Congenitally caused fused labia in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

Abstract

In this paper, the occurrence of an external genital abnormality in female marmoset monkeys (fused labia) is discussed. This malformation was detected, for the first time, in a group of animals at the German Primate Center (GPC), Goettingen. The malformed vulva was completely sealed except for an opening of 1.5-2.5 mm around the urethra sufficient for urination. Because of this defect the animals were not able to copulate. As a consequence, the affected females were functionally infertile although they had a normal genital tract and a regular cycle. This vulvar abnormality was found in 12 females, offspring of 10 pairs in which either one or both came to the German Primate Center from two genetically related colonies in Munich, Germany, and one colony in Basel, Switzerland. The abnormality appeared to be recessive and inheritable from either parent. In pairs in which both animals were from one of the mentioned colonies, 45% of the female offspring were affected. In pairs where only one partner came from these colonies, 26% of female offspring had the malformation. These results indicate that avoidance of inbreeding, which is frequently performed in primate colonies, may reduce, but not eliminate the expression of abnormalities of genetic origin. Therefore selective breeding is required, and, in colonies where these recessive mutations are widespread, the development of genetic screening tests would be advantageous.

Neonatology and Neonatal Disorders

“…70 Furthermore, it has been reported as a familial trait in humans and marmosets. 76,77 In marmosets, an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance was proposed, which suggests that the parents may perpetuate the defect in phenotypically unaffected individuals.…”

Critical estradiol dose optimization for oocyte in vitro maturation in the common marmoset

“…Marmosets were housed according to standard German Primate Center practice for C jacchus [3,4,6,7,24].…”

Dynamic Regulation of Histone H3 Methylation at Lysine 4 in Mammalian Spermatogenesis1

“…Animals were housed according to standard German Primate Centre practice for the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) [29,30]. Two adult animals were killed by an overdose of anaesthetic, and the testes were surgically removed and immediately processed for further analyses.…”