Non-random fertilization in mice correlates with the MHC and something else

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Serval ID
serval:BIB_62A8E03208FB
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Non-random fertilization in mice correlates with the MHC and something else
Journal
Heredity
Author(s)
Wedekind C., Chapuisat M., Macas E., Rulicke T.
ISSN
0018-067X (Print)
Publication state
Published
Issued date
1996
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
77
Number
4
Pages
400-409
Language
english
Abstract
One evolutionary explanation for the success of sexual reproduction assumes that sex is an advantage in the coevolutionary arms race between pathogens and hosts. Accordingly, an important criterion in mate choice and maternal selection thereafter could be the allelic specificity at polymorphic loci involved in parasite-host interactions, e.g. the MHC (major histocompatibility complex). The MHC has been found to influence mate choice and selective abortions in mice and humans. However, it could also influence the fertilization process itself, i.e. (i) the oocyte's choice for the fertilizing sperm, and (ii) the outcome of the second meiotic division after the sperm has entered the egg. We tested both hypotheses in an in vitro fertilization experiment with two inbred mouse strains congenic for their MHC. The genotypes of the resulting blastocysts were determined by polymerase chain reaction. We found nonrandom MHC combinations in the blastocysts which may result from both possible choice mechanisms. The outcome changed significantly over time, indicating that a choice for MHC combinations during fertilization may be influenced by one or several external factors.
Keywords
fertilization, gamete choice, MHC, second meiotic division, sexual selection
Pubmed
Web of science
Open Access
Yes
Create date
24/01/2008 19:22
Last modification date
20/08/2019 14:19
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