C3H/J mouse (JAX™), C3H/HeOuJ

Nomenclature: C3H/HeOuJ

Type: Inbred mice

Origin: The C3H parent strain was developed by LC Strong in 1920 from a cross of a Bagg albino female with a DBA male followed by selection for high incidence of mammary tumors. This high incidence resulted from exogenous mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) transmitted through the mother's milk. The Jackson Laboratory maintains four C3H substrains (C3H/HeJ, C3H/HeOuJ, C3HeB/FeJ and C3H/HeSnJ) that are now free of exogenous MMTV. 

This substrain, now named C3H/HeOuJ, was originally separated from C3H/HeJ carrying the newly discovered Kit^w-x mutation by Dr. E. S. Russell in 1952 and the current line was derived from wild-type littermates of that stock in 1982 by Dr. H.C. Outzen. C3H/HeJ and C3H/HeOuJ are genetically very similar. However, a spontaneous mutation occurred in C3H/HeJ sometime between 1960 and 1968 at lipopolysaccharide response locus (mutation in toll-like receptor 4 gene, Tlr4^lps) making C3H/HeJ mice endotoxin resistant while the other three C3H strains are endotoxin sensitive.

C3H/HeOuJ mice and all other C3H substrains at The Jackson Laboratory are homozygous for the retinal degeneration 1 mutation (Pde6b^rd1), causing blindness by weaning age. There is also a high incidence of hepatomas in C3H mice. This strain does not carry mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV), but virgin and breeding females may still develop some mammary tumors later in life.

Coat color: Agouti

Strain code: 626

Ideal for: Safety and efficacy testing, oncology, neurological disorders, retinal degeneration

JAX™ Stock No: 000635

More information about the strain: 

• Characteristics of JAX™ C3H/HeOuJ Mice
• Mouse Phenome Database: C3H/HeOuJ

Note: Only The Jackson Laboratory and Charles River in Europe and Japan maintain colonies of JAX™ Mice strains which are derived from pedigreed mice from The Jackson Laboratory and are re-infused routinely with pedigreed mice to stabilise the genetic integrity and phenotype of these strains.

JAX™ is a trademark of The Jackson Laboratory registered in the United States. All rights reserved.

Charles River Laboratories is the official distributor of JAX mice in Europe. Click and read more.

Bred in: Germany

Health reports: Using strain nomenclature find the strain at links below

• animals health reports bred in Charles River Germany 

*Photos provided courtesy of Charles River