Plasma cholesterol responses to the adrenocorticotropic hormone in Japanese quail following eighteen generations of divergent selection.

Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) lines were divergently selected for plasma cholesterol response to adrenocorticotropin (ACTH). Data for Generations 9 to 18 indicated a greater response in the low (L) line than in the high (H) line, which was contrary to selection responses for the first eight generations. During Generations 9 to 18, selection differentials were greater in the H line; however, heritability estimates were greater in the L line. These data suggest caution in the interpretation of early selection responses for plasma cholesterol. Selection for plasma cholesterol response following ACTH injection also resulted in divergence in plasma cholesterol levels in the H and L lines in the absence of ACTH. Body weights at 31 days were greater in the H line than in the L line, suggesting a possible relationship with the plasma cholesterol level.