Characterization of long-lived wild-derived house mice (Mus musculus)
J.M. Harper, R.A. Miller
University of Michigan,
Department of Pathology & Institute of Gerontology,
1500 East Medical Center Drive,
5410 CCGCB,
Box 0940,
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0940
Adaptation to the laboratory environment is associated with significant physiological and behavioral alterations that could be detrimental to the aging process. Hence three stocks of mice: one from live-trapped individuals captured in North Central Idaho (Id), one from individuals live-trapped on the South Pacific island of Majuro (Ma), and a genetically heterogenous control stock derived from the offspring of (BALB/c x C57BL/6)F1 females and (C3H/He x DBA/2)F1 males (DC) were developed in order to assess the longevity of each stock. Physiological and biochemical traits thought to be linked to the aging process were also monitored. In comparison to the DC mice, Id mice exhibited significant increases in both mean (24%) and maximal (16%) longevity while Ma mice exhibited a significant increase in maximal longevity (9%) only. Both stocks of wild-derived mice are significantly smaller, and are slower to reach sexual maturity, than the DC mice. In addition, Id mice have significantly lower circulating levels of the hormones insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I), and leptin, as well as lower fasted glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels, while Ma mice exhibit a state of hypothyroidism. These results lend support to the idea that adaptation to laboratory conditions has a negative impact upon age-retarding mechanisms, and that wild-derived stocks may prove to be valuable tools for dissecting the genetic mechanisms behind the aging process.
Key words:
wild-derived, longevity, growth, reproduction
Problems or questions regarding this site should be directed to
webmaster@americanaging.org