Characterization of the larynx in ephrin-B2 knockout mice: a novel animal model for laryngeal clefts.
OBJECTIVE
To identify and classify laryngeal clefts in a novel mouse model.


METHODS
In vivo animal study.


METHODS
Academic research laboratory.


METHODS
129/CD1 mice with the ephrin-B2 gene disrupted by the β-galactosidase (lacZ) gene were humanely killed at embryonic day 18 (E18) and evaluated for the presence and characterization of a laryngeal cleft. Homozygous and heterozygous lacZ knockout mice as well as wild-type littermates were evaluated.


METHODS
Microsurgical dissection of the oral cavity and pharynx allowed for a pseudoendoscopic view of the larynx to determine the presence or absence of a cleft. The specimens were also histologically sectioned and examined for characterization and classification of the cleft.


RESULTS
A laryngeal cleft was identified in 12 of 27 ephrin-B2 homozygous lacZ knockout mice (44%). Laryngeal clefts were not identified in heterozygous ephrin-B2 knockout mice or in wild-type littermates.


CONCLUSIONS
Disruption of ephrin-B2 reverse signaling results in laryngeal clefts in lacZ knockout mice. This presents a novel mouse model in which future investigations into etiology of laryngeal clefts may be examined.
Departments of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University ofTexas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9035, USA.
Ryan E
RE
Neilan
Dongmei
D
Shao
Christopher
C
Dravis
Mark
M
Henkemeyer
Kenneth H
KH
Lee
D000818:Animals; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D036388:Ephrin-B2 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D007763:Lac Operon; D007830:Larynx / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout
D036388:Ephrin-B2