An electrophoretic polymorphism in salivary amylases (Amy-1) of mastomys (Praomys coucha)

An electrophoretic polymorphism of salivary amylases ( Amy-1) in mastomys ( Praomys coucha) (MWC, MRJ and MCC strains) was detected. Amylase in MWC or MRJ saliva, which migrated fast toward the anode, was designated as AMY-1A, and that in MCC saliva migrating slowly as AMY-1B. Salivary amylases are controlled by a pair of codominant alleles at a single autosomal locus ( Amy-1). No polymorphism was seen in pancreatic amylases ( Amy-2). The frequencies of these phenotypes did not differ between the sexes. Some isoamylases were observed and these were different from those in mouse or rat.