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Previous Volume 293:1070-1072 November 20, 1975 Number 21 Next

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Abstract

To determine whether the gene that controls the expression of H-Y ("male") antigen on human cells is Y-linked, we have compared the H-Y antigen level in normal males with that in three males with two Y chromosomes. Leukocytes from one XXYY and two XYY males express more H-Y antigen than leukocytes from normal XY males. We conclude that a structural gene or positive regulatory gene for H-Y antigen is on the human Y chromosome. Testing for the H-Y antigen may be of benefit in patients who have signs of masculinization but who lack an identifiable Y chromosome. Positive results for the H-Y antigen would be tentative evidence that the corresponding region of the Y chromosome was present, perhaps as part of a translocation, despite the absence of a typical Y chromosome.

This article has been cited by other articles:

• Gordon, J., Ruddle, F. (1981). Mammalian gonadal determination and gametogenesis. Science 211: 1265-1271 [Abstract]  
• Haseltine, F., Ohno, S (1981). Mechanisms of gonadal differentiation. Science 211: 1272-1278 [Abstract]  
• Selden, J., Wachtel, S., Koo, G., Haskins, M., Patterson, D. (1978). Genetic basis of XX male syndrome and XX true hermaphroditism: evidence in the dog. Science 201: 644-646 [Abstract]  
• Koo, G., Wachtel, S., Krupen-Brown, K, Mittl, L., Breg, W., Genel, M, Rosenthal, I., Borgaonkar, D., Miller, A., Tantravahi, R, Schreck, R., Erlanger, B., Miller, O. (1977). Mapping the locus of the H-Y gene on the human Y chromosome. Science 198: 940-942 [Abstract]  
• Wachtel, S. (1977). H-Y antigen and the genetics of sex determination. Science 198: 797-799 [Abstract]  
• McKusick, V., Ruddle, F. (1977). The status of the gene map of the human chromosomes. Science 196: 390-405 [Abstract]  
• Silvers, W., Wachtel, S. (1977). H-Y antigen: behavior and function. Science 195: 956-960 [Abstract]