Metabolic and Endocrine Function in Whirler Mice

Abstract

Summary

Body weight, metabolic rate and endocrine organ weight differences were determined between sister female whirler mice and their phenotypically normal heterozygotes. The whirlers, a recessive waltzing mouse mutation, show syndromes of rapid, circling, locomotor activity, headshaking and deafness. O₂ consumption rates were obtained at 12 weeks of age. Two weeks afterward, both types were autopsied for endocrine and associated organ weight studies. The findings indicated markedly or significantly lower body weights in the homozygous whirler mice and significantly higher O₂ consumption rates. The adrenal, thymic, ovarian and uterine findings presented evidence of increased adrenocortical activity and decreased gonadal function in the whirler mice. Similarities between the behavioral and endocrine characteristics of the excitable whirler mice to human psychoses are noted.