Homozygote: Kit mice possess pleiotropic defects in pigment-forming cells, germ cells, RBC's and mast cells. In addition, they exhibit impaired resistance to parasitic infection and an intrinsic progenitor cell defect. KitW-v homozygotes resemble KitW homozygotes in color, anemia, and germ cells, but many of them survive to maturity. On the A/J background, the classic black-eyed albino phenotype cannot be used to assess genotype. The donating investigator reports that mice on this background exhibit poor viability, mast cell defects, decreased airway hyperresponsiveness and sterility. On the hybrid (C57BL/6 x A/J)F1 background, KitW homozygotes are viable and exhibit decreased airway hyperresponsiveness.

Heterozygote: Not evaluated. On the albino A/J background, coat color markings are not visible.

KitW-v homozygotes resemble KitW homozygotes in color, anemia, and germ cells, but many of them survive to maturity. Mice on this background exhibit poor viability, mast cell defects, decreased airway hyperresponsiveness and sterility.

This strain is hosted by NIH's MMRRC, which partners with JAX for the distribution of this and other strains. For additional information and to purchase, please visit the MMRRC site.