Y chromosom related to surface antigen on spermatic cells

Sperm cell surface antigen associated with the Y chomosome, with a molecular weight of 5-12 kD and an isoelectric point above 9, is new. Independent claims are also included for: (1) molecule (I) directed specifically against the antigen; (2) sex determination kit comprising (I) and optionally the antigen; (3) product comprising (I) immobilized on a solid support; (4) discriminating between sperm cells bearing a Y chromosome and sperm cells bearing an X chromosome by contacting the cells with (I) so that cells bearing a Y chromosome are labeled with (I), optionally separating the labeled cells from unlabeled cells, and optionally recovering the labeled or unlabeled cells. La présente invention est relative à une structure antigénique de surface de cellules spermatiques et associées au chromosome Y, aux molécules, en particulier des anticorps dirigés contre cette structure antigénique et à une méthode permettant de caractériser les cellules portant uniquement le chromosome Y par l'interaction entre cette structure antigénique et les molécules dirigées contre celle-ci.