Does monozygotic twinning occur in mice?

Abstract

Published reports suggest that the incidence of monozygotic twinning in women is increased after hormonally induced ovulation. Since some statistical evidence exists to indicate that monozygotic twinning may also occur in mice, we attempted to devise a mouse system in which the incidence of such twinning could be compared after spontaneous versus hormonally induced ovulation, in order to analyse the developmental basis of such an effect. We used phenotypic identity in litters segregating for ten genetic loci (not all independent) to indicate possible twin pairs. DNA finger-printing using three human minisatellite probes was then performed blind on these pairs and on sibling controls. From a total of over 2000 mice born, 40 apparently identical pairs were identified, on which DNA finger-printing was successfully carried out on 35 pairs. All proved to be derived from different zygotes. We conclude that monozygotic twin pairs are either extremely rare in the stock of mice that we studied, or have such reduced viability that their chance of surviving to weaning is low.