A new primer set for sex identification in the genus Sorex (Soricidae, Insectivora)

摘要

In order to develop a new accurate method for sexing in Sorex species (Soricidae, Insectivora), we synthesized a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer set to amplify a part of Sry HMG box in the long-clawed shrew, Sorex unguiculatus. When the primers were applied to the samples of known sex, PCR products were successfully obtained for males as a clear, single band on 3% agarose gels after electrophoresis in Sorex unguiculatus and five other Sorex species, but not for females of these six species. Thus, PCR amplification using the primer set may be applicable to discern sex in the six Sorex species.