Phenotypic Expression in Chickens Heterozygous for Hereditary Muscular Dystrophy

Abstract

Chickens of the New Hampshire strain, bred for the heterozygous state by fertilizing dystro-phic hens with normal rooster semen, were compared with homozygous normals and homozygous dystrophies with respect to plasma enzyme activity, pectoral muscle function and alterations in muscle histology. Results for the heterozygote include increased mean plasma CPK [creative phosphokinase] and GOT fglutamic-oxalacetic transaminase] diminished pectoral muscle function and altered muscle histology suggestive of dystrophy. These findings are discussed in relation to other animal dystrophies and human muscular dystrophy.