摘要

Examination of inbred and wild mice has shown that the gene coding for the acetylcholine receptor gamma subunit is polymorphic and the polymorphism correlates with differences in neuromuscular function tested by two different methods. Polymorphism of the AChR-gamma-gene was demonstrated after digestion of genomic DNA with Pstl and Xbal. These two restriction enzymes demonstrated RFLP patterns specific for C57BI/6J (P(S)X(S)) and C3H/HeJ (P(R)X(R)) mice, respectively. Examination of F1 (C3H/HeJ x C57BI/6J) and F2 hybrid populations, and other murine inbred strains, showed the inheritance and strain specificity of the RFLPs. Testing wild mice demonstrated that the P(S)X(S) form of the AChR-gamma-gene is the most common in the wild. The AChR-gamma and AChR-delta-subunits are closely linked and carried on the same chromosome as several contractile proteins. Because these genes are essential for correct neuromuscular development and activity, we investigated the possibility that the observed AChR-gamma-polymorphisms mark a haplotype which correlates with variations in neuromuscular function. Analysis of exercise times showed a correlation between AChR-gamma-polymorphism and neuromuscular function. To our knowledge, this is the first description of AChR polymorphism cosegregating with variations in neuromuscular function.

  • 出版日期1992-5

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