Novel rhino-like SHJH^(hr) mice with thyroid dysfunction

A new Hairless(Hr)gene mutant mouse line(SHJH^(hr))was identified,which showed hairless skin in adult individuals as reported in rhino mice.Through Hr gene mutant identification with polymerase chain reaction(PCR)amplification and sequencing,seven mutants were identified,including nonsense mutant site 2134C→T(R467X),which produced a truncated Hr protein.Metabolic activity and heart rate were measured using a metabolic cage and blood pressure instrument,respectively.The SHJH^(hr) mice showed a strong metabolic rate,high heart rate,and low blood pressure.Histological analysis of the thyroid gland of SHJH^(hr) mice showed abnormal follicular structure and hypertrophic thyrocytes.Compared to ICR mice,thyroid function in 4-month-old SHJH^(hr) mice showed lower thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH)levels,and in 9-month-old SHJH^(hr) mice showed significantly higher TSH and thyroid hormone levels.These data indicate that SHJH^(hr) mice may be in a hyperthyroid state with increasing age.Thus,based on the above results,we successfully established a novel mouse model with thyroid dysfunction.