Electrophoretic Study of Transferrin and Pseudocholinesterase on Vervet Monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops aethiops L.)
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Date
1996-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Blood serum samples (n=34) were taken from a population of vervet monkeys inhabiting the
terrain along the Awash River. Genetic variation on transferrin (Tf) and pseudocholinesterase
(Psch) were studied using a non-denaturing vertical polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
system. No variation was detected on transferrin. Psch was found to be polymorphic with
respect to mobility and activity level. Four phenotypes were distinguished based on this
polymorphism. This included: single cathodal band with strong activity; single anodal band
with strong activity; two bands of activity (one cathodal and the other anodal) and finally no
band activity. These phenotypes could be explained based on a three allele model proposed
from a previous study. These alleles are designated as psch' for the silent gene, psch' for the
cathodal band and psch' for anodal band activities. The genotypes of each individual were
constructed and the gene frequencies calculated. The gene frequency for pSChl, psch' and
psch3 were 0.0883 and 0.3088 and 0.6029 respectively. Test for goodness-of-fit for these
alleles showed the popUlation to be in a Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (X2
3=4.95, p > .05)
at present. However, when the results of this study were compared with a previous study
(some 20 years ago) on the same area, the allelic frequencies have greatly changed. Possible
factors responsible for the Tf monomorphism and Psch polymorphism are discussed. The Tf
monomorphism may be due to the low migration rate; the antagonistic effect of the Psch
third aile on rare Tf allele and the effect of sampling size. The shift in Psch allelic
frequency polymorphism may be accounted for by environmental factors. The effect of the
1974 and 1985 drought periods is may have contributed to the dominance of the third allele.
The Hitch-Hiking effect on the rapid shift of allele frequency and the effect of methods employed are also discussed. Based on the allelic distribution, important sites for the
conservation of vervet monkeys are recommended.
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Biology