Quantitative genetic variation in the skeleton of the mouse: I. Variation between inbred strains

Abstract

SUMMARY: A series of six bones from samples of mice from eleven inbred strains and one F₁hybrid were measured using a simple apparatus. The bones examined were the mandible, os coxae, femur, tibia–fibula, scapula and humerus. Considerable variation in the shape of each bone was found and successful discrimination between the strains was obtained. Correct strain classification ranged from 87% for the scapula to 98% for the os coxae. Gross abnormalities and quantitative variants were identified.As the pattern of discrimination is different for each bone, the use of other bones in addition to the mandible may improve resolution in the identification and quality control of mouse stocks. The objective and precise identification of abnormal and variant bones suggests that the method may be useful for population studies and for the detection of induced skeletal abnormalities in toxicological investigations.