RAT MUTANT (NZNU) SHOWING NUDE CHARACTERISTICS

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 27  (6) , 410-413
Abstract
A new rat mutant (nznu) was described which shows characteristics similar to those of the nude mouse. The mutant is an autosomal recessive. Homozygotes are essentially hairless (except for stunted vibriassae) and show deficient thymus gland development. Under conventional breeding conditions the mutants are difficult to raise and few survive weaning. The absence of functional thymus-derived [T] lymphocytes in the nude rat was implied by acceptance of histoincompatible skin grafts, lack of response to the T cell mitogens phytohemagglutinin and concanvalin A and absence of cells sensitive to alloantiserum directed against rat T lymphocytes. Although total blood leukocytes from the nude rat were within the normal range, differential counting of leukocytes showed a 4-fold elevation of neutrophils and a 2.5-fold reduction of lymphocytes, compared with normal rats. Phenotypically normal heterozygotes gave values intermediate between nude and normal rats.

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