Kit mice possess pleiotropic defects in pigment-forming cells, germ cells, RBC's and mast cells. Heterozygous KitW-v mice produce a mid-ventral spot of variable size on the trunk, and very frequently a small mid-dorsal spot on the head as well. Homozygotes produce black-eyed white mice. KitW-v homozygotes survive significantly longer than KitW homozygotes. The inner ears of homozygotes have marked abnormalities in the cochlea (the most striking abnormalities occur in the organ of Corti and the stria vascularis) and many have severe abnormalities in the saccule as well. Female homozygotes possess very few ovarian follicles at any time and these cease to grow and develop after the age of 2 months. The lack of germ cells in mutant mice leads to the development of some ovarian tumors (mesotheliomas and granulosa cell), associated with an overproduction of pituitary gonadotropic hormone. Adult male homozygotes have abnormal testes, being almost devoid of spermatogenesis.

These mice carry a spontaneous remutation at the Kit locus with homozygotes characterized by having better viability than the KitW mutants, macrocytic anemia, and a classic 'black-eyed-white' phenotype. Heterozygotes have mild, normochromic, macrocytic anemia and a white belly spot.

Typically mice are recovered in 12-16 weeks. Contact Customer Service to place an order or for more information.

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