161 PROCESSING OF SEMEN WITH PYOSPERMIA ALLOWS ITS USE IN EQUINE EMBRYO TRANSFER PROGRAMS

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. F. R. Sancler-Silva ◽  
G. A. Monteiro ◽  
F. S. Ignacio ◽  
F. P. Hartwig ◽  
F. O. Papa
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Gradient Centrifugation ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Single Layer ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Kinetics Parameters ◽  
Transfer Programs ◽  
Before And After

Previous studies in humans and current studies in horses show that the presence of leukocytes in the semen promotes increased reactive oxygen species and proinflammatory cytokines production. These substances cause damage to membrane integrity, mitochondrial function, DNA integrity, and lead to increased expression of apoptosis markers in the spermatic cell. As a result of these effects, decreased quality and longevity of the semen that lead to fertility reduction could be highlighted. A 6-year-old stallion was admitted in the Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science School, UNESP, Botucatu-SP, Brazil, with a history of pyospermia due to seminal vesiculitis. Therefore, because of the high demand of the stallion semen and attempting to allow its use in equine embryo transfer programs, a process to reduce leukocyte numbers was performed. For the evaluation of the percentage of leukocytes in the sample, a 10-µL aliquot of semen was smeared and stained with Quick PanoticTM. Semen was diluted in skim milk-based extender BotuSemenTM (1 : 1; Nidacon International AB, Mölndal, Sweden) and then analyzed for sperm kinetic parameters by computer assisted semen analysis (CASA). Sequentially, seminal plasma was removed by filtration with SpermFilterTM (Nidacon International AB). The sample was resuspended with BotuSemenTM to a concentration of 300 × 106 sperm mL–1 and subjected to a single layer gradient centrifugation (EquiPureTM; Nidacon International AB) at 400g for 20 min. A proportion of 5 mL of diluted semen in 5 mL of EquiPureTM (1 : 1) was used for the centrifugation. The pellet was resuspended with BotuSemenTM at a concentration of 50 × 106 sperm mL–1. Before and after processing, sperm kinetic means were, respectively: Total motility (TM) = 46% and 89%, progressive motility (PM) = 20% and 55%, and rapid sperm cells (RAP) = 32% and 81%. The mean percentages of leukocytes in semen smears before and after processing was 80% and 5%, respectively. The processed semen was used for artificial insemination of 5 mares and none of them showed signs of post-breeding endometritis. In addition, in all cases, embryos were recovered when uterine flushes were done on Day 8 post-ovulation. In conclusion, the method used for the processing of semen with pyospermia was effective in reducing leukocyte loads and promoted an improvement of seminal kinetics parameters which allowed its use in embryo transfer programs. The authors acknowledge FAPESP (2011/23139-9) for financial support and Botupharma for donation of BotuSêmenTM extender and SpermFilterTM.

Should single layer centrifugation of dog semen be done before or after the semen is cooled?

2015 ◽  
Vol 176 (14) ◽  
pp. 359-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Gálvez ◽  
I. Ortiz ◽  
M. Hidalgo ◽  
J. M. Morrell ◽  
J. Dorado
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Single Layer ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Sperm Selection ◽  
Low Velocity ◽  
Highly Active ◽  
Test Kit ◽  
Before And After

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of sperm selection by single layer centrifugation (SLC) on canine sperm quality when SLC was performed before or after the cooling process, or when double SLC (before and after cooling) was performed. Twenty ejaculates from four dogs were divided into four aliquots as follows: unselected: no SLC was performed; SLC prior to cooling (SLC-PC): sperm selection was carried out before cooling; SLC after cooling (SLC-AC): sperm selection was performed after cooling; and double SLC: sperm selection was carried out before and after cooling. Sperm motility (by computer-assisted semen analysis), morphology (Diff-Quick staining), sperm membrane integrity (Vital-Test kit) and acrosome integrity (double fluorescent stain) were assessed in re-warmed semen samples. Four sperm subpopulations (sP) were detected using a pattern analysis technique (sP1: highly active, non-progressive; sP2: low velocity, highly progressive; sP3: less vigorous, poorly progressive; sP4: highly progressive motility). A higher proportion of sperm were classified as sP4 in SLC-AC samples. Most of the sperm parameters assessed showed higher values in the SLC-AC group. We conclude that SLC-AC is the best protocol to improve sperm quality in chilled canine semen in comparison to the other procedures tested.

Semen quality assessments and their significance in reproductive technology

2013 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 823-833 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Kordan ◽  
L. Fraser ◽  
P. Wysocki ◽  
R. Strzeżek ◽  
M. Lecewicz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Assessment ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Reproductive Technology ◽  
Assessment Methods ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Laboratory Methods ◽  
Quality Assessments

Abstract Semen quality assessment methods are very important in predicting the fertilizing ability of persevered spermatozoa and to improve animal reproductive technology. This review discusses some of the current laboratory methods used for semen quality assessments, with references to their relevance in the evaluation of male fertility and semen preservation technologies. Semen quality assessment methods include sperm motility evaluations, analyzed with the computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) system, and plasma membrane integrity evaluations using fluorescent stains, such as Hoechst 33258 (H33258), SYBR-14, propidium iodide (PI), ethidium homodimer (EthD) and 6-carboxyfluorescein diacetate (CFDA), and biochemical tests, such as the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) level. This review addresses the significance of specific fluorochromes and ATP measurements for the evaluation of the sperm mitochondrial status. Laboratory methods used for the evaluation of chromatin status, DNA integrity, and apoptotic changes in spermatozoa have been discussed. Special emphasis has been focused on the application of proteomic techniques, such as two-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), for the identification of the properties and functions of seminal plasma proteins in order to define their role in the fertilization-related processes.

Cryopreservation of collared peccary (Pecari tajacu L., 1758) epididymal sperm using extenders based on Tris and powdered coconut water (ACP®-116c)

Zygote ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 301-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
José A. B. Bezerra ◽  
Andréia M. Silva ◽  
Patrícia C Sousa ◽  
Lívia B. Campos ◽  
Érica C. G. Praxedes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Egg Yolk ◽  
Coconut Water ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Epididymal Sperm ◽  
Sperm Plasma Membrane ◽  
Pecari Tajacu ◽  
Functional Membrane

SummaryThe aim of this study was to establish a functional freezing–thawing protocol for epididymal sperm of collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu L., 1758) by comparing different extenders. The epididymal sperm from 12 sexually mature males was recovered by retrograde flushing using Tris-based or coconut water-based (ACP®-116c) extenders. After initial evaluation, samples were diluted and frozen with the same extenders to which 20% egg yolk and 6% glycerol were added. After 2 weeks, thawing was performed at 37°C/60 s and sperm motility, vigour, morphology, functional membrane integrity, sperm viability, sperm plasma membrane integrity, and a computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) were assessed. In addition, to evaluate the survival of frozen–thawed sperm, a thermal resistance test (TRT) was executed. Samples preserved using Tris were in better condition compared with those preserved using ACP®, showing higher values for most assessments performed, including CASA and the TRT (P<0.05). After determining Tris to be the better of the two extenders, additional samples were thawed using different thawing rates (37°C/60 s, 55°C/7 s, 70°C/8 s). Sperm thawed at 37°C/60 s had the greatest preservation (P<0.05) of viability (54.1 ± 5.9%) and functional membrane integrity (43.2 ± 5.4%), and had higher values for various CASA parameters. In conclusion, we suggest the use of a Tris-based extender added to egg yolk and glycerol for the cryopreservation of epididymal sperm obtained from collared peccaries. In order to achieve better post-thawing sperm quality, we suggest that samples should be thawed at 37°C/60 s.

90 EFFECT OF EGG YOLK ON THE KINEMATICS AND ACROSOME MEMBRANE INTEGRITY OF COOLED-REWARMED CANINE SPERMATOZOA

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 204
Author(s):  
J. Dorado ◽  
M. J. Galvez ◽  
M. R. Murabito ◽  
S. Demyda ◽  
L. J. De Luca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Egg Yolk ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Head Displacement ◽  
Healthy Dogs ◽  
Acrosome Integrity ◽  
Digital Manipulation ◽  
Lateral Head

Tris-egg yolk-based diluents provide adequate cryoprotection for the sperm of most species. This study was conducted to compare the ability of Tris-glucose extender containing 2 different concentrations of egg yolk to maintain sperm motility and acrosome integrity of canine spermatozoa during 72 h of preservation. For this purpose, a total of 20 ejaculates from 4 clinically healthy dogs (2 Spanish Greyhound, 1 German Pointer, and 1 Crossbreed) were collected by digital manipulation. The sperm-rich fraction of each ejaculate was divided into 2 aliquots. Then, they were diluted in Tris-based extender and centrifuged at 700g for 8 min. Sperm pellets were resuspended in either Tris buffer added to 20% (EY20) or 10% centrifuged egg yolk (EY10) and cooled to 5°C over 72 h. The effects of these extenders on motility and acrosome integrity were assessed objectively using a computer-aided semen analyzer (Sperm Class Analyzer, Microptic SL, Spain) and Spermac® staining, respectively. Each cooled-rewarmed semen sample was evaluated after 24, 48, and 72 h of preservation. Sperm motion parameters shown by computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) are progressively motile (PMS) and motile spermatozoa (MS), curvilinear velocity (CLV), average path velocity (APV), progressive speed (SLV), and lateral head displacement (LHD). Data were statistically analysed by ANOVA. Dependent variables expressed as percentages were arsine-transformed before analysis. Differences between mean values were evaluated by the Duncan method. Data were presented as mean ± SEM. Differences were considered significant when P < 0.05. Analyses were performed using the statistical package SPSS 12.0. A total of 98 172 motile sperm trajectories were analyzed by CASA: 52 259 in EY20 and 45 913 in EY10. After 24, 48, and 72 h of preservation, MS and PMS were statistically higher (P < 0.01) in EY20. No significant differences were found for LHD using either extender over a 72-h period. No significant differences were observed for CLV using either extender during the first 2 days. At Day 3, CLV data were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in EY20. Similarly, from Day 2, APV was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in EY20. After 24 h of preservation, SLV was statistically higher (P < 0.001) in EY10, whereas the opposite tendency was found at Day 3. No significant differences were observed for SLV using either extender after 48 h of preservation. During the first 2 days, acrosome integrity was statistically higher (P < 0.001) in EY20. At hour 72, higher acrosome integrity (P < 0.001) was observed in EY10. In conclusion, we have observed that the EY20 extender provided higher motility after 72 h of chilled preservation; however, the acrosome membrane integrity was better preserved in EY10.

scholarly journals Antibiotics Versus Natural Biomolecules: The Case of In Vitro Induced Bacteriospermia by Enterococcus Faecalis in Rabbit Semen

Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (23) ◽  
pp. 4329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michal Duracka ◽  
Norbert Lukac ◽  
Miroslava Kacaniova ◽  
Attila Kantor ◽  
Lukas Hleba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Enterococcus Faecalis ◽  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Human Reproduction ◽  
Sperm Chromatin ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Microbiological Analysis

Male subfertility is a global issue in human reproduction as well as in animal reproduction. Bacterial infection and semen contamination are still widely overlooked. As the collection of ejaculates is not a sterile process, it is necessary to add antimicrobial agents to avoid a possible depreciation of semen samples. As traditionally used antibiotics have been questioned because of an ever-increasing bacterial resistance, natural bioactive molecules could offer an alternative because of their antibacterial and antioxidant properties. As such, we decided to compare the effects of selected natural biomolecules (resveratrol-RES, quercetin-QUE and curcumin-CUR) with routinely used antibiotics in animal biotechnologies (penicillin-PEN, gentamicin-GEN and kanamycin-KAN) on the rabbit sperm vitality in the presence of Enterococcus faecalis. Changes in the sperm structural integrity and functional activity were monitored at 0, 2, 4 and 6 h. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) was used for the assessment of spermatozoa motility. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was evaluated using chemiluminiscence, while the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was examined using the JC-1 dye. Finally, the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test was used to assess DNA fragmentation, and changes to the membrane integrity were evaluated with the help of annexin V/propidium iodide. The motility assessment revealed a significant sperm motility preservation following treatment with GEN (p < 0.001), followed by PEN and CUR (p < 0.01). QUE was the most capable substance to scavenge excessive ROS (p < 0.001) and to maintain ΔΨm (p < 0.01). The SCD assay revealed that the presence of bacteria and antibiotics significantly (p < 0.05) increased the DNA fragmentation. On the other hand, all bioactive compounds readily preserved the DNA integrity (p < 0.05). In contrast to the antibiotics, the natural biomolecules significantly maintained the sperm membrane integrity (p < 0.05). The microbiological analysis showed that GEN (p < 0.001), KAN (p < 0.001), PEN (p < 0.01) and CUR (p < 0.01) exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity against E. faecalis. In conclusion, all selected biomolecules provided protection to rabbit spermatozoa against deleterious changes to their structure and function as a result of Enterococcus faecalis contamination. Therefore, administration of RES, QUE and/or CUR to rabbit semen extenders in combination with a carefully selected antibacterial substance may be desirable.

scholarly journals Efficiency of Commercial Egg Yolk-Free and Egg Yolk-Supplemented Tris-Based Extenders for Dromedary Camel Semen Cryopreservation

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman Abdel-Aziz Swelum ◽  
Islam M. Saadeldin ◽  
Hani Ba-Awadh ◽  
Mohsen G. Al-Mutary ◽  
Abdullah F. Moumen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Egg Yolk ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Dromedary Camel ◽  
Plasma Membrane Integrity ◽  
Semen Cryopreservation

This study compared the efficiency of commercial egg yolk-free (AndroMed, OPTIXcell) and egg yolk-supplemented (Triladyl, Steridyl) Tris-based extenders for semen cryopreservation in seven adult dromedary camels. The camel-specific extender SHOTOR was used as control. The collected semen samples were evaluated and diluted with SHOTOR, Triladyl, Steridyl, AndroMed, or OPTIXcell. The diluted semen was gradually cooled and equilibrated for two hours before liquid nitrogen freezing. Semen was evaluated prior to freezing and after freeze-thawing cycles for motility, kinetics, vitality, abnormality, plasma membrane integrity, and DNA fragmentation using computer-assisted sperm analysis. In pre-freezing evaluation, progressive sperm motility was higher in SHOTOR-diluted samples (21.54 ± 1.83) than in samples diluted with Steridyl, OPTIXcell, or AndroMed (15.76 ± 1.80, 17.43 ± 1.10, and 13.27 ± 1.07, respectively). Moreover, Triladyl and SHOTOR resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) better sperm vitality and DNA integrity than all other diluents, but Triladyl resulted in a significantly (p < 0.05) better plasma membrane integrity (87.77 ± 0.31) than SHOTOR (85.48 ± 0.58). In the post-thawing evaluation, Triladyl led to significantly (p < 0.05) higher sperm motility (38.63 ± 0.81%; p < 0.05) when compared to SHOTOR, Steridyl or AndroMed (35.09 ± 1.341%, 34.4 ± 0.84%, and 31.99 ± 1.48%, respectively), with OPTIXcell being the least efficient (28.39 ± 0.86%). Progressive sperm motility was the highest when using Triladyl. Post-thawing curvilinear, straight line and average path sperm velocities were highest with Triladyl and lowest with AndroMed. Triladyl led to the highest linearity coefficient and straightness sperm coefficient, while SHOTOR to the highest DNA and plasma membrane integrity. OPTIXcell and AndroMed resulted in poor post-thawing sperm vitality, while Steridyl was less efficient than Triladyl. The highest rate of sperm abnormalities was recorded with OPTIXcell and the lowest with SHOTOR or Triladyl. In conclusion, SHOTOR, Triladyl, Steridyl, AndroMed, and OPTIXcell can all be used for camel semen cryopreservation; however, SHOTOR and Triladyl provided the best post-thawing sperm quality. Based on our findings, Triladyl is the best commercially available extender for dromedary camel semen cryopreservation to date.

180 ASSESSMENT OF BULL SEMEN QUALITY LOADED IN NEW SensiTemp STRAWS USING SEMEN AND IN VITRO PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 221
Author(s):  
D. Le Bourhis ◽  
S. Camugli ◽  
P. Salvetti ◽  
L. Schibler ◽  
E. Schmitt
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Cleavage Rate ◽  
Fluid Medium ◽  
And Control

SensiTemp, a new in vitro maturation (IMV) bull straw concept, presents the advantage of colour changing while the straw is thawed. The colour of frozen straws is blue and straws start to become white when the temperature reaches 33°C, with a complete change of colour at 37°C. The objective of this study is to assess sperm quality after thawing of semen frozen in SensiTemp from 2 bulls, by analysing, in experiment 1, sperm motility and membrane integrity using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) and flow cytometry (FC), and, in experiment 2, the in vitro embryo production (IVP) using IVP technologies [IVM, IVF, and in vitro culture (IVC)]. The ejaculates of 2 bulls, selected during preliminary experiments on high in vitro fertility, were harvested at CIA L’Aigle, France, and split ejaculates were frozen in experimental (SensiTemp) and conventional (control) straws. In experiment 1 after thawing semen from the 2 types of straws (5 pooled straws each; 2 replicates), motility was assessed using the IVOS CASA system (Hamilton Thorne Inc., Beverly, MA, USA) and membrane integrity was evaluated through FC with Cytosoft software (Millipore-Guava Technologies Inc., Hayward, CA, USA). In experiment 2, IVF was used to evaluate the non-toxicity of SensiTemp and control straws. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC; n = 1178; 4 replicates) collected from slaughterhouse ovaries were matured in IVM medium (TCM-199 with bicarbonate, Sigma-Aldrich, Saint Quentin Fallavier, France; 10 µg mL–1 FSH-LH, Reprobiol, Liège, Belgium; and 10% FCS, Thermo Fisher, Illkirch, France) for 22 h. After fertilization, presumptive zygotes of each group (SensiTemp and control for each bull) were cultured in synthetic oviduct fluid medium (SOF, Minitube, Tiefenbach, Germany) with 1% estrous cow serum (ECS) and 0.6% BSA (Sigma-Aldrich, France) up to 8 days. All cultures were conducted at 38.5C in 5% CO2, and 5% O2. The cleavage and blastocysts rates were evaluated on Days 3 and 7, respectively, for each group. Embryo quality was recorded on Day 7 according to the IETS evaluation. Data from each bull were analysed separately using the chi-squared test (P < 0.05). In experiment 1, neither sperm motility from bull 1 (61.2 and 60.5%) and bull 2 (66.2 and 66.5%) nor membrane integrity from bull 1 (58.6 and 52.2%) and bull 2 (61.0 and 61.9%) were different between SensiTemp and control, respectively. Results from experiment 2 showed no difference (P > 0.05) in cleavage rate between SensiTemp and control for the 2 bulls: 92.1 and 91.7% for bull 1 and 94.2 and 94.6% for bull 2 respectively. The blastocysts rate on Day 7 did not differ (P > 0.05) among groups (47.5, 47.1 and 51.3, 50.4% for SensiTemp and control bull 1 and bull 2, respectively) nor the quality of embryos retrieved in the different groups: 25.4, 23.3, and 30.8, 29.6% in grade 1 embryo for SensiTemp and control bull 1 and bull 2, respectively. Those results demonstrate, in vitro, that the new SensiTemp straws were non-toxic and did not affect the semen quality after thawing nor did the SensiTemp straws affect the ability of sperm cells to fertilize oocytes and produce 8-day-old embryos.

Effect of sperm preparation on development of bovine blastocyst in vitro

Zygote ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 825-830 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Celina Abraham ◽  
Anders Johannisson ◽  
Jane M. Morrell
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Reproduction ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Single Layer ◽  
Human Sperm ◽  
Sperm Chromatin ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Cleavage Rate ◽  
Preparation Methods ◽  
Sperm Preparation

SummarySperm preparation is an important step in the in vitro production of embryos. Centrifugation through colloids has been used to select normal sperm for assisted reproduction in several species. Animal models can sometimes be used as a preliminary step to investigate sperm preparation methods that are potentially of use for human fertility treatments. In this study bovine semen was prepared using three variants of the single-layer centrifugation sperm selection technique (Small, Mini, Mini-EP) with Bovicoll (Androcoll-B). Computer-assisted sperm motility analysis, the hypo-osmotic swelling test, and the sperm chromatin structure assay were performed on unselected (control) and SLC-selected sperm samples. Mini and Mini-EP gave the highest yield of motile spermatozoa, progressive motility and membrane integrity. In vitro fertilization trials were performed to investigate the fertilizing ability of the frozen–thawed bovine spermatozoa selected with Bovicoll. Mini-SLC (single-layer centrifugation) and swim-up (Control) were performed and cleavage rate and blastocyst rate did not differ significantly between groups. As there was a trend to an increased number of cells in blastocysts in the SLC group, the Mini-SLC method is at least as good as swim-up for selecting frozen–thawed bull spermatozoa for in vitro fertilization (IVF). This method could potentially be used to prepare human sperm for assisted reproduction.

scholarly journals Effect of seasonal infertility period on boar sperm proteins and quality characteristics

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (4) ◽  
pp. 1875
Author(s):  
I.A. MICHOS ◽  
I.A. TSAKMAKIDIS ◽  
M. TSANTARLIOTOU ◽  
G. TSOUSIS ◽  
P. HADWEH ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Propidium Iodide ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Cold Season ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Sperm Proteins ◽  
Boar Sperm ◽  
Environmental Temperatures ◽  
Seasonal Infertility

Swine seasonal infertility reduces the productivity and profitability of a pig farm. The main causes of this condition are elevated environmental temperatures and long photoperiod during the summer season. The aim of this study was to investigate which sperm proteins and parameters are affected during the period of seasonal infertility. Depending on the environmental temperatures, the period from October to June was considered as cold and the period from July to September as warm season. A total of 65 ejaculates from 18 boars were collected over a year. Each semen sample was evaluated for kinetics (Computer Assisted Semen Analyzer), morphology (Sperm Blue stain), viability (Propidium Iodide - Calcein AM stain), mitochondrial membrane potential (Rhodamine 123 – Propidium Iodide stain), membrane integrity and functionality (Hypo-osmotic swelling test) and sperm DNA integrity (Acridine Orange Test). Moreover, selected proteins (HSP90, GPX5, OPN) were detected and quantified. The kinetic parameters VSL, LIN and the midpiece abnormalities were significantly higher in the warm compared to the cold season (p<0.05), while a strong tendency towards higher values for HSP90 and GPX5 was observed in warm compared to cold season (p=0.07and p=0.06, respectively). In conclusion, among the boar sperm characteristics tested in our study, seasonal infertility period negatively affected VSL and LIN kinetics, while GPX5 seminal plasma enzyme and HSP90 sperm surface protein increased their sperm protective effects.

95 EFFECT OF CRYOPROTECTANT ADDITION AND REMOVAL AT 4°C ON MOTILITY AND PLASMA MEMBRANE INTEGRITY OF BOVINE CAUDAL EPDIDYMAL SPERMATOZOA

2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 156
Author(s):  
C. Guerrero ◽  
S. Leibo ◽  
D. Paccamonti ◽  
B. Eilts ◽  
K. Bondioli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Egg Yolk ◽  
Single Step ◽  
Freezing Process ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Chemical Toxicity ◽  
Plasma Membrane Integrity ◽  
Epididymal Spermatozoa

Cryopreservation of spermatozoa harvested from the epididymides would be a means of salvaging germplasm from genetically valuable males that die unexpectedly from injury, disease, or poaching. It is well known that the addition of cryoprotective agents (CPAs) is essential for sperm survival following the freezing process. However, CPAs can cause loss in sperm viability due to osmotic damage or chemical toxicity. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of single-step addition and/or removal of glycerol (GLY) or ethylene glycol (EG) on motility and plasma membrane integrity of bovine epididymal spermatozoa. Paired testes were obtained from mature bulls (n = 10) at a local abattoir and transported to the laboratory at 25–28°C within 4–6 h post-mortem. Epididymal spermatozoa were harvested by multiple incisions from the caudae epididymides of each bull, pooled, and washed in Brackett-Oliphant medium by centrifugation for 5 min at 500g. Pellets were resuspended in egg yolk-Tris-glucose-citric acid monohydrate medium (EYT-GC) at a concentration of 120 × 106 cells/mL and cooled to 4°C at a rate of 0.1°C/min. Specimens were allocated to each of five treatment groups: control (no CPA), 7% GLY, and 14% GLY, 7% EG, 14% EG. Then, replicate samples were diluted 1:1 in EYT-GC medium containing twice the final desired concentration of CPA. After being exposed for 10 min, each sample was diluted directly into EYT-GC at 4°C. Motility was assessed by means of a computer assisted semen analysis system and plasma membrane integrity was determined by SYBR 14 and propidium iodide staining followed by fluorescence microscopy. Differences among treatments were analyzed using one way ANOVA (P < 0.05). The results (Table 1) show that maximum survival, as assessed by measurements of motility and membrane integrity, was achieved with spermatozoa exposed to 7% EG. Almost identical intermediate levels of survival were observed with spermatozoa exposed to 7% GLY or 14% EG. The lowest survival was observed for spermatozoa exposed to 14% GLY. The results indicate that the use of EG as a cryoprotectant may minimize toxicity and osmotic damage to fresh bovine epididymal spermatozoa. Its efficacy as a CPA is currently being determined. Table 1. Sperm motility and membrane integrity (mean ± SEM) after addition of CPA to epididymal sperm

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