XY females in Microtus cabrerae (Rodentia, Microtidae): a case of possibly Y-linked sex reversal

Cytogenet Cell Genet. 1988;49(4):275-7. doi: 10.1159/000132676.

Abstract

Microtus cabrerae is a species with blocks of heterochromatin on both sex chromosomes. Polymorphism caused by extensive deletions affecting these heterochromatic segments exists in both X and Y chromosomes. Of a total of 22 males and 22 females studied, four females exhibited sex pair dimorphism similar to that observed in males. C-banding techniques and preliminary data regarding inheritance support the hypothesis that these specimens are XY fertile females and that this sex reversion is most likely inherited through the Y chromosome of these females.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arvicolinae / genetics*
  • Female
  • Genetic Linkage*
  • H-Y Antigen / genetics
  • Karyotyping
  • Male
  • Sex Determination Analysis*
  • X Chromosome
  • Y Chromosome*

Substances

  • H-Y Antigen