rdw Rats, a New Hereditary Dwarf Model in the Rat

Abstract

A new hereditary dwarf mutation was found in Csk: Wistar-Imamichi rat breeding colony. The mutant rats and control normal rats were studied with clinical, genetical and histological examination. The result showed that the present mutation was inherited in autosomal recessive trait (gene symbol; rdw) and was provoked with the hypoplasia of pars distalis (anterior pituitary), in particular the secretory cells of GH, PRL and TSH. The characteristics of the present mutant (rdw) was very similar to dw mouse, and was usefull for endocrinological research as an animal model of human pituitary dwarfism.