PURPOSE: The present study evaluated the proportions of X-bearing and Y-bearing sperm within the semen of donors who were the declared fathers of three or more sons or daughters. METHODS: The proportions of sperm were determined using dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization to identify the X and Y chromosomes. RESULTS: The only difference observed was in semen volume. There was no increase in the proportion of Y-bearing sperm for men with only sons (49.7 +/- 1.3%) or of X-bearing sperm for men with only daughters (44.8 +/- 2.6%). CONCLUSIONS: A preponderance of either sons or daughters in a family cannot be explained simply by an altered ratio of X-bearing and Y-bearing sperm in the father's semen.
PURPOSE: The present study evaluated the proportions of X-bearing and Y-bearing sperm within the semen of donors who were the declared fathers of three or more sons or daughters. METHODS: The proportions of sperm were determined using dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization to identify the X and Y chromosomes. RESULTS: The only difference observed was in semen volume. There was no increase in the proportion of Y-bearing sperm for men with only sons (49.7 +/- 1.3%) or of X-bearing sperm for men with only daughters (44.8 +/- 2.6%). CONCLUSIONS: A preponderance of either sons or daughters in a family cannot be explained simply by an altered ratio of X-bearing and Y-bearing sperm in the father's semen.
Authors: Joseph Saragusty; Robert Hermes; Heribert Hofer; Tim Bouts; Frank Göritz; Thomas B Hildebrandt Journal: Nat Commun Date: 2012-02-28 Impact factor: 14.919