240 FUNCTIONAL TRAITS OF CAT SPERM DURING DISTINCT MATURATION STATUS

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 218
Author(s):  
E. G. A. Perez ◽  
M. Nichi ◽  
C. A. Baptista Sobrinho ◽  
P. A. A. Góes ◽  
A. Dalmazzo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Lipid Peroxidation ◽  
Structural Damage ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Mitochondrial Activity ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Suitable Model ◽  
Sperm Analysis

Sperm recovery from the caudae epididymides can be advantageous for preserving semen of endangered animal species. In this context, the domestic cat is a suitable model for the study of sperm physiology in endangered feline species and the research on epididymal sperm preservation combined with the use of reproductive biotechnologies including intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The aim of the present study was to examine the sperm collected from the cauda and caput of the cat epididymis using functional tests. Testicles and epididymides from 5 adult tomcats were collected by orchiectomy and maintained at 4°C for 4 h, until semen collection. Semen samples were collected from the epididymal tail and head by careful dissection. Samples were then analysed for motility by computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA; only for the caudal sperm). The 3-3′ diaminobenzidine stain was used as an index of mitochondrial activity, the eosin nigrosin stain as an index of membrane integrity, the simple stain (fast green/Bengal rose) as an index of acrosome integrity, and the measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as an index of lipid peroxidation. Statistical analysis was performed using the SAS System for Windows (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA; least significant differences test and Spearman correlation; P < 0.05). No motility was observed in samples collected from the epididymal head, whereas samples from the tail showed 50.0 ± 4.2% motile spermatozoa. Surprisingly, more spermatozoa with high mitochondrial activity were found in the epididymal head than in samples from the tail (74.0 ± 3.5 v. 50.0 ± 4.3%, respectively). Similarly, samples collected from the head showed a higher susceptibility against the attack of ROS (31.9 ± 5.5 v. 16.3 ± 7.1 ng of TBARS/106 sperm, respectively). Furthermore, epididymal head sperm showed a lower percentage of sperm with intact membrane and a higher percentage of sperm with intact acrosome (44.9 ± 3.3 and 78.4 ± 1.8 v. 66.4 ± 4.2 and 56.7 ± 4.4%, respectively). Our results demonstrate that, during maturation, feline sperm are subjected to high oxidative stress, as shown by the lipid peroxidation assay, which would lead to structural damage to biomolecules, DNA, lipids, carbohydrates and proteins, as well as other cellular components, such as mitochondria, and acrosomal impairment. Similar results were found in humans, in which higher levels of oxidative stress occurred in the post-testicular environment. The plasma membrane seems to be more resistant to damages. This may be due to the described rearrangement in the lipid profile occurring during maturation, but studies to test this hypothesis are still underway.

91 TREATMENT OF GOAT SPERM WITH CATALASE TO IMPROVE POST-THAW QUALITY

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 151
Author(s):  
R. O. C. Silva ◽  
M. Nichi ◽  
E. G. A. Perez ◽  
P. A. A. Góes ◽  
A. Dalmazzo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Peroxide ◽  
Structural Damage ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Thiobarbituric Acid ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Sperm Chromatin ◽  
Mitochondrial Activity ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Sperm Analysis

Semen cryopreservation is extremely important to the use of reproductive biotechnologies in goats. However, studies indicate that cryopreservation may lead to increased oxidative stress which may cause structural damage to biomolecules, DNA, lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins, as well as other cellular components. Previous studies performed by our group indicate fresh goat sperm is highly susceptible to the attack of hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, the treatment with hydrogen peroxide scavengers would be an alternative to improve post-thaw sperm quality in goats. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency of catalase, an important hydrogen peroxide scavenger, to improve post-thaw quality in cryopreserved goat semen samples. Semen samples from 5 adult goats were collected and cryopreserved (Botu-Bov®, Biotech Ltda.). After thawing, samples were incubated (2 h, 37°C) with 0, 60, 120, and 240 UI mL–1 of catalase. Samples were then analysed for motility using the computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA); the 3–3′ diaminobenzidine stain, as an index of mitochondrial activity; the eosin nigrosin stain, as an index of membrane integrity; the simple stain (Fast green/Bengal rose), as an index of acrosome integrity; sperm chromatin structure assay, as an index of DNA fragmentation; and the measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), as an index of lipid peroxidation. Statistical analysis was performed using the SAS System for Windows (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA; least significant differences test and Spearman correlation; P < 0.05). Results showed that catalase treatment after thawing played a role on improving mitochondrial activity. Samples treated with 240 UI mL–1 showed lower percentage of sperm showing low mitochondrial activity when compared with samples treated with 0 and 120 UI mL–1 of catalase (6.5 ± 2.3, 17.2 ± 3.5, and 10.0 ± 1.3%, respectively). However, no effect of catalase was observed on any of the other variables studied. Results indicate that catalase, despite its beneficial effect on mitochondrial activity, does not influence positively on sperm quality after thawing. A hypothesis to explain such results would be that because of seminal plasma dilution with the extender, the antioxidants were also diluted. Therefore, the antioxidant protection would be impaired and the most deleterious reactive oxygen species, as observed in fresh semen, would also be different depending on the semen extender used because sperm are extremely dependent on the extracellular environment due to the reduced cytoplasm and the high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the membrane. A study performed by our group confirms such a hypothesis. Possibly, the treatment with catalase would be more effective if performed before cryopreservation. Also, it is possible that the use of different antioxidants would provide better results. Thanks to Nutricell for the media used and CAPES for financial support.

Insights into soy lecithin and egg yolk-based extenders for chilling canine spermatozoa

Zygote ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andressa Dalmazzo ◽  
Daniel de Souza Ramos Angrimani ◽  
João Diego A. Losano ◽  
Carolina C. Rocha ◽  
Carlos A. B. Sobrinho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Peroxidation ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Egg Yolk ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mitochondrial Activity ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Compensatory Mechanism ◽  
Soy Lecithin ◽  
Sperm Analysis ◽  
Tbars Assay

SummaryThe aim of this study was to compare different concentrations of soy lecithin (LEC0.01%, LEC0.05% and LEC0.1%) with egg yolk (Control) in cooling extenders during the storage of semen at 5ºC for 5 days. Twelve dogs (n = 12) were selected, and semen was cooled and assessed after 2, 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 h. At each time point, sperm were analyzed for kinetic patterns (using computer-assisted sperm analysis), mitochondrial activity (3′3- diaminobenzidine assay), lipid peroxidation (TBARS assay), DNA fragmentation (SCSA®) and plasma and acrosome membrane integrity (eosin/nigrosin and fast green/rose Bengal stains, respectively). The Control group (1814.4 ± 197.2) presented the highest rates of lipid peroxidation at 120 h. Conversely, progressive motility (42.8 ± 4%), linearity (45.4 ± 1%), and VAP (88 ± 3%) were higher in the Control group. In addition, there was lower mitochondrial activity in the Control group at 72 h. Therefore, our data show that lecithin used at these concentrations was not able to maintain sperm viability at as high qualities as would egg yolk. Moreover, the decrease in high mitochondrial activity and the persistence of sperm motility may indicate a compensatory mechanism in canine spermatozoa (i.e., glycolytic pathway). Furthermore, these higher lipid peroxidation indexes could indicate the necessity for future therapy using extenders and antioxidants over a long cooling time for dog sperm.

235 MANGALARGA STALLION SPERM IS HIGHLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE HYDROXYL RADICAL

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 216
Author(s):  
J. R. C. Gurgel ◽  
M. Nichi ◽  
E. G. A. Perez ◽  
P. A. A. Góes ◽  
A. Dalmazzo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Hydrogen Peroxide ◽  
Lipid Peroxidation ◽  
Hydroxyl Radical ◽  
Superoxide Anion ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Sperm Chromatin ◽  
Mitochondrial Activity ◽  
Computer Assisted

Mangalarga, due to its marching abilities, is the mostly widespread and numerous equine breed in Brazil. Furthermore, previous studies indicate that the semen of these horses is particularly susceptible to cryo-injuries. Therefore, the use of chilled semen is crucial when employing reproductive biotechnologies. However, previous studies indicate that chilled semen is highly impaired by the oxidative stress, which is caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). An alternative to overcome the injuries caused by oxidative stress is antioxidant treatment, which requires the identification of those ROS that are the most deleterious. The aim of this study was to identify the most harmful ROS to Mangalarga sperm. Semen samples from 4 horses were collected, mixed with chilling media (Equimix®, Nutricell) and transported to the laboratory at 15°C. Samples were then incubated (1 h, 37°C) with 4 ROS inducing mechanisms: xanthine/xanthine oxidase (produces superoxide anion), hydrogen peroxide (4 mM), ascorbate and ferrous sulfate (4 mM; produces hydroxyl radical). Samples were analysed for motility using computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA). The 3-3′ diaminobenzidine stain was used as an index of mitochondrial activity, the eosin nigrosin stain as an index of membrane integrity, the simple stain (fast green/Bengal rose) as an index of acrosome integrity, sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) as an index of DNA fragmentation, and the measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) an index of lipid peroxidation. Statistical analysis was performed using the SAS System for Windows (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA; least significant differences test and Spearman correlation; P < 0.05). Results showed that Mangalarga sperm is highly susceptible to the hydroxyl radical. Samples treated with this ROS showed a lower percentage of sperm with high mitochondrial activity then samples treated with hydrogen peroxide (24.6 ± 5.9 v. 43.7 ± 6.8%, respectively). Similarly, lipid peroxidation (TBARS) was higher in samples treated with hydroxyl radical when compared with those treated with both superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide (2037.7 ± 154.8, 681.2 ± 170.1, and 789.4 ± 124.5 ng/106 sperm). In addition, for all variables analysed using CASA except for ALH and BCF, samples treated with hydroxyl radical showed decreased quality when compared with the other samples. A positive correlation was found between TBARS and mitochondrial activity, indicating that the higher the sperm susceptibility of sperm against oxidative stress, the lower the mitochondrial activity. Level of TBARS also correlated negatively with most of the variables evaluated by CASA. The present results suggest that Mangalarga sperm is highly susceptible to the hydroxyl radical, a mechanism apparently related to the mitochondrial activity. Therefore, an alternative to overcome the deleterious influence of oxidative stress in semen of Mangalarga stallions would be the treatment with hydroxyl radical scavengers such as vitamins C and E, reduced glutathione, and other nonenzymatic antioxidants. The authors acknowledge Nutricell for the media used and CAPES for financial support.

239 POSSIBLE MECHANISMS OF SPERM DAMAGE CAUSED BY HEAT STRESS IN EUROPEAN BULLS RAISED IN TROPICAL ENVIRONMENTS

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 218
Author(s):  
M. Nichi ◽  
R. P. Bertolla ◽  
T. B. Soler ◽  
C. N. M. Cortada ◽  
R. M. Zuge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Heat Stress ◽  
Structural Damage ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Mitochondrial Activity ◽  
Enzymatic Antioxidants ◽  
High Positive Correlation ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Tropical Environments

Previous studies have indicated that semen of heat-stressed bulls shows impaired mitochondrial activity and high levels of oxidative stress, which may cause structural damage to biomolecules, DNA, lipids, carbohydrates and proteins, as well as other cellular components (Nichi et al. 2006 Theriogenology 66, 822–828). Disruption of the sperm mitochondria could have a potential damaging effect not only on an individual sperm cell but also on the surrounding cells, especially regarding the sperm membrane, possibly due to the release of a high amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced in this environment (rich in electrons) that would then lead to oxidative stress. To test this hypothesis, semen samples of 11 Simmental bulls kept in tropical environments were collected during the summer months. Semen was evaluated as follows: the 3-3′ diaminobenzidine stain (DAB) as an index of mitochondrial activity, the hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) as an index of membrane integrity, measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as an index of lipid peroxidation, and measurement of the enzymatic antioxidants superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities. For correlation analysis, the Pearson test was used (variables were transformed when necessary), and for nonparametric variables, the Spearman rank test was used. A high positive correlation was found between sperm cells with highly active mitochondria (DAB class I) and the percentage of cells with intact membrane by HOST (r = 0.93; P < 0.05), and a negative correlation between the latter and the percentage of inactive mitochondria (r = –0.91; P < 0.05), indicating that the higher the percentage of cells showing impaired mitochondrial activity, the higher the percentage of cells with damaged membrane. There was also a positive correlation between TBARS and the percentage of cells with disrupted mitochondria (r = 0.86; P < 0.05), indicating that the higher the percentage of sperm with impaired mitochondrial activity, the higher the oxidative stress. No correlation existed between the enzymatic antioxidants and any of the variables studied. The results indicate that heat stress may lead to an increase in testicular ROS levels, overcoming the seminal antioxidant protection. This, in turn, may cause damage of the mitochondria and a subsequent release of more pro-oxidative substances, and an exponential increase of oxidative stress. Understanding these mechanisms may lead to more tailored antioxidant therapies in the future. The authors thank FAPESP for the scholarship and financial support.

scholarly journals The in vitro effect of kanamycin on the behaviour of bovine spermatozoa

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 36-40
Author(s):  
Michal Ďuračka
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Mitochondrial Activity ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
In Vitro Cultivation ◽  
Sperm Analysis ◽  
Time Dependent Effect ◽  
Bovine Spermatozoa ◽  
And Function ◽  
Vitro Effect

The use of antibiotics is a common part of animal biotechnologies. Especially, the use of antibiotics in semen extenders is necessary. However, the effect of antibiotics on the spermatozoa structure and function is still not completely examined. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the effect of kanamycin on bovine spermatozoa at concentrations of 80 and 160 µg/mL during the 24 h in vitro cultivation. Semen samples were collected from clinically healthy Holstein-Friesian bulls. At times of 0, 2 and 24 h the motility assessment, mitochondrial activity, acrosomal and membrane integrity evaluation were performed. The sperm motility was measured using the Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Mitochondrial activity was evaluated through the Mitochondrial Toxicity Test (MTT). The acrosomal status was determined using the fast green/rose bengal staining on slides. Similarly, the membrane integrity was analysed using the eosin-nigrosin staining. Our results revealed the dose- and time-dependent effect of kanamycin under the in vitro conditions. In conclusion, the selected concentrations of kanamycin may have adverse effects on the motility, mitochondrial activity, acrosomal and membrane integrity during semen processing. Considering the relatively low concentrations used, we do not recommend to use kanamycin as a supplement in bovine semen extenders.

scholarly journals Post-Thaw Sperm Quality and Functionality in the Autochthonous Pig Breed Gochu Asturcelta

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1885
Author(s):  
José Néstor Caamaño ◽  
Carolina Tamargo ◽  
Inmaculada Parrilla ◽  
Felipe Martínez-Pastor ◽  
Lorena Padilla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Resource ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Mitochondrial Activity ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Kinematic Parameters ◽  
Linear Mixed Effects ◽  
Sperm Analysis ◽  
Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis ◽  
Analysis System

Genetic resource banks (GRB) preserve the genetic material of endangered, valuable individuals or genetically relevant breeds. Semen cryopreservation is a crucial technique to reach these goals. Thus, we aimed to assess the sperm parameters of semen doses from the native pig breed Gochu Asturcelta stored at the GRB of Principado de Asturias (GRB-PA, Gijón, Spain), focusing on intrinsic and extrinsic (boar, season) factors. Two straws per boar (n = 18, 8–71 months of age) were thawed, pooled, and assessed after 30 and 150 min at 37 °C by CASA (computer-assisted sperm analysis system; motility and kinematic parameters) and flow cytometry (viability, acrosomal status, mitochondrial activity, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species, and chromatin status). The effects of age, incubation, and season on post-thawing quality were determined using linear mixed-effects models. Parameters were on the range for commercial boar breeds, with chromatin status (SCSA: fragmentation and immaturity) being excellent. Incubation decreased sperm quality and functionality. The boar age did not have a significant effect (p > 0.05), but the between-boar variability was significant (p < 0.001). The season significantly affected many parameters (motility, kinematics, viability, acrosomal status, mitochondrial activity), especially after 150 min of incubation. In general, samples collected in spring and summer showed higher quality post-thawing, the lowest in winter. In conclusion, the sperm doses from the Gochu Asturcelta breed stored at the GRB-PA showed excellent chromatin status and acceptable characteristics after thawing. Therefore, boar and seasonal variability in this autochthonous breed could be relevant for cryobank management.

scholarly journals Effect of Lead and Copper on Photosynthetic Apparatus in Citrus (Citrus aurantium L.) Plants. The Role of Antioxidants in Oxidative Damage as a Response to Heavy Metal Stress

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 155
Author(s):  
Anastasia Giannakoula ◽  
Ioannis Therios ◽  
Christos Chatzissavvidis
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Lipid Peroxidation ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Metal Tolerance ◽  
Heavy Metal Tolerance ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Photosynthetic Apparatus ◽  
Heavy Metal Stress ◽  
Photosynthetic Parameters ◽  
Citrus Aurantium

Photosynthetic changes and antioxidant activity to oxidative stress were evaluated in sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.) leaves subjected to lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and also Pb + Cu toxicity treatments, in order to elucidate the mechanisms involved in heavy metal tolerance. The simultaneous effect of Pb− and Cu on growth, concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), chlorophylls, flavonoids, carotenoids, phenolics, chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthetic parameters were examined in leaves of Citrus aurantium L. plants. Exogenous application of Pb and Cu resulted in an increase in leaf H2O2 and lipid peroxidation (MDA). Toxicity symptoms of both Pb and Cu treated plants were stunted growth and decreased pigments concentration. Furthermore, photosynthetic activity of treated plants exhibited a significant decline. The inhibition of growth in Pb and Cu-treated plants was accompanied by oxidative stress, as indicated by the enhanced lipid peroxidation and the high H2O2 concentration. Furthermore, antioxidants in citrus plants after exposure to high Pb and Cu concentrations were significantly increased compared to control and low Pb and Cu treatments. In conclusion, this study indicates that Pb and Cu promote lipid peroxidation, disrupt membrane integrity, reduces growth and photosynthesis and inhibit mineral nutrition. Considering the potential for adverse human health effects associated with high concentrations of Pb and Cu contained in edible parts of citrus plants the study signals that it is important to conduct further research into the accessibility and uptake of the tested heavy metals in the soil and whether they pose risks to humans.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of tes-tris or tris association with low density lipoprotein on in vitro longevity of refrigerated buffalo semen

2020 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 729-736
Author(s):  
J. Almeida ◽  
M.F. Brito ◽  
V.A.B. Becerra ◽  
B.P. Neves ◽  
P.A. Auler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Fixed Time ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Sperm Analysis ◽  
Buffalo Semen

ABSTRACT This study investigated in vitro the efficacy of four different extenders (TES-TRIS and TRIS with LDL low-density lipoprotein at concentrations of 10 or 5%) on the longevity of buffalo sperm in the refrigeration process at 5ºC. Sperm motility was assessed every 24 hours up to 72 hours of incubation using computer assisted sperm analysis and sperm membrane integrity was examined by the hypoosmotic test (HOST) at T1, T24, T48 and T72 hours. Eleven buffaloes (1 ejaculate per buffalo) of the Murrah breed were used, ranging in age from 4 to 5 years. Immediately after collection, each ejaculate was fractionated into 4 aliquots, and each aliquot was diluted in one of four diluents to obtain 50x106SPTZ/mL. The samples were packed in 0.5mL straws and refrigerated (-0.25°C/min) to 5°C and maintained at this temperature until evaluation. Prior to evaluation the samples were heated at 37°C for 30 seconds. The statistical package used for analysis was STATA 12.0 "Statistical Analysis Software" and means were compared by the Friedman test (P<0.05). The results of sperm kinetics and HOST indicate that the TRIS diluent with 10% LDL could be a promising alternative for semen refrigeration at 5ºC, to be used in conventional and fixed time artificial insemination.

scholarly journals Effect of Quercetin Supplementation in Extender on Sperm Kinematics, Extracellular Enzymes Release, and Oxidative Stress of Egyptian Buffalo Bulls Frozen–Thawed Semen

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed R. M. El-Khawagah ◽  
Mohamed M. M. Kandiel ◽  
Haney Samir
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Extracellular Enzymes ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Extracellular Fluid ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers ◽  
Sod Activity ◽  
Head Displacement ◽  
Buffalo Semen ◽  
The Media

Buffalo spermatozoa are more sensitive for cryopreservation compared to other species. This study aimed to evaluate the consequences of quercetin against cryodamage of buffalo frozen–thawed spermatozoa characteristics. Semen of Egyptian bulls (n = 4) was extended in OptiXcell extender incorporated with quercetin at 0 (control), 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0, 40.0, and 80.0 μM before cryopreservation. Frozen–thawed semen was evaluated for sperm motility by computer-assisted sperm analyzer (CASA), viability, morphology, membrane, and acrosome integrities. The kinematics parameters including average path velocity (VAP; μm/s), straight linear velocity (VSL; μm/s), curvilinear velocity (VCL; μm/s), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH; μm), beat cross frequency (BCF; Hz), linearity [LIN, (VSL/VCL) × 100], and straightness [STR, (VSL/VAP) × 100] were assessed. The sperm-free extender was evaluated for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and H2O2. Homogenized sperm cells were evaluated for oxidative stress biomarkers [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX)], and lipid peroxidation [malondialdehyde (MDA)]. The highest values of total motility, progressive motility, viability, intact acrosome, and membrane integrity substantially improved with 10 μM of quercetin. STR (%) was substantially low (P &lt; 0.01), and VCL (μm/s) and ALH (μm) were markedly high (P &lt; 0.05) in 10 μM of quercetin. The outflow of ALT enzyme to extracellular fluid was lower with 10 μM of quercetin (P &lt; 0.001) and higher at 2.5 μM of quercetin. The spermatozoa leaked AST was markedly lower at 5.0, 10 (P &lt; 0.001) and 20 μM (P &lt; 0.05) of quercetin. The activity of antioxidant enzymes was eminently low at all quercetin concentrations, and this was accompanied by the decrease in H2O2 in the media. SOD activity at 10–80 μM, CAT at 5.0–40 μM, and GPX at 2.5–80.0 μM of quercetin in spermatozoa were substantially low. MDA level significantly (P &lt; 0.001) decreased at all quercetin concentrations. In conclusion, the incorporation of quercetin at the level of 10 μM is promising in improving buffalo semen characteristics and lower the freezing–thawing oxidative stress.

54 CRYOPRESERVATION OF DOMESTIC CAT EPIDIDYMAL SPERM IN A DEFINED EXTENDER WITHOUT ANIMAL OR PLANT PROTEINS

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 139
Author(s):  
J. R. Saenz ◽  
C. Dumas ◽  
B. L. Dresser ◽  
M. C. Gómez ◽  
R. A. Godke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Egg Yolk ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
The Other ◽  
Initial Assessment ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Plant Proteins ◽  
Epididymal Sperm ◽  
Sperm Suspension ◽  
Sperm Survival

Previously, we have shown that survival of cat sperm is maintained in both non-egg yolk, semi-defined extenders and in extenders with greatly reduced levels of egg yolk (2%). Usually, cryoprotectant is added to extended samples after gradual cooling to 4°C, but recent reports have shown that satisfactory sperm survival can be obtained after addition at 22°C. Here, our objectives were to examine sperm survival after (1) cryopreservation from 22°C vs after gradually cooling to 4°C or (2) cryopreservation in a completely defined extender without animal or plant proteins vs extender + 2% egg yolk. Epididymides from local veterinary clinics were dissected in HEPES 199 medium (He199). The sperm suspension was filtered (40 μ), layered onto a density gradient column and centrifuged at 650 × g for 20 min. Then, the sperm pellet was resuspended in 1 mL of He199 and centrifuged for 5 min at 800 × g and the subsequent pellet was extended in TEST Buffer with either 0% (0% EY) or 2% egg yolk (2% EY). Next, 0% EY samples were further split into 2 groups—either gradually cooled to 4°C before 12% glycerol (1:1) was added (4C-0%EY) or 12% glycerol (1:1) was added at 22°C without cooling (22C-0%EY). Control samples extended in 2% EY were cooled to 4°C before addition of 12% glycerol (1:1) (4C-2%EY). Samples were loaded into 0.25-mL straws and placed in a –80°C freezer for 20 min before storage in LN2. Sperm samples were thawed in air (22°C) for 5 s and immersed in a 60°C water bath for 5 s. After a 7-step addition of He199, samples were centrifuged at 800 × g for 5 min and pellets resuspended in He199. Sperm samples were evaluated for motility (Mot; computer-assisted semen analysis, 37°C) at 0 h (initial assessment), after cooling to 4°C (PC) and at 0-h (0-PT) and 3-h post-thaw (3-PT) incubation at 37°C. Membrane integrity (MI; SYBR 14-PI) and acrosomal status (AS; FITC-PNA) were analysed at the initial assessment, 0-PT and 3-PT. Results are shown in Table 1. At 4°C (PC), sperm extended in 0% EY and 2% EY maintained 92 and 91%, respectively, of their initial motility (66%). At 0-PT and 3-PT, motility in the 3 groups had decreased by >50% and >70%, respectively. Motility at 3-PT in the 22C-0%EY treatment was less than the other 2 treatments (P < 0.05; 1-way ANOVA). At 0-PT, samples in the 4C-2%EY group had a higher membrane integrity value (P < 0.05) than did the 22C-0%EY group, whereas that of the 4C-0%EY group was not different from the other 2 groups. However, at 3-PT, both groups cooled to 4°C before cryopreservation had higher membrane integrity values (P < 0.05) than the group cryopreserved at 22°C. At 0-PT and 3-PT, the percentage of sperm with intact acrosomes ranged from 69% (4C-2%EY) to 59% (22C-0%EY) and from 55% (4C-2%EY) to 43% (22C-0%EY) of the initial value (89%), respectively. In summary, we demonstrated that cat epididymal sperm could be frozen successfully in a completely defined TEST-buffered extender. Furthermore, we confirmed that addition of cryoprotectant (i.e. glycerol) after gradual cooling to 4°C is beneficial to post-thaw survival. Table 1.Motility (Mot), membrane integrity (MI) and acrosomal status (AS) of cat epididymal sperm before and after cryostorage

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