The identification of Y chromosome translocations following Distamycin A treatment

Abstract

Pretreatment of PHA‐stimulated lymphocyte cultures from normal males with 100 (μg/ml Distamycin A for the final 24 h of incubation led to a striking decondensation of the heterochromatic portion of the long arm of the Y chromosome. The despiralized region of Yq maintained its fluorescent properties in this altered morphologic state. Two cases of Y chromosome translocation (Y/22 and Y/X) were identified with this technique. A review of the literature revealed 62 similar cases in which the phenotypic‐karyotypic correlations were instrumental in the prenatal counselling of the family with the Y/22 translocation.

An infertile azoospermic male with 45,X karyotype and a unique complex (Y;14); (Y;22) translocation: cytogenetic and molecular characterization

“…Y/ autosome (Y;A) translocations are usually balanced and segregate in families with minimal effects on the phenotype [4][5][6]. On the other hand, unbalanced Y;A reciprocal translocations commonly present with infertility and azoospermia [7][8][9].…”

Analysis of a familial 15p + polymorphism: exclusion of Y/15 translocation

“…15 is more often the recipient of Y translocation than other chromosomes. Reviewing the literature, Cohen et al (1981) summarized 62 Y-chromosome translocations, 26 cases of which were identified as a Y/15 transloca-tion. However, large 15p+ or 15s+ polymorphisms have occasionally been considered as the Y/15 translocation (Verma et al 1978, Spowart 1979.…”