Detection by microsatellite analysis of early embryonic mortality in an alligator population in Florida.
In the 1980s, alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) of Lake Apopka (Florida, USA) underwent a population decline associated with decreased egg viability, effects that have been associated with endocrine-disrupting, persistent organochlorine pesticides. It is currently unknown whether the decreased egg viability is due to fertilization failure or early embryonic death. Therefore, we conducted a preliminary study to evaluate the use of microsatellite DNA loci to determine the fertilization status of nonviable eggs. Using microsatellite analysis, we compared genotypes from blasto-disks and embryos with the genotypes from females trapped at the nest. Four of five nonviable egg samples tested yielded evidence of fertilization. No evidence of unfertilized eggs was obtained, but amplifiable DNA could not be obtained from one entirely nonviable clutch. Thus, we demonstrate that early embryonic mortality in alligators can be detected by microsatellite analysis, but also suggest substantial effort is needed to improve the recovery of DNA and amplification of alligator microsatellite loci.
Rotstein
David S
DS
College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA.
Schoeb
Trenton R
TR
Davis
Lisa M
LM
Glenn
Travis C
TC
Arnold
Beverly S
BS
Gross
Timothy S
TS
D000483:Alleles; D000489:Alligators and Crocodiles / Q000196:embryology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D004625:Embryo, Nonmammalian / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization; D005431:Florida; D005838:Genotype; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; D007306:Insecticides / Q000633:toxicity*; D008297:Male; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats / Q000235:genetics*; D009026:Mortality; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000662:veterinary; D011157:Population Dynamics; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects*; D017421:Sequence Analysis
D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; D007306:Insecticides