SELECTIVE BREEDING FOR VARIATIONS IN THYROIDAL IODINE RELEASE RATE IN MICE

Abstract

SUMMARY Mice were selectively bred for high and low thyroidal 131I release rates. Two lines with sharp contrast in the selection criterion were produced, and an estimate of heritability was made. There were correlated differences in thyroid histology, protein-bound 131I, cholesterol level, haematocrit, adrenal and testicular weights, and some behavioural characteristics. It was concluded that multiple genetic factors affect the rate of thyroidal iodine release, and that the high release strain had greater thyroid activity than the low release strain. Some genetic aspects of thyroid function are discussed.