Preferential survival of mice expressing the Qa-2 antigen.

Abstract

The Ped gene, a gene that influences the rate of embryonic cleavage division, birth weight, litter size and weaning weight, is at least partially encoded by gene(s) that specify the Qa-2 antigen. Two congenic strains of mice, B6.K1 (Qa-2 negative) and B6.K2 (Qa-2 positive), which differ only at the Q region of the mouse major histocompatibility complex (MHC), were tested for the effect of the presence or absence of Qa-2 antigen on litter size, duration of gestation and embryo survival. It was confirmed that B6.K1 (Qa-2 negative) mice have smaller litters than do B6.K2 (Qa-2 positive) mice. In addition, the duration of gestation for the B6.K1 mice was found to be longer than the duration of gestation for the B6.K2 mice. Finally, a comparison of the relative survival of Qa-2-positive and Qa-2-negative mice in a single uterine environment showed the preferential survival of mice expressing the Qa-2 antigen. Thus, the presence of Qa-2 antigen appears to be advantageous for reproductive success.

• Authors: C M Warner, P Panda, C D Almquist, Y Xu
• Journal: Journal of reproduction and fertility (J Reprod Fertil) Vol. 99 Issue 1 Pg. 145-7 (Sep 1993) ISSN: 0022-4251 [Print] England
• PMID: 8283431 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• H-2 Antigens
• Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
• Q surface antigens

Topics

• Animals
• Female
• Fetal Viability (genetics, immunology)
• Fluorescent Antibody Technique
• Gene Expression (physiology)
• H-2 Antigens (analysis, genetics)
• Histocompatibility Antigens Class I (analysis, genetics)
• Litter Size (genetics, immunology)
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred Strains (genetics, immunology)
• Pregnancy