scholarly journals Identification of ultrastructural and functional damages in sperm from six-banded armadillos (Euphractus sexcinctus) due to cryopreservation

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (8) ◽  
pp. 767-774 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrícia C. Sousa ◽  
Erika A.A. Santos ◽  
Andréia M. Silva ◽  
José A.B. Bezerra ◽  
Ana L.P. Souza ◽  
...  

Abstract: The aim of the study was to cryopreserve the semen of six-banded armadillos (Euphractus sexcinctus) in Tris-yolk and glycerol diluent, and to determine the damage caused by the freezing-thawing process, using fluorescent markers and ultrastructural analysis. Semen samples (n=11) collected from 4 adult six-banded armadillos by electroejaculation were cryopreserved in Tris diluent plus 20% egg yolk and 3% glycerol, in a fast freezing curve. Classical analysis of samples was performed after dilution, refrigeration and thawing, followed by fluorescence analysis, using a combination of fluorescent probes to assess membrane integrity (propidium iodide - PI and Hoechst - H342), and mitochondrial activity (CMXRos - Mito Tracker Red®). We also used the ultrastructural analysis to verify possible morphological alterations caused by cryoinjuries. When compared with fresh samples, we verified a significant decline in all the armadillos' semen parameters after thawing, in which only 6.1% motile sperm were found. However, the percentage of sperm which remained with viable (13%) and functional (24.7%) membranes after thawing suggests that some cells could be live but immotile. Analysis using fluorescent markers revealed that the mitochondria of armadillos' sperm is highly sensible to the freezing protocol and the findings through ultrastructure analysis proved this statement. Additionally, the images obtained by transmission electron microscopy revealed that frozen-thawed sperm presented damaged plasma membrane, nuclear modifications as changes in chromatin and acrossomal changes relative to sperm capacitation. In conclusion, this study is the first attempt to cryopreserve the semen of an armadillo species, and to help us to identify critical points on the freezing-thawing procedure in order to improve the protocol.

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lis S. Marques ◽  
Ana A. N. Fossati ◽  
Rômulo B. Rodrigues ◽  
Helen T. Da Rosa ◽  
Aryele P. Izaguirry ◽  
...  

Abstract The aim of the present study was to compare the efficiency of vitrification and slow freezing techniques for the cryopreservation of zebrafish ovarian tissue containing immature follicles. In Experiment 1, assessment of cell membrane integrity by trypan blue exclusion staining was used to select the best cryoprotectant solution for each cryopreservation method. Primary growth (PG) oocytes showed the best percentage of membrane integrity (63.5 ± 2.99%) when SF4 solution (2 M methanol + 0.1 M trehalose + 10% egg yolk solution) was employed. The vitrification solution, which presented the highest membrane integrity (V2; 1.5 M methanol + 5.5 M Me2SO + 0.5 M sucrose + 10% egg yolk solution) was selected for Experiment 2. Experiment 2 aimed to compare the vitrification and slow freezing techniques in the following parameters: morphology, oxidative stress, mitochondrial activity, and DNA damage. Frozen ovarian tissue showed higher ROS levels and lower mitochondrial activity than vitrified ovarian tissue. Ultrastructural observations of frozen PG oocytes showed rupture of the plasma membrane, loss of intracellular contents and a large number of damaged mitochondria, while vitrified PG oocytes had intact mitochondria and cell plasma membranes. We conclude that vitrification may be more effective than slow freezing for the cryopreservation of zebrafish ovarian tissue.


2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sakirat Opeyemi Adeyanju ◽  
James Olatinbo Daramola ◽  
Jimoh Alao Olanite ◽  
Olufiropo Samson Awokola

Abstract Soybean lecithin had been used as an alternative to egg yolk in domestic animal semen extender during cryopreservation due to its characteristic phospholipid content which played a major cryoprotective role. This composition of soybean lecithin informed the replacement of soybean with sunflower lecithin (SL) in the extender for the Kalahari Red (KR) buck semen cryopreservation in this study. Effect of different levels of SL on the quality of the KR buck semen during cryopreservation using slow freezing method was evaluated. Semen samples were collected from four KR bucks of between two and two and half of age using artificial vagina, evaluated for motility and then diluted in extenders containing different levels of SL (1.5%, 3.0% and 4.5%) as experimental group and 0% SL or 20% egg yolk as control. Semen parameters including motility, acrosome integrity (AcI), membrane integrity (MI), malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, cholesterol level and seminal arginase activity were evaluated for. The results showed that motility, acrosome integrity (AI) and membrane integrity were comparable at 0%, (22.00 ± 4.58, 82.00 ± 3.51 and 96.00 ± 2.03); 1.5%, (23.00 ± 2.08, 87.00 ± 3.79 and 89.00 ± 2.08); 3.0%, (13.00 ± 2.52, 81.33 ± 0.41 and 76.67 ± 1.20) and 4.5% (11.00 ± 4.51, 85.33 ± 9.88 and 84.00 ± 8.50), respectively, after thawing. SL at 0% had the highest (P < 0.05) values for MDA, cholesterol and seminal arginase activity (1.10 ± 0.008 nmol/ml, 236.35 ± 4.08 mg/dl and 0.54 ± 3.3 E-3 units/mg protein, respectively). Our data suggest that 1.5% sunflower lecithin can be used in place of soy lecithin as a substitute for egg yolk during the cryopreservation of caprine semen.


2021 ◽  
Vol 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcos Antônio Celestino de Sousa Filho ◽  
Luanna Soares de Melo Evangelista ◽  
Filipe Nunes Barros ◽  
Jefferson Hallisson Lustosa da Silva ◽  
Anna Monallysa Silva de Oliveira ◽  
...  

Background: Canine sperm is a very delicate cell that is quite susceptible to oxidative stress since the cytoplasm is restricted and features little antioxidant reserves. Furthermore, the sperm membrane has some polyunsaturated fatty acids sensitive to lipid peroxidation, which makes it important to addition antioxidant substances to the diluter aiming at decreasing such stress to the sperm cell, particularly during seminal cryopreservation. Several antioxidants have been used in this process in some domestic animal’s species, however, the use of palmitic acid has been little reported in works on cryopreservation of semen of the canine species. Hence, this study aimed to assess the effect of addition antioxidants palmitic acid and vitamin E to the Tris-egg yolk diluter on the semen quality of dogs after thawing.Materials, Methods & Results: Samples were collected from the ejaculates of 4 adult dogs, apparently healthy, of the American Pit Bull Terrier breed of kennels in the city of Teresina, PI, places where the pre-freezing procedures of the dog’s semen were performed. The samples were diluted in Tris citric acid fructose (3.28 g Tris-hydroxymethyl-aminomethane, 1.78 g citric acid monohydrate and 1.25 g D-fructose), dissolved in 100 mL distilled water, and added 20% egg yolk and 6% glycerol, at the concentration of 100x106 sptz/mL. The semen samples were divided into 3 mL aliquots to form 3 experimental groups: G1 - Only Tris-egg yolk (Control group); G2 - Tris-egg yolk + 100 µM palmitic acid; and G3 - Tris-egg yolk + 116 µM vitamin E. Semen was collected weekly over a period of little over 2 months. After thawing, thermorresistance test (TTR) was carried out at 0, 30, 60, and 90 min to assess spermatics motility and vigor, in addition to analysis of integrity of plasma membrane, acrosomal membrane and mitochondrial activity of the sperm, using fluorescent probes. These assessments were performed out at the Animal Reproduction Biotechnology Laboratory (LBRA/UFPI). In the TTR, G2 and G3 didn´t exhibit significant results for spermatics motility or vigor when compared with the control group. The palmitic acid and vitamin E also had no significant effects on the parameters of acrosomal membrane integrity or mitochondrial activity. However, sperm cryopreserved with the addition of palmitic acid exhibited significant differences for plasma membrane integrity, providing greater protection to the sperm cells in G2.Discussion: The palmitic acid is one of the most saturated fatty acids in human semen, with reports of great proportions also in the seminal plasma of dogs. Its main role is to protect the plasma membrane from external damage, improving viability and fertility of the sperm after cryopreservation. Data is scarce in the literature on the composition of fatty acids in canine semen and regarding the use of palmitic acid as a seminal antioxidant in that species, which grants further studies aiming to investigate such valuable information for canine reproduction. It is concluded that addition palmitic acid at 100 µM concentration to the Tris-egg yolk diluter was able to preserve the integrity of the plasma membrane during the process of cryopreservation of canine semen.Keywords: dog, semen, antioxidants, cryopreservation.Descritores: cão, sêmen, antioxidantes, criopreservação.


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3452
Author(s):  
Uchechi Linda Ohaneje ◽  
Uchebuchi Ike Osuagwuh ◽  
Manuel Alvarez-Rodríguez ◽  
Iván Yánez-Ortiz ◽  
Abigail Tabarez ◽  
...  

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.


2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 140
Author(s):  
D. B. Carwell ◽  
B. R. Scott ◽  
G. T. Gentry ◽  
K. R. Bondioli ◽  
R. A. Godke

The ability to successfully refreeze caprine sperm could provide a means of salvaging semen that was mistakenly thawed. The objective of this study was to compare treatment post-thaw semen parameters of twice-frozen caprine semen. Frozen semen from six mature Boer bucks (range in age from 2 to 6 years) was utilised for this experiment. Semen from each buck was extended in an egg yolk-based extender and packaged in 0.5-mL plastic straws before freezing and stored in liquid nitrogen. Three units of frozen semen from each buck was randomly allotted to each of four treatments as follows: (A) thaw and evaluate (control), (B) thaw, then plunge into liquid nitrogen, thaw, and evaluate, (C) thaw, incubate for 3 min at 37°C, slow cool and freeze, thaw, and evaluate, and (D) thaw, incubate for 5 min at 37°C, slow cool and freeze, thaw, and evaluate. Post-thaw parameters included total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), membrane integrity (MI), and sperm abnormalities (AB). To obtain MI and AB, samples were stained with an eosin-nigrosin stain. A computerized programmable freezer was used to refreeze semen samples in treatment (Trt) C and Trt D. During the slow cooling portion of the protocol, samples were allowed to equilibrate at 38°C, then cooled to 4°C at a rate of 0.30°C min–1, and then held for 5 min. Samples were then cooled to –8°C at a rate of 15°C min–1, seeded, and cooled to –10°C at 15°C min–1, samples were then ramped to –80°C at 30°C min–1 before plunging into liquid nitrogen. Results indicate that post-thaw TM was significantly greater for Trt A (60%) when compared with Trt B, C, and D (0.05, 35, and 39%, respectively). Mean TM were not different between Trt C (35%) and Trt D (39%) but were greater than that for Trt B (0.05%). The PM for post-thaw semen in Trt A was also significantly greater (P < 0.05) when compared with that for Trt B and C (0.05 and 25%); however, no difference was found for mean PM for Trt A (47%) and Trt D (30%), nor were differences found between Trt C (25%) or Trt D (30%). Membrane integrity was higher in Trt A (27%) when compared to Trt B (2.2%). No differences in membrane integrity where found between Trt A, C, and D (27, 13, and 14%, respectively). Additionally, no differences were found between Trt B, C, and D for membrane integrity. Sperm morphology were not different were found with across all treatment groups. These results (i.e. Trt C and D) indicate that semen from mature Boer bucks can undergo a second freeze thaw cycle and still retain motility without dramatically affecting sperm morphology and membrane integrity. These findings indicate that directly plunging recently thawed semen back into liquid nitrogen should not be used for artificial insemination.


Author(s):  
Pangdun Konyak ◽  
Ajoy Mandal ◽  
Mohan . ◽  
C. Bhakat ◽  
S. K. Das ◽  
...  

This experiment was conducted with the aim to study the effect of replacing egg yolk with soybean lecithin (SL) for cryopreservation of Black Bengal buck semen. Sexually matured Black Bengal buck (n = 5) were used and the ejaculates were obtained using an artificial vagina method. The semen samples were pooled and diluted in Tris extender with 5% Glycerol containing either 15% egg yolk (control group) or SL at different concentrations (1% SL, 1.5% SL and 2% SL). The semen samples were filled in straws and cooled gradually to 5 °C. Semen straws were equilibrated for 3 hours at 5°C and were frozen in static liquid nitrogen vapor and stored in liquid nitrogen. Semen samples were evaluated after initial dilution, after completion of equilibration and after freeze thawing for in vitro sperm characters such as sperm motility, functional membrane integrity and malondioldehyde (MDA) concentration. Semen samples preserved in extender containing 1% SL was able to maintain in vitro sperm characters similar to the extender containing egg yolk. However, significant (P less than 0.05) reduction in all semen parameters was observed as the concentration of soybean lecithin increased above 1% level. It is concluded that an extender containing soybean lecithin @ 1% with 5% Glycerol can be used for replacing egg yolk for cryopreservation of Black Bengal buck semen.


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 ◽  
...  

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.


Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 2209
Author(s):  
Yamilka Lago-Alvarez ◽  
Giorgia Podico ◽  
Lorenzo G. Segabinazzi ◽  
Lais L. Cunha ◽  
Leonardo Barbosa ◽  
...  

The objectives of this study were to assess the cooling and freezing of donkey epididymal semen harvested immediately after castration (Experiment 1, n = 4) or after the shipment (24 or 48 h) of epididymides attached to testicles (Experiment 2, n = 14) or dissected apart (Experiment 3, n = 36). In each experiment, semen was frozen immediately (Non-Centrif) in an egg yolk-based semen extender (EY) or after processing through cushion-centrifugation (Centrif) while extended in a skim milk-based extender (SC). In all three experiments, cooled, pre-freeze, and post-thaw epididymal semen was assessed for total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), plasma membrane integrity (PMI), and high mitochondrial membrane potential (HMMP). Data were analyzed with R using mixed models and Tukey’s test as posthoc. Results showed that the cooling of epididymal semen up to 24 h after harvesting did not affect motility parameters or plasma membrane integrity; furthermore, in Experiment 3, the post-thaw evaluation of both Centrif and Non-Centrif achieved similar TM and PM. Collectively, the post-thaw results revealed low motility parameters across groups; while, the PMI and HMMP did not reflect this trend, and the values remained high, suggesting that there was a lack of epididymal sperm activation with either centrifugation or extenders. In summary, freshly harvested and cooled-shipped and cooled semen had satisfactory semen parameters. Future studies need to address donkey epididymal semen fertility in mares and jennies.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruna Farias Brito ◽  
Bárbara Mara Bandeira Santos ◽  
Leonardo Alves Rodrigues Cabral ◽  
David Baruc Cruvinel Lima ◽  
Cristiane Clemente De Melo Salgueiro ◽  
...  

Background:  Semen extenders are required to protect and preserve semen, and the development of suitable extenders is key for artificial insemination. Although the use of Tris-based diluent is widespread, new diluents such as powdered coconut water have been developed for better sperm protection. One way to evaluate the effectiveness of diluents is through microscopic analyses that evaluate sperm motility, vigor, and concentration. However, these analyses are limited, and may not provide accurate results. New evaluation techniques have been studied, and one of the tests that can be used to add reliability to these analyses is mitochondrial activity evaluation, which can sum all the parameters, and provide a more accurate evaluation. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ACP-102c in cryopreserved ram semen.Materials, Methods & Results: Five semen samples were collected from two ram breeders using artificial vagina (n = 10). Each ejaculate was divided into the following two treatments: T1 - ACP-102c + 20% egg yolk + 7% glycerol and T2 - TRIS + 20% egg yolk + 7% glycerol. Extended semen samples were then packed in 0.5 mL plastic straws, subjected through the refrigeration curve up to 4°C (0.35° C/min), and equilibrated for 2 h at 4°C. Subsequently, the straws were placed at 4 cm above liquid nitrogen level (-60°C) for 15 min, immersed, and then finally stored in the liquid nitrogen at -196°C. Both fresh and thawed samples were evaluated for total and progressive sperm motility using conventional microscopy (40x), and the same evaluator on each occasion. For plasma membrane integrity (IMP), the smear staining technique with the Eosin-Nigrosin staining was used; 200 sperms were counted and classified as whole (unstained) and unhealthy (stained). Mitochondrial activity was evaluated using a cytochemical technique based on the oxidation of 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB); 200 sperms were counted, and classified into four classes (I, II, III, and IV) according to the degree of coloration of the intermediate part. Fresh semen showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) between treatments with respect to motility parameters; however, T2 showed significantly inferior results regarding plasma membrane integrity. After thawing, T2 was significantly higher in sperm motility parameters compared to T1. The mitochondrial activity and plasma membrane integrity parameters did not show any significant difference between the treatments.Discussion: The TRIS-based diluent showed higher motility values than ACP-102c; however, motility rates in ACP-102c diluent, although lower, are considered satisfactory for insemination, which requires semen with minimal progressive motility of 30%. Notably, the cryopreservation protocol used in this study is the standard for TRIS-based diluent, and it is known that the optimal rate of refrigeration and cryopreservation may differ according to the composition of the storage medium; therefore, we may assume that the protocol used is not yet appropriate for the ACP-102c diluent, and further studies are required. IMP is an essential attribute for fertilization, and cryopreservation can affect the plasma membrane as observed in this study. Cryopreserved semen reduced the percentage of class I mitochondrial reaction sperms in both treatments, demonstrating that cryopreservation affects the mitochondrial activity of the intermediate portion of the sperm; however, there was no difference between treatments in thawed semen. Thus, we concluded that the ACP-102c conservation medium maintains seminal quality after thawing, and it can be used in artificial insemination processes.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Muhammad Riyadhi ◽  
Anis Wahdi ◽  
Muhammad Rizal

ABSTRAK                                                                        Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui efektivitas nira aren sebagai pengencer alternatif dalam proses pembekuan (kriopreservasi) semen kambing boer.Kriopreservasi semen kambing boer menggunakan pengencer tris-gliserol-kuning telur (P1 73-7-20%), nira aren-gliseol-kuning telur(masing-masing P2 74-6-20%, P3 73-7-20%, dan P4 72-8-20%) dan andromed (P5 tanpa mengandung kuning telur dan gliserol). Parameter evaluasi meliputi motilitas, viabilitas, dan membrane plasma utuh setelah pengenceran, ekuilibrasi dan thawing.  Evaluasi motilitas pasca thawing menunjukkan P5 52% berbeda nyata (P<0.05) dengan P1 42%, selanjutnya P5 dan P1 berbeda sangat nyata (P<0.05) dengan P2 8%, P3 6% dan P4 12%.  Viabilitas pasca thawing menunjukkan P5 65,4% tidak berbeda nyata (P>0,05) dengan P1 61,8%, akan tetapi P5 dan P1 berbeda sangat nyata (P<0.05) dengan P2 26,2%, P3 29,8%, dan P4 34%.  Membran plasma utuh (MPU) pasca thawing menunjukkan P5 66,2% tidak berbeda nyata (P>0,05) dengan P1 65,4%, akan tetapi keduanya berbeda sangat nyata (P<0.05) dengan P2 39%, P3 38%, dan P4 36,2%.  Disimpulkan kriopreservasi semen kambing boer dengan pengencer nira aren dan gliserol pada konsentrasi berbeda belum dapat dipergunakan sebagai sumber bibit berdasarkan standar nasional Indonesia.Kata Kunci : Kambing boer, semen, nira arenABSTRACTThe experiment was conducted to determine the effect of sugar palm juice as alternative extender for cryopreservation process of boer semen.Tris-glycerol-egg yolk (P1 73-7-20%), Sugar palm juice-glyserol-egg yolk (P2 74-6-20%, P373-7-20%, dan P4 72-8-20%), and andromed (P5) used as a extender  in the cryopreservation process of boer semen.  Sperm motility (%), live sperm (%) and sperm membrane integrity (%) were recorded after diluted, equilibration and freeze-thawing.  Result of post thawing motility showed that P5 52% was significantly different (P <0.05) with P1 42%, then P5 and P1 were significantly different (P <0.05) with P2 8%, P3 6% and P4 12%. Viability after thawing showed P5 65.4% was not significantly different (P> 0.05) with P1 61.8%, but P5 and P1 significantly different (P <0.05) with P2 26.2%, P3 29.8 %, and P4 34%. Spermmembrane integrity post-thawing showed P5 66.2% was not significantly different (P> 0.05) with P1 65.4%, but both were very significantly different (P <0.05) with P2 39%, P3 38% and P4 36.2%. Conclusions, sugar palm juice-glycerol-egg yolk with differentconcentrationsineffectively as an alternative extenderin cryopreservation of boer semen.Keywords: boer goat, semen, sugar palm juice


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