HK/LK polymorphism and its genetic determination in Speke's gazelle.

Abstract

Concentrations of potassium (K) and sodium (Na) were determined in the erythrocytes of 28 members of an interbreeding herd of Speke's gazelle. The distribution of K concentrations and Na/K concentration ratios suggested the presence of the high-K/low-K (HK/LK) polymorphism known in erythrocytes of domestic bovids. The pedigree of the herd of gazelles is known completely, permitting examination of the inheritance of HK/LK polymorphism by overlaying the distribution of phenotypes on the pedigree. Statistical analyses clearly indicate a strong genetic component in the phenotypic variability that is entirely consistent with a single autosomal locus, two-allele mode of inheritance, with the LK allele being dominant. This is the first demonstration of HK/LK polymorphism in a wild bovid species. The evidence indicates that HK/LK polymorphism is of considerable evolutionary age, is of monophyletic origin, and is maintained by selection.