[Genetic analysis of laterality in house mice (Mus musculus L.)]

An attempt was made to obtain with the help of selection-genetic method, mice lines with genetically determined differences in lateralization of the fore-legs (right-, left-handedness). In 5 generations of selection, 302 animals-offsprings were studied, obtained through crossing of the lines CBA X C57BL/6. Two parameters of asymmetry were investigated: direction and degree. It is shown that the genotype controls the degree of the lateralization of the fore-legs, whereas the direction of lateralization is not subjected to a rigid genetic control. In the studied mice population, "right-handed" mice prevail over "left-handed" ones, which seems to be due to their dwelling conditions in the early ontogenesis.