Levels of alpha-fetoprotein in amniotic fluids of mice (curly-tail) with neural tube defects.

Abstract
Mutant curly-tail mice are genetically predisposed to produce offspring with neural tube defects. Estimation of .alpha.-fetoprotein in the amniotic fluid of fetuses of these mutants showed the levels are raised in fetuses with exencephaly and open spina bifida. These mice may be a valid model for studies of the etiology and genesis of neural tube defects in man.