Laboratory mouse

Vector diagram of laboratory mouse (black and white)

Scid mouse

Lab mouse mg 3244

Pet lab mouse in the grass

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Day-old mice

Laboratory mouse refers to a mouse (genus Mus) that is bred and used for scientific research. Laboratory mice are one of the most important model organisms in biomedical research and are used extensively to study genetics, physiology, psychology, and a wide range of human diseases. Due to their biological and genetic similarities to humans, as well as their short life cycle and ease of maintenance, laboratory mice have been instrumental in the advancement of medical and scientific knowledge.

History

The use of mice in scientific research dates back to the 17th century, but it was not until the 19th and 20th centuries that they became a staple in laboratories worldwide. The first recorded use of the term "laboratory mouse" was in the early 20th century, with the establishment of breeding programs aimed at producing strains with specific traits. The Jackson Laboratory, founded in 1929 by Clarence Cook Little, was among the first institutions to focus on the genetics of the laboratory mouse, contributing significantly to the development of inbred strains.

Genetics and Strains

Laboratory mice are genetically diverse, with hundreds of strains available for research. These strains are categorized into inbred, outbred, hybrid, transgenic, and knockout mice, each serving different research purposes. Inbred strains, for example, are genetically identical within the strain and are used to study the effects of genetic variation on disease. Transgenic and knockout mice are genetically modified to express or inactivate specific genes, respectively, allowing researchers to investigate the roles of those genes in biological processes and disease.

Uses in Research

Laboratory mice are used in a wide range of scientific fields, including genetics, oncology, neuroscience, and immunology. They serve as models for studying human diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease, among others. Mice are also used in drug development and toxicology studies to assess the safety and efficacy of new medications and treatments before they are tested in humans.

Ethical Considerations

The use of laboratory mice in research raises ethical concerns regarding animal welfare. Regulations and guidelines, such as those outlined in the Animal Welfare Act and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, have been established to ensure the humane treatment of research animals. These include requirements for housing, handling, and providing medical care to minimize pain and distress.

See Also

• Animal testing
• Model organism
• Genetically modified organism
• In vivo