Insights into the genetic architecture of morphological traits in two passerine bird species.

Knowledge about the underlying genetic architecture of phenotypic traits is needed to understand and predict evolutionary dynamics. The number of causal loci, magnitude of the effects and location in the genome are, however, still largely unknown. Here, we use genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data from two large-scale data sets on house sparrows and collared flycatchers to examine the genetic architecture of different morphological traits (tarsus length, wing length, body mass, bill depth, bill length, total and visible badge size and white wing patches). Genomic heritabilities were estimated using relatedness calculated from SNPs. The proportion of variance captured by the SNPs (SNP-based heritability) was lower in house sparrows compared with collared flycatchers, as expected given marker density (6348 SNPs in house sparrows versus 38 689 SNPs in collared flycatchers). Indeed, after downsampling to similar SNP density and sample size, this estimate was no longer markedly different between species. Chromosome-partitioning analyses demonstrated that the proportion of variance explained by each chromosome was significantly positively related to the chromosome size for some traits and, generally, that larger chromosomes tended to explain proportionally more variation than smaller chromosomes. Finally, we found two genome-wide significant associations with very small-effect sizes. One SNP on chromosome 20 was associated with bill length in house sparrows and explained 1.2% of phenotypic variation (VP), and one SNP on chromosome 4 was associated with tarsus length in collared flycatchers (3% of VP). Although we cannot exclude the possibility of undetected large-effect loci, our results indicate a polygenic basis for morphological traits.

Basal metabolic rate: heritability and genetic correlations with morphological traits in the zebra finch.

Studies of genetic variation in metabolic traits have so far not focused on birds. In our study population of captive zebra finches we found evidence for a significant heritable genetic component in basal metabolic rate (BMR). Heritability of all morphological traits investigated (body mass, head length, tars length and wing length) was significantly larger than zero. All traits were positively phenotypically correlated. Eight of 10 genetic correlations presented in this study differed significantly from zero, all being positive, suggesting the possibility of correlated responses to any selection acting on the traits. When conditioned on the genetic variance in body mass, the heritability of BMR was reduced from 25% to 4%. Hence, our results indicate that genetic changes in BMR through directional selection are possible, but the potential for adaptation independent of body mass may be limited.

Bioactivity studies on new gastrin analogues.

Gastrin antagonists may be useful in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease and gastrointestinal malignancies. The aim of the present study was to synthesize gastrin analogues and test them for their ability to inhibit gastrin-stimulated acid secretion. Five peptides were synthesized: peptide [2], in which methionine was replaced by leucine, and the COOH-terminal amide was replaced by the thiomethylamide; peptide [3], in which the COOH-terminal phenylalanine was removed, and the aspartic acid thioamidated; peptide [5], in which methionine was replaced by leucine, and the peptide bond between leucine and aspartic acid was replaced by a thioamide; peptide [7], in which the bond between leucine and aspartic acid was replaced by a ketomethylene amino bond; and, finally, peptide [8], in which a beta-bend was induced in the COOH-terminal region by the introduction of a D-phenylalanine in place of glycine. The biologic effect of the peptides was tested in the totally isolated, vascularly perfused rat stomach. The peptides were tested in concentrations of 10(-9), 10(-7), and 10(-5) M for agonist activity and together with gastrin 1-17, 5.2 X 10(-10) M, at a concentration of 10(-5) M for antagonist activity. Peptide [2] had full biologic activity but greatly reduced potency, and peptide [7] had a faint biologic activity. None of the peptides showed any antagonist activity.

[Prescription of psychopharmaceuticals. A survey of drug treatment at 10 psychiatric hospitals]. / Forskrivning av psykofarmaka. En oversikt over medikamentell behandling i ti psykiatriske sykehus.

This study describes a survey of the drugs prescribed to long-term psychiatric patients and psychogeriatric patients in ten Norwegian psychiatric hospitals. Of 1,124 patients, 12% received no psychotropic drugs and 14% were given a combination of more than three psychotropic drugs. Of 872 patients given neuroleptics, 81% received antipsychotic medication with low-dose neuroleptics and 27% received depot-neuroleptics. Hypnotics and minor tranquillizers were commonly prescribed together with neuroleptics and antidepressants. Anti-parkinsonian drugs were prescribed for 37% of those receiving neuroleptics. Neuroleptics, minor tranquillizers and anti-parkinsonian drugs were commonly given three times a day. The prescription pattern differed between the hospitals. Guidelines are suggested for more rational use of psychotropic drugs.

Visualization of von Willebrand factor multimers by enzyme-conjugated secondary antibodies.

A method for visualization of the multimeric forms of von Willebrand Factor (vWF) in plasma and platelets is described. The method is based upon: 1) Separation of the vWF multimers by SDS-agarose electrophoresis, 2) Subsequent blotting of the vWF multimers onto nitrocellulose, 3) Immunolocalization and visualization of the vWF pattern by the sequential incubation of the blot with primary vWF antiserum, peroxidase- or beta-galactosidase-conjugated secondary antibodies and a relevant chromogenic substrate.