[Genetic-physiologic mother-fetus relationships and their effect on the adaptive traits of the offspring].
Using our own data and literature, we present analysis of genetic-physiological mechanisms providing for stable reproduction of mammals. Using multiparous species (such as minks, mice, water voles), we demonstrate that embryonic and early postnatal mortality of the offspring makes a significant contribution to stabilization of the actual fertility rate at a level optimal for the species. Studies of phenogenetics of fertility of inbred mice and their hybrids have demonstrated the definitive role of immunogenetic relationships between mother and fetuses in establishing of vitally important characteristics of the offspring. Antigenic differences between mother and fetuses observed in crosses between different strains and in experiments on allogenic transplantation of embryos provide stimulate the hormonal support of pregnancy (increase the level of progesterone) and the rate of embryonic development. It has been shown that antigenic stimulation of mother's immune system has a modifying effect on physiological and behavioral characteristics of the offspring and specifically on certain components of their reproductive success. In studies of the olfactory choice of mating partners by mouse and water vole females we established that mammals are capable of "predicting" the optimal phenotypic combination of parents leading to the most effective development of the offspring.
Evsikov
V I
VI
Institute of Taxonomy and Ecology, Siberian Division, Novosibirsk, Russia.
Gerlinskaia
L A
LA
Moshkin
M P
MP
Osetrova
T D
TD
Potapov
M A
MA
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000818:Animals; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death; D007125:Immunogenetics; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D010641:Phenotype; D011247:Pregnancy