Effect of Hybridization on the Primary Polydipsic Trait of an Inbred Strain of Mice

Abstract

A NON-OBLIGATORY polydipsia which is reflected in. the excretion of large quantities of urine of low specific gravity has been found in more than 90 per cent of an inbred strain, of mice (STR/N)i–3. It appears to be due to an innate thirst, the satisfaction of which is entirely unnecessary for survival. It is present in mild degree at the earliest ages studied (4 weeks), and is greatly accentuated at about 6 months of age. There is an associated high mortality in males due to the combined presence of polyuria and a urethral plug. The latter was found in almost all male mice of all strains examined, and is probably derived from seminal fluid.