The spelling of "nude mice" might be confusing for non-native English speakers, as the pronunciation differs from what one would expect. The word "nude" is pronounced /njuːd/, with the "u" sound being more like "ew". Meanwhile, "mice" is pronounced /maɪs/, with the "i" sounding like "eye". Therefore, the proper way to spell and pronounce "nude mice" is /njuːd maɪs/. These hairless rodents are often used in scientific research as they lack an immune system, making them useful for studying human diseases.
Nude Mice:
Nude mice, also known as athymic mice, are a strain of laboratory mice characterized by their lack of a functioning immune system due to a genetic mutation. The term "nude" refers to their hairless appearance, as their immune deficiency is manifested in the absence of hair growth. These mice are crucial tools in biomedical research, particularly in the field of immunology and cancer studies.
The nude mouse strain is genetically engineered to lack a thymus, an organ responsible for the development of T-cells, a type of white blood cell crucial for immune responses. This genetic defect results in a compromised immune system, making nude mice highly vulnerable to infections and diseases. Their lack of a thymus also affects their ability to reject transplanted tissues, which is valuable in studying aspects of organ transplantation and tissue engineering.
Nude mice are extensively utilized in biomedical research as host organisms for human tumor cell lines and xenograft models. Their immunodeficient nature allows for the growth of human tumor cells in their bodies, enabling scientists to study various forms of cancer and test potential therapeutic interventions. Moreover, nude mice provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying immune responses, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and drug development.
Overall, nude mice have become invaluable models in scientific research, enabling scientists to better understand diseases and develop innovative treatments in the pursuit of enhancing human health.