Mice homozygous for the shiverer spontaneous mutation (Mpbshi) show a generalized tremor during locomotion from 12 days of age. This shivering increases in severity with age, and there is incoordination of the hindlimbs. Post-weaning mice undergo seizure-like attacks during which they may lie rigid and motionless for many seconds. Homozygotes are noticeably smaller than their littermates by 4 weeks of age and their life span is shortened. They usually die between 50 and 100 days of age, often while undergoing an attack. They are fertile but do not breed well. There is a severe myelin deficiency throughout the CNS, and a moderate hypomyelination in the PNS. Occasional regions of normal appearing myelin are found throughout the CNS. Heterozygous mice behave normally and have structurally normal myelin but produce only half the normal amount of MBP in both CNS and PNS. Myelin deficient (Mbpshi-mld) homozygotes closely resemble shiverer mice in behavior, neuropathology, and MBP deficiency.

These mice carry a spontaneous mutation at the Mbp locus commonly referred to as “Shiverer”, and are characterized by a deficiency of myelin in the central nervous system with progressive development of tremors and seizures.

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

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.jax.org/jax-mice-and-services/customer-support" rel="noreferrer">Contact Customer Service</a> for more information.