Mouse Leukemia. XIII. A Maternal Influence that Lowers the Incidence of Spontaneous Cases

Abstract

The maternal influence responsible for a difference in the incidence of leukemia in reciprocal F1 hybrids between a high-(C58) and a low leukemic strain (StoLi) consists of a definite resistance to leukemia contributed by the low strain mother. This maternal resistance may be contributed before birth or through nursing alone. It is not found at earliest sexual maturity, but becomes increasingly potent with advancing age. When this resistance is absent the leukemic heredity of C58 shows full dominance, whether introduced by a father or mother. An influence resisting all causes of death non-specifically is similarly transmitted by StoLi mothers as their age increases.