the genetic ratios obtained and the manner in which the gene is expressed. The expression of the tail defect ranges from a slight, permanent bend at one extreme through bends and loops, a foreshortening to an insignificant tightly coiled stump at the other extreme. The tail defect appears to be caused by unequal growth in a primitive streak at about the presumptive of the 7th caudal vertebra. This causes the tail to grow in a curve dorsally. In short-tailed mice the tail also becomes abortive, sometimes apparently due to an amputation. In the strain being used to propagate the gene, the mice are born with the tail uniformly curved dorsally. As the mouse grows, the tail is pulled into a short, tight coil either to the right or left by the tendons, the caudal muscles inserted into the abortive stump. The tail skeleton usually consists of normal caudal vertebrae and 8-15 small vestigial vertebrae. In addition to these characteristics, abnormalities of the inner ear of a short-tailed choreic strain will be exhibited. (Supported by MRFT Small Grant.) |
