HOT HIMI'S!
Exhibitors and breeders of the breed Himilayan or any breed with Himi markings will be very familiar with how temperature can effect the intensity of the colour points. The extremities are the areas that commonly have a decreased blood flow thus are usually cooler.
The C locus encodes the gene for the enzyme Tyrosinase, mutations of which result in altered levels of melanin production.
In temperatures below 37° C (normal body temperature) the affinity of the enzyme for the inhibitor decreases therefore allowing the synthesis of melanin to increase.
The C locus encodes the gene for the enzyme Tyrosinase, mutations of which result in altered levels of melanin production.
In temperatures below 37° C (normal body temperature) the affinity of the enzyme for the inhibitor decreases therefore allowing the synthesis of melanin to increase.
Above shows how the fur colour alters when a patch of fur on its back is shaved and an ice pack is placed on it for several days.
Note how the fur has grown back dark where the ice pack had been.
Note how the fur has grown back dark where the ice pack had been.