Ethanol selection by inbred mice. Mode of inheritance and the effect of age on the genetic system.

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Abstract
Mature male and female mice of 4 inbred strains and 6 hybrid groups (36 in each group) were tested in 2-bottle-tests for consumption of 5, 10 and 15% concentrations of ethanol. The C57Bl/6J mice drank more ethanol than water at all concentrations; A/J and BALB/cJ mice drank some of the 5% concentration, but little of the 10 and 15% concentrations, and DBA/2J mice avoided all ethanol concentrations. Highly significant general combining ability effects were found, strongly suggesting an intermediate mode of inheritance for ethanol selection. Ethanol intake of A/J and C57Bl/6J inbred mice as well as F1 and F2 hybrid mice from maturity through senescence cross-sectionally was then examined. Ethanol intake decreased after maturity, then increased in old age and senescence. The mode of inheritance of ethanol selection was recessive rather than intermediate after maturity, the degree of genetic determination was reduced in aged mice compared with young mice, and the number of genetic factors that determine ethanol selection were reduced after maturity, then increased at senescence. Genetic differences in ethanol selection decreased with increasing age.