Indentification of Abnormal Y Chromosomes in the Resident Population of Woodward State Hospital and School
The problem. The screening of 507 residents of Woodward State Hospital-School for possible Y chromosome anomalies using a quinacrine mustard staining technique. This stain causes a bright fluorescence in the distal region of the long arms of the Y chromosome, making it possible to identify the Y chromosome. Procedure. The resident population was sampled using a finger puncture and blood smear technique to obtain the lymphocyte cells. The cells were stained using quinacrine mustard and the cells were screened using a Zeiss Photomicroscope II equipped with fluorescent illumination equipment. Fifty lymphocytes per individual were investigated noting single Y chromosomes, duplex Y chromosomes and double Y chromosomes. Findings. The resident population divided into 212 females and 295 males. The women showed no Y chromosome anomalies. In the male population, 290 were observed to have only Y chromosomes. In this group of 290, 11 individuals showed a very low Y chromosome count. Five of the males were noted as possible XYY individuals. Conclusions. The female population, as might be expected, exhibited no Y anomalies and 279 of the 290 males were diagnosed as having only one Y chromosome. The other group of 11 males with low positive Y investigations and 5 possible XYY males that were identified in this study are now the objects of further research involving karyotype analysis. Recommendations. The sampling process and staining technique proved to be successful for screening a large population. I would also suggest that before any decisions are made from a screening process such as this, that a karyotype analysis be completed.
Y chromosome, Karyotypes, Chromosome abnormalities
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