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Genetic correlation between open-field activity and defecation: Analysis with the CXB recombinant-inbred strains

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Abstract

Confirming previous investigations involving descendants of C57BL/6J and BALB/cJ mouse strains, significant phenotypic, environmental, and genetic correlations (r=−0.53, −0.24, −0.92, respectively) were found between open-field activity and defecation in recombinant-inbred strains descended from a cross of C57BL/6By and BALB/cBy strains. These correlations were found to be dependent on the level of illumination in the open-field test. They were statistically significant in a brightly illuminated open field but statistically insignificant in a dimly illuminated test situation.

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This research was supported by NIH Grants HD 08187 and 9MMH 26962 to D. A. B.

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Blizard, D.A., Bailey, D.W. Genetic correlation between open-field activity and defecation: Analysis with the CXB recombinant-inbred strains. Behav Genet 9, 349–357 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01066973

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