Separation of bovine X and Y sperm based on surface differences

• Published in: Molecular reproduction and development Vol. 34; no. 3; p. 323
• Main Authors: Cartwright, E J, Harrington, P M, Cowin, A, Sharpe, P T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-03-1993
• Subjects: Animals; Cattle; Cell Membrane - metabolism; Cell Separation - methods; Countercurrent Distribution; DNA Probes; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Microscopy, Electron; Spermatozoa - metabolism; Spermatozoa - ultrastructure; X Chromosome; Y Chromosome
• ISSN: 1040-452X
• DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1080340313

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.