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Genetic diversity of the major histocompatibility complex of cotton rats ( Sigmodon hispidus ) inhabiting an oil refinery complex
Author(s) -
Pfau Russell S.,
McBee Karen,
Van Den Bussche Ronald A.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
environmental toxicology and chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1552-8618
pISSN - 0730-7268
DOI - 10.1002/etc.5620201014
Subject(s) - biology , sigmodon hispidus , genetic diversity , major histocompatibility complex , population , gene flow , genetics , evolutionary biology , zoology , ecology , gene , genetic variation , demography , sociology
We examined genetic diversity of an immune‐response gene within the major histocompatibility complex in cotton rats ( Sigmodon hispidus ) inhabiting an oil refinery complex. Genetic diversity of MHC‐DQA exon‐2 was examined within and among contaminated and noncontaminated reference grids. The level of gene diversity within contaminated grids (0.748) was lower than within reference grids (0.818), but the difference was not statistically significant ( p > 0.5). Analysis of molecular variance, pairwise F ST values, and hierarchical clustering failed to reveal population genetic structure related to contamination. Results of this study indicate either that the level of contaminant‐induced selection is insignificant at this major histocompatibility complex (MHC) locus or that gene flow from surrounding areas has obliterated the effects of selection.