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

2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 156
Author(s):  
C. Guerrero ◽  
S. Leibo ◽  
D. Paccamonti ◽  
B. Eilts ◽  
K. Bondioli ◽  
...  

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

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 186
Author(s):  
R. F. Soares ◽  
F. O. Papa ◽  
L. C. O. Magalhães ◽  
G. A. Monteiro ◽  
I. Martin ◽  
...  

Harvesting and freezing epididymal sperm is a technology that enables the preservation of the gene pool from animals that had died either unexpectedly or because of colic conditions. This technique may also be employed in animals that have to be euthanized because of traumatic injuries. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to improve the process of freezing epididymal sperm using a freezing extender without the prior centrifugation of the samples. Twelve stallions aging between 3 and 6 years and of different breeds were used (Quarter Horse, Mangalarga, and Brazilian Jumping Horse). Stallions were castrated, and the cauda epididymides were isolated from the testis. The connective tissue was carefully dissected, and the cauda epididymides were straightened. A 200-µL pipette tip was attached to a 20-mL syringe, and the cauda epididymides were flushed using 40 mL of either (A) BotuSemen® (Nidacon, Mölndal, Sweden) or (B) BotuCrio® (Nidacon). They were then immediately processed at room temperature (25°C). Samples flushed with B were randomly subjected to either of the 2 procedures: B1) directly loaded into 0.5-mL straws or B2) centrifuged at 600g for 10 min, the supernatant was discarded, and the pellet was resuspended with B and loaded into 0.5-mL straws. The straws were kept at 5°C for 20 minutes followed by another 20 min at 6 cm above liquid nitrogen before immersion. After thawing at 46°C for 20 s the samples were analyzed by computer-assisted semen analysis (HTM – IVOS 12) and plasma membrane integrity was assessed using fluorescent probes (carboxyfluorescein diacetate and propidium iodide). Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by the Tukey test (P < 0.05). No differences were observed for the values of total motility (A: 57.1 ± 12.35, B1: 46.3 ± 10.0, B2: 47.2 ± 12.84), progressive motility (A: 25.5 ± 9.05, B1: 21.7 ± 9.02, B2: 20.7 ± 7.20), percentage of rapids (A: 40.6 ± 15.92, B1: 30.7 ± 10.51, B2: 32.6 ± 12.39), and plasma membrane integrity (A: 47.8 ± 9.56, B1: 45.0 ± 13.81, B2: 41.3 ± 8.74). It was found that the fluid derived from epididymal secretions, which composes seminal plasma, had no influence on sperm parameters, because there was no difference among freezing protocols. Therefore, flushing equine epididymal cauda with B and freezing the samples without centrifuging can be successfully used. Both extenders (A and B) were efficient in protecting epididymal sperm throughout the freezing process.


Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman Abdel-Aziz Swelum ◽  
Islam M. Saadeldin ◽  
Hani Ba-Awadh ◽  
Mohsen G. Al-Mutary ◽  
Abdullah F. Moumen ◽  
...  

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


2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 117
Author(s):  
R. R. D. Maziero ◽  
P. N. Guasti ◽  
I. D. P. Blanco ◽  
I. Martin ◽  
G. A. Monteiro ◽  
...  

Optimizing cryopreservation of equine sperm will facilitate genetic banking and propagation of important horse strains through assisted reproduction. This study aimed to evaluate the motility pattern using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and plasma membrane integrity by epifluorescence microscopy of equine semen frozen in 0.5 mL straws at different freezing rates; also, a fertility trial was performed according to the freezing protocol. Three ejaculates from four stallions of various breeds (Mangalarga Marchador, Westfallen, Hanovarian and Arabian) and ages (5 to 20 years) were collected and processed for cryopreservation. The stallions were housed at the CERBEQ, Reproduction Centre of the Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, UNESP. The ejaculates were filtered and submitted to analysis by CASA (HTM IVOS 12, Hamilton Thorne Research, USA). In addition, the plasma membrane integrity was determined by fluorescent probes. After evaluation, the ejaculates were diluted at 1:1 (extender:semen) with skim milk extender Botu-Semen™ and centrifuged at 600 × g for 10 min. The supernatant was removed and the pellet resuspended to a final concentration of 100 × 106 sperm mL–1 with milk-egg yolk freezing extender (Botu-Crio™). Semen was packaged in 0.5-mL straws (IMV, LAigle, France) and was placed in nitrogen for 20 min and then from room temperature to 5°C and then frozen in two different cooling systems: an isothermic box (42 cm × 28 cm × 12.5 cm) was placed upon racks suspended 6 cm above liquid nitrogen or other 20 min then immersed into nitrogen and automated system Mini Digitcool™ (IMV Technologies, France), cooling at a –40°C min–1 rate. All straws were stored in liquid nitrogen until thawing and analysis. The straws were thawed in a water bath at 46°C for 20 s and the samples were evaluated for progressive motility, angular progressive velocity, progressive velocity, track speed, percentage of rapid sperm and percentage of sperm with plasma membrane integrity. For the fertility trial, 65 clinically healthy mares had their oestrous cycle monitored by ultrasound and inseminated postovulation with sperm into the uterus. Ovulation was induced with 1 mL of deslorelin acetate (GnRH) injected IM when a 35-mm follicle was detected. Thirty-six hours later, mares were monitored every 6 h until ovulation was detected. When it was detected, mares were inseminated with 800 × 106 total sperm. Pregnancy was confirmed via ultrasound examination 15 days after ovulation. Pregnancy rate was 52.2% using the isothermic box and 60% using the automated machine. Statistical analysis from the frozen–thawed semen evaluated parameters was performed using the statistics software Proc. MIXED of SAS 9.1 and for the fertility trial, logistic regression using the Proc GENMOD from SAS 9.1. The conventional method using the isothermic box was similar to the automated machine with a fast freezing rate. Additionally, AI with 800 × 106 sperm frozen in the isothermic box or automated system resulted in similarly acceptable conception rates.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 186
Author(s):  
M.-F. Xuan ◽  
S.-Z. Han ◽  
B.-H. Quan ◽  
X.-J. Yin ◽  
J.-D. Kang

Myostatin-knockout (MSTN−/−) pigs may provide a source of healthy lean protein for human consumption. However, little is known about the effect of this knockout on semen quality, which is important if these pigs are used for production. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the semen quality and fertility of MSTN−/− boars. We generated MSTN−/− boars from Duroc-Landrace-Yorkshire hybrid pig cell lines by somatic cell nuclear transfer, and all 12 boars showed sexual maturation with an obvious “double muscling” phenotype. Semen was collected randomly from three MSTN−/− boars using the gloved-hand technique by one technician and then tested by computer-assisted semen analysis. Semen acrosomal integrity and deformity were measured using Coomassie blue- and eosin-stained smears, respectively. Sperm plasma membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity were evaluated by Hoechst 33342, propidium iodide, and JC-1 multiple staining. The reproductive performance of MSTN−/− boars was evaluated by IVF and by AI. All data were analysed by Student's t-tests. The results showed that the semen color, odor, and pH had no abnormalities. The concentration, motility, plasma membrane integrity, deformity, acrosome integrity, and mitochondrial activity of the semen presented no significant differences from those of the control semen (Duroc). The ejaculation volume of the MSTN−/− boars was significantly lower than that of the control (168.78±6.70 and 223.11±21.21mL, respectively), although the total sperm number was not significantly different. The rate of cleavage and blastocyst formation (247 to 254 oocytes per boar) was not significantly different from those of the control (69.1±0.7 vs. 65.2±1.6%, and 20.2±1.2 vs. 22.8±1.4%, respectively). Seventeen healthy offspring were successfully produced from three sows through AI using semen from one MSTN−/− boar. However, the genotype of piglets has not been tested at present. Thus, MSTN−/− boar may be used as sires, and these pigs are expected to be developed to provide new super-lean meat varieties in the future.


2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 225 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.F. Malo ◽  
F. Martinez-Pastor ◽  
F. Olivier ◽  
T. Spies ◽  
E.R.S. Roldan ◽  
...  

Epididymal spermatozoa from harvested wild animals is potentially useful for conservation purposes, as it can be used for subsequent artificial insemination or stored in Biological Resource Banks for future use. The potential of sperm banking is of particular interest for use in lion (Panthera leo) populations maintained in small National Parks, as translocation of males to effect gene-flow is often problematic, resulting in the translocated lion being killed by resident pride males. We measured the change in sperm quality over time during cool storage (at 4°C) and after thawing of samples cryopreserved at −196°C. Also, we present a correlation between sperm plasma membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity as measured by fluorescent analysis. The testes from a pride lion were removed and transported to the laboratory (at 4°C) within 6h. The epididymides were removed and both cauda epididymides were flushed with 1mL of Tris-citrate egg yolk extender (Fraction A, Biladyl, Minitub, Germany). The sample containing 2930×106 cells mL−1 was washed (20mM HEPES, 355mM sucrose, 10mM glucose, 2.5mM KOH;; 400mOsm/kg, pH 7; Sigma, South Africa) and after centrifugation (5min. at 600g), the pellet was resuspended in 0.5mL of washing solution (with 197mM NaCl instead of sucrose). One aliquot of spermatozoa was kept at 4°C and evaluated at 24h intervals for 7 days. A second aliquot of the sperm sample was extended in Tris-citrate egg yolk extender with glycerol (Fraction B, Biladyl), frozen in liquid nitrogen (LN) vapor and stored in LN. The frozen sample was later thawed and evaluated as for the cooled samples. Percentages of motile (MS) and progressive (PS) spermatozoa were assessed using a phase contrast microscope (×200; stage at 37°C). Sperm plasma membrane damage was assessed by determining the percentage of cells exhibiting red fluoresence after staining with propidium iodide (PI, 50ng/mL; 10min RT). Spermatozoa that did not stain red in PI were classified as plasma membrane intact (PMI). Resilience to hypo-osmotic shock and plasma membrane integrity were evaluated by incubating a portion of the sample in a 100mOsm/kg solution (10nM glucose, 20nM HEPES, 30nM NaCl) containing PI for 15min at room temperature. The percentage of sperm cells with active mitochondria (MIT) was determined by counting spermatozoa showing orange fluoresence over the mid-piece after staining with JC-1(7.5 uM Sigma) for 30min at 37°C. At collection, MS was 15% and did not show a significant decrease during the 7-day storage period. Initially, PS was 10% and dropped to 5% after 7 days, with values fluctuating during the storage period. Both PMI and HOSPMI were 80% on Day 1, gradually decreasing to 75% on Day 7 of storage. PMI and MIT showed a highly significant correlation (r=0.88; P=0.003; n=8). In frozen-thawed sperm samples, MS fell from a pre-freeze value of 15% to 5% after thawing. Similarly, PS fell from 10% in pre-freeze to 3% in frozen-thawed samples. Likewise, PMI, HOSPMI and MIT values were 80% and 45%, 87% and 45% and 89% and 49%, respectively. Our study showed that lion sperm PMI and MIT remained high after 7 days at 4°C. MS and PS, although low, did not vary during this same period. PI and JC-1 showed a significant correlation, suggesting that both might be affected by the same deleterious factors. Although PMI, HOSPMI and MIT values decreased approximately 40% after freezing, we feel that such sperm samples could be used for in vitro embryo production, if not by IVF, by ICSI. Of course, additional studies are needed to validate our suggestion.


2015 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 646-651 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Prapaiwan ◽  
T. Tharasanit ◽  
S. Punjachaipornpol ◽  
D. Yamtang ◽  
A. Roongsitthichai ◽  
...  

Zygote ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 301-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
José A. B. Bezerra ◽  
Andréia M. Silva ◽  
Patrícia C Sousa ◽  
Lívia B. Campos ◽  
Érica C. G. Praxedes ◽  
...  

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


2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 204
Author(s):  
J. Dorado ◽  
M. J. Galvez ◽  
M. R. Murabito ◽  
S. Demyda ◽  
L. J. De Luca ◽  
...  

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


2020 ◽  
pp. 2209-2218
Author(s):  
Fernando Evaristo da Silva ◽  
Jaqueline Candido Carvalho ◽  
Camila de Paula Freitas Dell'Aqua ◽  
Frederico Ozanam Papa ◽  
Marc Roger Jean Marie Henry ◽  
...  

The use of cooled semen in artificial insemination operations results in higher pregnancy rates than the use of frozen semen. This result seems to be related to the more severe damage triggered by the freezing process than that observed during refrigeration. Due to its ability to bind to sperm-binding proteins and calcium ions, sodium caseinate has been studied as a substance capable of preventing early sperm capacitation, a significant cause of the decreased pregnancy rate resulting from the use of frozen semen. The first objective of this study was to evaluate whether a commercial egg yolk diluent developed for frozen bovine semen could be used for buffalo semen cryopreservation; the second objective was to investigate the effect of this diluent in combination with sodium caseinate during the procedures of buffalo sperm cryopreservation using flow cytometry and computer-assisted sperm analysis. In the first part of the study, comparing the results of spermatic kinetics and plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity, it was observed that the freezing process resulted in more cell damage than the cooling process. In the second part of the study, no effects of the addition of sodium caseinate to the egg yolk diluent were observed. From the results of the present study, it was possible to conclude that the egg yolk-based diluent was suitable for buffalo semen cryopreservation and that the addition of sodium caseinate did not decrease the harmful effects related to seminal cryopreservation.


2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 571-579 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Kordan ◽  
M. Lecewicz ◽  
R. Strzeżek ◽  
A. Dziekońska ◽  
L. Fraser

Effect of platelet activating factor (PAF) supplementation in semen extender on viability and ATP content of cryopreserved canine spermatozoa The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of platelet activating factor (PAF) on the quality characteristics of cryopreserved canine spermatozoa. Cryopreserved semen of 5 mixed-breed dogs was treated with different concentrations of exogenous PAF (1 × 10-3M, 1 × 10-4M, 1 × 10-5M and 1 × 10-6M) and examined at different time intervals (0, 30, 60 and 120 min). Cryopreserved semen treated without PAF was used as the control. Sperm quality was evaluated for motility (computer-assisted semen analysis, CASA), mitochondrial function (JC-1/PI assay) and plasma membrane integrity (SYBR-14/PI assay and Hoechst 33258). Also, ATP content of spermatozoa was determined using a bioluminescence assay. Treatment of cryopreserved semen with 1 × 10-3 M PAF at 120 min of incubation resulted in significantly higher total sperm motility compared with the control. It was observed that PAF-improved total sperm motility was concurrent with enhanced sperm motility patterns after treatment of cryopreserved semen. Treatment of cryopreserved semen with PAF did not improve either sperm mitochondrial function or plasma membrane integrity, as monitored by different fluorescent membrane markers. Furthermore, ATP content of cryopreserved spermatozoa was significantly higher when PAF was used at a concentration of 1 × 10-3 M compared with the control and other PAF treatments, regardless of the incubation time. The findings of this study indicated that treatment with 1 × 10-3 M PAF at 120 min of incubation rendered better quality of cryopreserved canine semen, which was associated with improved sperm motility parameters and ATP content. It can be suggested that exogenous PAF addition is beneficial as a supplement for canine semen extender used for.


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