Fluoxetine treatment of prepubertal male rats uniformly diminishes sex hormone levels and, in a subpopulation of animals, negatively affects sperm quality

Fluoxetine (Flx) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that alters the male reproductive system when administered at the adult stage or after maternal exposure. In the present study we evaluated the effects of Flx administration on reproductive parameters during juvenile–peripubertal development when treated male rats reached adulthood. Groups of rats were treated daily with Flx (5 mg kg−1, i.p.) or saline (0.9% NaCl), or were left untreated. Rats were treated between 30 and 53 days of age and were killed at 65 days of age. Serotonin concentrations were determined in the hypothalamus, hypophysis and testis. Gonadotrophins, sex steroids and sperm quality (membrane integrity, sperm with functional mitochondria, sperm density, sperm motility and morphological abnormalities) were also evaluated. Flx did not affect bodyweight, but significantly diminished LH, FSH, progesterone and testosterone serum concentrations. After graphical analysis, a subgroup of rats was identified whose sperm quality parameters were greatly affected by Flx. In the present study we show that Flx administered to juvenile rats disrupts the hypothalamic–hypophyseal–testicular axis and its effects on sperm quality are not homogeneous in adults. In contrast, Flx altered concentrations of gonadotrophins and sexual steroids in all treated rats. These results suggest caution should be exercised in the prescription of Flx to prepubertal males.

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Finding an Effective Freezing Protocol for Turkey Semen: Benefits of Ficoll as Non-Permeant Cryoprotectant and 1:4 as Dilution Rate

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani10030421 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 421 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Michele Di Iorio ◽

Giusy Rusco ◽

Roberta Iampietro ◽

Maria Antonietta Colonna ◽

Luisa Zaniboni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dilution Rate ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Membrane Integrity ◽

Quality Parameters ◽

Dna Integrity ◽

Osmotic Resistance ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Nitrogen Vapor ◽

Combined Use ◽

Cryopreservation Protocol

The present study aimed to find an effective cryopreservation protocol for turkey semen through the combined use of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and three non-permeant cryoprotectants (NP-CPAs), sucrose, trehalose, and Ficoll 70. In addition, the action of two dilution rates (1:2 and 1:4) were also investigated. Semen was processed according to two final dilution rates and the following treatments: Tselutin extender (TE)/DMSO (control), TE/DMSO + sucrose or trehalose 50, 100, 200, or 400 mM, and TE/DMSO + Ficoll 0.5, 0.75, 1, or 1.5 mM. In total 26 different combinations treatments were achieved. The diluted semen was filled up into straws and frozen on liquid nitrogen vapor. The post-thawing sperm quality was assessed by analyzing motility, membrane integrity, osmotic resistance, and DNA integrity. The results obtained revealed a significant effect of NP-CPA concentration on total and progressive motility, on most of the kinetic parameters, on membrane integrity and DNA integrity, while the post-thaw quality was less affected by dilution rate. The highest post-thaw quality for all sperm quality parameters assessed except curvilinear velocity (VCL) and DNA integrity were found in semen frozen with 1 mM Ficoll/1:4 (p < 0.05). Our findings provide an important contribution for the identification of a reference procedure for turkey semen cryopreservation, in order to create the first national avian semen cryobank.

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Inhibitors of zinc-dependent metalloproteases hinder sperm passage through the cumulus oophorus during porcine fertilization in vitro

Reproduction ◽

10.1530/rep-12-0311 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 144 (6) ◽

pp. 687-697 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

J Beek ◽

H Nauwynck ◽

D Maes ◽

A Van Soom

Keyword(s):

Sperm Quality ◽

Membrane Integrity ◽

Inhibitory Effect ◽

Fertilization Rate ◽

Quality Parameters ◽

Fertilization In Vitro ◽

Cumulus Oophorus ◽

Sperm Penetration

In this study, we report for the first time on a possible contribution of metalloproteases in sperm passage through the cumulus matrix in pigs. The presence of 20 μM 1,10-phenanthroline (1,10-PHEN), inhibitor of zinc-dependent metalloproteases, strongly inhibited the degree of sperm penetration in cumulus-intact (CI), but not in cumulus-free (CF), porcine oocytes during IVF. The inhibitory effect of 1,10-PHEN was due to the chelation of metal ions as a non-chelating analog (1,7-PHEN) did not affect IVF rates. Furthermore, incubation with 1,10-PHEN did not affect sperm binding to the zona pellucida nor sperm motility, membrane integrity, or acrosomal status. These findings led to the assumption that 1,10-PHEN interacts with a sperm- or cumulus-derived metalloprotease. Metalloproteases are key players in physiological processes involving degradation or remodeling of extracellular matrix. In vivo, their proteolytic activity is regulated by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases (TIMP1–TIMP4). We tested the effect of TIMP3 on fertilization parameters after porcine IVF. Similar to 1,10-PHEN, TIMP3 inhibited total fertilization rate of CI but not CF oocytes and did not influence sperm quality parameters. Although the inhibitory effect was stronger in CI oocytes, TIMP3 also reduced the degree of sperm penetration in CF oocytes, suggesting the involvement of a metalloprotease in a subsequent step during fertilization. In conclusion, our results indicate the involvement of TIMP3-sensitive, zinc-dependent metalloprotease activity in sperm passage through the cumulus oophorus in pigs. The results should provide the basis for further biochemical research toward the localization and identification of the metalloprotease involved.

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Effects of Taurine on Sperm Quality during Room Temperature Storage in Hu Sheep

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11092725 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 2725

Author(s):

Liuming Zhang ◽

Yanhu Wang ◽

Tariq Sohail ◽

Yan Kang ◽

Haoyuan Niu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Room Temperature ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Membrane Integrity ◽

Quality Parameters ◽

Control Group ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Antioxidant Parameters ◽

Acrosome Integrity ◽

Hu Sheep

The present study aimed to investigate whether the presence of Tau protected Hu sheep sperm from ROS stress during storage at room temperature. The semen was diluted with extender (Tris-based) at room temperature, supplemented with different concentrations of Tau (0, 10, 20, 40, 80, or 100 mM), and stored at 15 °C. Sperm quality parameters (sperm progressive motility, kinetic parameters, plasma membrane integrity rate, acrosome integrity rate, and MMP) and antioxidant parameters (ROS, MDA, SOD, CAT, and T-AOC) were evaluated during the preservation of semen. The addition of Tau, especially at a concentration of 20 mM, exerted positive effects on sperm quality parameters and antioxidant parameters compared to the sperm without Tau treatment (control group). The addition of Tau, especially at a concentration of 100 mM, exerted negative effects on sperm quality parameters and antioxidant parameters compared to the control group. Interestingly, the results indicated that the sperm acrosome integrity rate did not change during storage time. In conclusion, the addition of Tau to sperm preserved at room temperature can enhance the antioxidant ability of sperm, reduce the LPO on the 5th day, and improve the quality of semen preserved at room temperature. These results implied that Tau had potential to enhance Hu sheep sperm reproductive performance.

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The Antibacterial and Antioxidant Roles of Buckwheat Honey (BH) in Liquid Preservation of Boar Semen

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2021/5573237 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Qun Lan ◽

Yingyu Xie ◽

Jiahua Pan ◽

Qiaohui Chen ◽

Tianfang Xiao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sperm Quality ◽

Antioxidant Properties ◽

Membrane Integrity ◽

Storage Period ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Quality Parameters ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Liquid Storage ◽

Boar Semen

In the present study, we hypothesized that buckwheat honey (BH) should be regarded as a potential alternative to antibacterial and antioxidant agent in liquid storage of boar semen. To this end, boar semen was firstly studied for in vitro dose tolerability to BH by measuring sperm progressive motility. The optimum progressive motility of boar spermatozoa was observed in extender with 0.5% and 0.6% BH addition. Afterward, sperm quality parameters, bacterial profile and composition, total antioxidant (T-AOC), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of control, BH supplementation, antibiotics supplementation, and incorporated supplementation were compared during liquid storage period, to further investigate antibacterial and antioxidant properties of BH. The results showed that BH supplementation significantly improved sperm motility, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity, inhibited opportunistic bacterial growth, and altered microbial compositions at the end of preservation. Additionally, T-AOC, SOD, and CAT levels were significantly higher in the BH supplementation group than those in the control and antibiotic supplementation group, whereas MDA level exhibited opposite change pattern. Importantly, BH addition to the extender was able to exert a synergistic effect in combination of antibiotic use. Our findings suggested that the appropriate concentrations (0.5% and 0.6%) of BH were added to the extender could act antibacterial and antioxidant roles in liquid preservation of boar semen.

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Effects of low-density lipoproteins extracted from different avian yolks on boar spermatozoa quality following freezing–thawing

Zygote ◽

10.1017/s096719941200041x ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 22 (2) ◽

pp. 175-181 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Peng Wang ◽

Yan-Feng Wang ◽

Chun-Wei Wang ◽

Shu-Hai Bu ◽

Jian-Hong Hu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Membrane Integrity ◽

Egg Yolk ◽

Quality Parameters ◽

Low Density Lipoproteins ◽

Low Density ◽

Boar Sperm ◽

Boar Semen ◽

Avian Egg

SummaryLow-density lipoproteins (LDL) is known to protect boar sperm during freezing–thawing, but little information is known about the effects of LDL extracted from different avian egg yolks on post-thaw boar semen quality. The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze the effects of LDL at various concentrations and different species on boar sperm quality after freezing–thawing. LDL extracted from the yolk of hen egg, duck egg, quail egg, pigeon egg or ostrich egg was added to the extender at the concentrations of 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09 and 0.1 g/ml, respectively, and their effects on frozen–thawed boar sperm quality were assessed. According to all measured parameters, the results showed that sperm motility, acrosome integrity and plasma membrane integrity were 43.20%, 52.57% and 48.13%, respectively, after being frozen–thawed with 0.09 g/ml LDL extracted from pigeon egg yolk. All these quality parameters were higher than that of other groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our results confirmed that LDL extracted from pigeon egg yolk had the best cryoprotective effects on frozen–thawed boar sperm among all of the groups supplemented with LDL from five kinds of avian egg in extender. The optimum concentration of LDL extracted from pigeon egg in boar semen freezing extender was 0.09 g/ml.

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The Re-Addition of Seminal Plasma after Thawing Does Not Improve Buck Sperm Quality Parameters

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11123452 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (12) ◽

pp. 3452

Author(s):

Uchechi Linda Ohaneje ◽

Uchebuchi Ike Osuagwuh ◽

Manuel Alvarez-Rodríguez ◽

Iván Yánez-Ortiz ◽

Abigail Tabarez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Seminal Plasma ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Membrane Integrity ◽

Egg Yolk ◽

Quality Parameters ◽

Mitochondrial Activity ◽

Dna Integrity ◽

Vitro Fertilization

In order to achieve a higher post-thaw buck sperm quality, an approach in the thawing protocol of cryopreserved sperm doses under in vitro capacitation conditions mimicking the in vivo female environment was studied. Therefore, functional and kinetic characteristics of buck thawed sperm from males of different ages, the season of collection, and melatonin implanted males in the non-breeding season were assessed after 3 h of incubation in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) media with 20% of buck seminal plasma (SP). Previously, fresh ejaculates were collected via artificial vagina from eight males of the Cabra Blanca de Rasquera breed during two consecutive years in breeding and non-breeding periods. Prior to semen collection in non-breeding seasons, males were split into two groups: one group was implanted with melatonin, while the other was not. In each group, semen samples were pooled, centrifuged, and diluted in an extender containing 15% powdered egg yolk and 5% glycerol before freezing. After thawing, sperm were washed and incubated in three different media: (a) control media (modified phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), (b) IVF commercial media, and (c) IVF media + 20% SP. Sperm motility was evaluated by CASA, while plasma and acrosome membrane integrity, mitochondria activity, and DNA fragmentation were analysed by flow cytometer at 0 h and after 3 h incubation. A significant reduction in motility, mitochondrial activity, plasma, and acrosome membrane integrity were observed after incubation in the presence of SP, although similar to that observed in IVF media alone. DNA integrity was not affected under in vitro capacitation conditions, regardless of SP addition. In conclusion, the addition of SP failed to improve post-thaw buck sperm quality under in vitro conditions irrespective of male age, the season of collection, and melatonin implant.

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Effects of the platelet-activating factor (PAF) on selected quality parameters of cryopreserved bull semen (AI) with reduced sperm motility

Polish Journal of Veterinary Sciences ◽

10.1515/pjvs-2016-0019 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 147-158 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

M. Lecewicz ◽

W. Kordan ◽

A. Majewska ◽

S. Kamiński ◽

A. Dziekońska ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Plasma Membrane ◽

Sperm Motility ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Membrane Integrity ◽

Platelet Activating Factor ◽

Quality Parameters ◽

Sperm Viability ◽

Plasma Membrane Integrity ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Bull Semen

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the effects of platelet-activating factor (PAF) on selected quality parameters of cryopreserved bull semen with reduced sperm motility used for artificial insemination. The aim of experiment 1 was to identify the optimal concentration of the phospholipid able to preserve sperm viability. Cryopreserved semen was treated with different PAF concentrations: 1×10-5M, 1×10-6M, 1×10-7M, 1×10-8M and 1×10-9M. The experiment demonstrated that PAF at concentration 1×10-9M increased most the sperm viability parameters (motility parameters, plasma membrane integrity and mitochondrial function) after 120 min of incubation of thawed semen at 37°C. Cryopreserved bull semen with reduced sperm motility (below 70%) was supplemented with PAF in a concentration of 1×10-9M. A statistically significant increase in sperm motility, percentage of linear motile spermatozoa and VSL value was observed after 120 min incubation of sperm with 1×10-9M PAF. Sperm supplementation with PAF also had positive effects on plasma membrane integrity and percentage of spermatozoa with preserved mitochondrial transmembrane potential, but the differences were not statistically significant. The results indicated positive effects of PAF supplementation at a concentration of 1×10-9M on the selected sperm quality parameters in cryopreserved bull semen with reduced motility.

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Is p53 controlling spermatogenesis in male mice with the deletion on the Y chromosome?

Zygote ◽

10.1017/s0967199411000323 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

pp. 65-70 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Tomasz Lech ◽

Aniela Golas ◽

Jozefa Styrna

Keyword(s):

Y Chromosome ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Membrane Integrity ◽

Quality Parameters ◽

Quality Parameter ◽

Sperm Head ◽

Testis Weight ◽

Male Mice ◽

Chromosome Y

SummaryThe aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of the chromosome Y structure and Trp53 genotype on semen quality parameters. Mice with partial deletion of the Y chromosome (B10.BR-Ydel) have severely altered sperm head morphology when compared with males that possess the complete Y chromosome (B10.BR). Control males from B10.BR and B10.BR-Ydel mice, and mutant males from B10.BR-p53−/− and B10.BR-Ydel-p53−/− experimental groups were used. We assessed testis weight, sperm head abnormalities, viability of spermatozoa (eosin test), percentage of motile and immature sperm, and performed a hypo-osmotic test to detect abnormal tail membrane integrity. Sperm morphology and maturation were controlled by the genes within the deleted region of the Y chromosome. Testis weight was higher in the mutants than in the control males, possibly due to cell accumulation in Trp53-deficient males as the concentration of sperm was significantly increased in the mutants. An elevated percentage of abnormal sperm was noted in B10.BR-p53−/− and B10.BR-Ydel-p53−/− male mice. We suggest that, in Trp53-deficient mice, the sperm cells that escape apoptosis are the ones that have abnormal morphology. The only sperm quality parameter affected by the interplay between Trp53 and chromosome Y genes was sperm motility, which was elevated in B10.BR-p53−/− males, but remained unchanged in B10.BR-Ydel-p53−/− males.

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Effect of L-carnitine on sperm quality during liquid storage of boar semen

Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences ◽

10.5713/ajas.19.0455 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 33 (11) ◽

pp. 1763-1769

Author(s):

Kang Yang ◽

Na Wang ◽

Hai-Tao Guo ◽

Jing-Ran Wang ◽

Huan-Huan Sun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sperm Motility ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Membrane Integrity ◽

Quality Parameters ◽

Atp Content ◽

Developmental Potential ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Liquid Storage ◽

Boar Sperm

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of L-carnitine on the pig semen characteristics during storage.Methods: Spermatozoa samples were examined for spermatozoa quality and then randomly divided into 5 groups: 0 (control), 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mM L-carnitine. Sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity and antioxidant parameters (total reactive oxygen species, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde) were evaluated after 0, 3, 5, and 10 day cooledstorage at 17°C. Moreover, ATP content, mitochondria activity as well as sperm-binding and in vitro fertilizing ability of preserved boar sperm were also investigated.Results: Supplementation with 50 mM L-carnitine could effectively maintain boar sperm quality parameters such as sperm motility and membrane integrity. Besides, we found that L-carnitine had positive effects on boar sperm quality mainly through improving antioxidant capacities and enhancing ATP content and mitochondria activity. Interestingly, by assessing the effect of L-carnitine on sperm fertility and developmental potential, we discovered that the extender containing L-carnitine could improve sperm quality and increase the number of sperms bounding to zona pellucida, without improving in vitro fertility and development potential.Conclusion: These findings suggested that the proper addition of L-carnitine to the semen extender improved boar sperm quality during liquid storage at 17°C.

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Effect of extender supplementation with low-molecular-weight antioxidants on selected quality parameters of cryopreserved canine spermatozoa

Journal of Veterinary Research ◽

10.2478/jvetres-2018-0032 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 62 (2) ◽

pp. 221-227 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Marek Lecewicz ◽

Rafał Strzeżek ◽

Władysław Kordan ◽

Anna Majewska

Keyword(s):

Molecular Weight ◽

Plasma Membrane ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Membrane Integrity ◽

Quality Parameters ◽

Freezing Process ◽

Low Molecular Weight ◽

Synergistic Activity ◽

Enzymatic Antioxidants ◽

Vitamins E And C

AbstractIntroduction The addition of low-molecular-weight antioxidants during the freezing process improves post-thaw sperm quality. The high antioxidant potential of cryopreserved semen could have a positive effect on the motility, viability, and energy status of sperm cells and their ability to bind to the zona pellucida of oocytes. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of different concentrations and combinations of vitamins E and C in a semen extender on selected quality parameters of frozen-thawed canine spermatozoa.Material and Methods The experimental material was the semen of four mixed-breed dogs. Sperm viability (motility, plasma membrane integrity, and mitochondrial function) was examined at 0, 60, and 120 min in semen samples supplemented with the extender and in the controls.Results Combined supplementation with vitamins C + E at a concentration of 200 + 200 μM /1 × 109 spermatozoa had the most profound effect on total sperm motility, linear motility, and the percentage of spermatozoa with intact plasma membrane and active mitochondria.Conclusion The synergistic activity of vitamins E and C had a more beneficial influence on the quality of frozen–thawed sperm than these non-enzymatic antioxidants applied separately.

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