Ovarian Abnormalities in the Staggerer Mutant Mouse

Jean-Marie Guastavino,Wim E Crusio,Salima Boufares

doi:10.1100/tsw.2005.87

Abstract

Disturbances in several reproductive functions of the staggerer cerebellar mutant mouse have been observed. In this study, reproductive efficiency of staggerer mice was compared to normal mice by recording the number of pups produced and the number of oocytes occurring. It was found that staggerer mothers produced smaller litters than controls and the number of oocytes produced in their ovaries was reduced by the staggerer mutation. These results indicate a pleiotropic effect on fertility of the Rorasg gene underlying the cerebellar abnormalities of the staggerer mutant.

Highlights

The target of the staggerer mutation was first described as a cerebellar atrophy resulting in alteration of gait and body balance[1,2]
Reproduction is often altered in mutants and this appears to be the case for the staggerer mutation, where both male and female reproductive capacity are highly abnormal[20,21,22]: Few staggerer males were sexually active, often showing a constant penile erection[22]
The numbers of oocytes counted was significantly lower in the staggerer females than in the controls (p < 0.05)

Summary

Introduction

The target of the staggerer mutation was first described as a cerebellar atrophy resulting in alteration of gait and body balance[1,2]. Over a 15-year period of breeding in our laboratory, we have found that about 2 out of 3 staggerer females reproduce. Able to reproduce, staggerer females showed delayed onset of puberty, abnormalities in the estrous cycle[23], and a marked acceleration of the reproductive aging process[20].

Results

Conclusion