|
Iris pigmentation and behavioral inhibition
Related URL: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/109703780/ABSTRACT?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0
|
| Allison Rosenberg, Dr. Jerome Kagan * |
| Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts |
*Correspondence to Jerome Kagan, Department of Psychology and Social Relations, William James Hall, 33 Kirkland Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Two different polypeptides with melanocyte stimulating capabilities have been identified; they are called alpha- and beta-melanocyte stimulating hormone ( 
-MSH and 
-MSH). The first 13 amino acids of the -MSH peptide are stable across species, whereas the sequence of -MSH varies slightly (LaHoste, Olson, Kastin, & Olson, 1980). It is believed that -MSH does not exist in humans (Bloomfield, 1974; cited in LaHoste et al., 1980).
//
| Abstract |
| Two independent investigations of the association between the temperamental dimensions of inhibition and lack of inhibition to the unfamiliar, on the one hand, and the degree of pigmentation of the iris, on the other, revealed a statistically significant relation in Caucasian children between behavioral inhibition to the unfamiliar and blue irises and uninhibited behavior and brown irises. Several biochemical interpretations of this association were discussed and it was suggested that these behavioral styles might be influenced by biological factors that are partially marked by eye color in Caucasian populations. |
Received: 1 May 1986; Revised: 6 October 1986