In this strain, exon 4 of the endogenous neuropeptide S receptor 1 (Npsr1 or GPRA) gene is replaced with a neo cassette, abolishing ligand binding function. Homozygous (GPRA-/-) mice are viable, fertile, normal in size, and do not display any gross physical or behavioral abnormalities. GPRA-/- mice on a 129/SvEv genetic background show an attenuated response when challenged with the cholinergic receptor-dependent bronchoconstricting agent thromboxane. These GPRA mutant mice may be useful for studying the induction of asthma-like disease, smooth muscle constriction, and airway function.
In an attempt to offer alleles on well-characterized or multiple genetic backgrounds, alleles are frequently moved to a genetic background different from that on which an allele was first characterized. It should be noted that the phenotype could vary from that originally described. We will modify the strain description if necessary as published results become available.
