Alterability of development of hemoglobin concentration in mice: transmission of changes to the next generation.
The development of hemoglobin concentration was studied in CF1 mice. Significant variations from control values appeared in the offspring of mothers kept in small poorly ventilated cages during gestation; and by providing the pregnant mothers with a solution of RNA as only liquid source. Experimental and control lines were studied for three successive generations. Results were similar in both sets of experiments. The first generation experimentals had significantly higher hemoglobin than controls. The 2nd and 3rd generation experimentals had significantly lower values than their controls. In cross-matings between control females and first generation experimental males, the offspring showed significant differences from the 2nd generation control group. Transmission of the alteration of hemoglobin development persisted for one generation only when an experimental line was no longer exposed to experimental conditions. It is hypothesized that regulatory mechanisms account for these phenomena, and regulatory genes of gametes may participate in this transmission.
D000818:Animals; D003433:Crosses, Genetic; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D006452:Hemoglobinometry; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D012313:RNA / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014691:Ventilation
D006454:Hemoglobins; D012313:RNA