This volume is an indispensable reference on the nature of immune defects in rodents and the special techniques necessary to maintain and breed them. The authors describe 64 inbred, hybrid, and mutant strains of rodents, each with some immune defect; explain mechanisms for ensuring genetic purity; and provide a standardized nomenclature for different varieties. Subsequent sections summarize and provide references on the genetics, pathophysiology, husbandry, and reproduction of each of the various strains as well as sound advice on planning for the selection, transportation, housing, and maintenance of these animals.

Contents

• Committee on Immunologically Compromised Rodents
• Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources Council
• Commission on Life Sciences
• Preface
• 1. Introduction
  • Immune System Function
  • Effect of Environmental Factors on Immune Function
  • General Considerations for Maintaining Immunodeficient Rodents
  • Mutations
  • Gene Markers and Chromosome Maps
  • Nomenclature and Sources of Immunodeficient Rodents
  • General Reading
• 2. Hereditary Immunodeficiencies
  • Mice with Single Mutations
  • Mice with Multiple Mutations
  • Inbred Strains of Mice
  • Outbred Mice
  • Rat Mutants
  • Inbred Strains of Rats
  • Guinea Pig Mutants
  • Hamster Mutants
• 3. Induced Immunodeficiencies
  • Chemical Inducers
  • Infectious Agents
  • Nutrition
  • Ionizing and Ultraviolet Radiation
  • Biological Inducers
  • Thymectomy
• 4. Maintenance of Rodents Requiring Isolation
  • General Considerations
  • Special Facilities and Equipment
  • Specialized Husbandry
  • Control of Infection
• 5. Mating Systems for Mutants
  • Inbreeding
  • Propagation without Inbreeding
• 6. Genetic Mechanisms Governing Resistance or Susceptibility to Infectious Diseases
• References
• Appendix Hematopoietic Cell Surface Antigens Mentioned in the Text
• Glossary

NOTICE: The project that is the subject of this report was approved by the Governing Board of the National Research Council, whose members are drawn from the councils of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine. The members of the committee responsible for the report were chosen for their special competences and with regard for appropriate balance.

This report has been reviewed by a group other than the authors according to procedures approved by a Report Review Committee consisting of members of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine.

This project was funded primarily by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) through contract number NO1-CM-57644 with the National Cancer Institute. Additional funding was provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through grant number BSR-8716373. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the committee and do not necessarily reflect the views of DHHS or NSF, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. government.

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