Composition and method to modify sperm fertility and female gender ratio in mammals

Abstract

A composition and method is provided to modify sperm fertility and sex ratio of mammalian offspring. The composition includes an amount of a class of compounds of phenoxazine or phenothiazine, having the structure (see FIG. 1 ) and ionic derivatives thereof, wherein R1 is H, a lower alkyl group or N (R3)2, R2 is N, S, O, and R3 is H or a lower alkyl group. A second component of the composition is an amount of an electron transfer agent capable of oxidizing a reduced cofactor (NADPH or NADH). A third component of the composition is an amount of a hexose sugar and/or the phosphorylated esters of such. When mixed with living sperm prior to or at the time of insemination, the composition results in modified rates of conception and an alteration of birth sex ratio in mammal species.

1 . A method of  claim 1 , wherein said phenoxazine or phenothiazine compound, is selected from those having the structure ( FIG. 1 ) and ionic derivatives thereof, wherein R1 is H, a lower alkyl group or N(R3)2, R2 is N, S, or O, and R3 is H or a lower alkyl group. 
   
   
       2 . A method of  claim 1 , wherein said phenoxazine or phenothiazine compound is selected from the following: Brilliant Cresyl Blue, Brilliant Blue C, or Methylene Blue. 
   
   
       3 . A method of  claim 1 , wherein said hexose sugar or phosphorylated ester of such is selected from the following: fructose, mannose, glucose, and galactose, and their phosphorylated hexose esters: fructose-6-phosphate, mannose-6-phosphate, D-glucose-6-phosphate, and galactose-6-phosphate. 
   
   
       4 . A method of  claim 1 , wherein said NAD(P)H oxidoreductase is selected from the following: diaphorase, NADH/NADPH diaphorase, lipoic dehydrogenase, ferredoxin-NADP reductase, lipoamide dehydrogenase, NADPH dehydrogenase, and NAD(P)H oxidase. 
   
   
       5 - 14 . (canceled) 
   
   
       15 . A method to increase the probability of female offspring in mammals, the method comprising contacting sperm with a composition of matter, consisting of a phenoxazine or phenothiazine compound and ionic derivatives of such; a hexose sugar or the phosphorylated hexose ester of such; and NAD(P)H oxidoreductase, wherein the amounts and the duration of contact are effective to modify sperm function, and more specifically, to modify the function of the X-chromosome bearing sperm and the function of the Y-chromosome bearing sperm and when inseminated into a receptive female, will increase the probability of fertilization by the X-chromosome bearing sperm. 
   
   
       16 . A method of  claim 1 , further comprising the insemination of sperm contacting the composition of matter, wherein said sperm are inseminated into a receptive female for the purpose of producing an embryo or offspring. 
   
   
       17 . A method of  claim 1 , further comprising the insemination of sperm contacting the composition of matter, wherein said sperm are used within an in vitro fertilization system for the purpose of producing an embryo. 
   
   
       18 . A method of  claim 1 , further comprising cryopreservation of the sperm in the presence of the composition of matter. 
   
   
       19 . A method of  claim 1 , further comprising the insemination of sperm contacting the composition of matter, wherein said sperm are gender-sorted prior to, with, or following contact with said composition of matter. 
   
   
       20 . A method of  claim 1 , further comprising the insemination of sperm contacting the composition of matter, wherein said sperm are frozen prior to or following contact with said composition of matter. 
   
   
       21 . A kit for increasing the probability of female offspring, in mammalian species, the kit comprising a composition of matter consisting of phenoxazine or phenothiazine compound and ionic derivatives of such; a hexose sugar or the phosphorylated, hexose ester of such; and NAD(P)H oxidoreductase, wherein the composition is held in a suitable container and the amounts and the duration of contact contained are effective, in combination to modify sperm function, and more specifically, to modify the function of the Y-chromosome bearing sperm and the function of the X-chromosome bearing sperm and when inseminated into a receptive female, will increase the probability of fertilization by the X-chromosome bearing sperm; and instructions for use of the kit. 
   
   
       22 - 25 . (canceled)