The steel mutations cause deficiencies in pigment cells, germ cells, and blood cells paralleling those caused by the Kit locus mutations. Most steel homozygous mice are severely anemic in utero and die usually at 15 to 16 days of gestation. However, compounds of two MgfSl mutants (e.g. MgfSl/MgfSl-d) are viable, black-eyed white, are usually sterile in one or both sexes, and have severe macrocytic anemia. Heterozygous mice have a diluted coat color with a small amount of white spotting, are viable and fertile, and may have a slight macrocytic anemia. Primordial germ cells are absent in the nonviable MgfSl/ MgfSl homozygotes and deficient in the MgfSl/+ heterozygotes. Mast cells are virtually absent in skin and other tissues of steel mutant mice. Tumors tend to develop in germ-cell-deficient ovaries with advancing age.

These mice carry a spontaneous remutation at the Kitl locus characterized by deficiencies in pigment cells, germ cells, and blood cells.

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

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