History, Wild Mice, and Genetics, the first volume in the four volume set, The Mouse in Biomedical Research, provides information about the history, biology and genomics of the laboratory mouse (Mus musculus), as well as basic information on maintenance and use of mouse stocks. Mouse origins and relationships are covered in chapters on history, evolutionary taxonomy and wild mice. Genetics and genomics of the mouse are covered in chapters on genetic nomenclature, gene mapping, cytogenetics and the molecular organization of the mouse genome. Maintenance of laboratory mice is described in chapters on breeding systems for various types of strains and stocks and genetic monitoring. Use of the mouse as a model system for basic biomedical research is described in chapters on chemical mutagenesis, gene trapping, pharmacogenetics and embryo manipulation. The information in Volume 1 serves as a primer for scientists new to the field of mouse research.

Diseases, the second volume in the four volume set, The Mouse in Biomedical Research, departs from the first edition, by discussing specific disease causing microorganisms, rather than the format used in the first edition which discussed infectious diseases affecting specific organs and tissues. As such, the volume consists of 26 chapters subdivided into RNA viruses and DNA viruses, as well as bacterial, mycotic, and parasitic infections. These chapters not only provide updates on pathogenesis, epidemiology and prevention of previously recognized murine pathogens, but also include information on newly recognized disease-causing organisms: mouse parvovirus, cilia associated respiratory bacilli and Helicobacter spp. A separate category, consisting of 3 chapters, discusses zoonoses, tumor pathology of genetically engineered mice, and spontaneous diseases in commonly used mouse strains.

Normative Biology, Husbandry, and Models, the third volume in the four volume set, The Mouse in Biomedical Research, encompasses 23 chapters whose contents provide a broad overview on the laboratory mouse's normative biology, husbandry, and its use as a model in biomedical research. This consists of chapters on behavior, physiology, reproductive physiology, anatomy, endocrinology, hematology, and clinical chemistry. Other chapters cover management, as well as nutrition, gnotobiotics and disease surveillance. There are also individual chapters describing the mouse as a model for the study of aging, eye research, neurodegenerative diseases, convulsive disorders, diabetes, and cardiovascular and skin diseases. Chapters on imaging techniques and the use of the mouse in assays of biological products are also included.

Immunology, the third volume in the four volume set, The Mouse in Biomedical Research, is a completely new addition to this series, dedicated to mouse immunology. It is based on the vast body of knowledge which has made the mouse the model of choice when studying immunity in man. Arguably more is known about the immune system in mice than any other species except man. In large part this is due to the power of genetic engineering to delineate molecular mechanisms. In this volume we present an Overview to mouse immunology, including both the innate and adaptive immune systems, followed by 15 chapters, each dealing with a specific area of immunology in the mouse. These chapters illustrate the power of genetic engineering in dissecting each component of the immune response from the development of lymphoid tissues to signal transduction pathways in activated cells.