Inheritance of erythrocyte GLUT1 and age-dependent change in Japanese Shiba dogs

Abstract

Three families of Shiba dogs were investigated for GLUT1 erythrocyte inheritance. Of 22 adult dogs, 14 contained both GLUT1 and GLUT4 (GLUT1 type) while others had only GLUT4 (normal). Erythrocytes with GLUT1 showed greater capacity for ascorbic acid (AA) recycling than those with only GLUT4. Puppies at 1 month of age presented uniformly high levels of GLUT1 and AA recycling capacity. Eight puppies were examined for postnatal changes until differences between types were apparent. Two puppies completely lost GLUT1 after 6 months of age and had only GLUT4, indicating normal type. Six others including an offspring of a normal pair showed persistent GLUT1, and were eventually GLUT1 type. GLUT4 was invariably present in all dogs. Hence, GLUT1 in erythrocytes of Shiba dogs is inherited in an autosomal recessive mode. Expression and function of GLUT1 are not associated with Na,K-ATPase or stomatin in Shiba dog erythrocytes.