Be. Rosenbusch, CYTOGENETICS OF HUMAN SPERMATOZOA - WHAT ABOUT THE REPRODUCTIVE RELEVANCE OF STRUCTURAL CHROMOSOME-ABERRATIONS, Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics, 12(6), 1995, pp. 375-383
Purpose: The purpose was to review and appreciate data on structural s
perm chromosome abnormalities obtained after fusion of human spermatoz
oa with zona-free hamster eggs. Results: Breaks and fragments are the
predominant sperm chromosome aberrations. In contrast to stable altera
tions, e.g., translocations, inversions, and deletions that will be tr
ansmitted unchanged into following cell generations, breaks, fragments
, and some rearrangements have a reduced stability. In proliferating c
ell systems they will soon be eliminated through formation of lagging
chromatin and micronuclei. Their relevance lies in a loss of genetic m
aterial or disturbance of cell division that may cause cell death. It
is reasonable to assume a responsibility of such aberrations for early
unrecognized conception loss. However, this interpretation is subject
to criticism because an artifactual origin of sperm chromosome breaka
ge cannot be ruled out. Conclusions: The incidence and relevance of st
ructural sperm chromosome abnormalities will remain at issue unless ad
ditional and complementary information is provided. For this purpose,
new strategies must be developed because further studies employing ham
ster eggs according To existing protocols will nor help resolve the di
lemma.