Skeletal Development in Wild-type and Integrin-null Mice

All methods were approved by the University of Guelph Animal Care Committee (AUP#3655). Skeletally mature (18 ± 2 weeks) wild-type and itga1-null [8 (link)], female and male BALB/c mice (n = 3 per group) were selected for experiments from breeding colonies at the University of Guelph. Genotype was determined through a multiplex polymerase chain reaction using DNA extracted from ear notches. Mice were weighed [mean ± standard deviation; wild-type female (28.1 ± 1.2 g) and male (31.1 ± 2.1 g), itga1-null female (27.4 ± 1.6 g) and male (33.0 g ± 2.2 g)] then anesthetized with isoflurane and euthanized by cardiac puncture followed by cervical dislocation [23 ]. Estrous cycle stage at euthanasia was not controlled.