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Y-chromosomal and other factors in the development of testis size in mice

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 April 2009

Suzan E. Hunt  and
Ursula Mittwoch
Suzan E. Hunt
Affiliation:
Department of Genetics and Biometry, University College London, Wolfson House, 4 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2HE
Ursula Mittwoch*
Affiliation:
Department of Genetics and Biometry, University College London, Wolfson House, 4 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2HE
*
* Corresponding author
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Testis size was investigated in two inbred strains of mice, BALB/c/Ola and CBA/Gr, at different ages. BALB/c mice were found to have the larger testes from day 14 of embryonic development onwards. Body weights of the two strains differed to a lesser extent. The differences in testis weights were analysed post-natally at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks in the two strains, F1s, F2s and backcrosses. Testis size was found to be affected by the origin of the Y chromosome, the X chromosome, the autosomes (and/or pseudoautosomal regions) and by maternal factors. At 8 weeks of age, the Y-chromosomal effect was at its strongest, and the X-chromosomal effect was at its weakest, while the maternal effect had vanished. It is postulated that non-Y-chromosomal factors which modify testis size may affect the gonads in both sexes. The possibility is discussed that loci affecting gonad size may be identical with testis-determining factors.

Type
Research Article
Information
Genetics Research , Volume 50 , Issue 3 , December 1987 , pp. 205 - 211
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1987

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