Fate of haploid parthenogenetic cells in mouse chimeras during development

Abstract

The developmental capability of haploid parthenogenetic cells was investigated by studies on haploid parthenogenetic in equilibrium fertilized mouse chimeras. Two chimeras were born. One female chimera was smaller at birth and grew slower than its littermates. The distribution of haploid-derived cells in the chimeras was analyzed 11 months after their birth. Cells derived from haploid embryos were found only in the brain, eyes, pigment cells in hair follicles, and spleen, in which they constituted 30%, 20%, 10%, and less than 5%, respectively, of the cells. The correlation between the parthenogenetic contribution to the brain and growth retardation is discussed. All of the cells examined in these chimeric organs (brain and eyes) contained a diploid amount of DNA, suggesting that diploidization of the haploid parthenogenetic cells occurred during development. Possibly, the haploid state is not sufficient for cell growth, even in chimeras with fertilized embryos.