Allele dose analysis in recombinant inbred strains: A tool for multiple phenotype analysis with implications for quantitative trait loci mapping

A considerable investment in genetic mapping is necessary to confirm linkag es of quantitative trait loci for complex traits such as ethanol sensitivit y, a significant predictor of alcoholism. Before embarking on such intensiv e mapping efforts in large intercrosses, we suggest an approach based on ge netic marker data in recombinant strains that yield a rationale for selecti ng a battery of related phenotypes for confirmation studies of quantitative trait loci action. Using this approach with selected strains of mice, we r etrospectively consider the relationship between ethanol sensitivity and ne urotensin levels in several mammalian brain regions.