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Selection for high and low adrenal weight in mice
The Journal of Endocrinology
|September 1, 1976
Summary
This study successfully selected for high adrenal weight in mice over eight generations, demonstrating significant genetic influence. The selected mice exhibited greater adrenal weights than parental strains, indicating potential for further selection.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Animal Science
- Physiology
Background:
- Adrenal weight is a key physiological trait influenced by genetics.
- Understanding the heritability of adrenal weight is crucial for genetic studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic basis of high adrenal weight in mice.
- To determine the realized heritability of adrenal weight through selective breeding.
Main Methods:
- Creation of a heterogeneous stock of mice from four parental strains.
- Selection for high adrenal weight relative to body weight over eight generations.
- Estimation of realized heritability and genetic variation in adrenal weight.
Main Results:
- Achieved significant increase in absolute adrenal weight, surpassing parental strains by the eighth generation.
- Realized heritability estimates were high: 75% for females and 67% for males.
- Observed asymmetry in selection response between sexes, possibly due to structural differences.
Conclusions:
- Adrenal weight in mice is substantially influenced by genetic factors.
- Selective breeding is an effective method for increasing adrenal weight.
- Potential for continued response to selection exists, suggesting further genetic variation.