Fertility studies of complementing genotypes at the albino locus of the mouse

J Reprod Fertil. 1978 Jul;53(2):197-202. doi: 10.1530/jrf.0.0530197.

Abstract

Mice doubly heterozygous for two radiation-induced lethal alleles at the albino locus (C3H and C6H) show partial complementation: they are viable but runted and sterile. In C3H/C6H females oogenesis and mating are normal, but nearly all of their fetuses, even when genotypically normal (+/C3H or +/C6H), fail to survive beyond midgestation. Abnormalities of spermatogenesis, i.e. morphological defects in head condensation and a deficiency in numbers of maturing spermatids, are histologically detectable in the testes of C3H/C6H males. Spermatozoa from the vasa deferentia of such males are predominantly nonviable, immotile, and grossly abnormal in morphology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Albinism / genetics*
  • Albinism / pathology
  • Albinism / physiopathology
  • Alleles
  • Animals
  • Cell Survival
  • Female
  • Fertility
  • Genotype
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Reproduction*
  • Spermatogenesis
  • Spermatozoa / pathology
  • Testis / pathology