Maternal effects on the phenotypic expression of the skeletal store of calcium (bone mass) and related variables in the rat.
The phenotypic expression of bone mass and several related variables were investigated in the rat, assessing the differences and resemblances between two strains of inbred rats and their reciprocal hybrids. The data obtained indicated a strong influence of the maternal environment in the expression of total calcium mass and the rates of true calcium (Ca) absorption, endogenous fecal Ca excretion and bone Ca accretion. The simultaneous occurrence of maternal effects on characters obviously related, suggested that formation and maintenance of bone mass is accomplished by a series of specialized cellular functions, possibly regulated by a single genetic block. Maternal effects on bone mass and related variables appear to be determined in utero and are fully expressed at adulthood.
D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000378:metabolism*; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006824:Hybridization, Genetic; D008297:Male; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D010641:Phenotype; D011247:Pregnancy; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
D010281:Parathyroid Hormone; D002118:Calcium