INCREASED INCIDENCE OF DISOMIC SPERM NUCLEI IN A 47,XYY MALE ASSESSEDBY FLUORESCENT IN-SITU HYBRIDIZATION (FISH)

Using triple-colour fluorescent in situ hybridization in decondensed s perm heads, we assessed the sex-chromosome distribution in spermatozoa from a 47,XYY male compared with controls. The incidence of spermatoz oa with 24,XY (0.30%) and 24,YY (1.01%) disomy was significantly highe r than in our control series. Diploid meiocytes present in the ejacula te were mainly 47,XYY (60.6-86.7%), and haploid meiocytes were mainly 24,XY (78.1%). These results suggest that, although the extra Y chromo some is thought to be eliminated during spermatogenesis, XYY germ cell s can complete meiosis and produce disomic spermatozoa.