Abstract
Aliquots of developing feather papillae isolates were measured for oxygen consumption before and after incubation in the substrate, L dopa. Net oxidation (dopa minus basal) indicated the amount of L dopa oxidized by melanocytes. The albino like mutant e(y)/e(y) c/c showed minimal net oxidation when compared to its counterpart e(y)/e(y) +(c) +(c). This shows that the c mutation severely restricts dopa oxidase activity. The eumelanic genotype (E/E) had high net oxidation at stage 34 which regressed to a low value by stage 38. The pheomelanic producing genotype (e(y)/e(y)) had a low net oxidation at stage 34 which progressed to a high value by stage 38. Dopa oxidase activity in the eumelanin and pheomelanin producing genotype (standard; +(E)/ +(E)) was biphasic. Cells from these embryos had a high net oxidation at both stages 34 and 38 and a low value at stage 36. High net oxidation at stage 34 in E/E and +(e)/+(e) seem associated with eumelanogenesis, while the high net oxidation at stage 38 in +(e)/+(e) and e(y)/e(y) is thought to be related to pheomelanogenesis. L dopa substrate utilization values were also completed for the heterozygote E(e(y) to determine if differences were detectable between this genotype and its respective homozygotes. The heterozygote net oxidation resembled E/E in pattern but at about one half the E/E values. The data are discussed in terms of the E locus as a possible control gene locus which determines whether eumelanin or pheomelanin is synthesized. (37 references)
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 353-365 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Journal of Experimental Zoology |
Volume | 190 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 1974 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Animal Science and Zoology