Olude M A, Olopade J O, Fatola I O, Onwuka S K
Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Folia Morphol (Warsz). 2009 Nov;68(4):224-7.
Sixteen African giant rats (Cricetomys gambianus Waterhouse), consisting of 8 male and 8 female rats, were used to determine neurocranial measurements of the skulls. The mean neurocranial volume was 5.06 + or - 0.05 mL, neurocranial length was 3.33 + or - 0.08 cm, and the neurocranial height and index were 1.39 + or - + or - 0.04 cm and 41.74%, respectively. The mean whole skull length and height were 6.32 + or - 0.06 cm and 2.98 + or - 0.05 cm, respectively. The skull without the mandible was 1.83 + or - 0.02 cm in height, and the skull index was 28.41 + or - 0.58. The height of the skull of the African giant was approximately half (47%) of the skull length. The mean height and width of the foramen magnum were 0.78 + or - + or - 0.01 cm and 0.96 + or - 0.02 cm, respectively, while the foramen index was below 100 at 81.46 + or - 1.42. Parameters for the whole skull height and foramen magnum width showed significant difference between both sexes at p < 0.05. The foramen magnum showed shape variations and there were multiple hypoglossal foramina in over 87% of the rats. This study, in conclusion, highlighted the possibility of the estimation of the brain density and the use of the African giant rat for cranial pressure experiments.
16只非洲巨鼠（冈比亚囊鼠，Cricetomys gambianus Waterhouse），其中8只雄性和8只雌性，被用于测定颅骨的神经颅测量值。神经颅平均体积为5.06±0.05毫升，神经颅长度为3.33±0.08厘米，神经颅高度和指数分别为1.39±0.04厘米和41.74%。整个颅骨的平均长度和高度分别为6.32±0.06厘米和2.98±0.05厘米。不含下颌骨的颅骨高度为1.83±0.02厘米，颅骨指数为28.41±0.58。非洲巨鼠颅骨的高度约为颅骨长度的一半（47%）。枕骨大孔的平均高度和宽度分别为0.78±0.01厘米和0.96±0.02厘米，而枕骨大孔指数低于100，为81.46±1.42。整个颅骨高度和枕骨大孔宽度的参数在两性之间存在显著差异（p<0.05）。枕骨大孔呈现出形状变化，超过87%的大鼠有多个舌下神经管孔。总之，本研究强调了估计脑密度以及使用非洲巨鼠进行颅压实验的可能性。
