Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the risk of occurrence in human offspring of diseases in which the susceptibility of the individual is known to be linked to the gene complex encoding the human leukocyte antigens (HLA). Antibody molecules specific for an HLA antigen having a known disease association are used to deplete native semen samples with respect to spermatozoa bearing the targeted HLA antigen on their surface membranes while leaving unaffected, and suitable for fertilization, other spermatozoa in the sample which lack the disease-associated HLA antigen. The specific depletion is effected by cellular killing or inhibition of motility through linkage of the HLA antibody bound by spermatozoa to a cytotoxic molecule such as complement.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing and a raw material and its useage are disclosed for increasing the percentage of mammalian offspring of either sex. The process of use utilizes a male-specific antibody coupled to a solid-phase immunoabsorbent material to effect a separation of sex-determining spermatozoa derived from a semen suspension. The male-specific antibody selectively binds male-determining spermatozoa, while the female-determining spermatozoa remain not bound and are recoverable. A male specific antibody that is monospecific is prepared from male cells subjected to a multistep process which includes using said cells for the hyperimmunization of a female species and the preparation of an antiserum which is purified as to specificity by a multiplicity of absorptions against female cells. The antiserum is fractionated to yield male specific monospecific immunoglobulin which may be used to effect a separation of sex determining spermatozoa.

Abstract: Method, apparatus and material are disclosed for increasing the percentage of mammalian offspring of either sex. The method utilizes a male-specific antibody coupled to a solid-phase immunoabsorbent material to effect a separation of sex-determining spermatazoa derived from a semen suspension. The male-specific antibody selectively binds male-determining spermatazoa. The female-determining spermatazoa are not bound and are recovered directly from the male-specific antibody-coated immunoabsorbent material. The male-determining spermatazoa are recovered from the male-specific antibody-coated immunoabsorbent material after altering the condition thereof to inhibit binding. The apparatus includes a vertical surface comprising beads of immunoabsorbent material over which are distributed male-specific antibodies. The materials are two seminal fluids, one having a substantial preponderance of male-determining spermatazoa, and the other having a substantial preponderance of female-determining spermatazoa.