Effect of four mutations (Cr,S,S (H) ,h) in genes for mink coat color on brain monoamine oxidase
Voĭtenko, N.N.; Trapezov, O.V.
Genetika 37(5): 638-642
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0016-6758 PMID: 11436555 Document Number: 535750
Activity of A and B types of monoamine oxidase (MAO) has been investigated in the brain stem and brain hemispheres of mink males of five genotypes for coat-color mutations: standard dark-brown (+/+); heterozygous for the semidominant mutation Black crystal (Cr/+); homozygous for the semidominant mutation Black cross, or "95% White" (S/S); heterozygous for the semidominant mutation Shadow (SH/+); and homozygous for the semirecessive mutation hedlum white (h/h). The main changes in the activity of the A and B MAO types occur in the brain hemispheres. A reduced activity of MAO A has been recorded in the hemispheres of Black crystal minks (Cr/+) and an elevated activity, in the hemispheres of Shadow (SH/+) and 95% White (S/S). The activity of MAO B is reduced in the hemispheres of Black crystal and elevated in the hemispheres of hedlum white (h/h). An increased MAO A activity has also been recorded in the brain stem of Shadow minks (SH/+). It is suggested that genes controlling coat color have a pleiotropic effect on sexual behavior in males and the endocrine function of testicles mediated by a putative change in the metabolism of brain neurotransmitters, substrates of MAOs A and B.