Objective: To quantitatively compare the whole body, the lateral maxillofacial profile in Ts18 foetuses with cleft palate (Ts + CP) and euploid foetuses in order to answer the question whether this animal model is associated with maldevelopment or hypoplasia of the craniomaxillofacial region.
Methods: Sixty female Hanmice and 11 male mice with the Rb(2.18) 6Rma and Rb(1.18) 10Rma chromosomes were used to generate 569 living foetuses. Of these, 52 pairs Ts + CP and euploid foetuses were selected according to about equal body weight, and used in gross morphometric study.
Results: Ts + 18 foetuses had greater body flexion, a significant maxillary and mandibular retrusion, also mandible in Ts + CP foetuses were smaller than in euploids without cleft.
Conclusions: This animal model of congenital cleft palate developed hypoplasia of the maxilla and mandible.