C3H mice
C3H mice are a widely used inbred strain of laboratory mice, serving as a versatile model in various domains of biomedical research. These mice have been instrumental in studies related to cancer, immunology, genetics, and infectious diseases, among others. The C3H strain has several substrains, each with unique characteristics, allowing researchers to select the most appropriate model for their specific study objectives.
C3H mice are characterized by their high susceptibility to the development of mammary tumors, which makes them an invaluable model for breast cancer research. They also exhibit a high incidence of hepatomas and are prone to the development of retinal degeneration, providing insights into liver cancer and eye diseases, respectively.
Applications in Research:
Cancer Research
C3H mice are extensively used in oncology research due to their predisposition to develop various tumors. They have provided insights into tumor biology, cancer genetics, and have been used to test the efficacy and safety of novel anticancer drugs and therapies.
Immunology Studies
The immune response of C3H mice is well-characterized, making them a suitable model for immunological research. They have been used to study the immune system’s role in infection, autoimmune diseases, and transplantation, contributing to the development of immunotherapies and vaccines.
Genetic Research
C3H mice, being inbred, have a uniform genetic makeup, which reduces variability in experimental results. This uniformity allows for precise genetic manipulations and facilitates the study of gene functions, genetic disorders, and the role of genetics in disease development and progression.
Infectious Disease Research
C3H mice have been used to study the pathogenesis of various infectious diseases and to develop and test new vaccines and antimicrobial agents. Their well-defined immune response to infections provides insights into host-pathogen interactions and immune defense mechanisms.