Limitations of a histologic assay for syn-, allo-, and xenogeneic H-Y antigen

In view of the potential significance of the H-Y antigen in the etiology of cases of sexual ambiguity we have attempted to develop a clinically useful test for the presence of H-Y on the cells of such patients. The attempts were directed at the detection of accelerated or decelerated rejection of syngeneic skin grafts on H-Y-incompatible mice previously exposed to H-Y positive syngeneic, allogeneic, or xenogeneic cells. Using a simple and rapid histologic assay after exposure to syn- or allogeneic cells, acceleration (sensitization) as well as deceleration (tolerance) was readily demonstrable. However, the assay was not helpful with the use of xenogeneic (rabbit, human) cells.