NCJ Number
72169
Journal
Revista de Investigation Clinica Volume: 22 Issue: 3 Dated: (July/September 1970) Pages: 251-256
Date Published
1970
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Within the framework of a planned nationwide study of Mexico's prison population on the frequency of the XYY chromosomal abnormality, an abnormality linked in some studies with violent behavior, a group of Mexico City's prison inmates was tested for possible genetic anomalies.
Abstract
A total of 94 of the tallest inmates were selected from among 911 prisoners in the facility. Above-average height is one of the physical traits associated with the chromosomal abnormality under scrutiny. Eleven of the subjects refused to participate, and the results for five more were totally inconclusive due to faulty laboratory techniques. The chromosome study in the remaining 78 subjects showed abnormalities in 4 cases; i.e., 2 with the Kleinefelder karyotype and 2 with mosaics. None of the subjects evidenced the target XYY karyotype. The absence of the XYY karyotype may be due to the possibility that non-Caucasians carry the extra Y chromosome less frequently, although this is improbable. In addition, the XXY carriers might have been found among the uncooperative inmates or perhaps because the offenses committed by the inmates of the Mexico City prison (not a maximum-security facility) were nonviolent, and the XYY chromosomal abnormality has been linked to aggression, the absence may be natural. It is also possible that socioeconomic factors in Mexico may interact with the XYY genetic factor in its carriers in a different way from the interactions observed elsewhere. English and French summaries are provided and 17 references are appended. --in Spanish.