Flow cytometric and microscopic evaluation of post-thawed ram semen cryopreserved in chemically defined home-made or commercial extenders

2015 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 551 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Emamverdi ◽  
M. Zhandi ◽  
A. Zare Shahneh ◽  
M. Sharafi ◽  
A. Akhlaghi ◽  
...  

The present study was designed to determine the effect of three different extenders on ram sperm quality during a freeze–thawing procedure using flow cytometric and microscopic evaluations. Several in vitro qualitative analyses of post-thawed sperm parameters including motility and velocity parameters, plasma membrane functionality, total abnormality, capacitation status, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial activity and apoptosis features were considered. In the breeding season, seven ejaculates from each Zandi ram were collected routinely twice a week. Following semen collection, samples were pooled and equally divided into three aliquots. Each aliquot was diluted and frozen with one of the following extenders: (1) Tris-based extender containing 1.5% (w/v) soybean lecithin (TSL), as a chemically defined extender, (2) Bioxcell, a commercial soybean lecithin-based extender, and (3) Tris-based extender containing 20% (v/v) egg yolk (TEY). The results of the present study indicated no differences in total [TSL (55.8 ± 2.02%) vs TEY (50.2 ± 2.02%; P < 0.05)] and progressive motility of spermatozoa [TSL (26.2 ± 1.36%) vs Bioxcell (22.4 ± 1.36%; P < 0.05)]. Semen freezing by means of TSL resulted in a higher percentage of live spermatozoa (39.42 ± 1.81%) compared with TEY (29.17 ± 1.81%; P < 0.05), and a higher percentage of functional plasma membrane (50.8 ± 192%) compared with TEY (44 ± 1.92%) and Bioxcell (38.8 ± 1.92%; P < 0.05). The effect of extenders on sperm capacitation status showed that the percentage of post-thawed capacitated spermatozoa was higher in TEY (61.9 ± 1.48%) compared with that in TSL (56.6 ± 1.48%; P < 0.05). The evaluation of post-thawed spermatozoa indicated that the percentage of live spermatozoa with active mitochondria was higher in TSL (53.05 ± 2.31%) compared with Bioxcell (45.92 ± 2.31; P < 0.05) and the percentage of intact acrosome spermatozoa was higher in TSL (84.55 ± 2.51%) compared with TEY (74.91 ± 2.51%; P < 0.05). The use of TSL and Bioxcell extenders reduced the percentage of apoptotic spermatozoa (40.82 ± 2.07% and 42.22 ± 2.07%, respectively), compared with TEY (51.34 ± 2.07%; P < 0.05). Post-thawing dead spermatozoa were increased when semen was frozen by Bioxcell (25.69 ± 1.28%). The results of this study showed that TSL extender may provide stabile milieu and conditions for ram sperm cryopreservation compared with Bioxcell and TEY extenders. Whether TSL extender can improve the artificial insemination results remains, however, an open question.

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1769
Author(s):  
Lingwei Sun ◽  
Mengqian He ◽  
Caifeng Wu ◽  
Shushan Zhang ◽  
Jianjun Dai ◽  
...  

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of different concentrations (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%) of nano-soybean lecithin (SL) in the extender on sperm quality, sperm motion characteristics, and fertility outcomes of post-thawed rooster semen. Adult Ross broiler breeder roosters (n = 20) were subjected to semen collections twice a week for three weeks. At each collection, semen samples were pooled and allocated into five treatments corresponding to different nano-SL concentrations (control, SL0.5, SL1.0, SL1.5, and SL2.0). Sperm parameters, including motility (collected using a computer-assisted sperm analysis system), plasma membrane and acrosome integrities, and mitochondrial activity were assessed. Sperm malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant activities (total antioxidant capacity (TAC); superoxide dismutase (SOD); glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) were evaluated. The fertility and hatchability obtained with frozen–thawed rooster semen supplemented with the optimum nano-SL concentration were assessed after artificial insemination. The results showed that the addition of 1% nano-SL into the extender led to a higher semen motility in roosters, improved plasma membrane and acrosome integrities, and higher mitochondrial activity of post-thawed rooster semen in comparison to controls (p < 0.05). The MDA levels in the SL0.5 and SL1.0 groups were lower than the other groups (p < 0.05). TAC activities in SL0.5, SL1.0, and SL1.5 groups were significantly higher than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). It was observed that the concentration of SOD was higher in the SL1.0 group than in the other groups (p < 0.05). The activity of GPx was not influenced in any of the cases (p > 0.05). Moreover, the percentages of fertility and hatchability in the SL1.0 group were higher (56.36% and 58.06%) than those in the control group (42.72% and 40.43%). In summary, the addition of nano-SL to the extenders enhanced the post-thawed semen quality and fertility of roosters by reducing the level of oxidative stress. The optimum nano-SL concentration was 1.0%. These results may be beneficial for improving the efficacy of semen cryopreservation procedures in poultry breeding.


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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 235-241
Author(s):  
Pankaj Kumar Jha ◽  
M Golam Shahi Alam ◽  
Farida Yeasmin Bari

The effect of freezing methods and diluents types on post-thaw sperm quality of Bangladeshi ram semen was studied. Two freezing methods and three diluents was tested as pooling effects (freezing methods or diluents) on post-thaw sperm parameters; sperm motility (SM), viability (SV), plasma membrane integrity (SPMI) and acrosome integrity (SAI), respectively. From selected ten rams, eight ejaculates were used for each freezing group (freezing methods × diluents). Semen samples were diluted by using two-steps for hand-made tris-based diluents (20% egg yolk): D1 (7% glycerol) and D2 (5% glycerol), and one-step dilution for commercial diluents: D3 (Triladyl®) at 35°C. After 4h of equilibration of temperature at 5°C, diluted semen samples was aspirated into 0.25 mL straws, and sealed. Straws were frozen in liquid nitrogen (LN2) vapour using two methods: F1 (manually in Styrofoam box, using three-steps method; +5°C to -80°C at -11.33°C/min, -80°C to -120°C at -26.66°C/min, and -120°C to -140°C at - 13.33°C/min) and F2 (programmable bio-freezer, using two-steps method; +5°C to -100°C at - 20°C/min and -100°C to -140°C at -10°C/min). Two semen straws from each batch were evaluated (37°C for 20 sec) for sperm parameters. In pool effects between freezing methods; SAI differed significantly (P < 0.001). The SM (56%) and SV (72%) were observed competitive. However, SPMI (67.58 ± 2.02%) and SAI (76.13 ± 1.42%) were higher in F1. Among diluents, SM (P < 0.006), SV (P < 0.008), SPMI (P < 0.012) and SAI (P < 0.019) differed significantly. The SM (61.25 ± 1.80%), SV (77.13 ± 1.47%), SPMI (68.31 ± 1.91%) and SAI (74.75 ± 1.64%) were highest in D3. In conclusion, the combination of manual freezing (three-steps) and handmade tris-based diluents (20% egg yolk, 5% glycerol) is suitable and sustainable method for cryopreservation of ram semen. Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.7(2): 235-241,  August 2020


2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 226 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Martinez-Pastor ◽  
F. Olivier ◽  
T. Spies ◽  
L. Anel ◽  
P. Bartels

Biological Resource Banks represent a potentially valuable tool for species conservation. It is, however, necessary to understand the species-specific cryopreservation process and its consequences for spermatozoa to aid in the development of assisted reproduction as a future conservation tool. The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro functionality of white rhinoceros Cerathoterium simum epididymal spermatozoa both before and after cryopreservation. Testes from a harvested white rhino bull were removed and transported at 5°C to the laboratory within 4h. The cauda epididymis was dissected out and flushed with 2mL of Tris-citrate egg yolk extender (fraction A, Biladyl, Minitüb, Germany). A 0.1mL aliquot was removed for analysis and the balance (9mL; 2mL fraction A+7mL sperm sample) mixed with an additional 27.2mL of Tris-citrate egg yolk with glycerol (fraction B, Bidadyl). The extended sample was allowed to cool to 4°C over a 6-h period before an additional 29.2mL of cooled fraction B were added (final sperm concentration=150×106mL−1). Sperm samples were loaded into 0.25-mL straws and frozen over LN2 vapor (4cm for 20min) for later assessment. Sperm straws were thawed by placing the straws in water at 37°C for 30s. Pre-freeze and post-thaw evaluations were carried out in the same manner. Media used included: HEPES for washing (20mM HEPES, 355mM sucrose, 10mM glucose, 2.5mM KOH) and HEPES saline (197mM NaCl, instead of sucrose). An aliquot was diluted with HEPES (washing) and centrifuged for 5min at 600×g; the pellet was resuspended in HEPES saline. Sperm motility (total motility %, TM;; and progressive motility %, PM) was assessed using phase contrast microscopy (×200; 37°C). Sperm plasma membrane status was assessed using the fluorescent dye, propidium iodide (50ngmL−1 in HEPES saline;; 10min, RT). Percentage of cells with plasma membranes intact (unstained;; PMI) was recorded. Mitochondrial status was assessed with the fluorescent dye, JC-1 (7.5μM in HEPES saline;; 30min, 37°C). The % of cells with an orange-stained midpiece was recorded (active mitochondria;; MIT). Resilience to hypoosmotic shock (HOS test) was assessed by diluting a sample in 100mOsm/kg HEPES saline (1:20; 15min, RT). An aliquot was stained with PI to assess plasma membrane status (HOSPMI), and the rest was fixed with formaldehyde, and % coiled tails (positive endosmosis;; HOST) was estimated using phase contrast microscopy (×400). Evaluations of PMI, MIT and HOSPMI were performed using fluorescence microscopy (×400, 450–490nm excitation filter). The results indicated that quality was good pre-freezing (TM: 60%; PMI: 86%; MIT: 100%), except for a PM value of 15%. After thawing, although there was a drop in TM (30%), there was no decrease in PM (20%). Our in vitro functional assessment indicated a loss of quality between the pre-freeze and post-thaw evaluations, but PMI and MIT maintained their pre-thaw levels (60% and 72%, respectively). The HOS test, which indicates plasma membrane integrity, decreased from the pre-freeze level (91%) to a post-thaw value of 70%. HOSTPMI was 72% pre-freeze, and decreased to 54% post-thaw. In conclusion, epididymal spermatozoa from the white rhino may retain its functionality after cryopreservation in a commerically available cryo-extender (Bidadyl). The use of assisted reproduction techniques could someday play a role in the management and conservation of the white rhinoceros and related species.


2018 ◽  
Vol 116 ◽  
pp. 89-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahdieh Mehdipour ◽  
Hossein Daghigh Kia ◽  
Gholamali Moghaddam ◽  
Hamed Hamishehkar

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prosper Kamusasa ◽  
Eddington Gororo ◽  
Fungayi Primrose Chatiza

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the comparative cryoprotective effects of whole egg yolk and clarified egg yolk on post thaw sperm quality parameters and to determine the optimum clarified egg yolk inclusion level (10-20%) in semen extenders for Mashona bull semen cryopreservation. It was shown that there was a significant decrease in sperm quality variables following cryopreservation. Semen quality increased with the concentration of clarified egg yolk, indicating a positive relationship between egg yolk LDL concentration and maintenance of in vitro sperm quality. The 20% clarified egg yolk (CEY20) extender treatment gave post-thaw motility, viability and normal morphology values which were comparable to the control (20% whole egg yolk, WEY20). The 10% clarified egg yolk concentration gave the least post-thaw quality values and the greatest proportion of defective spermatozoa. This experiment found no advantage of replacing whole egg yolk with up to 15% clarified egg yolk in Mashona bull semen cryopreservation. However, 20% clarified and 20% whole egg yolk performed similarly in the maintenance of post-thaw sperm motility, viability and normal morphology.


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 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giusy Rusco ◽  
Michele Di Iorio ◽  
Pier Paolo Gibertoni ◽  
Stefano Esposito ◽  
Maurizio Penserini ◽  
...  

The aim of our study was to test the effects of different non-permeating cryoprotectants (NP-CPAs), namely low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), sucrose, and egg yolk, and thawing rates on the post-thaw semen quality and fertilizing ability of the native Mediterranean brown trout. Pooled semen samples were diluted 1:3 (v:v) with 2.5%, 5%, 10%, or 15% LDL; 0.05, 0.1, or 0.3 M sucrose; or 10% egg yolk. At the moment of analysis, semen was thawed at 30 °C/10 s or 10 °C/30 s. The post-thaw semen quality was evaluated, considering motility, the duration of motility, viability, and DNA integrity. Significantly higher values of motility and viability were obtained using egg yolk/10 °C for 30 s, across all treatments. However, LDL and sucrose concentrations affected sperm cryosurvival, showing the highest post-thaw sperm quality at 5% LDL and 0.1 M sucrose. Based on the in vitro data, egg yolk, 5% LDL, and 0.1 M sucrose thawed at 10 °C or 30 °C were tested for the in vivo trial. The highest fertilization and hatching rates were recorded using egg yolk/10 °C (p < 0.05). According to these in vitro and in vivo results, egg yolk emerged as the most suitable NP-CPA and 10 °C/30 s as the best thawing rate for the cryopreservation of this trout sperm, under our experimental conditions.


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