Ontogenetic study of the Miwh gene in mice.

Ontogenetic and adult behavioral tests were conducted on an extreme non-agouti strain of mice carrying the Miwh mutation. Except for startle response, no significant differences were seen in any aspect of the preweaning reflex and neuromuscular tests. The lack of startle response seen in Miwh/Miwh and Miwh/+ mice can be attributed to abnormalities found in the inner ear of these genotypes. Among adult mice, significant differences were found in the open field and visual cliff tests.