Abstract:

【Objective】 The objective of the experiment is to study the expression and localization of tyrosinase in skin of alpacas with different coat colors, and to explore the mechanism of alpaca coat color formation. 【Method】 The mRNA expression level and localization of tyrosinase were examined by semi-quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. 【Result】 The gene expression quantity of tyrosinase in the skin of pigmented alpaca was higher than that of natural white alpaca. The distribution of tyrosinase in alpaca skin was demonstrated. The positive expression was mainly focused in hair bulb (transient portion) in pigmented coat color skin. However, in natural white coat color skin, the positive expression was mainly located in the hair bulge and enlargement (permanent portion). 【Conclusion】 Tyrosinase is one of the molecular markers for mature melanocyte. The experimental results show that coat color formation of alpacas is mainly determined by the amount and distribution of mature melanocytes in hair follicles.

Key words: alpaca')">alpaca, coat color, tyrosinase, semi-quantitative RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry