Analysis of meiotic segregation patterns and interchromosomal effects in sperm from six males with Robertsonian translocations.
OBJECTIVE
To provide more genetic information about meiotic segregation behavior and the possibility of interchromosomal effects (ICE) in spermatozoa from carriers of Robertsonian (Rob) translocations.


METHODS
Meiotic segregation behavior in spermatozoa from six carriers of Rob translocations, four t(13;14), one t(14;22) and one t(13;21), was investigated by dual fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH). Aneuploidy for chromosomes 18, X and Y was studied by triple FISH.


RESULTS
The rate of normal/balanced spermatozoa resulting from alternate segregation ranged from 78.14 to 86.88%. The frequency of unbalanced spermatozoa resulting from adjacent segregation varied between 11.70 and 19.53%. The higher frequencies of aneuploidy for sex chromosome were observed in three Rob translocation carriers. In addition, the increased rates of diploid were found in two t(13;14) carriers.


CONCLUSIONS
Alternate segregation is dominant in the different types of Rob translocations. Some carriers may be at an increased risk for ICE.
Chen
Yongjian
Y
The Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100083, China. yjianchen@hotmail.com
Huang
Jin
J
Liu
Ping
P
Qiao
Jie
J
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D020090:Chromosome Segregation / Q000235:genetics*; D002882:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 13; D002883:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 14; D002891:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 21; D002892:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 22; D004252:DNA Mutational Analysis; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D008297:Male; D008540:Meiosis / Q000235:genetics*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D014178:Translocation, Genetic