scholarly journals Hormonal induction of spermiation in a Eurasian bufonid (Epidalea calamita)

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucía Arregui ◽  
Sergio Diaz-Diaz ◽  
Elia Alonso-López ◽  
Andrew J. Kouba
Keyword(s):  
Cold Storage ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Hormone Treatment ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Forward Movement ◽  
Amphibian Species ◽  
African Species ◽  
Treatment Frequency ◽  
Epidalea Calamita

Abstract Background Amphibian diversity is declining at an alarming rate due to habitat loss, invasive species, climate change and diseases. Captive assurance colonies have been established for some species at risk; however, many species do not breed well in captivity and the development of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) is critical to help sustain genetic diversity. To date, the majority of the work has been accomplished in species from the American continent and Australia, and there is a need to address similar breeding challenges in Eurasian and African species of amphibians. Methods The aim of this study was to develop a hormone protocol for stimulation of spermiation in Epidalea calamita as a model for Eurasian bufonids. Hence, the effect on sperm production and quality of three doses of chorionic gonadotropin hormone (5, 10 and 15 IU hCG/g) over time (1 to 24 h) was evaluated. In addition, cold storage (at 5 °C) of sperm for 24 and 48 h and three frequencies for hormonal treatment (weekly, biweekly and monthly) were examined. Results Hormone concentrations of 10 or 15 IU of hCG induced spermiation in 100% of males and produced sperm of comparable quality, while 5 IU hCG stimulated spermiation in only 40% of males. Total motility peaked between 1 to 4 h post-treatment with 10 IU hCG, whereas treatment with 15 IU hCG peaked between 2 to 6 h. After 24 h of cold storage total motility dropped by 20% and forward motility dropped by 10% for both the 10 and 15 IU treatments. Weekly hormone administration resulted in higher variation between trials in all motility parameters and a lower overall Total Motility and Forward Movement. Furthermore, the effect of exogenous hormone treatment overlapped between the last two trials in the weekly frequency. Sperm concentration was higher in the first trial for all frequencies but showed no differences among other trials. Conclusions Overall, these results show that hormone concentration, time after treatment, frequency of hormone treatment and cold storage should be borne in mind when developing a hormone stimulation protocol for Eurasian amphibian species.

P–050 The effectiveness of the platelet-rich plasma treatment of men with severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
O Somova ◽  
H Ivanova ◽  
N Sotnyk ◽  
K Kovalenko ◽  
I Feskova
Keyword(s):  
Male Infertility ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Testosterone Level ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Platelet Rich Plasma ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Free Testosterone ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Free Testosterone Level

Abstract Study question To evaluate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) testicular injections on spermogram parameters of men with severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT). Summary answer The PRP testicular injections have beneficial effects on spermatogenesis and enhance sperm concentration and motility in infertile men with OAT. What is known already The use of PRP therapy in assisted reproductive technologies is debatable. Despite the recent evidence of its positive effects in promoting endometrial and follicular growth, data from clinical studies are limited. There are only a few papers on the effectiveness of PRP therapy in the treatment of male infertility and sexual dysfunction. In more detail, the influence of PRP on spermatogenesis was carried out only on experimental animals. Although the mechanisms of its action have not yet been clarified, it is assumed that PRP, containing many biologically active molecules, realizes its effect through the tissue regeneration and cell proliferation. Study design, size, duration This prospective study included 68 men (34.6±5.2) years old with severe OAT (≤4 million/ml, motility ≤30%, normal sperm morphology ≤1%) receiving hormonal and antioxidant (AO) therapy during 6 months before in vitro fertilization cycles. 33 of them were injected once with autologous PRP (0.5 ml in each testicle). Spermogram and testosterone level were analyzed before the treatment and in 3, 4 and 6 months after it. Participants/materials, setting, methods: Sperm concentration, motility and morphology in ejaculate of 33 men of PRP group were compared with those in the group of 35 men without PRP within 6 months of starting the treatment. Total and free testosterone level were measured in blood serum. PRP was prepared by centrifuging the patient’s own blood in the anticoagulant-containing tubes. The final concentration of platelets in the obtained sample was 950.000 – 1.250 000 cells in 1 ml. Main results and the role of chance 4 months after the PRP injection, sperm concentration and motility increased in 18 of 33 men of the PRP group compared with the baseline (before the treatment) – 4.2 (1.0; 6.9) vs 1.4 (0.1; 3.4) mln/ml (p < 0.05) and 36.7 (30.6; 45.8) vs 17.7 (6.7; 28.2)% respectively (p < 0.05).The maximum increase in sperm motility (but not in sperm concentration!) was observed in 24 men in 6 months – 49.6 (39.6; 56.4)% (p < 0.05). Percent of morphologically normal spermatozoa in ejaculate slightly increased only in 12 men in that time period from 0–1% to 1–2%. The total testosterone level was 2.4 times higher than the baseline (31.6±7.2 vs 13.2±4.3 nmol/l, p < 0.05), the free testosterone level was 1.8 times higher (14.5±3.5 vs 7.9±3.0 pgl/ml, p < 0.05). Unlike the PRP group, in the group of men without PRP treatment, the sperm parameters did not changed compared with the baseline in 4 months after the starting hormonal and AO treatment. A significant increase of sperin concentration was observed only in 17 of 35 patients in 6 months. Sperm motility and percent of morphologically normal spermatozoa after the treatment did not differ from the baseline. Changes in the testosterone levels were similar to changes in PRP group. Limitations, reasons for caution Only young and middle-aged men were considered in the study. Large randomized controlled studies are required to confirm the PRP therapy efficacy and safety of f various fertility disorders. There are also no standardized protocols for PRP preparation. Wider implications of the findings: PRP therapy may have great potential for the treatment of male infertility and improving spermatogenesis. Optimization of methods of PRP preparation and dosage of testicular injections can enhance reproductive outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies. Trial registration number Not applicable

116 DEVELOPMENT OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE ENDANGERED MISSISSIPPI GOPHER FROG (RANA SEVOSA) AND SPERM TRANSFER FOR IN VITRO FERTILIZATION

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 170 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Kouba ◽  
E. Willis ◽  
C. Vance ◽  
S. Hasenstab ◽  
S. Reichling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Leopard Frog ◽  
Genetic Management ◽  
Mississippi Gopher Frog

Species-specific differences in breeding strategies and physiology have limited the application of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for critically endangered amphibians in captive assurance colonies. In 2006, the Memphis Zoo (MZ) initiated a program to develop ART for the critically endangered Mississippi gopher frog after natural breeding failed. Standard gamete collection and IVF developed by MZ for reproducing endangered toads such as the Wyoming or boreal toad were applied to the gopher frog with little success, especially hormonal therapy for sperm production. Using the leopard frog as a model species for Ranids, we tested the time and dose dependence of a luteinizing hormone releasing hormone analogue (LHRHa) and hCG on sperm quantity and quality. Initial findings from the leopard frog study were critical in designing the study on gopher frogs. Our objectives were to (1) compare 2 different hormones administered intraperitoneal (500 IU hCG vs 15 μg LHRHa) or their combination on spermiation in gopher frogs; (2) develop in vivo oocyte maturation and ovulation protocols using LHRHa (15 μg) and hCG (500 IU); and (3) transfer this technology to another institution as proof of principle. In gopher frogs, 100 and 83% of the males produced sperm in response to the LHRHa and the combination treatment, respectively, whereas only 16% responded to hCG alone. Sperm concentration peaked at 1 h post-administration for all treatments, with the LHRH/hCG cocktail treatment producing the highest concentration of sperm (mean = 4.6 × 106 ± 1.2 × 106 sperm mL–1, n = 6). No differences in motility were observed between treatments (P > 0.05). For females, a series of priming hormones of hCG and LHRHa were given several months before an ovulatory hormone regimen resulting in ovulation by 100% of the females (n = 6), whereas animals not primed failed to ovulate (n = 4). These 3 separate priming and IVF trials conducted between 2008 and 2010 resulted in each female laying ∼2000 eggs, with an average fertilization rate of 76% for inseminated eggs and hundreds of tadpoles produced. These IVF tadpoles represent the first captive reproduction of gopher frogs and highlight how ART can be applied to conservation and genetic management of threatened species. Subsequently, we tested our IVF protocols on gopher frogs at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo using fresh (collected on site) and chilled, shipped sperm from MZ. We collected 6169 eggs from 9 hormone-primed females with all animals ovulating. A portion of the total eggs ovulated were inseminated, resulting in 2401 fertilized eggs (38.9% of total eggs collected) across 18 different male–female pairings leading to viable tadpoles. In addition, sperm transferred overnight from the MZ produced 202/441 fertilized eggs (46%). The transfer of this technology and production of endangered amphibians using chilled, shipped sperm from live animals is a conservation milestone that can be applied to other captive breeding programs.

154 A method of oviductal semen deposition for use in the goat

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 203
Author(s):  
N. Buzzell ◽  
S. Blash ◽  
K. Miner ◽  
M. Schofield ◽  
J. Pollock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
The United States ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Implant Removal ◽  
Suitable Alternative ◽  
Midline Laparotomy ◽  
Post Surgery

The objective of this study was to investigate a method of oviducal semen deposition as a strategy for producing offspring from poor-quality cryopreserved goat sperm. Invitro fertilisation (IVF) and AI are common assisted reproductive technologies used in small ruminants, but they have varied results in the goat. The use of poor-quality cryopreserved-thawed sperm (<50% live/dead ratio at post-thaw) can decrease the rate of success. These procedures were performed in the month of November in Central Massachusetts in the United States (42° N). Seven 10-year-old dairy goats (Saanen, Toggenburg, and Alpine breeds) were synchronised and superovulated using a progesterone implant on Day 0, a prostaglandin injection at Day 7, two daily injections of 36mg of FSH ~12h apart on Days 12-15, and progesterone implant removal on Day 14 followed by an injection of 50µg of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone. Sperm deposition was performed on Day 17 (72 h after implant removal). The animals were anaesthetised using a standardised protocol, intubated, and maintained using isoflurane, and sterile prep was performed before a midline laparotomy procedure. Straws from a single ejaculate from a transgenic founder that was cryopreserved using a commercial two-step glycerol-egg yolk-based extender were used. A straw from this collection was post-thawed 30 days after collection and, using a commercial live/dead stain, 67% live sperm was determined. The optimal type of sperm prep and sperm concentration is unknown and may be dependent on sperm quality. Therefore, different gradient preps using Vitrolife SpermGrad at three volumes (1.5 (used on two animals), 1.0, and 0.5mL) as well as two volumes of IVF Bioscience Bovine BO-SemenPrep (4.0mL (used on two animals) and 2.0mL) were used. All five pellets were diluted in 1.0mL of IVF Bioscience Bovine BO-IVF media. Sperm concentrations ranging from 75×106 to 27×106 spermmL−1 were deposited into one oviduct; then, a 10:1 dilution was performed and 7.5×106 to 2.7×10 spermmL−1 were deposited into the contralateral oviduct. The depositions were performed just proximal to the uterotubal junction in a volume of 0.1mL of diluent via a tuberculin syringe attached to a 20-gauge needle. Two days following the procedure, oviducts were flushed postmortem from three of the seven randomly selected goats. All three had fertilised embryos, and nineteen 8-cell embryos were retrieved. Three of these embryos were surgically transferred to the distal uterine horn of a suitable recipient. The recipient became pregnant and produced a single offspring. The remaining four of seven goats were killed 41 days post-surgery. Two of the four goats were pregnant, with one carrying one fetus and the other carrying five fetuses. Further studies are needed to optimise this method, but these initial results indicate that oviducal semen deposition directly into the oviduct proximal to the uterotubal junction may be a suitable alternative for producing offspring from suboptimal cryopreserved-thawed goat sperm.

scholarly journals The use of insulin-like growth factor 1 improved the parameters of the seminogram in a patient with severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 2050313X1983415
Author(s):  
José Arturo Mora Rodríguez ◽  
Leonardo M Porchia ◽  
Felipe Camargo ◽  
Esther López-Bayghen
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Intradermal Injection ◽  
Sperm Parameters ◽  
Insulin Like Growth Factor ◽  
Progressive Motility

Male patients suffering from oligoasthenoteratozoospermia typically failed to achieve pregnancy, even with assisted reproductive technologies. Growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 have been shown to regulate sperm quality parameters; therefore, the insulin-like growth factor 1 supplement could improve sperm parameters. Here, we determine the effect insulin-like growth factor 1 has on sperm parameters in a patient suffering from oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. A 47-year-old male was administered once a day 1.5 IU of insulin-like growth factor 1 by intradermal injection for 2 months. Seminogram analysis was performed before and after. Treatment with insulin-like growth factor 1 resulted in a 15.5-fold improvement in sperm concentration (1.1 × 106 vs 18.3 × 106 per mL), 71.4% change in volume (0.7 vs 1.2 mL), increased progressive motility (2% vs 43%), and the total volume of sperm with progressive motility (0% vs 23.6%). Here, we show that administering a daily dose of insulin-like growth factor 1 can improve sperm quality parameters.

P-050 The effectiveness of the platelet-rich plasma treatment of men with severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
O Somova ◽  
H Ivanova ◽  
N Sotnyk ◽  
K Kovalenko ◽  
I Feskova
Keyword(s):  
Male Infertility ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Testosterone Level ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Platelet Rich Plasma ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Free Testosterone ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Free Testosterone Level

Abstract Study question To evaluate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) testicular injections on spermogram parameters of men with severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT). Summary answer The PRP testicular injections have beneficial effects on spermatogenesis and enhance sperm concentration and motility in infertile men with OAT. What is known already The use of PRP therapy in assisted reproductive technologies is debatable. Despite the recent evidence of its positive effects in promoting endometrial and follicular growth, data from clinical studies are limited. There are only a few papers on the effectiveness of PRP therapy in the treatment of male infertility and sexual dysfunction. In more detail, the influence of PRP on spermatogenesis was carried out only on experimental animals. Although the mechanisms of its action have not yet been clarified, it is assumed that PRP, containing many biologically active molecules, realizes its effect through the tissue regeneration and cell proliferation. Study design, size, duration This prospective study included 68 men (34.6±5.2) years old with severe OAT (≤4 million/ml, motility ≤30%, normal sperm morphology ≤1%) receiving hormonal and antioxidant (AO) therapy during 6 months before in vitro fertilization cycles. 33 of them were injected once with autologous PRP (0.5 ml in each testicle). Spermogram and testosterone level were analyzed before the treatment and in 3, 4 and 6 months after it. Participants/materials, setting, methods Sperm concentration, motility and morphology in ejaculate of 33 men of PRP group were compared with those in the group of 35 men without PRP within 6 months of starting the treatment. Total and free testosterone level were measured in blood serum. PRP was prepared by centrifuging the patient’s own blood in the anticoagulant-containing tubes. The final concentration of platelets in the obtained sample was 950.000 – 1.250 000 cells in 1 ml. Main results and the role of chance 4 months after the PRP injection, sperm concentration and motility increased in 18 of 33 men of the PRP group compared with the baseline (before the treatment) – 4.2 (1.0;6.9) vs 1.4 (0.1;3.4) mln/ml (p < 0.05) and 36.7 (30.6;45.8) vs 17.7 (6.7;28.2) % respectively (p < 0.05).The maximum increase in sperm motility (but not in sperm concentration!) was observed in 24 men in 6 months – 49.6 (39.6;56.4) % (p < 0.05). Percent of morphologically normal spermatozoa in ejaculate slightly increased only in 12 men in that time period from 0-1 % to 1-2%. The total testosterone level was 2.4 times higher than the baseline (31.6±7.2 vs 13.2±4.3 nmol/l, p < 0.05), the free testosterone level was 1.8 times higher (14.5±3.5 vs 7.9±3.0 pgl/ml, p < 0.05). Unlike the PRP group, in the group of men without PRP treatment, the sperm parameters did not changed compared with the baseline in 4 months after the starting hormonal and AO treatment. A significant increase of sperin concentration was observed only in 17 of 35 patients in 6 months. Sperm motility and percent of morphologically normal spermatozoa after the treatment did not differ from the baseline. Changes in the testosterone levels were similar to changes in PRP group. Limitations, reasons for caution Only young and middle-aged men were considered in the study. Large randomized controlled studies are required to confirm the PRP therapy efficacy and safety of f various fertility disorders. There are also no standardized protocols for PRP preparation. Wider implications of the findings PRP therapy may have great potential for the treatment of male infertility and improving spermatogenesis. Optimization of methods of PRP preparation and dosage of testicular injections can enhance reproductive outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies. Trial registration number not applicable

EFFECTIVENESS OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TREATMENT PROGRAMS DEPENDING ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF SPERMOGRAM CHANGES

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. I. Gamidov ◽  
R. I. Ovchinnikov ◽  
A. Yu. Popova ◽  
V. V. Polozov ◽  
N. P. Naumov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Motile Sperm ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Normal Morphology ◽  
Live Births ◽  
Significant Difference

Introduction. There’re some pathological mechanisms of male fertility disorders that still don’t have proper diagnostic tests. This significantly decreases diagnostic value of a spermogram and makes the problem of evaluation of the characteristics of spermogram changes and their effects on the effectiveness of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) a pressing problem.The study objectiveis to identify the correlation between effectiveness of ART programs and the characteristics of spermogram changes, in particular sperm concentration, motility, and morphology Materials and methods. At the V.I. Kulakov Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology in the period from December of 2012 to December of 2016, 10,042 married couples who underwent treatment using ART (2221 – in vitro insemination (IVF), 7821 – IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection) were examined.Results. In patients after IVF, the frequency of live births significantly depended on sperm concentration: 28.6 % for concentration above 5 mil/ml and 51.5 % for concentration above 15 mil/ml (p <0.0001). No significant difference was observed for the dependence of the frequency of live births on the number of progressive-motile sperm (grade А): 38.2 % for <5 % and 57.7 % for >15 % (p = 0.11), or on the number of spermatozoa with normal morphology: 50 % for ≥4 % and 45.5 % for <4 % (p = 0,23). In patients after IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection, the concentration of spermatozoa, number of progressive-motile sperm (grade А), and number of spermatozoa with normal morphology didn’t affect the frequency of live births in a statistically significant way.Conclusion. Sperm concentration, motility, and morphology can affect the frequency of live births in the IVF program, but statistically significant correlation was observed only for sperm concentration. After IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection, only sperm morphology affects the frequency of live births, but not in a statistically significant way. 

scholarly journals Pronounced Trace Element Variation in Follicular Fluids of Subfertile Women Undergoing Assisted Reproduction

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 4134
Author(s):  
Lilly Johanna Schmalbrock ◽  
Gregor Weiss ◽  
Eddy Rijntjes ◽  
Nina Reinschissler ◽  
Qian Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Hormone Treatment ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Oocyte Quality ◽  
High Variability ◽  
Zn Concentration ◽  
Positive Correlations ◽  
Element Variation ◽  
Oocyte Selection

Female subfertility is a growing concern, especially in view of an increasing prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) offer a perspective for pregnancy, but the outcome rate is still suboptimal. The trace elements (TE), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) are essential for fertility and development. We hypothesized that TE concentrations are related to oocyte quality and growth and affect pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing ART. Concentrations of TE were measured by total reflection X-ray fluorescence. Extracellular glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3) and selenoprotein P (SELENOP) were determined as additional Se biomarkers. Corresponding serum and follicular fluid (FF) samples were available from women with (n = 20) and without (n = 20) PCOS diagnosis undergoing hormone treatment within the ART procedure, respectively, and FF samples were classified into five groups based on morphological assessment. Serum showed higher TE concentrations than FF, and TE levels correlated positively between both matrices. Individual FF from the same women showed surprisingly high variability in TE concentration, and follicles without oocytes displayed the lowest TE concentrations. Both Se biomarkers GPX3 and SELENOP were present in FF and correlated positively to Se concentrations. Some notable relationships were observed between morphokinetic parameters, TE concentrations, and GPX3 activity. A slightly depressed serum Zn concentration was observed in PCOS. Our results indicate a direct relationship between TE in serum and FF, positive correlations between the three Se biomarkers in FF, and high variability between the FF from the same woman with the lowest TE concentrations in the follicles with the poorest quality. The differences observed in relation to PCOS diagnoses appear relatively minor. Collectively, the data support the notion that TE assessment of follicles may contribute to optimal oocyte selection and subsequently influence ART success.

118 A RAPID, MINIMALLY INVASIVE METHOD OF COLLECTING SEMEN FROM POLAR BEARS

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 189 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Curry ◽  
T. L. Roth
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Polar Bear ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Polar Bears ◽  
Urethral Catheterization ◽  
Nonbreeding Season ◽  
Semen Collection

Due to reproductive challenges faced by both captive and wild polar bears (Ursus maritimus), there is growing interest in developing assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to overcome infertility and preserve valuable genetics in this species. A polar bear sperm bank is essential in supporting ART endeavors; however, the traditional method of semen collection from wildlife, electro-ejaculation, has been relatively unsuccessful in polar bears. The goal of this study was to evaluate an alternative method of semen collection previously developed for use in cats. Medetomidine, an α2-adrenergic agonist commonly used to anesthetize captive polar bears, has side effects that facilitate semen collection: it stimulates epididymal receptors, causing semen to enter the urethra while concurrently stimulating receptors in the neck of the bladder, preventing urine contamination. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of collecting semen via urethral catheterization from male polar bears anesthetized with medetomidine. From 2012–2015, semen collection attempts (n = 9) were performed opportunistically on captive male polar bears (n = 8) in the USA. All males were considered sexually mature, with a mean age of 17.2 years (±2.8). Although all were housed with females, only 2 had sired offspring. Procedures were performed during breeding (n = 7) and nonbreeding seasons (n = 2). Individuals were anesthetized with medetomidine (0.025–0.060 mg kg–1) in conjunction with tiletamine/zolazepam or ketamine, and anesthesia was maintained using isoflurane. A sterile, lubricated, polypropylene urinary catheter (8 Fr) was inserted ~40 cm at the first 8 procedures and then 80 cm during the final procedure after a necropsy revealed the polar bear urethra is 100 cm in length. Catheters were left in place for 1 min and then retracted slowly while using a syringe to maintain negative pressure. Bears were catheterized 1–3 times during an immobilization. Any fluid recovered in the catheter was then flushed into a sterile tube and sperm motility was assessed microscopically. All values are presented as mean ± standard error of the mean. Semen containing motile spermatozoa was obtained at 8 of 9 (88.9%) procedures. Total semen volume was 509 ± 292 µL, with the highest volume (2500 µL) obtained using the longer (80 cm) catheter. Total sperm count was 2.6 ± 1.6 × 108. Sperm concentration and motility were 6.3 ± 3.7 × 108 mL–1 and 64.3 ± 9.0%, respectively. Although the percentage of motile sperm and sperm concentration appeared higher during the breeding season, seasonal differences could not be established statistically due to small sample sizes. This study demonstrates that urethral catheterization is an effective method of obtaining semen from polar bears anesthetized with medetomidine, and that longer catheters may be preferable for maximizing sample volume. Although polar bears are seasonal breeders, semen was recovered at both collections during the nonbreeding season, suggesting that spermatogenesis occurs year-round. This minimally invasive procedure is rapid and requires little equipment, rendering it practical for fieldwork.

Frequency of exogenous hormone therapy impacts spermiation in male Fowler’s toad (Bufo fowleri)

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (7) ◽  
pp. 995 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlin E. McDonough ◽  
Michelle W. Martin ◽  
Carrie K. Vance ◽  
Judith A. Cole ◽  
Andrew J. Kouba
Keyword(s):  
Hormone Therapy ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Progressive Movement ◽  
Bufo Fowleri ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Fowler's Toad ◽  
Toad Bufo

Amphibians are experiencing a global extinction crisis and captive assurance colonies, along with reintroduction programs, are necessary to prevent further losses. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as hormone-stimulated gamete collection and in vitro fertlisation (IVF), are conservation methods that can be used to increase reproductive output for breeding and reintroduction programs when animals fail to breed naturally. In order to maximise the production of offspring using ART, it is important to establish the physiological limitations on the frequency that hormone therapy can be used to collect gametes for IVF or assisted breeding. The present study examined the effects of the frequency of hormone-induced spermiation on sperm quantity and quality in Fowler’s toad (Bufo fowleri) by comparing four levels of hormone injection frequencies: twice a week, once a week, every other week, and every 3 weeks. Sperm release was induced with an intraperitoneal injection of 300 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Spermatozoa were collected at three time points after injection (5, 7 and 9 h) and sperm concentration, motility and quality of forward progressive movement were measured. A significant decrease in sperm concentration (P < 0.01) was observed with the most frequent treatment (twice a week hormone injections). However, there was no negative effect of the treatments on sperm motility (P = 0.06) or forward movement (P = 0.06). We also observed a significant decrease in the concentration (P < 0.01), motility (P = 0.02) and quality of forward progressive movement (P = 0.01) of spermatozoa at the 9 h collection compared with earlier collection times. These results have clear implications for amphibian captive breeding programs, where more frequent hormone-induced spermiation could have a negative effect on male performance. We recommend that hormone injections be spaced a minimum of 2 weeks apart to optimise the health of the animals, assisted breeding, IVF or collection of gametes for genome resource banking.

scholarly journals Corrigendum to: Efficacy of short-term cold storage prior to cryopreservation of spermatozoa in a threatened lizard

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (9) ◽  
pp. 619
Author(s):  
Lachlan Campbell ◽  
John Clulow ◽  
Belinda Howe ◽  
Rose Upton ◽  
Sean Doody ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Significant Role ◽  
Cold Storage ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Motile Sperm ◽  
Sperm Viability ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Significant Difference

Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) have a significant role to play in reptile conservation, yet are severely lacking. Previous attempts to cryopreserve spermatozoa in the threatened lizard Varanus panoptes achieved approximately 48% motile sperm post-thaw for samples frozen immediately after collection. However, the feasibility of extended cold storage before cryopreservation has not been tested. We held V. panoptes spermatozoa at either 25°C or 4°C for 8 days, assessing sperm motility at days 1, 2, 4 and 8. Subsamples were cryopreserved on days 1 and 4 following the previously reported protocol for this species. Percentage motility decreased rapidly at 25°C, but did not decrease significantly until 4 days after collection at 4°C, with &gt;30% motility maintained after 8 days. There was no significant difference in post-thaw motility or viability of samples cryopreserved after 1 or 4 days storage at 4°C, yielding substantial results for both parameters (mean motility 23.8% and 28.1% and mean viability 50.1% and 57.5% after 1 and 4 days respectively). We demonstrate the capacity to extend sperm viability for up to 8 days in unfrozen samples and to produce acceptable post-thaw motility in samples frozen after 4 days of storage, contributing to the development of valuable ARTs for lizards and other reptiles.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document