An investigation of genetic variation within a series of congenic strains of mice.

2 congenic strains of mice, B6N.AKN-Ahk and D2N.B6N-Ahb, imported from the USA, were found to be either segregating or fixed for an incorrect allele at a number of biochemical loci. B6N.AKN-Ahk, supposedly congenic with C57BL/6N, had the wrong genotype at 6 out of 12 biochemical loci; D2N.B6N-Ahb, supposedly congenic with DBA/2N, was segregating at 3 out of 9 loci. There was genetic variation in mandible shape within the 2 strains but no abnormal coat colours were found and no hybrid vigour in breeding performance was detected. Analyses in the USA confirmed these results and showed that 2 other congenic strains, C3N.D2N-Ahd and AKN.B6J-Ahb, were also segregating at a number of loci. Some of the alleles found in the C3N.D2N-Ahd mice must be the result of a genetic contamination. The simplest explanation for this breakdown in the backcrossing programme is genetic contamination with other congenic strains or recombinant inbred lines under development in the same laboratory. These findings emphasize the importance of continual genetic monitoring of all genetic stocks at regular intervals and in particular during the development of congenic and recombinant lines.