The CD-1 mouse is a widely utilized laboratory animal model, playing a significant role in various scientific investigations. Researchers frequently employ this specific strain of mouse in studies across numerous fields. Its widespread use underscores its importance in advancing our understanding of biological processes and disease mechanisms.
Defining CD-1 Mice
The CD-1 mouse is an outbred strain, meaning it originates from a breeding program designed to maintain genetic diversity. Unlike inbred strains, where individuals are nearly genetically identical, outbred mice possess a heterogeneous genetic makeup. This genetic variability is preserved through rotational breeding schemes that prevent close relatives from mating.
These mice originated from a non-inbred stock of Swiss albino mice, imported from Lausanne, Switzerland, to the United States in 1926. Descendants were then distributed, leading to the establishment of the Ha/ICR strain in 1948 at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR). CD-1 mice are albino with white fur. Adult males weigh between 35-40 grams, while females weigh 25-35 grams, and their body length is around 10-12 centimeters.
Key Research Applications
CD-1 mice are extensively used in various scientific disciplines due to their robust nature and genetic diversity. They are a preferred model in toxicology studies, where researchers assess the safety and efficacy of new drugs and chemicals. Their physiological resilience allows for the evaluation of both acute and chronic effects of exposure.
The strain is also frequently employed in pharmacology research to understand how drugs interact with biological systems and to test potential treatments. In general biomedical research, CD-1 mice serve as a versatile model for studying a wide array of biological phenomena. This includes investigations into aging, where their robust health status supports long-term studies.
CD-1 mice are valuable in infectious disease modeling and vaccine development. Their diverse immune system, stemming from their outbred genetic background, makes them suitable for studying immune responses to pathogens and for evaluating vaccine formulations. For example, CD-1 mouse populations exhibit 6-8 MHC class I variants, which is beneficial for vaccine research, unlike inbred strains such as C57BL/6 mice that have a fixed H-2b haplotype.
Benefits and Considerations for Research
CD-1 mice are widely adopted in research due to several practical advantages. Their inherent robustness and adaptability to different environments contribute to their reliability as experimental subjects. They also exhibit high reproductive rates, with females having an average of 8-12 pups per litter and a gestation period of 19-21 days, making them an economically viable option for large-scale studies.
The genetic heterogeneity of CD-1 mice, mirroring human population diversity, allows for greater generalizability of research findings. Results obtained from studies using CD-1 mice may be more broadly applicable to diverse human populations compared to those from genetically uniform inbred strains. Their docile disposition also makes them easy to handle in laboratory settings.
However, the outbred nature of CD-1 mice also presents considerations for researchers. The increased genetic variability among individual mice can lead to greater variability in experimental responses. This means that researchers may need to use larger sample sizes to achieve statistically significant results, compared to studies using inbred strains where genetic differences are minimal. Researchers account for this by carefully designing experiments with appropriate statistical power and by recognizing that individual responses may vary more widely.