A major chromosomal locus influences behavioral hyperactivity in rat

Abstract

The etiology of hyperactivity syndrome is very poorly understood because of its heterogeneity. Genetic factors have been shown to participate to this phenotype. To identify genes influencing hyperactivity, we have performed a quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping strategy using inbred rat strains WKY and WKHA distinct for their low and high activity scores, respectively. Four behavioral tests and three endocrine measures were chosen to phenotype 196 F2 progeny. Genetic linkage analysis using 70 polymorphic genetic markers on the 196 F2 population detected a major locus on chromosome 8 (Lod score = 14, 34% of the total variance of the F2 population explained) that influences motor activity but is independent of emotionality. No obvious candidate genes for hyperactivity are present in this chromosomal area. Congenic strains are being constructed to study the physiological impact of this locus. This work offers a new basis for experimental and clinical investigations on hyperactivity syndrome.

Publication Title

American Journal of Medical Genetics - Neuropsychiatric Genetics

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