Glutathione and transferrin in rhesus monkeys1

Transferrin types and glutathione (GSH) levels were determined for 38 rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatto). Eight transferrin alleles were found: their gene frequencies were: Tf^A 0.04, Tf^c 0.50, Tf^D 0.03, Tf^D 0.09, TF 0.11, TF 0.05, Tf^G 0.11, and Tf ^H' 0.08. The 16 phenotypes found and the number of each was: Tf AC 3, Tf CC 9, Tf CD‘ 2, Tf CD 2, Tf CF 5, Tf CF 3, Tf CH’ 3, Tf CG 2, Tf D'D‘ 1, Tf D'F 1, Tf D'G 1, TfD'H’ l, TfFG2, TfF'G ‘l.TfCG l.and Tf H'H’ 1. Mean GSH level was 310.6 mg/100 ml red cells. The Tf CC group had significantly lower GSH levels than Tf^c heterozygotes or non-Tf^c homozygotes. The Tf^c heterozygotes had significantly lower GSH levels than non-Tf^c homozygotes. Tf^c, Tf^D' and TF alleles were associated with lower GSH levels. Glutathione levels were higher in older animals and were higher in September than in December. Sex differences in glutathione levels were not found.     

Hemoglobins, haptoglobins, and transferrins in indigenous populations of Kenya

Hemoglobin, haptoglobin, and transferrin phenotypes were determined by means of starch-gel electrophoresis for a sample of 226 Kenya hospital patients. Allele frequencies were: Hb_β^S=0.081; Hp¹=0.057; Tf^D=0.038. Hemoglobin S was the only aberrant hemoglobin found in this sample. Transferrins C and D were the only transferrins found. Hemoglobin and transferrin phenotypes were also determined for a sample of 201 newborn Kenya infants. One of these infants had hemoglobins F, S, and C, eight had hemoglobins A, F, and S, and the remainder had hemoglobins A and F. Transferrins C, B, and D were found in this sample. Allele frequencies were: Tf^B=0.008; Tf^D=0.019.     

Transferrin (Tf) subtyping on agarose: A new technique for isoelectric focusing

Summary Isoelectric focusing (IEF) of the serum protein transferrin (Tf) on polyacrylamide gels has been found to be a useful tool in population genetics and forensic medicine. Three autosomal codominant alleles can be subtyped from the Tf ^C allele, Tf ^C1, Tf^C2, and Tf ^C3. In this report the authors describe the use of agarose as an alternative technique for Tf subtyping. The method is faster, easier to perform and eliminates the use of toxic chemicals used with polyacrylamide gels. Results of subtyping for the three alleles Tf ^C1, Tf^C2, and Tf ^C3 are described for a population of U.S. whites (n=392) and U.S. blacks (n=194).     

Transferrin: Evidence for two common subtypes of the TfC allele

Summary Evidence is presented for an extended polymorphism of human transferrin (Tf). Three common phenotypes were observed among Tf^C individuals after isoelectric focusing of sera on polyacrylamide gels. They are explained in terms of two subtypes of the Tf^c allele, tentatively designated Tf^C1 and Tf^C2. The distribution of the phenotypes Tf C1, C2-1, and C2 provides a good fit to the Hardy-Weinberg equation. In our population sample (n=942) the following frequencies were calculated: Tf^C1=0.8195, Tf^C2=0.1720, Tf^B2=0.0064, Tf^B1–2=0.0016, and Tf^D1=0.0005. Family studies (n=112) indicate an autosomal codominant way of inheritance. The observed subheterogeneity is detectable in purified transferrin after isofocusing and subsequent immunofixation. The subtypes are still present after treatment of sera with neuraminidase.     

The distribution of haptoglobin and transferrin types in northeast New Guinea

This paper reports haptoglobin testing of 2,029 serum specimens and transferrin typing of 1,911 specimens obtained from villages representing a wide range of environments and cultures in the Markham River Valley region of northeast New Guinea. The haptoglobin gene frequencies ranged from 90.0% to 61.4% for Hp¹ and the frequency of the transferring gene Tf^c ranged from 94.9% to 71.5%. Other transferrin genes present were Tf^D1 and, in low frequency, Tf^{B Lae}. Overall, no apparent correlations were found between the frequencies of these genes and altitudes, languages or distances of the villages studied up the valley. It was felt that the arguments put forward earlier emphasizing the role of genetic drift in determining gene distribution in New Guinea could be also applied to explain the distribution of the haptoglobin and transferrin genes in the Markham River Valley.     

The Ap-Bp blood groups of baboons

Four isoimmunized baboons each produced isoantibodies defining a number of blood factors of baboon blood of which two, A^p and B^p, have been most intensively studied. The two blood factors determine the A^P-B^P blood group system which, judging from its serological behavior, may be the baboon analogue of the human M-N system and the chimpanzee V-A-B system. Tests for A^P-B^P types of 592 baboons showed striking differences in the distributions of the four types among the four sub-species, Papio cynocephalus, Papio anubis, Papio ursinus (South Africa) and Papio papio (Senegal). The baboon A^P-B^P types could also be demonstrated by tests on the red cells of geladas (Theropithecus gelada). If one assumes inheritance by multiple allelic genes, then the existence of only a single gene O^p need be invoked for Papio ursinus, three alleles O^p, A^p and B^p for Papio cynocephalus and Papio anubis, but four alleles for Papio papio including an allele, very frequent in that subspecies, which determines an agglutinogen having both blood factors A^p and B^p.     

Human transferrin (Tf) and group-specific component (Gc) subtypes in Tunisia

Summary Simultaneous subtyping of two genetic markers—group-specific component (Gc) and transferrin (Tf)—by electrofocusing enabled us to compute the following gene frequencies for the Tunisian population: Gc ^IS .0.525; Gc ^IF , 0.260; Gc ², 0.215; Tf ^CI , 0.770; Tf ^C2 , 0.215; Tf ^D1 , 0.015.The frequencies of Tf ^D , Tf ^C2 , and Gc ¹ are higher than those found in Caucasoid populations and can be explained by Negroid contribution. A selective advantage related to the metabolic role of this vitamin D-binding protein does not seem very likely for any particular Gc type or subtype. It is postulated that the differences in the frequencies of the Gc alleles might be related to selective advantage for genes belonging to other genetic systems originally closely linked to either Gc ¹ or to Gc ² alleles.This work was supported in part by the Faculté de Pharmacie et de Médecine Dentaire of Monastir and by a grant from the Ambassade de France in Tunisia     

Isoelectric focusing of rare transferrin (Tf) variants and common TfC subtypes

Summary Transferrin^C (Tf^C) subtypes were determined by isoelectric focusing (PAGIF) on samples from 90 carriers of the Tf^B and Tf^D alleles. In all cases of CB and CD heterozygotes only one of the two common subtypes of the Tf^C allele, Tf^C1 or Tf^C2, was observed. This is considered strong support for the hypothesis of two common alleles at the Tf locus. The different isofocusing patterns of rare B and D variants are compared with the results obtained after agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE).     

Carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes in nine troops of Kenya baboons, Papio cynocephalus (Linnaeus 1766)

The distributions of alleles at the carbonic anhydrase I (CA I = CA B) and carbonic anhydrase II (CA II = CA C) loci in nine troops of Papio cynocephalus were determined. Two alleles were found at the CA I locus, and three at the CA II locus; the frequencies were: CA I^a = 0.856; CA I^b = 0.144; CA II^a = 0.784; CA II^b = 0.209; CA II^c = 0.007. Results of tests for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, homogeneity tests, and calculations of migration rates were used in support of the interpretation that migration and genetic drift may affect the distribution of alleles at the CA I locus and that selection is the process responsible for the distribution of alleles at the CA II locus.     

Electromyography of pongid shoulder muscles II. Deltoid, rhomboid and "rotator cuff"

Red cell antigen, serum protein and red cell enzyme groups were determined for a series of 1,821 individuals belonging to six language families in Western New Guinea. Three of the language families represent groupings of languages spoken by people in the swampy coastal plain of south central Western New Guinea, two belong to the Central Highlands and one to the Lake Plain area near the confluence of the Idenburg and Rouffaer Rivers. The distribution of genetic markers reveals similarities with other parts of New Guinea. The A₂ allele is absent in the ABO system, the frequency of Ns in the MNS system is very high as is the R₁ (CDe) allele in the Rh system. Hp¹ frequencies are high, and the transferrin allele Tf^D 1 is present as in other parts of New Guinea. In the red cell enzyme systems several alleles were detected which are characteristic of Papuan, and in some cases other Melanesian populations: these include MDH³, PGK⁴, PGK², PGM⁹₂, PGM¹⁰₂, as well as some very restricted alleles such as Peptidase B⁶ and Pep B². Three indices of genetic distance were computed. The most striking results are the genetic closeness of the Dani and Moni populations from the Central Highlands to the Asmat on the southern coastal plain, and the relative remoteness of the Awyu from the other south coastal populations. The results are discussed in terms of recent theories on the origin and dispersal of Papuan languages.     

The distribution of serum protein and enzyme groups among the Batak of Samosir Island (Sumatra,Indonesia)

Summary 188 blood samples from Batak of Samosir Island (Sumatra, Indonesia) have been studied for electrophoretic variants of haemoglobin, 14 red cell enzyme and 5 serum protein systems. The acid phosphatase, 6 PGD, PGM₁ and ADA enzyme systems are polymorphic, and a single AK 2-1 person was detected. Polymorphism is present in the haptoglobin, transferrin and protease inhibitor systems. Two variant alleles, Tf ^Dchi and Tf ^B are present in the transferrin system, but the B variant has not been identified. Similarly, 3 persons with caeruloplasmin variants were found, but also these variants have not been identified. No abnormal haemoglobins were detected. All other systems revealed the presence of only normal phenotypes.

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Zusammenfassung 188 Blutproben des Batak-Stammes von Samosir Island (Sumatra, Indonesien) wurden auf elektrophoretische Varianten des Hämoglobins in 14 Erythrocyten-enzym-und 5 Serumprotein-Systemen untersucht. Die Saure Phosphatase, 6GPD, PGM₁ und ADA-Systeme sind polymorph, und eine einzige AK 2-1-Person wurde gefunden. In den Haptoglobin-, Transferrin- und Pi-Systemen treten Polymorphismen auf. Zwei abweichende Allele, Tf ^Dchi und Tf ^B, sind im Transferrin-System zu finden, aber die B-Variante ist nicht bestimmt worden. Ebenso wurden 3 Personen mit Ceruloplasmin-Varianten gefunden, doch auch diese Varianten wurden nicht identifiziert. Keine abnormen Hämoglobine wurden gefunden. Alle anderen Systeme wiesen nur normale Phenotypen auf.

     

The distribution of transferrin and hemoglobin types in families of Suffolk and Targhee sheep1

Transferrin and hemoglobin types were determined for 2133 sheep (Suffolks, Targhees, and Suffolk × Targhee crossbreds) and gene frequencies were calculated. Analysis of ratios of hemoglobin types revealed a significant excess of lambs of hemoglobin B/B type in some matings. For transferrins, there was a deficiency of homozygotes for Tf^B in offspring of matings of Tf^B heterozygotes inter se.     

Polymorphism of hordein-coding loci in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) populations from the countries of Eastern Asia (China, Nepal, Pakistan, India)

In this study, starch gel electrophoresis was used to examine polymorphism of hordeins encoded by the Hrd A, Hrd B, and Hrd F loci in 201 accessions of barley landraces from China (including Tibet), Nepal, Pakistan, and India. Altogether, 50 alleles with the frequencies of 0.001?C0.2269 were determined for the Hrd A locus, 65 alleles with the frequencies of 0.001?C0.1612 were determined for the Hrd B locus, and five alleles with the frequencies of 0.001?C0.4537 were determined for the Hrd F locus. In barley populations from these countries, irregular distribution of alleles and allele frequencies was observed. Cluster analysis of the matrix of allele frequencies in populations from known sampling sites revealed cluster structure of local barley populations within each country. Local populations formed five differently sized clusters in Nepal, four such clusters in India, three clusters in China, and three clusters, in Pakistan. These results suggest that variation and allele frequency distribution of the hordein-coding loci in the countries of Eastern Asia resulted from the introduction and spreading of barley forms through the husbandmen migrations.     

Polymorphism of vitamin B12 [57Col binding proteins in rabbit serum

When rabbit serum labelled with vitamin B₁₂[⁵⁷Co] was subjected to starch gel electrophoresis and au;oradiography, three phenotypes of proteins capable of binding vitamin B₁₂ were observed. Family data revealed that these phenotypes (called TC-A, TC-AB and TC-B) are controlied by two codominant alleles (TC^A and TC^B), at an autosomic locus. Proteins capable of binding vitamin B₁₂ both in vivo and in vitro are commonly referred to as Transcobalamins and can be found in the serum of numerous animal species (for a review, see Glass, 1974; Allen, 1975; Stenman, 1975). Furthermore, Daiger et al. (1975a) have described seven different patterns of vitamin B₁₂ binding proteins which occur in human plasma and which are presumably controlled by four alleles. The present paper describes experiments in which both starch gel electrophoresis and autoradiography are used to identify three phenotypes of rabbit serum proteins responsible for binding vitamin B₁₂ in vitro. It was found that these three phenotypes are controlled by two allelic codominant genes, at an autosomic locus. Individual serum samples (30 μl), obtained from 385 White New Zealand rabbits varying in age from one month to three years, were incubated with 0.1 ng of vitamin B₁₂[⁵⁷Co] (specific activity: 180 μCi/μg; Lot 247; Radiochemical Centre, Amersham, England) at 37°C for 30 minutes. Starch gel electrophoresis and autoradiography were performed as described by Geldermann (1970) and Daiger et al. (1975b), respectively. Electrofocusing (pH range 3.5–9.5) was conducted in the 2117 Multiphor apparatus (LKB, Bromma, Sweden) according to the manufacturer's instructions. The resulting pH gradient was measured with a surface pH electrode (Ingold, Zürich, Switzerland).     

Population genetics of chimpanzee blood groups

A series of 60 chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) were tested for their human-type A-B-O blood groups and for ten simian-type blood factors. Of the 60 chimpanzees four were group O and 56 group A; combining this with our previous results, among 274 chimpanzees there were 36 group O and 238 group A. Gene frequency analysis of the V-A-B types (determined by three antisera, anti- V ^c, anti- A ^c and anti- B ^c) of the 60 chimpanzees indicated inheritance by four allelic genes, namely, the amorphic gene v and the three additional alleles v^A, v^B and V. This theory allows for the existence of ten genotypes but only seven V-A-B phenotypes, since the type V.AB is excluded. Gene frequency analysis confirmed that C^c and c^c are contrasting antigens determined by corresponding allelic genes. The distribution of the C-c-E-F types among the 60 chimpanzees, as well as among 133 chimpanzees previously tested, is compatible with the postulation of five allelic genes, namely, the amorph c, and the alleles C^E, C^F, C^EF and the very rare allele C. The blood factor G ^c appears to define a separate blood group system, independent of the V-A-B and C-E-F systems. The newly defined blood factor Lindsay appears to be related to the V-A-B system, while factor H ^c may be related to the C-E-F system.     

Hordein Polymorphism in Ethiopian Barley

Using starch gel electrophoresis, polymorphism of hordein-encoding loci Hrd A, Hrd B, and Hrd Fwas studied in 147 accessions of local Ethiopian barley cultivars. Loci Hrd A, Hrd B, and Hrd Fwere shown to have 26, 36, and 4 alleles, respectively. The allele frequencies in the collection examined varied from 0.17 to 45.72%. For loci Hrd Aand Hrd B, families of blocks of hordein components were found. Based on the allele frequencies and their combinations at loci Hrd Aand Hrd Bas well as the numbers of families of component blocks of hordeins A and B, we identified genotypes that could be considered as the most ancient in Ethiopia. A catalog of hordein variant encoded by these loci was created. The list of hordein genetic formulas for the studied accessions is presented.     

Genetic variants of glucose phosphate isomerase (E.C. 5.3.1.9) in canine erythrocytes*

Genetic polymorphism of glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI) was found in the erythrocytes of dogs of six Japanese breeds by using starch gel electrophoresis. Analysis of parentage records of dogs revealed that the phenotypic variation of erythrocyte glucose phosphate isomerase was controlled by one autosomal locus with two codominant alleles, GPI^Aand GPI^B. The allele GPI^Bwas observed in the following breeds: San'in-Shiba, Shinshu-Shiba, Shikoku, Kai and Kishu, but not in Hokkaidoes and Akitas. All the dogs belonging to 25 European breeds, 5 oriental or China-origin (except Japan) breeds examined in this experiments had the genotype constitution GPI^A/GPI^A, whereas one Dalmation dog was heterozygous GPI^A/GPI^B.     

Polymorphism of hordein-coding loci in barley (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Hordeum vulgare</Emphasis> L.) populations of Iran and Central Asian countries

Starch gel electrophoresis was performed to study polymorphism of hordeins encoded by the Hrd A, Hrd B, and Hrd F loci in 366 local old barley accessions from Iran and Central Asian countries, including Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan (Mountain Badahsan), and Kirgizia. In total, 60 alleles with frequencies of 0.0003–0.2818 were observed for the Hrd A locus, 106 alleles with frequencies of 0.0003–0.1603 were observed for the Hrd B locus, and five alleles with frequencies of 0.0164–0.4131 were observed for the Hrd F locus. The alleles and allele frequencies displayed irregular distributions in barley populations of the above countries. Cluster analysis of the matrix of allele frequencies in populations from known collection sites revealed a cluster structure of local barley populations within each country. Local populations formed five differently sized clusters in Iran, six in Turkmenistan, three in Uzbekistan, and three in Kirgizia. The variation and allele frequency distribution of the hordein-coding loci in Iran and Central Asian countries were assumed to result from the introduction and spreading of barley forms via migrations of husbandmen.     

Haemopexin in sheep,mouflon and goat: genetic polymorphism,heterogeneity and partial characterization*

Benzidine staining of starch gels after electrophoresis of sera to which haematin was added revealed polymorphism of haemopexin in sheep, mouflon and goat. In sheep three phenotypes were observed, Hpx A, Hpx AB and Hpx B. Pedigree data support the hypothesis of codominant inheritance from a single locus by two alleles, Hpx^A and Hpx^B. Neuraminidase treatment of haemopexin preparations showed that Hpx B covered two variants, B1 and B2, thus indicating genetic control by three alleles (Hpx^A, Hpx^B1 and Hpx^B2). In sheep populations the frequency of Hpx^B is low. In mouflon, in addition to the two variants that are like those of sheep, absence of haemopexin was observed in some animals, by using starch gel electrophoresis as well as immunoelectrophoresis. In goat, three phenotypes were detected, Hpx A, Hpx AB and Hpx B, differing in migration from those of sheep. Haemopexins of the studied species are heterogeneous. Sialic acid is responsible for electrophoretic heterogeneity of sheep haemopexin. Chemical. composition (amino acid and carbohydrate), molecular weight (56 060) and N-terminal sequence (Leu-Pro-Pro-) of sheep haemopexin were also determined.     

Primate red cell enzymes: glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (E. C.: 1.1.1.49) phenotypes and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (E. C.: 1.1.1.44) phenotypes were determined by starch-gel electrophoresis of red cell hemolysates of Galago crassicaudatus subspp., Propithecus verreauxi, Lemur spp., Hapalemur griseus, and Macaca mulatta. A single glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) phenotype was found in each species. A single 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD) phenotype was found in Lemur spp., Hapalemur griseus, and Galago crassicaudatus argentatus. In a group of six Propithecus verreauxi, three 6PGD phenotypes, PGD A, PGD AB, and PGD B, were found. Three phenotypes, PGD A, PGD AB, and PGD B, were found in 38 G. c. crassicaudatus. The three phenotypes in each species are apparently the products of two codominant autosomal alleles, PGD^A and PGD^B. The frequency of PGD^A in G. c. crassicaudatus is 0.263. A population of 260 free-ranging macaques displays a polymorphism at the 6PGD locus. Three phenotypes, PGD A, PGD AB, and PGD B, were found. These also appear to be controlled by two codominant autosomal alleles, PGD^A and PGD^B the frequency of PGD^A = 0.913. Additional analysis of three well-defined troops within the macaque population indicated that there are no significant differences between the troops or within the population at the 6PGD locus.