[Demonstration of human spermatozoa chromosomes in a heterospecific system: technical difficulties]

The incidence of chromosomal abnormalities at conception has been estimated to be very high about 40%; these estimations have been made on indirect evidence provided by karyotyping spontaneous abortions products. Now direct evidence is available, consisting in sperm chromosome analysis by using fertilization of zona-free eggs of the golden hamster. In our experience 175 assays have been performed with modifications of the technique described by Martin et al. (1982) and by Brandriff et al. (1984). Consistent results are obtained since the last 30 assays, using for the first time an R banding technique. Chromosomal analysis of 48 spermatozoa from 7 normal males is reported. The frequency of abnormal sperm complements (21%) is higher than reported by previous reports.