Abstract
The micronucleus (MN) test is a common tool used to evaluate cellular genetic instability at the chromosomal level. It determines the effect of physical, chemical and environmental factors on DNA, and thus the body's individual resistance to harmful substances. The karyotypes of blue and silver foxes and their interspecific hybrids are characterized by morphological and structural variation. This variation is partly attributable to the presence of chromosomal polymorphism, which may significantly influence the stability of genetic material in the cells of these species. The objective of the study was to evaluate genetic material stability in selected Canidae species. To this end, analyses using the MN test were performed. Binucleated cells (BNCs) were analysed in microscopic preparations, and the number of micronuclei was determined within these cells. For the proportions of both MN and BNCs, highly significant differences were observed between the fox species. The interspecific hybrids differed from the other fox species in MN percentage. The lowest average was noted in blue foxes (3.33) and the highest in interspecific hybrids (15.21).
Highlights
The 1970s and 1980s witnessed an increasing number of studies on animals belonging to the Canidae family
The study was performed with 36 farmed foxes belonging to three breeds: blue foxes (Alopex lagopus), silver foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and interspecific hybrids (Alopex lagopus crossed with Vulpes vulpes)
Binucleated cells (BNCs) for the MN test were selected based on the following traits: BNC, both nuclei with an intact nuclear envelope, both nuclei equal in size, both nuclei equal in staining pattern and staining intensity, both nuclei attached by a thin nucleoplasmic bridge – which is no wider than one-quarter of the nuclear diameter, and both nuclei touch but do not overlap
Summary
The 1970s and 1980s witnessed an increasing number of studies on animals belonging to the Canidae family. Ever since the presence of chromosomal polymorphism was discovered in species such as the arctic fox (Alopex lagopus), the common fox (Vulpes vulpes) and the Chinese raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), these animals have been the subject of extensive genetic and biological research. Genome mapping of domestic animals became popular in the early 1990s. Foxes have been the subject of many studies on account of their productive breeding value. Scientists work towards complete understanding of the effect diet and some feed additives have on body weight gains, behaviour or reproduction in these animals (Przysiecki et al, 2011; Gorajewska et al, 2012; Nowicki et al, 2012, 2013)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
