Inheritance of a mitochondrial DNA defect and impaired glucose tolerance in BHE/Cdb rats

As they age, BHE/Cdb rats develop impaired glucose tolerance. We hypothesiz ed that this intolerance is associated with a previously reported base subs titution in the mitochondrial genome. A new screening test was devised to i dentify animals with the mutation. These animals were bred to animals witho ut the mutation. The progeny were then tested for the presence of the mutat ion and their glucose tolerance at 100 and 300 days of age. Phenotype and g enotype were found to be closely linked and we conclude that the mutation i n the mitochondrial ATPase 6 gene explains the age related impaired glucose tolerance in BHE/Cdb rats.