Transcriptome analysis identifies pathways associated with enhanced maternal performance in QSi5 mice.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Highly fecund mouse strains provide an ideal model to understand the factors affecting maternal performance. The QSi5 inbred strain of mice was selected for high fecundity and low inter-litter interval, and is very successful at weaning large numbers of offspring when compared to other inbred strains.

Results

Post-natal pup weight gain was used to estimate mammary gland output and to compare the performance of QSi5 mice to CBA mice. Cumulative litter weights and individual pup weight gain was significantly higher throughout the first eight days of lactation in QSi5 mice compared to CBA mice. Morphometric analysis of mammary glands during pregnancy in QSi5 mice revealed a 150 percent greater ductal side branching compared to CBA mice (P < 0.001). Ontology and pathw

SUBMITTER: Ramanathan P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2386486 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature