Quantitative trait loci for ethanol sensitivity in the LS x SS recombinant inbred strains: interval mapping.

We are mapping the genes (quantitative trait loci or QTLs) that are responsible for individual differences in ethanol sensitivity, measured as the duration of loss of righting, reflex (LORR) and blood ethanol concentrations upon recovery of the righting reflex (BEC). The Long-Sleep (LS) and Short-Sleep (SS) selected lines of mice manifest an 18-fold difference in LORR and serve as a rodent model for ethanol sensitivity. The LS x SS recombinant inbred (RI) series, developed from LS and SS lines, are an important resource for QTL mapping of ethanol-related responses. The current report summarizes the initial QTL analysis of LORR and BEC in the LS x SS strains and compares the results of correlational analysis with an interval-mapping approach. The data provide strong evidence for QTLs that influence ethanol sensitivity on mouse chromosomes 1 and 2 and possible QTLs on chromosomes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 16, and 18. These results are compared to those from an F2 cross which confirms QTLs on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, and 18.