H-2^d Antigens on Mouse Spermatozoa

Abstract

THE view that the phenotype of mammalian gametes does not reflect their haploid genotype but rather the gene content of their diploid parent still predominates in mammalian genetics. But the differential melanizing activity, in the presence of dihydroxyphenylalanine, of spermatozoa from rabbits of different coat-colour genotypes¹ suggests haploid gene action in mammalian gametes. And the very irregular transmission ratios of some alleles of the T-locus (brachyury) in the mouse provide very clear examples of gene action in spermatozoa^2,3. These findings justified a search for further evidence on gene action in mammalian spermatozoa. Histocompatibility antigens might be suitable markers of such action; they are present on the membrane of many types of mammalian cells, probably associated with general cell physiology rather than with specific functions of differentiated cells. Here we report that mouse spermatozoa of the genotype H-2^d absorb specific H-2^d antibodies. Whether the diploid prereduction or haploid postreduction activity of the H-2 locus is responsible for the presence of H-2 antigens on spermatozoa remains to be elucidated.