Polymorphism and genetic control of erythrocyte 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase in the genus Cervus.

A study of 11 enzyme systems in blood samples of Cervus dama, C. elaphus, C. nippon and hybrids C. elaphus X nippon has revealed an erythrocyte 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase polymorphism in the hybrid populations. Genetic analysis suggests that this enzyme is controlled by one gene locus with two codominant alleles, one specific for pure Japanese sika deer, the other for pure red deer as well as for fallow deer, while both alleles have been found in the red X sika hybrids.