Molecular Human Reproduction, Vol 3, 61-67, Copyright © 1997 by Oxford University Press
KH Cui
Normal human spermatozoa carry either the X or the Y chromosome. The
differences between X and Y spermatozoa (X and Y haploid cells) may exist
in two areas: the different chromosomes (i.e. different kinds and numbers
of genes) and the different sperm structures and functions (i.e. different
genetic expression). The aim of this study was to determine whether there
are any size between X and Y spermatozoa and whether sperm size and shape
varies between men. Identification of the Y (and X inferred) status of
individual spermatozoa was carried out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR),
amplifying the putative testis- determining gene (SRY) together with a
control gene (ZP3). PCR amplification of 871 out of 895 (97.3%) single
motile spermatozoa showed that 444 (51.0%) were Y and 427 (49.0%) were
X-bearing spermatozoa. Of 233 normally-shaped but immobilized spermatozoa,
217 (93.1%) were photographed and measured. Statistically, the length,
perimeter and area of the sperm heads, and the length of the sperm necks
and tails of X-bearing spermatozoa were significantly larger and longer
than those of Y-bearing spermatozoa. Some peculiarities (or variations) in
the X and Y sperm shape and size in individual donors were found. The
pre-screening by micro-measurement of these specific haploid
characteristics of individual spermatozoa in different donors, which may be
closely related to their different genetic conditions (or diseases), may be
important in human medicine and animal husbandry, especially in sperm
prefertilization diagnosis.
JOURNAL ARTICLE
Size differences between human X and Y spermatozoa and prefertilization diagnosis
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, Australia.
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