UTILITY OF XY-AMELOGENIN GENE PRIMERS FOR DETECTION OF SEX-CHROMOSOMES

The utility of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of amelog enin gene as a reliable and rapid means of determination of sex chromo somes was tested in 20 patients of X-linked disorders (Duchenne muscul ar dystrophy, haemophilia and Wiscott-Aldrich and Hunter's syndromes), 12 of intersex (testicular feminization syndrome, male pseudohermaphr odites, true hermaphrodites) and 21 of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Of these, 26 (49%) cases were for prenatal diagnosis of X-linked dise ases and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). The presence of X and Y chromosomes was determined within 24 h of receiving the samples. The results were in conformity with cytogenetic studies in all instances. The analysis of amelogenin gene proved helpful in the diagnosis and ma nagement of these patients.