The two main defects of mice homozygous for the nude spontaneous mutation (Foxn1nu, formerly Hfh11nu) are abnormal hair growth and defective development of the thymic epithelium. Although the mice appear hairless, they are born with functional but faulty hair growth follicles. Hair growth cycles and patterns are evident especially in pigmented mice but the faulty follicles do not allow the hair to properly erupt. Homozygous pups can be identified as young as 24 hours by their lack of whiskers or poorly developed, crinkled whiskers. Nude mice are also athymic caused by a developmental failure of the thymic anlage. Consequently, homozygous nude mice lack T cells and suffer from a lack of cell-mediated immunity. However there is not a defect in T-cell precursors, and under the right conditions some functional mature T cells can be found especially in adult mice. Because of a defect in helper T-cell activity, responses to thymus-dependent antigens when detectable are primarily limited to IgM. Homozygous nude mice show partial defect in B cell development probably due to absence of functional T cells. Other endocrine and neurological deficiencies have been reported. The use of nude mice has reduced the number of thymectomy procedures required in research projects. Females are not effective breeders. Ovulation starts late at 2.5 months and ends early at 4 months.

These mice carry a spontaneous mutation at the Foxn1 locus characterized by abnormal hair growth and defective development of the thymic epithelium.

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

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