Análise de correspondência aplicada ao estudo da associação entre o sexo, ordem de parto e tamanho da prole em colônias de ratos Wistar com susceptibilidade à crise audiogênica (ICB/UFMG) utilizados em modelos de pesquisa em epilepsia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to use the multivariate statistical technique called simple correspondence analysis to investigate how the number of crossing interferes in the size of the offspring and in the sex stratification of seizure susceptible rats. The Wistar audiogenic rat (WAR), is characterized as audiogenic reflex epilepsy animal model obtained by consanguinity of Wistar rats sensitive to high intensity acoustic stimuli. This model has spontaneously recurrent seizures which undoubtedly closer to human epilepsy. For this purpose, a relation database containing information about the WAR/UFMG strain has been developed since its implementation (1995) to the present day. The first approach to the database was directed specifically to animal mating. The study analyzed of 809 crossings and 6354 seizure susceptible rats, 51.3% female and 48,7% male. Correspondence analysis showed dependence relationship for the variables involved. The first and second births were associated with largest offspring number (from 10 to 15 rats), for both sexes. On the other hand, a weak association was observed between the fourth birth and the offspring categorized as very small (less than 5 rats) and small (5 to 10 rats), for both sexes. Another interesting result was an association, although weak, between third birth and then offspring with more than or equal 15 rats, for both sexes.