Use of an inversion to test for induced X-linked lethals in mice

A long X-chromosomal inversion in the mouse was used to suppress crossing-over and thereby to scan 85% of the X-chromosome, or 5% of the genome, for recessive lethal mutations induced by radiation. After a fractionated absorbed dose of 500 + 500 rad X-rays 24 h apart to spermatogonia, 2/536 irradiated and 0/529 control X-chromosomes carried a confirmed lethal. This corresponds to a rate for recessive lethals of 1.9 x 10-6/rad/X-chromosome for single exposures (allowing for the enhancing effect of fractionation). This is believed to be the first demonstration of the induction of transmissible X-linked lethals in mammals. The results are consistent with previous findings by other methods and indicate the relatively low rate of induction of lethals and the value of inversions in detecting them. (orig.)