Genetical analysis and characterization of a new mutant, black tremor appearing in the Syrian hamster

A black coat-color mutant with tremor was discovered in babies of 61 generations of an inbred strain APG of Syrian hamster which had been maintained in the Nippon Institute for Biological Science, Laboratory Animal Research Station. The genetical analysis by matings between four inbred strains which had different genes in the E and B loci and four mutant strains which were introduced the mutant gene into the four inbred strains and characterization were carried out on the mutant. The results obtained are summarized as follows: 1) The mutation occurred in a different locus with E and B loci. 2) The mutant was controlled by an autosomal recessive gene designated as "bt", and it was thought that both tremor and black coat-color were the pleiotropic effect of bt gene. 3) At least one E gene in the E locus was necessary for the appearance of black coat color. Therefore, the coat-color remained cream in ee (cream) hamsters showing only trembling. 4) The degree of blackness of the coat-color of EE hamsters differed from Ee ones. The former was darker than the latter. 5) The mutant may be a useful animal model for studying abnormal myelogenesis and biosynthesis of melanin.