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PubMed1991

[Behavior disorders in dogs--study of their classification].

Introductory reflections are represented on the present human-canine relationship which often is disturbed respectively characterized by man's overdoings in any direction. Definition and differentiation of the multicausal variability of canine behaviour is given by a critical literature review and own studies on breed - specific behaviour differences and differences in human-canine relationships. The most common forms of canine abnormal behaviour are classified after BUCHHOLTZ (1989). Relation to man plays the main role in canine development. Isolation of man, for example, by growing up living in kennel and not within the family causes canine abnormal behaviour nearly predictable, as my results of sequence analysis verify. Congenital disorders with pathologic manifestation are still rare, relatively increasing is acquired abnormal behaviour following genetic disposition. Sensitive developmental phases as well as the human relationship are important for environmental adaptation. Aggression in dogs towards human for example often refers to isolated development in kennels. Nevertheless abnormal canine behaviour is often overdiagnosed. In many cases the underlying cause is a form of "ritualized misunderstanding" between dog and man depending on unrealistic conceptions and expectations of men about canine behaviour. This type of "abnormal" behaviour is easily curable by therapy.

Aggression↗
PubMed2002

Drosophila as a new model organism for the neurobiology of aggression?

We report here the effects of several neurobiological determinants on aggressive behaviour in the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster. This study combines behavioural, transgenic, genetic and pharmacological techniques that are well established in the fruitfly, in the novel context of the neurobiology of aggression. We find that octopamine, dopamine and a region in the Drosophila brain called the mushroom bodies, all profoundly influence the expression of aggressive behaviour. Serotonin had no effect. We conclude that Drosophila, with its advanced set of molecular tools and its behavioural richness, has the potential to develop into a new model organism for the study of the neurobiology of aggression.

Aggression↗
PubMed1997

Insulin induces rapid changes of plasma leptin in lean but not in genetically obese (fa/fa) rats.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the plasma leptin concentration in lean and genetically obese fa/fa rats and to assess the response to 2 h hyperinsulinaemia. BACKGROUND: The recently discovered peptide leptin is a putative link between the size of the adipose mass and the hypothalamic centres controlling feeding behaviour. Several genetic models of animal obesity have been characterized as carriers of mutations of either the ob gene or leptin receptor. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Lean (+/?) and obese (fa/fa) Zucker rats were studied under pentobarbital anaesthesia and underwent a 2 h euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp. Plasma leptin was measured in basal condition and at the end of the clamp study. Glucose rate of disappearance was evaluated by means of the isotope dilution technique using 3-3H-glucose as tracer. RESULTS: fa/fa rats showed a 40 fold higher leptin concentration compared to lean littermates (0.47 +/- 0.10 vs 19.55 +/- 1.50 ng/ml, P < 0.0001). Euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemia increased plasma leptin in lean but not in genetically obese rats. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that insulin may be a regulator of in vivo leptin secretion by adipose tissue of lean rates whereas it is ineffective in increasing plasma leptin in obese Zucker rats.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[An anthropologic reflection on genetic epidemiology. On the need of a multidisciplinary approach].

Historically, Epidemiology arose from the need to take steps in forming health care policy, and up until a few decades ago, its interest has centred on illnesses caused by infectious agents. Recent developments in Medicine and Biology have permitted the evaluation of the behaviour of genetic material in vital processes. From these advances arose Genetic Epidemiology which researches the relationship between heredity and illness among human populations defined by their biosocial characteristics. Its primary field of application is in complex aetiology illnesses in which the genotype and the environment interact. Its complexity has inevitably converted it into a multi-disciplinary science. The basic parametres of the population structures, such as parentage and consanguinity, which is what physical anthropologists have been researching in recent years in Spain, form an important data base which must be integrated into future Genetic Epidemiology studies; these studies will result in its natural progression. Significant success is being obtained in this direction in many advanced countries, therefore it is advisable for our health care authorities to do the same and encourage this type of multidisciplinary work which will serve as a basis for a modern and efficient health care policy.

Anthropology, Physical↗
PubMed2003

Effects of habitat fragmentation and changes of dispersal behaviour after a recent population decline on the genetic variability of noncoding and coding DNA of a monogamous Malagasy rodent.

While interactions among demography, behaviour and genetic structure are well-documented for neutral genetic markers, the role of these parameters and the effects of genetic drift and selection are considerably less well understood in functional genes, such as the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). In this study, the consequences of habitat fragmentation and the effects of a current population decline on noncoding (mitochondrial DNA) and two coding MHC loci (DQA, DRB) with different functional importance were investigated in the small remnant subdivided population of the endangered Malagasy giant jumping rat (Hypogeomys antimena). Both neutral and selective markers revealed a significant genetic differentiation between the two remnant subpopulations. The FST values were much lower in the MHC DQA and DRB genes than in the mitochondrial data. The MHC DRB loci display the effects of both balancing selection (high sequence diversity, four times higher nonsynonymous than synonymous substitutions in the functionally important antigen-binding site positions, twice the average heterozygosity of individual amino acids at the positions identified as part of the antigen-binding site (ABS) than those outside the ABS and nonselective forces including genetic drift. Simultaneously with a current population decline offspring reduced their dispersal distances. No substantial effects were detected within the first 6 years of reduced gene flow in either mitochondrial or MHC markers.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Low reproductive success in territorial male Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) suggests the existence of alternative mating strategies.

Microsatellites were used to conduct an analysis of paternity of Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) from Bird Island, South Georgia. At most, only 28% of pups at our study site could be assigned a father, even though the majority (approximately 90%) of candidate males within this colony were sampled. The behavioural and genetic evidence from this study suggests that a number of alternative mating strategies may exist within this fur seal population. Holding a land-based territory conferred an advantage to male reproductive success. However, this advantage was much smaller than expected from behavioural observations. At least 70% of fur seal pups born at our study site in a given year are not fathered by males who held a territory or were observed copulating with females in the previous year, implying that there exists a pool of males that seldom venture ashore at this site. To explain this discrepancy we suggest that female choice is an integral component of the Antarctic fur seal mating system and that aquatic mating may play a much larger role in the Antarctic fur seal than previously thought.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

[Genetic analysis of the outcome of behavioural tests in puppies of the Hovawart breed].

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the importance of genetic and environmental sources of variation for results of puppy behavioural tests in the Hovawart dog. For these analyses test results of 5,608 puppies born in 1995 to 2000 have been used. Variance component estimation was performed for the traits contact, optical and acoustical influences, hunting affinity, appearance and temperament using multivariate linear animal models and Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML). The models included test-year-season, sex, litter size, region of kennel, inbreeding coefficient of the animal and the test inspector as fixed effects. Additive genetic effects of the animal, permanent environmental effect of the litter and the effect of the kennel were considered as random factors. An extended model included the additive genetic maternal effect. The region of the kennel was significant for all traits and the most important factor among the fixed effects. The sex of the puppy was significant for the temperament. Test-year-season was significant for hunting affinity, whereas the test inspector was significant for optical and acoustical influences. The effects litter size and inbreeding coefficient of the animal did not influence any of the traits significantly. The estimated heritabilities for the traits of puppy behaviour tests ranged from h2 = 0.02 to h2 = 0.13 with standard errors of up to 0.03. Common environment of the puppies significantly influenced all behaviour tests and the estimates were between c2 = 0.13 and 0.22. The maternal heritabilities amounted up to h2 = 0.04. The additive genetic correlations between the traits were always highly positive (r(g) = 0.6 bis 1).

Animals↗
PubMed1996

A broader phenotype of autism: the clinical spectrum in twins.

The diagnostic boundaries of the behavioural phenotype for autism were examined in 28 MZ pairs and 20 DZ same-sex twin pairs, where one or both twins had autism. In the non-autistic cotwin (i.e. in twin pairs discordant for autism) it was common to find language impairments in childhood and social deficits persisting into adulthood. Concordance for this broader phenotype was much greater in MZ pairs than DZ pairs, indicating a strong genetic component. Behavioural and cognitive manifestations of autism were compared both within and between MZ twin pairs. The variation was as great within MZ twin pairs as between pairs, suggesting that it does not index genetic heterogeneity (although aetiological heterogeneity probably exists). Current diagnostic practices need re-evaluation.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1995

Genetic consequences of differential demographic behaviour in the Saguenay region, Québec.

Some rare inherited disorders are found with a high frequency in the population of the Saguenay region (Québec province, Canada, population 300,000). Inbreeding coefficients are too low to be an explanation for these high frequencies. In the first decades of settlement (1842-1870), most of the immigrants came from a small region called Charlevoix (east of Québec city). As most of the genetic disorders found in the Saguenay region are also found in the Charlevoix region, it is strongly suspected that the genes were introduced by these first settlers from Charlevoix. Using the BALSAC database (which contains linked information on the entire Saguenay population) to calculate the number of contemporary descendants and the genetic contribution of each founder to these descendants, we show that: (1) Founders who entered the population before 1870 contribute to 45% of the contemporary gene pool, despite the fact that they represent only 15% of all the 20,012 immigrants with descendants in the contemporary population (individuals born between 1950 and 1971). (2) Their genetic contribution is not homogenous in the contemporary population: 5% of the population have 100% of their gene pool coming from these first founders, while 10% have a zero to 5% contribution from these earliest founders. (3) Fifty percent of the genes introduced in the population were lost. (4) If only 68 immigrants among the first founders (2.0%) were carriers of the same gene, it could reach a frequency of 5% in the contemporary population, which is the frequency of most of the inherited disorders found in the population.

Alleles↗
PubMed2002

Use of population genetic data to infer oviposition behaviour: species-specific patterns in four oak gallwasps (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae).

Many species of oak gallwasp (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Cynipini) induce galls containing more than one larva (multilocular galls) on their host plant. To date, it has remained unclear whether multilocular galls result solely from clustered oviposition by a single female, or include the aggregated offspring of several females (multiple founding). We have developed a novel maximum-likelihood approach for use with population genetic data that estimates the number and genotypes of parents contributing to offspring from each gall. We apply this method to allozyme data from multiple populations of four oak gallwasps whose asexual generations develop in multilocular galls (Andricus coriarius, A. lucidus, A. panteli and A. seckendorffi). We find strong evidence for multiple founding in all four species, and show the data to be compatible with multiple founding rather than founding by a single foundress mated with multiple males. The extent of multiple founding differs among species: in A. lucidus and A. seckendorffi most galls are induced by a single female, whereas in A. coriarius and A. panteli over half of the galls sampled were multiple founded. We suggest that variation in levels of multiple founding may be due to consistent ecological differences between the four species.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2006

QTL analysis of behavioral and morphological differentiation between wild and laboratory zebrafish (Danio rerio).

The zebrafish is an important model organism for neuro-anatomy and developmental genetics. It also offers opportunities for investigating the functional and evolutionary genetics of behaviour but these have yet to be exploited. The ecology of anti-predator behaviour has been widely studied in fish and has been shown to vary among populations and between wild and domesticated (laboratory) fish. Here, we utilise the strong behavioural differences present between a wild-derived strain of fish from Bangladesh and the laboratory strain AB. In total, 184 F2 fish were generated and tested for shoaling tendency and willingness to approach an unfamiliar object ('boldness'). Our results indicate the existence of QTL for boldness on chromosomes 9 and 16 and suggest another genomic region that influences anti-predator behaviour on chromosome 21. QTL for growth rate, weight and fat content, all of which are elevated in laboratory fish, were detected on chromosome 23. These initial results confirm the potential for QTL mapping of behavioural traits in zebrafish and also for dissecting the consequences of selection during domestication.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Measuring paternal discrepancy and its public health consequences.

Paternal discrepancy (PD) occurs when a child is identified as being biologically fathered by someone other than the man who believes he is the father. This paper examines published evidence on levels of PD and its public health consequences. Rates vary between studies from 0.8% to 30% (median 3.7%, n = 17). Using information from genetic and behavioural studies, the article identifies those who conceive younger, live in deprivation, are in long term relationships (rather than marriages), or in certain cultural groups are at higher risk. Public health consequences of PD being exposed include family break up and violence. However, leaving PD undiagnosed means cases having incorrect information on their genetics and fathers continuing to suspect that children may not be theirs. Increasing paternity testing and use of DNA techniques in clinical and judicial procedures means more cases of PD will be identified. Given developing roles for individual's genetics in decisions made by health services, private services (for example, insurance), and even in personal lifestyle decisions, the dearth of intelligence on how and when PD should be exposed urgently needs addressing.

Child↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Hormonal and immunological mechanisms mediating sex differences in parasite infection.

The prevalence and intensity of infections caused by protozoa, nematodes, trematodes, cestodes, and arthropods is higher in males than females. The primary thesis of this review is that immunological differences exist between the sexes that may underlie increased parasitism in males compared to females. Several field and laboratory studies link sex differences in immune function with circulating steroid hormones; thus, the roles of sex steroids, including testosterone, oestradiol, and progesterone, as well as glucocorticoids will be discussed. Not only can host hormones affect responses to infection, but parasites can both produce and alter hormone concentrations in their hosts. The extent to which changes in endocrine-immune interactions following infection are mediated by the host or the parasite will be considered. Although males are more susceptible than females to many parasites, there are parasites for which males are more resistant than females and endocrine-immune interactions may underlie this sex reversal. Finally, although immunological differences exist between the sexes, genetic and behavioural differences may explain some variability in response to infection and will be explored as alternative hypotheses for how differences between the sexes contribute to dimorphic responses to parasites.

Behavior↗
PubMed2005

Does weight loss prognosis depend on genetic make-up?

The prevalence of obesity is rising throughout the world. Indeed, obesity has reached epidemic proportions in many developed and transition countries. Obesity is a complex disease with multifactorial origin, which in many cases appears as a polygenic condition affected by environmental factors. Treatment or prevention of obesity is necessary to reverse or avoid the onset of type 2 diabetes and other obesity-related diseases. Weight loss is a complex trait that depends on many environmental, behavioural and genetic influences. An effective programme for the management of overweight and obesity must take into account all of these factors. Individual responses to weight loss interventions vary widely and reliable predictors of successful slimming are poorly understood. The individual genetic make-up participating in energy expenditure regulation, appetite control, lipid metabolism and adipogenesis, have been reported to affect the risk of treatment failure in some subjects. In addition, the genotype could also help to predict the changes in lipid profile, cardiovascular risk factors and insulin sensitivity in response to weight loss. Herein, the current evidence from human studies that support the existence of a genetic component and the participation of different polymorphisms in the prognosis of weight loss induced by interventions leading to a negative energy balance are reviewed.

Energy Metabolism↗
PubMed1991

[Skin and plumage changes in domestic birds. I. Skin changes].

This study presents modifications of the common integument and specific integumental structures developed during the domestication process of different poultry species. These modifications include dewlaps, variations of the comb, ear lobes, and wattles, size and form variations of the beak, exuberances of the cere and orbital skin, spur defects, loss of the uropygial gland, and crop dilatations. Most skin modifications were genetically manifested by exhibition poultry, and perpetuated by deliberate selective breeding. Several of the skin modifications described severely impair the normal, species-typical way of life of the animals concerned. The range of negative influences exerted by some of the fancy breed characteristics includes physical disabilities as well as disorders in food intake, reproduction, and social behaviour. Additionally, genetic defects and pathogenic predispositions can be found.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

When supercolonies collide: territorial aggression in an invasive and unicolonial social insect.

Some species of ants possess an unusual form of social organization in which aggression among nests is absent. This type of social organization, called unicoloniality, has been studied in only a handful of species and its evolutionary origins remain unclear. To date, no study has examined behavioural and genetic patterns at points of contact between the massive supercolonies that characterize unicoloniality. Since interactions at territory boundaries influence the costs of aggression and the likelihood of gene flow, such data may illuminate how supercolonies are formed and maintained. Here we provide field data on intraspecific territoriality for a widespread and invasive unicolonial social insect, the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile). We observed abrupt and well-defined behavioural boundaries at 16 contact zones between three different pairs of supercolonies. We visited nine of these zones weekly during a six-month period and observed consistent and intense intercolony aggression that resulted in variable, but often large, levels of worker mortality. Microsatellite variation along six transects across territory borders showed that F(ST) values were lower within supercolonies (0.08 +/- 0.01 (mean +/- SE)) than between supercolonies (0.29 +/- 0.01) and that this disparity was especially strong right at territory borders, despite direct and prolonged contact between the supercolonies. Matrix correspondence tests confirmed that levels of aggression and genetic differentiation were significantly correlated, but no relationship existed between geographic distance and either intraspecific aggression or genetic differentiation. Patterns of F(ST) variation indicated high levels of gene flow within supercolonies, but little to no gene flow between them. Overall, these findings are inconsistent with a model of relaxed ecological constraints leading to colony fusion and suggest that environmentally derived cues are not the prime determined of nestmate recognition in field populations of Argentine ants.

Aggression↗
PubMed2001

A comparison of 129S2/SvHsd and C57BL/6JOlaHsd mice on a test battery assessing sensorimotor, affective and cognitive behaviours: implications for the study of genetically modified mice.

Mice from the 129S2/SvHsd (129) and C57BL/6JOlaHsd (C57) strains were assessed for performance on a test battery including sensorimotor, affective and cognitive measures, using established as well as modified paradigms. Marked strain differences were observed in measures of locomotion, motor coordination and anxiety: the 129 mice were typically less active and more anxious. In contrast, the strains did not markedly differ in muscular strength, habituation to an open field or spatial working memory. The data provide baseline parameters of behaviour against which genetically modified lines derived from these particular parental strains can be assessed.

Affect↗
PubMed1995

Effects of the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH 39166 on the ingestive behaviour of alcohol-preferring rats.

The present study evaluated the effect of the selective and long-acting dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH 39166 on several aspects of the ingestive behaviour of genetically selected alcohol-preferring rats, bred from Sardinian alcohol-preferring rats. The effect of subchronic (8 days) subcutaneous drug administration was evaluated on the simultaneous daily intake of 10% ethanol, food and water. SCH 39166, 0.1 mg/kg, did not significantly modify the intake of the three ingesta. The dose of 1 mg/kg differentially modified rat ingestive behaviour, inhibiting intake of 10% ethanol, without modifying total fluid and food intake. The higher dose of 5 mg/kg produced a non-selective suppression of ingestive behaviour, which was accompanied by behavioural impairment. Acute drug injection was tested on 2-h intake of 10% sucrose, 0.1% saccharin, water or food. The doses of 0.1 and 1 mg/kg markedly inhibited the 2-h intake of 10% sucrose and 0.1% saccharin, but they did not modify either the 2-h water intake in water deprived and water sated rats or the 2-h food intake in food deprived rats. These findings suggest an important role of mechanisms mediated by D1 receptors in the control of alcohol and sweet solution intake, but not in water and food intake. Moreover, they indicate that SCH 39166, in relation to its selectivity and long-lasting activity, is an interesting pharmacological tool to investigate further the role of D1 receptor mechanisms in the control of ingestive behaviour.

Alcohol Drinking↗