Segregation analysis of alcoholism in families ascertained through a pair of male alcoholics.
To determine the nature of the genetic component controlling liability to alcoholism, complex segregation analysis was performed on 35 multigenerational families each ascertained through a pair of male alcoholics. The results suggest that liability to alcoholism is, in part, controlled by a major effect with or without additional multifactorial effects. Mendelian transmission of this major effect was rejected, as was the hypothesis that the major effect is due to a single major locus. Absence of this major effect, leaving only multifactorial effects, was also rejected. Some sources for the non-Mendelian character of the major effect are suggested, such as a combination of two or more Mendelian loci, the presence of phenocopies, sex-dependent differences in the underlying liability model, or heterogeneity in the alcoholism phenotype. Evidence for and against each is discussed.
Aston
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Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
Hill
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D000367:Age Factors; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008957:Models, Genetic; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors