1
|
Tanga BM, Qamar AY, Raza S, Bang S, Fang X, Yoon K, Cho J. Semen evaluation: methodological advancements in sperm quality-specific fertility assessment - A review. Anim Biosci 2021; 34:1253-1270. [PMID: 33902175 PMCID: PMC8255896 DOI: 10.5713/ab.21.0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Assessment of male fertility is based on the evaluation of sperm. Semen evaluation measures various sperm quality parameters as fertility indicators. However, semen evaluation has limitations, and it requires the advancement and application of strict quality control methods to interpret the results. This article reviews the recent advances in evaluating various sperm-specific quality characteristics and methodologies, with the help of different assays to assess sperm-fertility status. Sperm evaluation methods that include conventional microscopic methods, computer-assisted sperm analyzers (CASA), and flow cytometric analysis, provide precise information related to sperm morphology and function. Moreover, profiling fertility-related biomarkers in sperm or seminal plasma can be helpful in predicting fertility. Identification of different sperm proteins and diagnosis of DNA damage has positively contributed to the existing pool of knowledge about sperm physiology and molecular anomalies associated with different infertility issues in males. Advances in methods and sperm-specific evaluation has subsequently resulted in a better understanding of sperm biology that has improved the diagnosis and clinical management of male factor infertility. Accurate sperm evaluation is of paramount importance in the application of artificial insemination and assisted reproductive technology. However, no single test can precisely determine fertility; the selection of an appropriate test or a set of tests and parameters is required to accurately determine the fertility of specific animal species. Therefore, a need to further calibrate the CASA and advance the gene expression tests is recommended for faster and field-level applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bereket Molla Tanga
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hawassa University, 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Ahmad Yar Qamar
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea.,Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang 35200, Sub-campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Sanan Raza
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang 35200, Sub-campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan.,Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang 35200, Sub-campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, PakistanDepartment of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Aydin 09016, Turkey
| | - Seonggyu Bang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Xun Fang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Kiyoung Yoon
- Department of Companion Animal, Shingu College, Seongnam 13174, Korea
| | - Jongki Cho
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
New insights in Cercopithecinae spermatozoa. ZYGOTE 2021; 29:401-409. [PMID: 33731237 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199421000186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Sperm morphometric and morphologic data have been shown to represent useful tools for monitoring fertility, improving assisted reproduction techniques and conservation of genetic material as well as detecting inbreeding of endangered primates. We provide here for the first time sperm morphologic and morphometric data from Cercopithecus neglectus, Cercopithecus cephus, Papio papio and critically endangered Cercopithecus roloway, as well as comparative data from other Cercopithecinae species, i.e. Allochrocebus lhoesti, Mandrillus sphinx and Papio anubis. Following collection from the epididymis, spermatozoa were measured for each species for the following parameters: head length, head width, head perimeter, head area, midpiece length and total flagellum length, and the head volume, ellipticity, elongation, roughness and regularity were then calculated. Our data are consistent with both the general morphology and the morphometric proportions of Cercopithecinae sperm. Some specificities were observed, with C. cephus displaying a narrow head (width = 2.76 ± 0.26 µM) and C. roloway displaying a short midpiece (6.65 ± 0.61 µM). This data set represents an important contribution, especially for Cercopithecus roloway, one of the most endangered monkeys in the world, and further data on additional specimens coupled to data on mating systems and reproductive ecology should allow a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying these morphological differences across primate species.
Collapse
|
3
|
Martinez G, Garcia C. Sexual selection and sperm diversity in primates. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110974. [PMID: 32926966 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Many aspects of primate sperm physiology and reproductive behavior have been influenced by sexual selection, especially in taxa exposed to sperm competition where females mate with multiple partners. Primate sperm diversity reflects therefore the evolutionary divergences of the different primate species and the impact of a combination of variables exerting selection pressures on sperm form, function, and competition. Thereby, mating systems, life cycle or ecological variables are some of the important factors driving sperm diversity and explaining variation in terms of sperm morphology, parameters or male sexual characters. Here, we address primate sperm diversity through a compilation of all data available in the literature concerning primate sperm parameters and relationships between them. We also review the factors that can influence primate sperm diversity (e.g. mating systems, trade-off between investments in precopulatory and postcopulatory sexual traits, male and female sexual behaviors, seasonality, social constraints, testosterone levels), and discuss also their relevance to our understanding of human reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Martinez
- Hôpital Couple-Enfant, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, F-38000, Grenoble, France; Genetic Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, F-38000, Grenoble, France.
| | - Cécile Garcia
- UMR 7206 Eco-anthropologie, CNRS - MNHN - Université de Paris, Musée de l'Homme, 75016, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Steinberg ER, Sestelo AJ, Ceballos MB, Wagner V, Palermo AM, Mudry MD. Sperm Morphology in Neotropical Primates. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E839. [PMID: 31640171 PMCID: PMC6827008 DOI: 10.3390/ani9100839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The morphological and morphometric characterization of spermatozoa has been used as a taxonomic and phylogenetic tool for different species of mammals. We evaluated and compared the sperm morphometry of five neotropical primate species: Alouatta caraya, Ateles belzebuth and Ateles chamek of family Atelidae; and Cebus cay (=Sapajus cay) and Cebus nigritus (=Sapajus nigritus) of family Cebidae. After the collection of semen samples, the following parameters were measured on 100 spermatozoa from each specimen: Head Length, Head Width, Acrosome Length, Midpiece Length, Midpiece Width and Tail Length. Considering the available literature on sperm morphometry, we gathered data of 75 individuals, from 20 species, 8 genera and 2 families. These data were superimposed on a phylogeny to infer the possible direction of evolutionary changes. Narrower and shorter spermatozoa seem to be the ancestral form for Cebidae, with a trend toward wider and larger heads in derived groups. The spermatozoa of Atelidae may show an increase in total length and midpiece length. Sperm heads would have become narrower in the more derived groups of Ateles. Sperm length may increase in the more derived species in both families. Our results are discussed in the context of sperm competition and sexual selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eliana R Steinberg
- Grupo de Investigación en Biología Evolutiva (GIBE), EGE, IEGEBA, CONICET, FCEyN, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pab II, Ciudad Universitaria, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina.
| | - Adrián J Sestelo
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Reproductiva, Ecoparque Interactivo (ex ZOO de Buenos Aires), República de la India 3000, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1425, Argentina.
| | - María B Ceballos
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Reproductiva, Ecoparque Interactivo (ex ZOO de Buenos Aires), República de la India 3000, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1425, Argentina.
| | - Virginia Wagner
- Grupo de Investigación en Biología Evolutiva (GIBE), EGE, IEGEBA, CONICET, FCEyN, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pab II, Ciudad Universitaria, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina.
| | - Ana M Palermo
- Grupo de Investigación en Biología Evolutiva (GIBE), EGE, IEGEBA, CONICET, FCEyN, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pab II, Ciudad Universitaria, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina.
| | - Marta D Mudry
- Grupo de Investigación en Biología Evolutiva (GIBE), EGE, IEGEBA, CONICET, FCEyN, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pab II, Ciudad Universitaria, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Amaral S, Da Costa R, Wübbeling F, Redmann K, Schlatt S. Raman micro-spectroscopy analysis of different sperm regions: a species comparison. Mol Hum Reprod 2019. [PMID: 29528451 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is Raman micro-spectroscopy a valid approach to assess the biochemical hallmarks of sperm regions (head, midpiece and tail) in four different species? SUMMARY ANSWER Non-invasive Raman micro-spectroscopy provides spectral patterns enabling the biochemical characterization of the three sperm regions in the four species, revealing however high similarities for each region among species. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Raman micro-spectroscopy has been described as an innovative method to assess sperm features having the potential to be used as a non-invasive selection tool. However, except for nuclear DNA, the identification and assignment of spectral bands in Raman-profiles to the different sperm regions is scarce and controversial. STUDY DESIGN SIZE, DURATION Raman spectra from head, midpiece and tail of four different species were obtained. Sperm samples were collected and smeared on microscope slides. Air dried samples were subjected to Raman analysis using previously standardized procedures. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Sperm samples from (i) two donors attending the infertility clinic at the Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology; (ii) two C57BL/6 -TgN (ACTbEGFP) 1Osb adult mice; (iii) two adult Cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) and (iv) two sea urchins (Arbacia punctulata) were used to characterize and compare their spectral profiles. Differences and similarities were confirmed by principal component analysis (PCA). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Several novel region-specific peaks were identified. The three regions could be differentiated by distinctive Raman patterns irrespective of the species. However, regardless of the specie, their main spectral pattern remains mostly unchanged. These results were corroborated by the PCA analysis and suggest that the basic constituents of spermatozoa are biochemically similar among species. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION Further research should be performed in live sperm to validate the detected spectral bands and their use as markers of distinctive regions. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Raman peaks that have never been described in the sperm cell were detected. Particularly important are those that are unique to the midpiece as they might be a reference to the identification of sperm mitochondria, whose function is highly correlated with that of sperm. In the future, Raman micro-spectroscopy has the potential to be applied in assessment of male fertility. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by BMBF project 'Sperm Ident' (FKZ:13N13024) and the DAAD-CRUP bilateral exchange program (AI A06/16-57213087). S.A. is a recipient of a fellowship from the Portuguese foundation for science and technology (FCT-SFRH/BPD/110160/2015) and R.DC. is a recipient of a DAAD PhD stipend (91590556). There is no competing interest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Amaral
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Domagkstrasse 11, 48149 Münster, Germany.,Biology of Reproduction and Stem Cell Group, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Faculty of Medicine, Pólo I, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão, Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - R Da Costa
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Domagkstrasse 11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - F Wübbeling
- Institute for Applied Math: Analysis and Numerics Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Münster, Einsteinstraße 62, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - K Redmann
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Domagkstrasse 11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - S Schlatt
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Domagkstrasse 11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Soler C, Cooper TG. Foreword to Sperm morphometrics today and tomorrow special issue in Asian Journal of Andrology. Asian J Androl 2017; 18:815-818. [PMID: 27633908 PMCID: PMC5109868 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.187582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Early in his investigations, Leeuwenhoek (1670s)1 deduced that spermatozoa were alive and an integral part of semen, rather than artifacts or parasites. He eventually observed spermatozoa in the semen of men, dogs, horses, birds, fishes, amphibians, molluscs, and many insects, and concluded that they must be a universal feature of male reproduction. The huge differences in sperm form among species have been discussed in relation to evolutionary changes dictated by the egg and its investments.2 Spallanzani (1800s)1 was the first scientist to develop successful methods for artificial insemination, first with amphibians and later with dogs. With these experiments, he showed that physical contact between intact spermatozoa and ova was necessary to achieve the fertilization. Some years later (1820s), Prévost and Dumas1 performed the defining experiment to identify correctly the function of spermatozoa in reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carles Soler
- Department of Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of València, 46100 Burjassot, València, Spain.,Department of R+D, Proiser R+D, Science Park, University of València, 46980 Paterna, València, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
The Trumorph® system: The new universal technique for the observation and analysis of the morphology of living sperm. [corrected]. Anim Reprod Sci 2015; 158:1-10. [PMID: 26003741 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2015.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Revised: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Evaluation of sperm morphology is a fundamental component of semen analysis, but its real significance has been obscured by a plethora of techniques that involve fixation and staining procedures that induce artefacts. Here we describe Trumorph℗®, a new method for sperm morphology assessment that is based upon examination of wet preparations of living spermatozoa immobilized by a short 60°C shock using negative phase contrast microscopy. We have observed samples from five animals of the following species: bull, boar, goat and rabbit. In every case, all the components of the sperm head and tail were perfectly defined, including the acrosome and midpiece (in all its length, including cytoplasmic droplets). A range of morphological forms was observed, similar to those found by conventional fixed and stained preparations, but other forms were found, distinguishable only by the optics used. The ease of preparation makes it a robust method applicable for analysis of living unmodified spermatozoa in a range of situations. Subsequent studies on well-characterized samples are required to describe the morphology of potentially fertilizing spermatozoa.
Collapse
|
8
|
Nakazato C, Yoshizawa M, Isobe K, Kusakabe KT, Kuraishi T, Hattori S, Matsumoto H, Fukui E, Kuwahata A, Ochi M, Kiso Y, Kai C. Morphological Characterization of Spermatozoa of the Night Monkey. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1274/jmor.32.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
9
|
Non-invasive collection and analysis of semen in wild macaques. Primates 2013; 55:231-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s10329-013-0393-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
10
|
Sperm head morphometry in ejaculates of adult marmosets (Callithrix jacchus): A model for studying sperm subpopulations and among-donor variations. Theriogenology 2012; 78:1152-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2012] [Revised: 05/20/2012] [Accepted: 05/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
11
|
Maroto-Morales A, Ramón M, García-Álvarez O, Soler A, Fernández-Santos M, Roldan E, Gomendio M, Pérez-Guzmán M, Garde J. Morphometrically-distinct sperm subpopulations defined by a multistep statistical procedure in Ram ejaculates: intra- and interindividual variation. Theriogenology 2012; 77:1529-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2011] [Revised: 11/27/2011] [Accepted: 11/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
12
|
Tollner TL, Dong Q, VandeVoort CA. Frozen-thawed rhesus sperm retain normal morphology and highly progressive motility but exhibit sharply reduced efficiency in penetrating cervical mucus and hyaluronic acid gel. Cryobiology 2010; 62:15-21. [PMID: 21112322 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2010.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2010] [Accepted: 11/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The preservation of the genetic diversity of captive populations of rhesus monkeys is critical to the future of biomedical research. Cryopreservation of rhesus macaque sperm is relatively simple to perform, yields high post-thaw motility, and theoretically, provides via artificial insemination (AI) a way to easily transfer genetics among colonies of animals. In the interest of optimizing semen cryopreservation methods for use with vaginal AI, we evaluated the ability of frozen-thawed rhesus sperm to penetrate periovulatory cervical mucus (CM). Motile sperm concentration of pre-freeze ("fresh") and post-thawed ("thawed") samples from five different males were normalized for both computer assisted sperm motion analysis and CM penetration experiments. Sperm samples were deposited into slide chambers containing CM or gel composed of hyaluronic acid (HA) as a surrogate for CM and numbers of sperm were recorded as they entered a video field a preset distance from the sperm suspension-CM (or HA) interface. Fresh and thawed sperm were dried on glass slides, "Pap"-stained, and assessed for changes in head dimensions and head and flagellar shape. While retaining better than 80% of fresh sperm progressive motility, thawed sperm from the same ejaculate retained on average only 18.6% of the CM penetration ability. Experiments using HA gel yielded similar results only with reduced experimental error and thus improved detection of treatment differences. Neither the percentage of abnormal forms nor head dimensions differed between fresh and thawed sperm. While findings suggests that sperm-CM interaction is a prominent factor in previous failures of vaginal AI with cryopreserved macaque sperm, neither sperm motility nor morphology appears to account for changes in the ability of cryopreserved sperm to penetrate CM. Our data points to a previously unidentified manifestation of cryodamage which may have implications for assessment of sperm function beyond the cervix and across mammalian species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theodore L Tollner
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Characterization of ram (Ovis aries) sperm head morphometry using the Sperm-Class Analyzer. Theriogenology 2010; 73:437-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2009] [Revised: 08/05/2009] [Accepted: 10/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
14
|
Suwanpugdee A, Kornkeawrat K, Saikhun K, Siriaroonrat B, Tipkantha W, Doungsa-Ard K, Sa-Ardrit M, Suthunmapinatha P, Pinyopummin A. Semen characteristics and sperm morphology of serow (Capricornis sumatraensis). Theriogenology 2009; 71:576-85. [PMID: 18945482 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2008] [Revised: 07/21/2008] [Accepted: 08/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The serow (Capricornis sumatraensis) is a critically endangered species. The objectives of this study were to evaluate ejaculate quality in captive males, and to investigate and characterize sperm morphology. Semen was collected using electroejaculation. Mean (+/-S.D.) seminal characteristics were: semen volume 2.3+/-0.8 mL, pH 7.8+/-0.4, and osmolality 329.9+/-32.9mOsmol/kg; sperm concentration 515.8+/-263.1 x 10(6) cells/mL; wave motion score (1-5) 3.9+/-0.4; motile sperm 60.5+/-22%; viable sperm 68.3+/-9.4%; morphologically normal sperm 70.8+/-19.3%; and an opacity that was yellowish to milky-white. Sperm head length, width, degree of elongation, area, and perimeter were 6.0+/-0.6 microm, 4.3+/-0.3 microm, 71.7+/-8.6%, 19.8+/-2.5 microm(2), and 17.9+/-2.1 microm. Based on these measurements, we categorized sperm head morphometry as small, medium, or large. In addition, sperm morphology was examined by light and scanning electron microscopy; overall, morphologically normal and abnormal sperm were similar to those reported for other bovidae. In summary, this study provided baseline data regarding semen characteristics of C. sumatraensis, which should be of value in the preservation of this endangered species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Suwanpugdee
- Center of Agricultural Biotechnology, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Morphology and head morphometric characters of sperm in Thai native crossbred stallions. Acta Vet Scand 2008; 50:41. [PMID: 18940014 PMCID: PMC2586630 DOI: 10.1186/1751-0147-50-41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2008] [Accepted: 10/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the semen quality parameters use to determine fertility is the percentage of sperm that express normal morphology. Sperm head morphometry is also correlated with fertility. The objectives of this study were 1) to investigate the sperm morphology and normal sperm head morphometry of Thai native crossbred stallions, and 2) to compare our results with the characteristics of proven fertile sperm from purebred stallions. METHODS Semen samples were collected monthly from nine stallions, of which five were Thai native crossbred (T) and four were purebred of proven fertility (F: F1 was a Standard-bred; F2 was a Warm-blood; F3 and F4 were Thoroughbreds). All the animals were aged between 5 and 12 years. Sperm morphological examination was performed using formaldehyde-fixed samples under phase-contrast microscopy (1000x). Normal sperm head morphometry characteristics were measured by Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis (Hamilton Thorne, USA.) after applying the Harris' haematoxylin staining technique. RESULTS The percentages of morphologically normal and abnormal sperm varied among individual stallions in both the T and F groups. The mean percentage of morphologically normal sperm was not significantly different (P > 0.05) between T and F stallions (mean +/- SE, 49.7 +/- 1.3 and 48.1 +/- 2.8, respectively). A comparison between the T and F sperm heads revealed that all the dimensional parameters were significantly different (P < 0.05). The coefficients of within-animal variation (CVs) ranged from 2.6 (shape factor 1) to 7.5 (elongation) and 2.9 (shape factor 1) to 8.1 (elongation) in T and F, respectively. In the case of the T group, those sperm head parameters that featured a low within-animal CV and a high between-animal CV were perimeter (2.9, 19.1), shape factor 1 (2.6, 25.8) and shape factor 3 (3.8, 32.0). In the case of the F group, only shape factor 1 (2.9, 26.1) featured such characteristics. CONCLUSION We found variability in the percentage of morphologically normal and abnormal sperm, as well as in sperm head dimensions among Thai native crossbred stallions, and these results were similar to those of purebred stallions. Our findings demonstrate that the heads of the T sperm specimens were larger and rounder than that of the F sperm. Perimeter, shape factor 1 and shape factor 3 could be used as parameters for the identification of individual T stallions based on a sperm sample.
Collapse
|
16
|
Hernández-López L, Cerda-Molina AL, Páez-Ponce DL, Mondragón-Ceballos R. The seminal coagulum favours passage of fast-moving sperm into the uterus in the black-handed spider monkey. Reproduction 2008; 136:411-21. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-08-0135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In addition to gametes, mammalian internal fertilisation has required the evolution of assorted anatomical, physiological and biochemical devices to deal with intra- and inter-sexual conflict such as sperm competition and female cryptic choice respectively. The seminal coagulum of primates and other mammals is viewed as one of such devices. Among primates, the seminal coagulum characteristically occurs in multi-male and multi-female species, leading us to suppose that it intervenes in sperm competition. However, it can also provide cues to the female reproductive tract about male desired or undesired traits, and therefore deter or favour sperm survival and migration. The present work investigates whether the seminal coagulum of the black-handed spider monkey enhances sperm fertilisation chances by improving the female reproductive tract conditions, and if the female reproductive tract is ‘blind’ to semen or behaves selectively towards ejaculates of different males. A series of artificial inseminations were done in five females, using the ejaculates of three different males, one at a time, and measuring the presence of distinct types of sperm inside the uteri at 10, 30 and 60 min following the insemination. The presence of coagulum, menstrual phase, and male and female identity only affected fast, straight-moving sperm, with larger amounts of fast sperm appearing inside the uteri when ejaculates had seminal coagulum, as well as when in the periovulatory phase. There was great intra-uterine fast-sperm variation regarding which male's semen inseminated which female. The results provide evidence to account for sexual conflict in the spider monkey as well as a methodological approach to this kind of study.
Collapse
|
17
|
Rutllant J, Pommer AC, Meyers SA. Osmotic tolerance limits and properties of rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) spermatozoa. JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY 2003; 24:534-41. [PMID: 12826693 DOI: 10.1002/j.1939-4640.2003.tb02705.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Fundamental cryobiological characteristics of rhesus spermatozoa must be determined for successful cryopreservation techniques to be established. The main objectives of the present study were to determine the osmotic behavior and osmotic tolerance limits of rhesus macaque spermatozoa. Cell volume changes over anisotonic conditions were assessed using an electronic particle counter and sperm motility was evaluated with a computer-assisted sperm analysis system. Analysis of membrane integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential was performed using flow cytometry. Rhesus monkey spermatozoa behave as linear osmometers in the osmotic range tested (75-900 mOsmol kg(-1)), as shown by the Boyle van't Hoff plot (r(2) =.99). Rhesus spermatozoa have a mean cell volume of 36.8 +/- 0.5 micro m(3) at 22 degrees C, with 77.2% of the intracellular volume being osmotically inactive. Results regarding sperm tolerance to osmotic stress showed that sperm motility was more sensitive than membrane integrity to deviations from isotonicity and, in addition, that rhesus sperm motility and membrane integrity were more sensitive to hypertonic than hypotonic conditions. Mitochondrial membrane potential did not explain the lack of sperm motility observed under anisosmolal conditions in our study. Although most spermatozoa were able to recover initial volume after osmotic stress, they were not able to recover initial motility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josep Rutllant
- Sperm Biology Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Gerald MS, Higley S, Lussier ISD, Westergaard GC, Suomi SJ, Higley JD. Variation in reproductive outcomes for captive male rhesus macaques (macaca mulatta) differing in CSF 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid concentrations. BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2003; 60:117-24. [PMID: 12373062 DOI: 10.1159/000065207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In rhesus macaque males, lower than average cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of the principle metabolite of serotonin, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), have been linked to impulsivity, involvement in escalated aggression, failure to elicit consort relationships, production of fewer sperm plugs, and a relatively early age of mortality. Given these potential fitness costs, we performed two studies aimed at elucidating the effects of CSF 5-HIAA on reproduction. Study 1 retrospectively evaluated over a four-year period, the relative reproductive outcome for pairs of adult male rhesus macaques (n = 15) who lived in social groups and who differed in concentrations of CSF 5-HIAA. Study 2 examined the relationship between CSF 5-HIAA and sperm motility and density (n = 12), as a potential mechanism for maintaining variability in CSF 5-HIAA. For Study 1, an average measure from two CSF 5-HIAA samples was calculated for the two males who were present during the time when conception most likely took place (offspring birth date -165 +/- 14 days). Within-pair comparisons of CSF 5-HIAA concentrations between the sire and the non-successful male were drawn for each of the 72 offspring in the study. We found that while sires were typically the male with relatively higher CSF 5-HIAA within the pair, there were no absolute differences in CSF 5-HIAA between males who sired at least one offspring (sires) and those who failed to reproduce (non-sires). Furthermore, while absolute age was not predictive of reproductive outcome, sires with relatively high CSF 5-HIAA also tended to be also relatively older than their competitors. By contrast, for the males with relatively low CSF 5-HIAA who reproduced, sires were relatively younger than the non-sires. These differences in reproductive outcome for males differing in CSF 5-HIAA could not be explained by variability in sperm quantity or quality as we did not find evidence of a relationship between CSF 5-HIAA and either sperm measure. The results of this study suggest that as serotonergic function affects many aspects of behavior and survivorship, it might also be associated with reproductive outcome and different life-history strategies for males differing in concentrations of CSF 5-HIAA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa S Gerald
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH Animal Center, Primate Unit, Poolesville, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hernández-López L, Parra GC, Cerda-Molina AL, Pérez-Bolaños SC, Díaz Sánchez V, Mondragón-Ceballos R. Sperm quality differences between the rainy and dry seasons in captive black-handed spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi). Am J Primatol 2002; 57:35-41. [PMID: 11977125 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.1086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The present work provides an assessment of sperm measures (concentration, motility, viability, etc.) of three black-handed spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) during the rainy and dry seasons in Mexico City, as well as an evaluation of the between-subjects variability of sperm quality. Twenty samples obtained by rectal electroejaculation and digested with trypsin were evaluated. The results showed that during the dry season (n = 9) the semen samples were of better quality than those obtained during the rainy season (n = 11). The individual animals showed differences in sperm concentration, although there were no differences in sperm quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonor Hernández-López
- Departamento de Etología, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente, Programa Universitario de Investigación en Salud, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México DF, México.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Buendía P, Soler C, Paolicchi F, Gago G, Urquieta B, Pérez-Sánchez F, Bustos-Obregón E. Morphometric characterization and classification of alpaca sperm heads using the sperm-class analyzer computer-assisted system. Theriogenology 2002; 57:1207-18. [PMID: 12013442 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(01)00724-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Sperm morphology has been identified as one characteristic which can be useful in the prediction of sperm fertility, therefore, we hope that this study aimed at establishing standardized morphological criteria might serve in future studies dealing with the search for sperm parameters which facilitate an estimation of sperm quality. For this purpose, ejaculates from fertile alpacas were used to evaluate sperm head morphometry by means of the Sperm-Class Analyzer (SCA) computer-aided image analysis system. We defined three morphological categories according to sperm head size (normal 50%, small 26%, large 24%) and five categories according to sperm head shape (normal 47%, pyriform 3%, short 20%, round 1%, long 29%). Sperm classification according to shape was performed by first morphometrically characterizing sperm heads clearly falling into each of the shape categories. Thereafter, discriminant analysis was performed on the data from these typical sperm heads and the resulting classification functions were used to categorize 2,200 spermatozoa from 11 alpacas. Classification of sperm heads by this method agreed in 88% of the cases with most of the misclassifications being due to pyriform heads classified as long heads. Morphometric values obtained from samples of 50, 100, 150, 175 and 200 sperm heads were compared. At least 150 sperm heads should be evaluated to overcome sample size influence on sperm measurements. Significant differences in sperm morphometry were found between individuals (CV for morphometric parameters ranging from 1.3 to 13.0) and there were marked differences in the sperm morphological composition of the ejaculates. Within-animal CV ranged from 4.7 to 17.8 thus showing the high degree of sperm polymorphism present in the alpaca ejaculate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Buendía
- Department of Animal Biology, València University, Burjassot, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kholkute SD, Gopalkrishnan K, Puri CP. Variations in seminal parameters over a 12-month period in captive bonnet monkeys. Primates 2000; 41:393-405. [PMID: 30545203 DOI: 10.1007/bf02557650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/1999] [Accepted: 08/03/2000] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Semen samples were collected from adult fertile bonnet monkeys twice a month by penile electroejaculation for twelve consecutive months. Various parameters like semen volume, weight of ejaculate and coagulum, sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and functional parameters e.g. plasma membrane integrity,in vitro nuclear chromatin decondensation and acrosomal status were evaluated to assess within and between animal variations. Effects of seasonality, if any, on quantity and quality of semen were also studied. Considerable intra- and inter-individual variations in the geometric mean values were observed for semen volume, weights of ejaculate and coagulum, and sperm counts during the study period. On the other hand, sperm motility, morphology, and functional parameters showed less within and between animal variations. Results on motility, morphology, and functional parameters indicated that good semen quality was maintained throughout the year. Various routine and functional parameters did not show any annual variations. The diurnal rhythmicity in circulatory testosterone levels was observed throughout the year. The study shows lack of seasonality in exocrine and endocrine testicular functions and further suggests that motility, morphology, and functional parameters are better indicators of semen quality in captive bonnet monkeys.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S D Kholkute
- Institute for Research in Reproduction (ICMR), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, 400012, Mumbai, India
| | - Kamala Gopalkrishnan
- Institute for Research in Reproduction (ICMR), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, 400012, Mumbai, India
| | - C P Puri
- Institute for Research in Reproduction (ICMR), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, 400012, Mumbai, India
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Gago C, Soler C, Pérez-Sánchez F, Yeung CH, Cooper TG. Effect of cetrorelix on sperm morphology during migration through the epididymis in the cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis). Am J Primatol 2000; 51:103-17. [PMID: 10830794 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2345(200006)51:2<103::aid-ajp1>3.0.co;2-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The importance of the cynomolgus monkey as a model for human reproductive medicine prompted this examination of epididymal sperm morphology. Computer-aided sperm morphological analysis was used for the first time to provide morphometric data on sperm heads as they traversed the epididymal duct of Macaca fascicularis. The duct was divided into six regions, starting close to the testis (proximal) and ending close to the vas deferens (distal). To determine the androgen-dependence of the changes, one group of animals received a GnRH-antagonist (Cetrorelix, Asta Medica, Frankfurt, Germany) to induce testicular regression and lower epididymal androgens, while a control group received only vehicle. Epididymides were removed 16 and 25 days after treatment, and sperm heads were analysed by a computer-assisted morphometric analyser. Cluster analysis revealed swollen sperm head cells in proximal regions 1 and 2 of the epididymis, but fewer such forms distally. Normal head shapes became the majority in region 4 and these underwent a gradual but statistically significant decrease in size (area, perimeter, length, width) and shape as they reached the distal regions. In the animals given Cetrorelix, sperm with swollen heads were found more distally than in the controls, although they were also never present in the distal cauda (region 6). Normal heads still became predominant in region 4 after 16 days treatment, and in region 6 after 25 days. The normal forms in the cauda epididymidis of treated animals were significantly larger than cells from control animals. We conclude that epididymal sperm maturation in the monkey is characterised by both a loss of sensitivity to distortion on air-drying, and by a decrease in sperm head size. The former, but not the latter, is attained by sperm in androgen-deficient epididymides from GnRH-antagonist-treated monkeys.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Gago
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of València, Spain
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|