Defective balancing ability and hyperactivity in the CLX (circling behavior linked to the X-chromosome) mutant rat.

We have reported that the recently described circling behavior rat (CLX) is a hereditary mutant controlled by a single sex-linked recessive gene (gene symbol: clx). This mutant shows intermittent circle walking and/or running and head tossing with the neck twisted. The abnormal behavior begins to appear around weaning and continues throughout life.

New behavioral mutant rat exhibiting circling behavior (clx) controlled by a sex-linked recessive gene.

A male rat showing intermittent circling behavior was discovered among the Jcl:Wistar rats in our laboratories, and among its backcross offspring individuals showing the same behavior were found. The abnormalities in these animals were characterized by intermittent circling behavior (walking and/or running in circles) and head tossing with the neck twisted. No abnormalities were observed in fertility, delivery or pup mortality.