Severe ocular abnormalities in C57BL/6 but not in 129/Sv p53-deficient mice

PURPOSE. To demonstrate the importance of genetic background interaction on the development of ocular phenotypes in p53-deficient mice. METHODS. Eyes of adult mice, homozygous and heterozygous for the p53 gene d isruption in the 129/SvJ and C57BL/6J (B6) genetic backgrounds, and their F 1 progeny were examined by indirect ophthalmoscopy and by light microscopy. RESULTS. Indirect ophthalmoscopy revealed unilateral or bilateral vitreal o pacities, fibrous retrolental tissue, and retinal folds in adult BG mice bu t not in 129/Sv mice homozygous for a p53 null mutation. In BG p53-/- mice, blood vessels extended from the peripapillary inner retina through the pos terior vitreous and into the retrolental membrane. Optic nerves were hypopl astic. CONCLUSIONS. These findings indicate that alleles from the BG background co ntribute to the aberrant ocular phenotypes observed in p53 deficiency. They also suggest that p53 or the pathway in which it functions may be importan t for normal eve development.