DNA analysis and sorting of viable mouse testis cells.

The dye Hoechst 33342 and a 2-parameter cell sorter have been used to measure DNA content in viable testis cells and to sort pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids from adult mouse testis to virtually 100% homogeneity. Early diploid spermatogenic cells were enriched to 90%, a 10-fold purification. The capability for viable sorting of most testis cell types to homogeneity in numbers suitable for many biochemical applications is demonstrated.