Genetic basis of strain variation in levels of radiation-induced apoptosis of thymocytes.
Levels of radiation-induced apoptosis of thymocytes were compared in C57BL/6J and C3Hf/Kam mice. For up to 8 h after irradiation, levels of apoptosis were higher in the C57BL/6J strain for all doses assayed. The heritability of the strain difference in the extent of apoptosis resulting from irradiation was investigated using a breeding study. Analysis of the F1 and F2 intercross progeny of these two strains provided strong evidence for a maternal effect but little evidence of sex linkage. The results indicate that in this strain combination the level of apoptosis of thymocytes after irradiation is a heritable trait that is likely to be controlled by few genes. These genes should be detectable in a mapping study.
Weil
M M
MM
Department of Experimental Radiotherapy, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030, USA.
Amos
C I
CI
Mason
K A
KA
Stephens
L C
LC
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008809:Mice, Inbred C3H; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D013045:Species Specificity; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000528:radiation effects*