Biochemical markers in inbred strains of the rat (Rattus norvegicus)

Pattern of MHC class I and immune proteasome expression in Walker 256 tumor during growth and regression in Brattleboro rats with the hereditary defect of arginine-vasopressin synthesis

Dynamics of the expression of MHC class I, immune proteasomes and proteasome regulators 19S, PA28, total proteasome pool and proteasome chymotrypsin-like activity in Walker 256 tumor after implantation into Brattleboro rats with the hereditary defect of arginine-vasopressin synthesis was studied. The tumor growth and regression in Brattleboro rats were accompanied by changes in the proteasome subunit level unlike the tumor growth in WAG rats with normal expression of arginine-vasopressin gene. In the tumor implanted into Brattleboro rats the immune proteasome level was maximal between days 14 and 17, when the tumor underwent regression. Conversely, the expression of proteasome regulators tended to decrease during this period. Immune proteasomes are known to produce antigen epitopes for MHC class I to be presented to CD8+ T lymphocytes. Enhanced expression of immune proteasomes coincided with the recovery of MHC class I expression, suggesting the efficient presentation of tumor antigens in Brattleboro rats.

Flupenthixol and cefotiam: effects on vitamin A metabolism in rats

We examined the alterations in vitamin A metabolism as a result of flupenthixol or cefotiam administration. The impact of these drugs on indices of vitamin A status was evaluated in Brown Norway and Long-Evans rats. Intramuscular drug administration for 28 d resulted in a decline in systemic retinol. Changes in circulating retinol with time for chronic dosing showed drug treatment (P<0.001) and time (P<0.03) to be significant factors, but rat strain (P=0.33) was not a significant factor. Flupenthixol was the most active retinol-lowering compound (P<0.005). At the end of the 28 d period, hepatic retinyl ester hydrolase activity was greater in drug-treated rats than in controls (P<0.05). With regard to effects on liver reserves: (1) flupenthixol treatment resulted in vitamin A depletion (P<0.05); (2) cefotiam treatment stimulated vitamin A accumulation; (3) distinctive patterns of retinol and its esters were seen in response to treatment. It is reasonable to assume that the drugs interfere with vitamin A in at least two ways: (1) lowering of plasma retinol, an early event in the interaction, may be caused by inhibition of hepatic holo-retinol-binding protein secretion or stimulation of clearance, or both; (2) when plasma retinol levels are persistently low, and as the hepatic deposits of the xenobiotics build up, there are changes in the vitamin A pool size and composition of the liver. Candidate enzymes are retinyl ester hydrolase and cytochrome P450. The relationship between these two events will be studied in further detail.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with rat expressed sequences

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common source of genetic variation in populations and are thus most likely to account for the majority of phenotypic and behavioral differences between individuals or strains. Although the rat is extensively studied for the latter, data on naturally occurring polymorphisms are mostly lacking. We have used publicly available sequences consisting of whole-genome shotgun (WGS), expressed sequence tag (EST), and mRNA data as a source for the in silico identification of SNPs in gene-coding regions and have identified a large collection of 33,305 high-quality candidate SNPs. Experimental verification of 471 candidate SNPs using a limited set of rat isolates revealed a confirmation rate of approximately 50%. Although the majority of SNPs were identified between Sprague-Dawley (EST data) and Brown Norway (WGS data) strains, we found that 66% of the verified variations are common among different rat strains. All SNPs were extensively annotated, including chromosomal and genetic map information, and nonsynonymous SNPs were analyzed by SIFT and PolyPhen prediction programs for their potential deleterious effect on protein function. Interestingly, we retrieved three SNPs from the database that result in the introduction of a premature stop codon and that could be confirmed experimentally. Two of these "in silico-identified knockouts" reside in interesting QTL regions. Data are publicly available via a Web interface (http://cascad.niob.knaw.nl), allowing simple and advanced search queries.

Identifying polymorphisms in the Rattus norvegicus D3 dopamine receptor gene and regulatory region

The D(3) dopamine receptor has been implicated in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease and addiction. Sequence variation in the D(3) gene can lead to subtle alteration in receptor structure or gene expression and thus to a different phenotype. In this study we examine the sequence variation in the D(3) gene in 96 rat strains and substrains. Interestingly, the analyses revealed 10 polymorphisms in the 5'flanking region and four polymorphisms in intronic regions of the gene. Moreover, two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that result in amino acid changes were found in the last exon of the D(3) gene in the RNU/Mol strain. Additionally, bioinformatic analysis of the 5'flanking region and first intron of the gene revealed putative transcription factor binding sites that are conserved between mouse and human and are affected by the SNPs, possibly resulting in altered regulation of the subsequent transcription factor.

Difference in average survival between F344/Du and F344/N rats is not due to genetic contamination

The average survival was found to be different between substrains of rats, F344/Du and F344/N. One of the causes of this difference could have been genetic contamination by crossbreeding with other strain(s) after the divergence of substrains. These two strains were examined by PCR-SSLP (simple sequence length polymorphism) procedure using microsatellite (Mit) markers to identify the contamination. All 288 Mit markers distributed throughout the genome exhibited no size polymorphisms between these two strains. This indicated that there was no genetic contamination between these two strains. The phenotypic difference in average survival, thus, is not due to genetic contamination.

Skin allograft survival in chicken strains with spontaneous autoimmune diseases

Skin grafts were performed to prove the level of genetic diversity in chicken populations of the Obese strain (OS), which develops a spontaneous Hashimoto's-like thyroiditis, and University of California at Davis (UCD) Line-200 chickens, which are hereditarily afflicted with progressive systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). As controls, Cornell C-strain (CS) and inbred, normal White Leghorn CB chickens were included in the genetic monitoring program. At the commencement of this study in 1988, median allograft rejections were observed after 9 to 12 d (range 8 to 14 d) in OS and CS chickens that derived from large flocks at Cornell University, whereas OS sublines of the smaller, more closely-bred colonies at the University of Innsbruck, Austria, showed median allograft rejection after 19 d (range 12 to 35 d). From 1988 to 1993, allograft survival was only slightly prolonged in the OS sublines. However, the results of the skin allotransplantations in inbred UCD-200 chickens revealed two subpopulations in this line. In one subgroup the median of allograft rejection was calculated with 13 d (range 6 to 37 d) in 1989, 30 d (10 to 37 d) in 1990, 21 d (8 to 90 d) in 1991, and 16 d (7 to 26 d) in 1993. In the other subgroup allografts were accepted at rates similar to autografts. In addition, the inbreeding coefficient was calculated for eight male and eight female OSB5B5Cornell (C) and OSB5B5Innsbruck (INN) chickens, respectively, hatched in 1993. On the basis of mating records, the minimal estimate of the inbreeding coefficient was calculated to be 0.0679 in the OSB5B5C and 0.1035 in the OSB5B5INN population. The results demonstrated a higher degree of consanguinity in the smaller population of OSB5B5INN chickens compared to OSB5B5C birds. The later are maintained in larger numbers, therefore, the frequency of matings between related individuals should be lower.

Use of simple sequence length polymorphisms for genetic characterization of rat inbred strains

Genetic monitoring is an essential component of colony management and for the rat has been accomplished primarily by using immunological and biochemical markers. Here, we report that simple sequence length polymorphisms (SSLPs) are a faster and more economical way of monitoring inbred strains of rats. We characterized 61 inbred strains of rats, using primer pairs for 37 SSLPs. Each of these loci appeared to be highly polymorphic, with the number of alleles per locus ranging between 3 and 14 and, as a result, all the 61 inbred strains tested in this study could be provided with a unique strain profile. These strain profiles are also used for estimating the degree of similarity between strains. This information may provide the rationale in selecting strains for genetic crosses or for other specific purposes.

Polymorphism of transferrin found in the laboratory rat and wild rats in Japan

Polymorphism of the transferrin locus (Tf) was found in the laboratory rat and wild rats in Japan by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Two phenotypes, "a" and "b," were distinguished in homozygotes. It is suggested that these are controlled by autosomal codominant alleles. In 10 laboratory strains, only the IS strain showed the a type. This allele found in the IS strain was broadly distributed in Japanese wild rats. It is considered to be derived from a wild rat in Japan. Linkage relationship between Tf and Alp-1 was not established.

The use of three ferguson-plot-based calculation methods to determine the molecular mass of proteins as illustrated by molecular mass assessment of rat-plasma carboxylesterases ES-1, ES-2, and ES-14

The molecular masses of three rat-plasma carboxylesterases (ES-1, ES-2, and ES-14) were estimated by transverse-gradient polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and subsequent application of Ferguson-plot-based calculation methods. Two electrophoretic buffer systems were used and the data subjected to either weighted or unweighted regression analysis. The Tris-boric acid buffer system produced significantly higher retardation coefficients than the Tris-glycine system. Molecular mass estimates were significantly higher with the Tris-glycine buffer system. Unweighted instead of weighted analysis produced significantly higher molecular mass estimates. Molecular mass estimates also depended on the calculation method, that is, the choice of calibration relationship with molecular size as a function of retardation coefficient. Three commonly used calibration relationships were compared. On the basis of their accuracy, both the weighted log[retardation coefficient] versus log[molecular mass] plot and the square root of retardation coefficient versus molecular radius were found suitable, provided that the Tris-boric acid buffer was used for electrophoresis. Using the former calibration relationship, the molecular masses of rat-plasma ES-1, ES-2, and ES-14 were 55.5, 61.1, and 65.3 kDa, respectively.

Determination of rat plasma esterase-1 (ES-1) activity by scanning densitometry of gradient polyacrylamide gels with zymogram detection

There is no specific assay for rat plasma esterase-1 (ES-1) activity. Plasma contains many esterases, while known substrates do not discriminate between esterases. With gel electrophoresis, plasma esterase isozymes can be separated. Thus, a method consisting of gradient polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, visualization of the enzyme with a staining technique based on substrate conversion, and densitometric scanning of the stained gel has been developed for quantitative measurement of rat plasma ES-1 activity. ES-1 activities were expressed as total peak areas. Reproducibility of the method was found to be about 10% (expressed as apparent between-gel coefficient of variation). When the ES-1 zone areas was expressed relative to that of a plasma ES-1 standard, reproducibility was about 3%. The kinetics of catalysis of alpha-naphthyl acetate hydrolysis by ES-1 could be determined with the gel scanning assay; the Km was 0.76 mM. At the alpha-naphthyl acetate concentration of 2.69 mM, total peak areas of the ES-1 zone were linearly associated with the staining time (up to at least 40 min) and amount of plasma (up to 26.25 microL). The pH of the staining buffer influences the ES-1 zone area, the largest areas being obtained when the pH ranged between 7.0 and 7.8. With propionate as acyl moiety of the alpha-naphthyl ester substrate, ES-1 zone areas were higher than with either acetate, butyrate or hexanoate.

Allograft-induced arterial wall injury and response in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats

The role of genetically determined immune attack and blood pressure in graft rejection-induced arterial wall injury and response was assessed by studying the compliance and changes in wall structure of aortic isografts and allografts in normotensive (Wistar-Kyoto [WKY]) and hypertensive (spontaneously hypertensive [SHR]) rats. Six groups of 8-week-old rats were compared: sham-operated in both strains, isografts, and allografts between the two strains (SHR aortas grafted in WKYs, designated SWs; WKY aortas grafted in SHRs, designated WSs; isografts in SHRs, designated SSs; and isografts in WKYs, designated WWs). Each arterial graft was studied 8 weeks after transplantation for volume and compliance (pressures of 75-175 mm Hg) under basal conditions. The amounts of collagen, elastin, and nuclei in the media and intima of the walls of control and grafted aortas were quantified morphometrically. Isografts and controls had the same mechanical characteristics under basal conditions: the arterial volume and arterial compliance of hypertensive rats were lower than those of normotensive rats (p less than 0.001). Allografts had a greater initial volume (p less than 0.001) and a lower compliance (p less than 0.001) than did isografts. Allografts in SHRs (SSs) were initially dilated, whereas allografted WKYs (WWs) were not. There was intimal proliferation in hypertensive isografts (14 +/- 0.77 microns) and in both types of allografts (WS, 69 +/- 1.55 microns; SW, 44 +/- 1.81 microns); nucleus density was higher in hypertensive allografts (WS) than in normotensive allografts (SW); and collagen density was also higher in SW than in WS allografts. Allografts had decreased medial thickness and decreased smooth muscle cell density.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Genetic variability in SHR (SHRSR), SHRSP and WKY strains

Genetic background for SHR (SHRSR) and SHRSP and WKY lines were screened by using biochemical genetic markers and class I major histocompatibility complex (RT1) typing. There were many kinds of SHR (SHRSR), SHRSP and WKY inbred lines. The genetic variabilities within SHR (SHRSR) or SHRSP strains were small, but those within WKY strains were not so small. When SHR lines were compared with WKY lines, the allele distribution in SHR lines was different from that in WKY lines at 3-13 loci. Three genetic markers, the Es-3b, Es-4a and PT1k, were identified as specific markers of SHR (SHRSR) and SHRSP. WKY/Izm, WKY/Hos, and WKY/Jim also carried the PT1k as well as SHR lines, but WKY/N and WKY/NCrj had the RT1l haplotype.

Genetic variation and biochemical properties of esterase-18 (ES-18) in the laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus): a new locus of esterase cluster 2 in linkage group V

A new liver-specific rat carboxylesterase isozyme (EC 3.1.1.1) designated esterase-18 (ES-18) is described. Genetic variation of ES-18 was examined in 93 inbred strains and substrains and a structural locus Es-18 was suggested, coding for either the presence (Es-18a) or the absence (Es-18b) of the isozyme. Linkage studies involving two backcross series revealed that Es-18 resides in cluster 2 of LGV. No recombination between Es-18 and other cluster 2 loci was found in 19 lines of two RI strain sets or in the backcross series.

The genetics of insulin-dependent diabetes in the BB rat

Very little is known about the genes involved in the pathogenesis of IDDM. One component is known to be linked to the major histocompatibility complex, but the other components are unknown. We know from the major animals models of IDDM, both the NOD mouse and the BB rat, that the disease is under multigenic control. However, due to the size and complexity of the mammalian genome as well as to the lack of useful clues, the location and identity of the other genes remains a mystery. This is compounded by the fact that well-characterized genetic markers are not available for all regions of the mammalian genome, and it is likely that at least some of the genes of interest are located in these regions. The testing of pedigrees for the linkage of RFLP with the genetic factors involved in IDDM promises to be the most effective means of mapping, and ultimately identifying, these genes. However, the number of genes which are theoretically necessary to test for linkage makes even this approach impractical. Here, we have described here how the amount of work and time can be significantly reduced by utilizing repetitive DNA sequences as probes for the linkage of random RFLPs to diabetes. With each screening, one can simultaneously test multiple unlinked loci in the genome. Preliminary results which show promising linkage to two of the genetic components have been presented, thereby supporting the usefulness of this approach.

Comparison of microsomal drug-metabolizing enzymes in 14 rat inbred strains

Drug metabolic capacity in liver microsomes of 14 rat inbred strains was investigated. Cytochrome P-450 content as well as the following enzyme activities were measured: NADPH cyt. c(P-450) reductase (Red.), aminopyrine N-demethylase (APDM), ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase (ECOD), 1-naphthol: UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (NGT) and hydrolysis of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA; measured at pH 5.5 and pH 7.4). All enzymes measured were found to exhibit statistically significant inter-strain differences. In males the enzyme activities varied over a 7.3-fold (ECOD) to 1.4-fold (cytochrome P-450) range. Other inter-strain differences were generally larger than 2-fold: ASA-hydrolysis at pH 5.5 and 7.4 (3.9- and 3.3-fold variation, respectively), NGT and Red. (2.1-fold variation) and APDM (1.8-fold variation). In females similar, but somewhat smaller inter-strain differences were observed. Correlations between different enzyme activities were generally poor (correlation coefficients r less than 0.7). An exception was the correlation between ASA-hydrolysis at pH 5.5 and pH 7.4 (r = 0.79). We conclude that ASA hydrolysis at pH 5.5 and 7.4 is mediated by the same enzyme or by coregulated enzymes and that all other activities are mediated by different or differentially regulated enzymes. Based on analysis of variance and subsequent inter-strain comparisons, all strains appear to express a unique profile of liver microsomal drug metabolism. No two strains are identical with respect to all activities measured. We suggest that differences between inbred rat strains and particularly the difference in balance between different enzymes in various strains can be used advantageously in pharmacological and toxicological experiments.

Esterase-16 (ES-16) of the rat (Rattus norvegicus): identification and genetic characterization

Esterase-16, an esterase present in lung and other tissues of the laboratory rat, has been characterized by its biochemical properties (electrophoretic mobility, substrate pattern, sensitivity to inhibitors) and genetic variation in 107 inbred strains and substrains including 14 RI strains. It was classified as a carboxylesterase (EC 3.1.1.1). The phenotype ES-16A (BN/Han and 63 other strains) was defined as a narrow electrophoretic band migrating between ES-1A and ES-13A, ES-16B (LEW/Han and 42 other strains) exhibited the same electrophoretic mobility as ES-16A but was distinguished by its extremely weak activity. Segregation of ES-16 in RI strains and backcrosses indicated linkage to linkage group V (LGV). The Es-16 locus was tentatively placed into esterase cluster 2 and homology with Es-7 of the house mouse is proposed.

A comparative study of apolipoproteins in mouse and rat

1. Apolipoproteins isolated from plasma samples of 10 inbred strains of mice and 17 inbred strains of rats were subjected to isoelectric focusing and second-dimension-pore-gradient-SDS-electrophoresis. 2. All major HDL apolipoproteins could be identified by their isoelectric point and mol. wt. 3. In inbred strains of mice polymorphism could be demonstrated for apo A-I and apo A-II. 4. In inbred strains of rats no apolipoprotein polymorphism could be demonstrated.

Strain differences in kidney copper concentrations of male rats

The copper concentrations of the kidneys of male rats of six inbred (BN, F344, LEW, SHR, WAG/Cpb, and WAG/Rij) and one random-bred Wistar strain were determined.In inbred rats the mean concentration varied between strains and ranged from 7.10 μg/g for F 344 to 23.48 μg/g for WAG/Cpb. The calculated coefficient of genetic determination (g(2)) was 0.88. A remarkable discrepancy was found between the two WAG inbred strains; the WAG/Cpb had a 2.5 times higher kidney Cu concentration than the WAG/Rij.Kidney Cu concentrations of random-bred rats varied considerably; the coefficient of variation of the means was 28 and 34% in two samples taken with a 1-yr interval, respectively, indicating inhomogeneity within the population.The results indicate that the individual differences in kidney Cu concentration have a genetic basis.

Genetic identification of rat liver carboxylesterases isolated in different laboratories

Six carboxylesterases previously isolated from rat liver microsomes, characterized in Brussels and in Kiel, were compared with genetically defined liver esterases of various reference strains using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing. The six liver carboxylesterases were identified as alloenzymic forms of ES-3, ES-4, ES-8/ES-10 and ES-15 according to the genetic nomenclature recommended by van Zutphen (Van Zutphen, L.F.M. (1983) Transplant. Proceed. 15, 1687-1688). The genetic and biochemical characteristics of the four isoenzymes are summarized, and their identity with several other drug-metabolizing esterases/amidases and lipases of rat liver endoplasmic reticulum is discussed.

Effects of xenogeneic, allogeneic and isogeneic thymus grafts on lymphocyte populations in peripheral lymphoid organs of the nude rat

In order to gain information about the effect of xenografted, allografted and isografted thymic tissue on peripheral lymphoid organs of immune-deficient rats, athymic nude LEW rats of ninth backcross-intercross were grafted with fetal calf and neonatal BDIX and LEW thymus. Adrenalectomy was also performed in some animals in order to obtain a possible enhancement of the immunological reconstitution. Both groups of isogeneic-thymus-grafted animals had more T helper cells than the nude controls. Furthermore, they had more densely populated paracortical areas in the inguinal lymph nodes and higher lymphocyte counts in the thoracic duct lymph. Finally, the inguinal lymph nodes contained germinal centres. Xenogeneic and allogeneic thymus transplants did not induce constant changes in the parameters observed compared with the untreated nudes. No clear difference was observed between the adrenalectomized and non-adrenalectomized thymic-isografted animals. We therefore conclude that of all the experimental animals examined the isografted nude rats show by far the best response and that adrenalectomy seems unnecessary for the success of neonatal isogeneic thymus grafts. We also conclude that the isogeneic-thymus-grafted nude rat is a suitable tool for immunological reconstitution studies.

Biochemical genetics of Es-14 (formerly Es-Si) and a new esterase variation, Es-15, of the laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus): biochemistry, tissue expression, and linkage to Es-1 in linkage group V

The segregation of rat esterases controlled by loci residing in linkage group V (LGV) has been studied in two backcross series, (LEW/Han X BN/Han)F1 X LEW/Han and (LEW/Han X LE/Han)F1 X LEW/Han. Es-14 (formerly Es-Si) was shown to be closely linked to Es-1. A new esterase locus, Es-15, was described which codes for a liver isozyme. The distribution pattern of three alleles at the Es-15 locus is presented for 52 independent inbred strains. Close linkage of Es-15 to Es-14 and to Es-1 was established, proposing the following gene order: [Es-2, Es-10]-[ES-1, ES-14, ES-15]. The esterase loci on LGV are thus separated into two gene clusters, cluster 1 and cluster 2. These conclusions are supported by the strain distribution patterns of the two RI strain series, LXB and DXE.

Biochemical markers in rats: linkage relationships of aconitase (Acon-1), aldehyde dehydrogenases (Ahd-2 and Ahd-c), alkaline phosphatase (Akp-1), and hydroxyacid oxidase (Hao-1)

We have examined the linkage relationships between five biochemical markers, Acon-1, Ahd-2, Ahd-c, Akp-1, and Hao-1, and 19 other genetic loci in five breeding combinations. The genetic locus that codes for a recently described aldehyde dehydrogenase in the liver (Ahd-c) has been assigned to linkage group X (LG X). Hydroxyacid oxidase is coded for by a locus (Hao-1) that is linked to genes that encode agouti coat color and seminal vesicle proteins in linkage group IV. Alkaline phosphatase (Akp-1) was linked to the locus that encodes the C6 component of complement and this association provisionally defines a new linkage group (LG XI) in the rat. The locus Acon-1 could not be positively assigned to a specific linkage group but the results from one breeding combination suggest that this locus may be included in linkage group II. No linkage relationship could be detected for the aldehyde dehydrogenase coded for by Ahd-2.

Genetic variation of an acid phosphatase (Acp-2) in the laboratory rat: possible homology with mouse AP-1 and human ACP2

A genetic locus controlling the electrophoretic mobility of an acid phosphatase in the rat (Rattus norvegicus) is described. The locus, designed Acp-2, is not expressed in erythrocytes but is expressed in all other tissues studied. The product of Acp-2 hydrolyzes a wide variety of phosphate monoesters and is inhibited by L(+)-tartaric acid. Inbred rat strains have fixed either allele Acp-2a or allele Acp-2b. Codominant expression is observed in the respective F1 hybrids. Backcross progenies revealed the expected 1:1 segregation ratio. Possible loose linkage was found between the Acp-2 and the Pep-3 gene loci at a recombination frequency of 0.36 +/- 0.06.

Identity of purified monoacylglycerol lipase, palmitoyl-CoA hydrolase and aspirin-metabolizing carboxylesterase from rat liver microsomal fractions. A comparative study with enzymes purified in different laboratories

Two purified carboxylesterases that were isolated from a rat liver microsomal fraction in a Norwegian and a German laboratory were compared. The Norwegian enzyme preparation was classified as palmitoyl-CoA hydrolase (EC 3.1.2.2) in many earlier papers, whereas the German preparation was termed monoacylglycerol lipase (EC 3.1.1.23) or esterase pI 6.2/6.4 (non-specific carboxylesterase, EC 3.1.1.1). Antisera against the two purified enzyme preparations were cross-reactive. The two proteins co-migrate in sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. Both enzymes exhibit identical inhibition characteristics with Mg2+, Ca2+ and bis-(4-nitrophenyl) phosphate if assayed with the two substrates palmitoyl-CoA and phenyl butyrate. It is concluded that the two esterase preparations are identical. However, immunoprecipitation and inhibition experiments confirm that this microsomal lipase differs from the palmitoyl-CoA hydrolases of rat liver cytosol and mitochondria.

Nonspecific esterases of mammalian testis. Comparative studies on the mouse (Mus musculus) and rat (rattus norvegicus)

Ten different nonspecific esterases in both mouse (Mus musculus) and rat (Rattus norvegicus) testis were identified following the analysis of electrophoretic patterns using genetic, developmental, and biochemical criteria. None of the enzymes were unique to testis, although the pattern of activity was testis specific. The enzymes comprised, in each species, six carboxylesterases (EC 3.1.1.1), one arylesterase (EC 3.1.1.2), one acetylesterase (EC 3.1.1.6), and two butyrylesterases (tentative designation). Cholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.8) was not detected. Individual homology relationships were recognized between the two species for all of these activities, except three of the carboxylesterases; however, these were coded for by homologous gene clusters. Similarities between the two species extended to the developmental course of expression and the modulation of the pattern of activity by the testicular feminization (Tfm) mutation. We describe the effects of the sex reversal (Sxr) mutation in the mouse, as well as the distribution of individual activities between Leydig cells and seminiferous tubules. The results of earlier histochemical studies are interpreted in the light of the present investigation. The correspondence between mouse- and rat-testis esterases suggests that the results could serve as a basis for mammalian testis esterase systems in general.

Linkage of loci encoding a kidney endothelial antigen and fumarate hydratase (Fh-1) in the rat

In the rat a single locus, provisionally designated Eag-1, controls the expression of an antigen present on the endothelium of kidney peritubular capillaries and veins. We have examined the linkage relationship between Eag-1 and 10 polymorphic loci including hemoglobin b, fumarate hydratase, peptidase-3, urinary pepsinogen, seminal vesicle protein, glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, esterase-1, esterase-6, pinkeye, and hooded. Tissue samples from animals derived from (AUG X BN.1C)F1 X AUG and (AUG X BN.1C)F1 X BN.1C backcrosses were examined and a linkage association between Eag-1 and Fh-1 (EC 4.2.2.1) was detected. The linkage distance between Eag-1 and Fh-1 is 21 cM (chi 2 = 27.9; p = 0.00001) and this association defines the third locus in the tenth (X) linkage group of the rat.

Assignment of Lap-1 to linkage group I of the rat (Rattus norvegicus)

Genetic analysis of backcross progeny from previously characterized rat inbred strains revealed that the biochemical marker Lap-1 is localized in linkage group I (LG I). Lap-1 codes for leucine arylaminopeptidase (EC 3.4.11). The distances of Lap-1 to c, RT6, and Hbb, based on recombination frequencies, are 3.1 +/- 1.5, 8.3 +/- 4.0, and 11.4 +/- 2.8 cM, respectively. Acon-1 codes for aconitase (EC 4.2.1.3). The calculated distances of Acon-1 to c and Hbb are 30.1 +/- 5.0 and 36.1 +/- 5.3 cM, respectively. This suggests that Acon-1 is also in LG I, but the observed high frequency of double crossovers requires further confirmation of this linkage. Ahd-2, Es-6, and Gdc-1 are linked neither to markers of LG I nor to one another.

Genetic relationships between inbred strains of rats. An analysis based on genetic markers at 28 biochemical loci

Genetic similarities among 46 strains of rats based on published data involving 93 samples and 28 biochemical loci were assessed using principal coordinate and cluster analysis techniques. Seventeen strains were represented by more than one colony. In ten of these, nominally identical strains differed, and in four cases this was attributed to genetic contamination. A total of 52 genetically different strains were eventually identified. Strains BN and DA were most dissimilar, while strain BP was the most unusual strain over-all. The principal coordinate and cluster analysis showed three main clusters, which could be explained on the basis of linkage disequilibrium for some of the esterase loci in linkage group 5. Among six of these loci only 12 haplotypes were observed, with 24/52 strains having a single haplotype. Re-analysis of loci in linkage equilibrium failed to reveal any important clusters.