Abstract

We recently presented complex segregation analysis of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in 173 nuclear families, which suggested a major regulatory locus RE, with homozygotes re/re maintaining persistently high levels of IgE. Our analysis was carried out under the mixed model of Morton and MacLean using the computer program NUCLEAR. Ott has developed an alternative model for segregation analysis under the mixed model. As an example of his methods, Ott presented partial re-analysis of our data on IgE. Whereas we obtained evidence for a major locus (χ23 = 12.25), Ott's analysis did not (χ23 = 3.36). This led Elston to suggest that 'until the cause of this difference has been resolved with certainty, it would be better to reserve judgment about the possibility of a major gene segregating for serum IgE levels'. Here we present evidence which explains this difference. Initially, we would like to clarify that all of the 173 families were selected at random without regard to high prevalence of atopic disease, contrary to our earlier description. However, this did not affect our analysis in which we used conditional likelihood of children given parents.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)620-625
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican journal of human genetics
Volume32
Issue number4
StatePublished - 1980

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