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Resolution of X and Y spermatids by pulse cytophotometry

Nature volume 274, pages 821–823 (1978)Cite this article

Abstract

SEPARATION of sperm bearing X and Y chromosomes is limited by, among other difficulties, the inability to distinguish between the two cell types. The two types of sperm can be distinguished only in man because the Y chromosome is highly fluorescent when stained with quinicrine mustard1. Because of the greater length of the X chromosome than the Y chromosome, it is expected that X-bearing sperm will have a greater DNA content. Based on chromosome length measurements2, the difference in DNA content between X-bearing sperm of the mouse (Mus musculus), which carry 19 autosomes plus the X chromosome, and the Y-bearing sperm, which carry the autosomes plus the Y chromosome, is expected to be 3.4%. Distinguishing X and Y sperm on the basis of this difference requires a method of measurement of DNA content with high precision. We have been able to resolve the two classes of spermatids by pulse cytophotometry (that is, flow microfluorometry).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Section of Experimental Radiotherapy, University of Texas System Cancer Center, M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute, 6723 Bertner Avenue, Houston, Texas, 77030

    MARVIN L. MEISTRICH

  2. Department of Developmental Therapeutics, University of Texas System Cancer Center, M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute, 6723 Bertner Avenue, Houston, Texas, 77030

    WOLFGANG GÖHDE

  3. Department of Biomathematics, University of Texas System Cancer Center, M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute, 6723 Bertner Avenue, Houston, Texas, 77030

    R. ALLEN WHITE

  4. Fachklinik Hornheide Universität Münster, Münster, FRG

    JOHANNES SCHUMANN

Authors
  1. MARVIN L. MEISTRICH
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  2. WOLFGANG GÖHDE
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  3. R. ALLEN WHITE
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  4. JOHANNES SCHUMANN
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MEISTRICH, M., GÖHDE, W., WHITE, R. et al. Resolution of X and Y spermatids by pulse cytophotometry. Nature 274, 821–823 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1038/274821a0

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