title: SRY gene expression in the ovotestes of XX true hermaphrodites.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The pathogenesis of 46 XX true hermaphroditism is uncertain and the role of the SRY gene in ovotestis development has not been thoroughly evaluated. We ascertained the presence of the SRY gene and SRY protein in the ovotestis.
  
  
  METHODS
  We evaluated 8 ovotestes by cytogenetic analysis of fibroblast cell culture and analysis of gonadal tissue by polymerase chain reaction to detect the SRY gene and by immunohistochemistry with a monoclonal antibody to human recombinant SRY protein.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fibroblast culture of the ovotestes demonstrated a 46XX karyotype. By polymerase chain reaction all 8 ovotestes demonstrated the SRY gene at low levels. By immunohistochemistry SRY protein was detected in all ovotestes, predominantly in Sertoli and germ cells.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The SRY gene has a role in ovotestis genesis. Mosaicism with a Y bearing cell line in the gonad is a possible explanation and further study is warranted.
authors.affiliation: Los Angeles State University School of Medicine-Children's Hospital New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ortenberg
authors.forename: Carole
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Oddoux
authors.forename: Randall
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Craver
authors.forename: Ken
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McElreavey
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Salas-Cortes
authors.forename: Encarnacion
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Guillen-Navarro
authors.forename: Harry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ostrer
authors.forename: Kyriakie
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sarafoglou
authors.forename: Virginia
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Clarke
authors.forename: Herman
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yee
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics*; D012734:Disorders of Sex Development / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000235:genetics*; D024282:Genes, sry / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D051876:Sex-Determining Region Y Protein; D013737:Testis / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000737:chemistry; D014157:Transcription Factors
chemical_list: D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; C497745:SRY protein, human; D051876:Sex-Determining Region Y Protein; D014157:Transcription Factors