Defining fetal growth restriction in mice: A standardized and clinically relevant approach

Placenta. 2011 Nov;32(11):914-6. doi: 10.1016/j.placenta.2011.08.007. Epub 2011 Sep 1.

Abstract

The increasing number of mouse models of fetal growth restriction (FGR) make it crucial to standardize the way FGR is defined. By constructing growth curves in the placental-specific Igf2 knockout mouse (P0) it was demonstrated that 93% of P0 fetuses fell below the 5th centile of wild-type weights at E18.5, up from 44% at E16.5. This analysis, coupled with anthropomorphic measurements showing evidence of head sparing in P0 fetuses, allows clinical comparisons of FGR in mice through the use of clinically relevant growth curves. We suggest this as a standardized approach to defining FGR in mouse, and other animal models.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diagnostic Techniques, Obstetrical and Gynecological / standards*
  • Diagnostic Techniques, Obstetrical and Gynecological / veterinary
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Female
  • Fetal Growth Retardation / classification
  • Fetal Growth Retardation / diagnosis*
  • Fetal Growth Retardation / veterinary
  • Fetal Weight / physiology
  • Gestational Age
  • Growth Charts
  • Male
  • Mice*
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis / methods
  • Prenatal Diagnosis / standards
  • Prenatal Diagnosis / veterinary
  • Reference Standards