Sperm Accumulation Induced by the Female Reproductive Fluid: Putative Evidence of Chemoattraction Using a New Tool

There is considerable evidence that female reproductive fluid (FRF) interacts intimately with sperm, affecting several sperm traits, including sperm motility and longevity, and ultimately fertilization success. One of the first documented interactions between FRF and sperm is the ability of FRF to attract and guide sperm towards the eggs. However, most of the evidence of FRF’s chemoattraction proprieties comes from a limited number of taxa, specifically mammals and invertebrate broadcasting spawners. In other species, small FRF volumes and/or short sperm longevity often impose methodological difficulties resulting in this gap in chemoattraction studies in non-model species. One of the outcomes of sperm chemotaxis is sperm accumulation towards high chemoattractant concentrations, which can be easily quantified by measuring sperm concentration. Here, we tested sperm accumulation towards FRF in the zebrafish, Danio rerio, using an ad hoc developed, 3D printed, device (‘sperm selection chamber’). This easy-to-use tool allows to select and collect the sperm that swim towards a chemical gradient, and accumulate in a chemoattractant-filled well thus providing putative evidence for chemoattraction. We found that sperm accumulate in FRF in zebrafish. We also found that none of the sperm quality traits we measured (sperm swimming velocity and trajectory, sperm motility, and longevity) were correlated with this response. Together with the 3D printable project, we provide a detailed protocol for using the selection chamber. The chamber is optimized for the zebrafish, but it can be easily adapted for other species. Our device lays the foundation for a standardized way to measure sperm accumulation and in general chemoattraction, stimulating future research aimed at understanding the role and the mechanisms of sperm chemoattraction by FRF.

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294 EFFECT OF SPERMATOZOA MOTILITY ON TRANSFERABLE EMBRYO RATE OF SUPEROVULATED JAPANESE BLACK CATTLE

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv21n1ab294 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

pp. 244

Author(s):

K. Hayama ◽

M. Takeuchi ◽

A. Ideta ◽

M. Urakawa ◽

M. Sasatani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sperm Motility ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Electronic Systems ◽

Embryo Production ◽

Spermatozoa Motility ◽

Multiple Comparison Test ◽

Medical Electronic ◽

D 20

Sperm motility is known to affect fertilization; however, little is known about the relationship between frozen–thawed sperm motility and in vivo fertilization following superovulatory treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate a sperm function test as potential predictors of embryo production following superovulatory treatment in cattle. Two to five batches of semen (Japanese black bull, n = 4, A to D) were diluted with egg york-citrate-glycerol in 0.5 mL plastic straws, and they were stored in liquid nitrogen until analyzed. Frozen–thawed spermatozoa were evaluated for motility {motile sperm concentration (MSC, million mL–1), progressive MSC (PMSC, million mL–1) and velocity (μm s–1)} using a sperm quality analyzer for bulls (SQA-Vb, Medical Electronic Systems, Caesarea, Israel). Each sample of 20 μL aspirated into the disposable capillary, was inserted into SQA-Vb. Measurements were displayed within 75 s. Intra-assay CVs of MSC, PMSC, and velocity were 14.2, 7.3 and 7.5%, respectively. Inter-assey CVs of them were 13.5, 3.9 and 4.3% respectively. Superstimulated donors (Japanese black cows, n = 161) were artificially inseminated with one dose of frozen–thawed semen (bull A = 74, B = 46, C = 21 and D = 20). The proportion of transferable embryo (IETS grade 1 to 3) was examined on day 7 (day 0 = estrus). Data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Scheffe multiple comparison test, and Fisher’s z-transformation. MSC, PMSC and velocity values differed significantly among each bull. The values of bull A were much lower than those of the other bulls. The proportion of transferable embryos produced by bull A was significantly lower than that of other bulls (P < 0.05, Table 1). Correlations showed significant association between MSC and proportion of transferable embryos (r = 0.99, P < 0.01). We conclude that bovine sperm motility using a SQA-Vb is a useful predictor of embryo production following superovulatory treatment. Table 1.Relationship between sperm motility and proportion of transferable embryo

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23 Sperm quality of Pure Spanish stallions is affected by inbreeding coefficient and age

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv32n2ab23 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 32 (2) ◽

pp. 137

Author(s):

Y. Pirosanto ◽

M. Valera ◽

A. Molina ◽

J. Dorado ◽

S. Demyda-Peyrás

Keyword(s):

Sperm Motility ◽

Inbreeding Depression ◽

Negative Correlation ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Inbreeding Coefficient ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Computer Assisted

Inbreeding depression, a genetic condition produced by the mating of close-related individuals, has been associated with a reduction of fertility in several species. However, a loss in sperm quality was also associated with age. In horses, the few existing reports have described a tendency of both parameters to produce a negative effect on sperm quality. However, those reports were performed using a subjective evaluation of sperm motility. In the present study, a total of 692 ejaculates from 86 Pure Spanish stallions (PRE), aged between 3 and 22 years, were evaluated using a computer-assisted methodology to determine the effect of inbreeding in four semen parameters: free-gel volume (V), sperm concentration (C, by haemocytometer), and total (TM) and progressive (PM) sperm motility (by Spermvision sperm class analyser; Minitube). The inbreeding coefficient (F) was estimated using 300 000 PRE pedigree records approximately (minimum pedigree depth, eight equivalent complete generations; range, between 1 and 30.1%). Stallion, age, ejaculate, and season of semen collection were the variables included in the statistical model (general linear model), with ejaculate and season being the variables with a major effect (by variance components analysis). Our results showed that sperm concentration (r=−0.18; P<0.0001) and volume (to a lesser extent) were reduced with advancing age, both showing a major decline after 15 years of age. To the contrary, sperm motility was not affected by age of the stallion. We also found a negative correlation between the inbreeding coefficient and ejaculate volume (r=−0.14; P<0.001), with a marked decrease seen when F was between 7 and 20%. Also, a negative correlation was observed in PM (r=−0.08; P<0.05), although to a lower extent. Conversely, C and TM were not affected by inbreeding depression (P>0.05). In conclusion, our results demonstrated that high levels of inbreeding can compromise severely the sperm quality of the PRE stallion, which, subsequently, may have a negative influence on fertility. Ongoing studies using genomic data will help to detect genetic variants associated with stallion semen quality and how it is influenced by inbreeding in specific genomic regions.

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The effects of chronic administration of ghrelin on rat sperm quality and membrane integrity

Animal Biology ◽

10.1163/157075609x437682 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 59 (2) ◽

pp. 159-168 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Arash Kheradmand ◽

Majid Taati ◽

Homayoon Babaei

Keyword(s):

Plasma Membrane ◽

Treatment Group ◽

Sperm Motility ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Membrane Integrity ◽

Chronic Administration ◽

Control Group ◽

Plasma Membrane Integrity ◽

Significant Difference

AbstractAlthough ghrelin acts as a modulator of feeding behavior and energy metabolism in the central nervous system, recent studies have implicated the peripheral actions of ghrelin in reproductive tissues. Here, we investigated the effects of chronic administration of ghrelin on the motility, plasma membrane integrity and concentration of rat spermatozoa. 45-d male Wistar rats were scheduled for the study and were divided into control and treatment groups. In the treatment group, 1 nmol of ghrelin was administered as sc injection for 10 consecutive days or vehicle (physiological saline) to the control rats. Sperm collection was achieved by killing of the rats on days 15, 25 and 50 after first injection. Total sperm motility and forward progressive movement did not exhibit significant difference during the experiment, although, there was a tendency for greater motion rate on d 15 and 25 in the treated rats compared to the control group. Plasma membrane integrity (HOS-reacted spermatozoa) was significantly higher in the treated animals, especially on day 15 as well as day 25, because of possible antioxidant properties of ghrelin. This value was statistically higher on day 15 than that of day 25 (P <0.05). Likewise, there was a significant correlation between the FPM (P <0.0001, r = 0.79) and TSM (P <0.01, r = 0.52) with the HOS test percentage in the treatment group. It was not observed statistically difference in the sperm concentration between groups during all of the experimental days. In conclusion, chronic administration of ghrelin (similar to induced by energy deficiency such as fasting) increased the integrity of sperm membrane, however, the sperm motility and concentration did not display any alterations.

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The employment of IVF techniques for establishment of sodium, copper and selenium impact upon human sperm quality

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rd15041 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 28 (10) ◽

pp. 1518 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Urszula Marzec-Wróblewska ◽

Piotr Kamiński ◽

Paweł Łakota ◽

Marek Szymański ◽

Karolina Wasilow ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sperm Motility ◽

Sperm Morphology ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Human Sperm ◽

Human Semen ◽

Glutathione Peroxidase Activity ◽

Normal Sperm ◽

Group I ◽

Gpx Activity

We analysed sodium (Na), copper (Cu) and selenium (Se) levels in human semen and glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx) in seminal plasma and examined their relationships with sperm quality. Semen samples were obtained from men (n = 168) undergoing routine infertility evaluation. The study design included two groups based on standard ejaculate parameters: Group I (n = 39) with normal ejaculates (normozoospermia) and Group II (n = 129) with a pathological spermiogram. Se concentration (but not Na or Cu) and GPx activity were significantly higher in normozoospermic males than in those with a pathological spermiogram and also in males with correct sperm motility and normal sperm morphology than in asthenozoospermic and teratozoospermic males. There were significant correlations between sperm motility, Se and GPx, between rapid progressive motility and Cu, between sperm motility and Na, between normal sperm morphology and Se and Cu and between sperm concentration and Cu and GPx. Significant correlations were found between Na and Cu, between Na and Se and between Cu and Se in human semen in relation to alcohol consumption and tobacco use. Na, Cu, Se and GPx are related to sperm characteristics and male fertility and their survey could improve male infertility diagnosis.

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Effect of Sperm Concentration and Storage Temperature on Goat Spermatozoa during Liquid Storage

Biology ◽

10.3390/biology9090300 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (9) ◽

pp. 300 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sara Sadeghi ◽

Raquel Del Gallego ◽

Balma García-Colomer ◽

Ernesto A. Gómez ◽

Jesús L. Yániz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dilution Rate ◽

Dna Fragmentation ◽

Sperm Motility ◽

Storage Temperature ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Effect Of Temperature ◽

Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽

Liquid Storage ◽

Duration Of Storage

The use of cooled semen is relatively common in goats. There are a number of advantages of cooled semen doses, including easier handling of artificial insemination (AI) doses, transport, more AI doses per ejaculate, and higher fertility rates in comparison with frozen AI doses. However, cooled semen has a short shelf life. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of temperature and sperm concentration on the in vitro sperm quality during liquid storage for 48 h, including sperm motility and kinetics, response to oxidation, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and DNA fragmentation in goats. Three experiments were performed. In the first, the effects of liquid preservation of semen at different temperatures (5 °C or 17 °C), durations (0, 24 and 48 h) and sperm concentrations (250 × 106 sperm/mL (1:2 dilution rate), 166.7 × 106 sperm/mL (1:3 dilution rate) or 50 × 106 sperm/mL (1:10 dilution rate)) on sperm motility and kinetics were studied. In the second experiment, the effect of temperature, sperm washing and concentration on sperm motility and DNA fragmentation was studied. Finally, the effect of sperm concentration and duration of storage at 5 °C on sperm motility, response to oxidative stress and MMP was examined. We found that refrigerated liquid storage of goat sperm impaired sperm quality, such as motility, MMP and response to oxidation, as storage time increased; however, sperm DNA fragmentation index was not significantly affected. Liquid storage at 5 °C preserved higher total motility than at 17 °C. Moreover, we observed that the reduction of sperm concentration below 500 × 106 sperm/mL did not seem to improve the quality of spermatozoa conserved in milk-based extender in the conditions tested.

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Mobile phones affect multiple sperm quality traits: a meta-analysis

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.2-40.v1 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2 ◽

pp. 40 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Madhukar Shivajirao Dama ◽

M Narayana Bhat

Keyword(s):

Mobile Phone ◽

Sperm Motility ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Quality Traits ◽

Motile Sperm ◽

Mobile Phone Use ◽

Mobile Phone Radiation

As mobile phone usage is growing rapidly, there is a need for a comprehensive analysis of the literature to inform scientific debates about the adverse effects of mobile phone radiation on sperm quality traits. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of the eligible published research studies on human males of reproductive age. Eleven studies were eligible for this analysis. Based on the meta-analysis, mobile phone use was significantly associated with deterioration in semen quality (Hedges’s g = -0.547; 95% CI: -0.713, -0.382; p < 0.001). The traits particularly affected adversely were sperm concentration, sperm morphology, sperm motility, proportion of non-progressive motile sperm (%), proportion of slow progressive motile sperm (%), and sperm viability. Direct exposure of spermatozoa to mobile phone radiation with in vitro study designs also significantly deteriorated the sperm quality (Hedges’s g = -2.233; 95% CI: -2.758, -1.708; p < 0.001), by reducing straight line velocity, fast progressive motility, Hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) test score, major axis (µm), minor axis (µm), total sperm motility, perimeter (µm), area (µm2), average path velocity, curvilinear velocity, motile spermatozoa, and acrosome reacted spermatozoa (%). The strength of evidence for the different outcomes varied from very low to very high. The analysis shows that mobile phone use is possibly associated with a number of deleterious effects on the spermatozoa.

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Fertility and Sperm Quality of 1- and 2-year-Old Native Ganders Used for Natural Mating and Artificial Insemination

10.21203/rs.3.rs-246983/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mehmet Akif BOZ ◽

Hatice BAŞ ◽

Musa SARICA ◽

Kadir ERENSOY

Keyword(s):

Sperm Motility ◽

Artificial Insemination ◽

Egg Production ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Day Length ◽

Quality Traits ◽

Female Ratio ◽

Semen Volume ◽

Natural Mating

Abstract In the present study, the fertility rate and egg-hatching results from either natural mating or artificial insemination using 1- and 2-year-old domestic Turkish geese were compared. Sperm quality traits of 1- and 2-year-old ganders used for mating were determined. The study comprised 72 two-year-old females, 12 one-year-old, and 12 two-year-old ganders at the beginning of the laying period. Thirty-six female geese were mated naturally (18 with 1-year-old ganders, 18 with 2-year-old ganders); the remaining 36 were artificially inseminated (18 with 1-year-old ganders, 18 with 2-year-old ganders). Twenty-four ganders were separated into groups (12 for natural mating; 12 for artificial insemination). The male-to-female ratio in both mating protocols was 1:3. The geese were housed during the laying period in a natural and artificially ventilated house under natural lighting (increased day length). Quality traits, such as semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm quality factor (SQF), sperm motility, and some sperm morphological properties were determined. Fertility was higher in the groups containing 2-year-old ganders than in those using 1-year-old ganders (P < 0.05). The effect of insemination on semen volume, sperm concentration, SQF, sperm motility, total live sperm, normal sperm, macrocephalus sperm, and dead sperm was determined to be significant (P < 0.05). As a result, there is a need to improve the egg production and broody behavior traits of domestic Turkish geese. In addition, the use of 2-year-old geese in artificial insemination is appropriate and will contribute positively to the breeding and selection process.

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Effect of Macrophages in Semen on Sperm Quality

10.21203/rs.3.rs-100361/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Gangxin Chen ◽

Beihong Zheng

Keyword(s):

Cell Membrane ◽

Sperm Motility ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Membrane Integrity ◽

Significant Negative Correlation ◽

High Group ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Cell Membrane Integrity

Abstract Background: This was a cross-sectional study in China, we analyzed the levels of macrophages(Mφ) in semen. The study evaluated the influence of the levels of Mφ in semen on sperm quality.Methods: The subjects were 78 males between 25 and 35 years old. The samples were divided into a low group(Mφ<6×105/ml) and a high group (Mφ>6×105/ml). Evaluation included consideration of the influencing factors of male semen quality, macrophage concentration, sperm motility, morphology, membrane integrity DNA fragmentation index (DFI), anti-sperm antibodies (AsAb), IL-10, and IL-12 in semen.Results: There was no difference in the physical or chemical indices of the semen, sperm concentration, AsAb, IL-10, or IL-12 between the two groups (P>0.05). The percentage of sperm forward motility (PR%), the rate of normal sperm shape, and the integrity of cell membranes in the low group were higher than those in the high group (P<0.05), while the percentage of sperm inactivity (IM%), the rate of sperm head deformity, the rate of deformity in the neck and middle segment, the sperm malformation index (SDI), the abnormal sperm index (TZI), and the sperm DFI in the low group were lower than those in the high group (P<0.05). The concentration of Mφ in the semen was linearly correlated with sperm concentration, sperm PR%, IM%, sperm normal shape rate, head deformity rate, neck and middle deformity rate, SDI, TZI, sperm DFI, and sperm cell membrane integrity (P<0.05), but there was no linear correlation with IL-10 or IL-12 (P>0.05).Conclusions: The concentration of Mφ in semen had no significant correlation with semen volume or sperm concentration, but it did have a significant negative correlation with sperm motility, sperm morphology, cell membrane integrity, and DNA breakage rate. There was no significant correlation with the concentration of IL-10 or IL-12.

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The quality of buck semen after feed additive minoxvit administration

Livestock and Animal Research ◽

10.20961/lar.v19i1.41894 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 87

Author(s):

Anita Hafid ◽

Riasari Gail Sianturi ◽

Diana Andrianita Kusumaningrum ◽

Yeni Widiawati ◽

Anneke Anggraeni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sperm Motility ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Positive Influence ◽

Feed Additive ◽

Concentration Data ◽

Randomized Design ◽

Microscopic Evaluation

Objective: Reproduction and nutritional status is closely related. Nutritional deficiency or insufficiency directly affects reproductive efficiency. Deficiency of nutrition could affect the sperm quality and the ability to fertilize. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of feed additive (Minoxvit) on semen quality of buck.Methods: This study used 6 sexually mature bucks, aged 1.5 years old. The bucks were fed daily with 3 kg of freshly chopped king grass, 1 kg of Legume (Calliandra sp.), and 500 g of concentrate. Three bucks were given Minoxvit by 1.25 g/day in the concentrate, while three other bucks were considered as control. Semen was evaluated once a week for 49 days. Semen was evaluated macroscopically and microscopically. The macroscopic evaluation consisted of volume, color, and consistency of semen, while microscopic evaluation consisted of mass motility, sperm motility, viability, and sperm concentration. Data were analyzed using Completely Randomized Design with Tukey test.Results: The result showed significantly different (P<0,05) in which bucks semen in Minoxvit addition group had higher semen volume (0.75 ml vs 0.54 ml), mass motility (3.32 vs 2.67), sperm motility (70% vs 58 %), sperm viability (86.67% vs 79.19%), and sperm consentration (2,6x109 mL vs 1,7x109 mL).Conclusions: This study concludes that the addition of Minoxvit has a positive influence on the quality of buck sperms providing volume, mass motility, individual motility, viability, and concentration of the sperm.

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Cryopreservation and quality assessment of boar semen collected from bulk samples

Veterinární Medicína ◽

10.17221/125/2018-vetmed ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 64 (No. 5) ◽

pp. 209-216 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

R Ratchamak ◽

T Vongpralub ◽

W Boonkum ◽

V Chankitisakul

Keyword(s):

Sperm Motility ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Bulk Sample ◽

Energy Status ◽

Semen Volume ◽

Boar Semen ◽

Live Sperm ◽

Fresh Semen

The purpose of this study was to examine sperm quality after cryopreservation of ejaculates collected as a bulk sample, which is routinely part of semen collection, and to compare this quality with the sperm-rich fraction in boars. Ejaculates were collected as sperm-rich fractions (SRF) and bulk samples (BE) using a gloved-hand technique. Fresh semen quality in terms of semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm motility and pH were conventionally evaluated. Then, semen was cryopreserved using the liquid nitrogen vapour method. The post-thaw sperm quality was evaluated by assessing sperm motility, live sperm with normal apical ridge and high mitochondrial energy status, lipid peroxidation was evaluated using CASA and fluorescent multiple staining and MDA levels were determined using a spectrophotometer, respectively. In terms of fresh semen quality, sperm motility in fresh semen did not differ significantly between the two groups. The treatment with the greater mean volume (BE; P < 0.05) had a lower mean sperm concentration (P < 0.05); meanwhile, the mean ejaculate pH collected as BE was more basic compared with SRF (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant post-thaw quality changes between sperm-rich fractions and bulk samples of semen. In conclusion, ejaculates can be collected as bulk samples without the need to classify fractions for boar semen cryopreservation.

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