Disomy frequency estimated by multicolour fluorescence in situ hybridization, degree of nuclear maturity and teratozoospermia in human spermatozoa

The aim of this study was to determine whether sperm morphology and nuclear maturity are associated with an increase in the prevalence of disomy in hu man spermatozoa. Semen samples were obtained from 60 patients selected at r andom from a population of men undergoing semen analysis as part of consult ation for infertility. Semen analysis and aniline blue staining were carrie d out on each ejaculate to assess nuclear maturity. Disomy frequencies were determined using 15-18 dual colour and X-Y-8 multicolour fluorescence in s itu hybridization on the four groups of samples with the five lowest and th e five highest teratozoospermia values (groups 1 and 2), and the five lowes t and the five highest percentages of aniline blue staining (groups 3 and 4 ). The prevalence of autosomal disomy was significantly higher in group 4 c ompared with group 3, but differences between groups 1 and 2 were not signi ficant. No significant differences in the prevalence of gonosomal disomies or diploidies were observed among the groups. These results indicate a link between chromosomal meiotic segregation and the dynamic process of nucleop roteins during gametogenesis. The difference observed between the frequency of autosomal and gonosomal disomy using aniline blue staining was unexpect ed and may be due to the extended isolation of the gonosomes in the heteroc hromatic body.