Studies on spermatozoa with special reference to the separation of X- and Y-bearing sperm

Ferguson, Joyce Mary (1976) Studies on spermatozoa with special reference to the separation of X- and Y-bearing sperm. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Initially, the quinacrine staining technique for human sperm was studied and the use of both this stain and other acridine derivatives for the identification of the bovine Y sperm was investigated. During the experiments, human sperm counts were made using a haemocytometer, while bovine sperm were counted by using a haemocytometer and an electric counter. The two methods of counting bovine sperm were compared for accuracy and repeatability. Using the quinacrine staining technique for human Y sperm as monitor, several separation procedures for human sperm and for bovine sperm were examined. In the first separation process investigated, columns of bovine serum albumin were used to separate sperm on the basis of differential motility, but no significant increase in the percentage of Y sperm recovered was noted. Secondly, density gradient techniques were applied to separate human and bovine ejaculates into populations according to differences in specific gravity or sedimentation rates. Three gradient media (Colloidal silica, sucrose and Metrizamide) were used in these experiments, but in no case was a significant increase produced in the percentage of Y sperm recovered. The third method studied involved the use of a column of Sephadex G-50. The results of these experiments with human sperm were encouraging, as it was found that the numbers of Y sperm in the first fractions recovered after filtration were significantly lower than in the controls.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Additional Information: Advisers: T A Douglas; J P Renton; P G Hignett
• Keywords: Medicine
• Date of Award: 1976
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1976-72279
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 24 May 2019 15:12
• Last Modified: 24 May 2019 15:12
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/72279