Polymorphism of microsatellite loci in mhc complex for two populations of shkodrane sheep breed in albania

Abstract

Major Histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays a key role in immune response. We intend to study the polymorphism in two microsatellite loci of MHC complex, for two populations of Shkodrane sheep breed, whose location is North of Albania. The study was carried out in 113 unrelated individuals. Both markers were highly polymorphic. The analysis revealed a great number of alleles 14 and 40 per OMHC1 and OLADRB respectively. The level of heterozygosity was very high: 80% for OMHC1 and 60% OLADRB. This can be explained with the participation of the molecules encoded by MHC complex in the immune response, and with the balanced selection which act on antigen recognition site. PIC values were higher than 0.5. Therefore, both loci can be used as genetic markers. © 2010 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.