Sperm sorting Sex selection

sperm sorting advanced technique sorts sperm in vitro flow cytometry. shines laser @ sperm distinguish x , y chromosomes, , can automatically separate sperm out different samples. during mid 1980s, dr. glenn spaulding first sort viable whole human , animal spermatozoa using flow cytometer, , utilized sorted motile rabbit sperm artificial insemination. subsequently, first patent application disclosing method sort 2 viable subpopulations enriched x- or y- sperm filed in april 1987 application serial number 35,986 , later became part of patent 5,021,244; , patent included discovery of haploid expression (sex-associated membrane proteins, or sam proteins) , development of monoclonal antibodies proteins. additional applications , methods added, including antibodies, 1987 through 1997. @ time of patent filing, both lawrence livermore national laboratories , usda sorting fixed sperm nuclei, after application serial number 35,986 patent filing new technique utilized usda sperm briefly sonicated remove tails . usda in conjunction lawrence livermore national laboratories, beltsfield sperm sexing technology relies on dna difference between x- , y- chromosomes. prior flow cytometric sorting, semen labeled fluorescent dye called hoechst 33342 binds dna of each spermatozoon. x chromosome larger (i.e. has more dna) y chromosome, female (x-chromosome bearing) spermatozoa absorb greater amount of dye male (y-chromosome bearing) counterpart. consequence, when exposed uv light during flow cytometry, x spermatozoa fluoresce brighter y- spermatozoa. spermatozoa pass through flow cytometer in single file, each spermatozoon encased single droplet of fluid , assigned electric charge corresponding chromosome status (e.g. x-positive charge, y-negative charge). stream of x- , y- droplets separated means of electrostatic deflection , collected separate collection tubes subsequent processing. technology in commercial use animal farming. being trialed on humans in under trademark microsort; claims 90% success rate still considered experimental fda.