Separation of bovine X and Y sperm based on surface differences.
Aqueous two-phase partition involving thin-layer counter current distribution (TLCCD) has been used to assess surface heterogeneity of ejaculated bovine sperm. When partitioned in charge-insensitive aqueous two-phase systems, which detect non-charge associated surface properties, the sperm fractionates into two distinct populations. Using a Y-chromosome-specific DNA marker, it has been shown that one of these populations is enriched in Y chromosome bearing sperm. However, this population is not pure--it consists of 80% Y sperm, with the other 20% being X sperm. All the sperm in the original population that had begun to undergo the acrosome reaction were separated into this same peak; the sex chromosome composition of these sperm is unknown. Since the aqueous partition of sperm is based on surface properties these results suggest that two populations of Y sperm exist that have different surface characteristics.
Cartwright
E J
EJ
Department of Cell and Structural Biology, University of Manchester, England.
Harrington
P M
PM
Cowin
A
A
Sharpe
P T
PT
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D002469:Cell Separation / Q000379:methods; D003377:Countercurrent Distribution; D015342:DNA Probes; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D014960:X Chromosome; D014998:Y Chromosome
D015342:DNA Probes