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Johannisson A, Morrell JM, Ntallaris T. A combination of biomarkers for predicting stallion sperm fertility. Vet Res Commun 2024:10.1007/s11259-024-10372-6. [PMID: 38652412 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10372-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Equine breeding would benefit greatly from reliable biomarkers of stallion or ejaculate fertility. The aim of the study was to investigate how several in vitro sperm characteristics correlate with fertility after artificial insemination, to explore the potential to build a fertility prediction model for stallions. Cooled insemination doses (3-5 per stallion) were obtained from various studs. Sperm membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, chromatin integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species production were evaluated by flow cytometry 24-30 h after semen collection, and sperm motility was assessed by computer aided sperm analysis. Calcein violet was used to differentiate viable spermatozoa. Per season pregnancy rates for these stallions were available the following year. Positive correlations were found between pregnancy rate and straightness (r = 0.43, p ≤ 0.001), as well as pregnancy rate and the proportion of living hydrogen peroxide positive spermatozoa (r = 0.32, p ≤ 0.05). There were negative correlations between pregnancy rate and amplitude of lateral head displacement (r = -0.26, p ≤ 0.05), and between pregnancy rate and the mean fluorescence of dead superoxide positive spermatozoa (r = -0.46, p < 0.001). Principal component analysis indicated that motility, membrane integrity, DNA fragmentation, and reactive oxygen species production were associated with pregnancy rate. Therefore, a combination of these factors could be used as a biomarker of fertility when assessing ejaculates. However, data from more individuals would be required to construct a model for fertility prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Johannisson
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jane M Morrell
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Theodoros Ntallaris
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
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2
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Bollwein H, Malama E. Review: Evaluation of bull fertility. Functional and molecular approaches. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100795. [PMID: 37567681 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
With the term "assisted reproduction technologies" in modern cattle farming, one could imply the collection of techniques that aim at the optimal use of bovine gametes to produce animals of high genetic value in a time- and cost-efficient manner. The accurate characterisation of sperm quality plays a critical role for the efficiency of several assisted reproduction-related procedures, such as sperm processing, in vitro embryo production and artificial insemination. Bull fertility is ultimately a collective projection of the ability of a series of ejaculates to endure sperm processing stress, and achieve fertilisation of the oocyte and production of a viable and well-developing embryo. In this concept, the assessment of sperm functional and molecular characteristics is key to bull fertility diagnostics and prognostics. Among others, functional features linked to sperm plasma membrane, acrosome and DNA integrity are usually assessed as a measure of the ability of sperm to express the phenotypes that will allow them to maintain their homeostasis and orchestrate-in a strict temporal manner-the course of events that will enable the delivery of their genetic content to the oocyte upon fertilisation. Nevertheless, measures of sperm functionality are not always adequate indicators of bull fertility. Nowadays, advancements in the field of molecular biology have facilitated the profiling of several biomolecules in male gametes. The molecular profiling of bovine sperm offers a deeper insight into the mechanisms underlying sperm physiology and, thus, can reveal novel candidate markers for bull fertility prognosis. In this review, the importance of three organelles (the nucleus, the plasma membrane and the acrosome) for the characterisation of sperm fertilising capacity and bull fertility is discussed at functional and molecular levels. In particular, information about sperm head morphometry, chromatin structure, viability as well as the ability of sperm to capacitate and undergo the acrosome reaction are presented in relation to the cryotolerance of male gametes and bull fertility. Finally, major spermatozoal coding and non-coding RNAs, and proteins that are involved in the above-mentioned aspects of sperm functionality are also summarised.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Department for Farm Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - E Malama
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Department for Farm Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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3
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Butler ML, Hartman AR, Bormann JM, Weaber RL, Grieger DM, Rolf MM. Genetic parameter estimation for beef bull semen attributes. J Anim Sci 2021; 99:6102585. [PMID: 33453111 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Improvements in bull reproductive performance are necessary to optimize the efficiency of cattle production. Female fertility has been enhanced through assisted reproductive technologies as well as genetic selection; however, improving beef bull fertility has been largely ignored. Phenotypes routinely collected at bull semen collection facilities are believed to affect fertility and provide the phenotypes necessary for a genetic evaluation. The first objective of this study was to determine the significant fixed effects for modeling beef bull fertility using data from bull semen collection facilities. The second objective was to estimate variance components, heritabilities, repeatabilities, and correlations between beef bull semen attributes. Beef bull fertility phenotypes including volume (VOL), concentration (CONC), number of spermatozoa (NSP), initial motility (IMot), post-thaw motility (PTMot), 3-h post-thaw motility (3HRPTMot), percentage of normal spermatozoa (%NORM), primary abnormalities (PRIM), and secondary abnormalities (SEC) were obtained from two bull semen collection facilities. A total of 1,819 Angus bulls with 50,624 collection records were analyzed. Of the fixed class and covariate effects tested, the significant class effects were collection location and collection day within year and the significant covariate effects included age at collection, days since previous collection, and cumulative comprehensive climate index (CCI). For this study, the CCI was calculated for a 75-d period including the 61-d spermatogenesis cycle and 14-d epididymal transit time. The 75 d prior to collection accounted for the environmental stress a bull may have experienced over the course of development of the spermatozoa, which was more significant than the CCI calculated for collection day or spermatogenesis start date. Pre-thaw beef bull semen traits had low heritability estimates of 0.11 ± 0.02 (VOL), 0.09 ± 0.02 (CONC), 0.08 ± 0.02 (NSP), and 0.12 ± 0.03 (IMot). Heritabilities of post-thaw beef bull semen attributes were more variable at 0.10 ± 0.02 (PTMot), 0.05 ± 0.04 (3HRPTMot), 0.10 ± 0.04 (%NORM), 0.03 ± 0.03 (PRIM), and 0.18 ± 0.04 (SEC). Correlations of breeding values for these traits with scrotal circumference (SC) expected progeny difference (EPD) are low. The low to moderate heritability estimates indicate that genetic improvement can be made in beef bull semen quality traits if new tools are developed to augment the scrotal circumference EPD that are currently available within the industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison L Butler
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | - Ashley R Hartman
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | - Jennifer M Bormann
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | - Robert L Weaber
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | - David M Grieger
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | - Megan M Rolf
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
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4
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Jäkel H, Scheinpflug K, Mühldorfer K, Gianluppi R, Lucca MS, Mellagi APG, Bortolozzo FP, Waberski D. In vitro performance and in vivo fertility of antibiotic-free preserved boar semen stored at 5 °C. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2021; 12:9. [PMID: 33423688 PMCID: PMC7798330 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-020-00530-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypothermic preservation of boar semen is considered a potential method for omitting antibiotics from insemination doses, thereby contributing to the global antibiotic resistance defence strategy. The main challenges are chilling injury to spermatozoa and bacterial growth during semen storage leading to reduced fertility. OBJECTIVES To examine chilling injury and the number and type of bacteria in boar semen stored at 5 °C in the absence of antibiotics, and to assess the applicability of hypothermic semen storage under field conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS Boar ejaculates were extended with AndroStar® Premium, stored at 17 °C with and at 5 °C without antibiotics and tested for functional sperm parameters by flow cytometry. Raw semen and extended samples were investigated bacteriologically. Fertility was evaluated after once-daily inseminations of 194 sows in a field study. RESULTS Lethal sperm damage assessed by motility and membrane integrity was low throughout storage in both experimental groups. Sublethal chilling effects based on the decrease of viable spermatozoa with low membrane fluidity were higher (P < 0.05) up until 72 h in sperm stored at 5 °C compared to 17 °C but did not differ after 144 h. After 72 h, incubation in capacitating medium for 60 min induced a similar decrease in viable sperm with high mitochondria membrane potential and low cytosolic calcium in both groups. In semen stored at 5 °C, bacteria counts were below 103 CFU/mL and the bacteria spectrum was similar to that of raw semen. In 88% of 34 boars, cooled semen fulfilled the requirements for insemination. Fertility was high and did not differ (P > 0.05) between sow groups inseminated with semen stored antibiotic-free at 5 °C and semen stored at 17 °C with antibiotics. CONCLUSION Despite subtle chilling effects and low bacterial numbers, antibiotic-free hypothermic storage of boar semen offers the possibility to reduce the use of antibiotics in pig insemination. However, strict sanitary guidelines must be maintained and further evidence of efficiency under field conditions is considered desirable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Jäkel
- Unit of Reproductive Medicine of the Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 15, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kathi Scheinpflug
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kristin Mühldorfer
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rafael Gianluppi
- Animal Science Department, Swine Sector, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Matheus Schardong Lucca
- Animal Science Department, Swine Sector, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Gonçalves Mellagi
- Animal Science Department, Swine Sector, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Fernando Pandolfo Bortolozzo
- Animal Science Department, Swine Sector, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Dagmar Waberski
- Unit of Reproductive Medicine of the Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 15, 30559, Hannover, Germany.
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Jäkel H, Henning H, Luther AM, Rohn K, Waberski D. Assessment of chilling injury in hypothermic stored boar spermatozoa by multicolor flow cytometry. Cytometry A 2021; 99:1033-1041. [PMID: 33389786 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hypothermic storage of boar semen may allow antibiotic-free semen preservation but is limited due to chilling sensitivity of boar spermatozoa. Progress in this area requires sensitive tools to detect chilling injury. Therefore, multiparameter flow cytometry panels were evaluated to ascertain whether they are useful tools for identifying sublethal damage of sperm function at a single cell level, thus considering the high intrinsic sperm heterogeneity in a sample. The first fluorochrome panel consisted of Hoechst 33342 to identify DNA-containing events, Yo-Pro 1 to detect viability, merocyanine 540 to describe membrane fluidity, and PNA-Alexa Fluor™ 647 to identify acrosomic integrity. The second fluorochrome panel consisted of SiR700-DNA to identify DNA-containing events, JC-1 to characterize the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MMP), and Calbryte 630 to assess the intracellular calcium level. Extended boar semen was stored either at 17°C (control) or 5°C (chilled). It is shown that chilling increased membrane fluidity in the viable (Yo-Pro 1 negative) sperm population at 24 h (p < 0.05). At 144 h, the viable, acrosomic intact sperm population with low membrane fluidity was similar for both storage temperatures. Moreover, chilling reduced the main sperm population with high MMP, medium fluorescence for JC-1 monomer and low intracellular calcium level (p < 0.05). However, after in vitro sperm capacitation, this population did not differ between the two storage temperatures. Exemplary computational data visualization in t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) maps and moving radar plots revealed similar subpopulations as identified by three-dimensional stacked bar charts. In conclusion, sperm surviving an initial chilling injury withstand long-term storage and respond in a similar manner to capacitation conditions as sperm stored conventionally at 17°C. Multicolor flow cytometry is a valuable tool for detecting chilling-induced alterations of cell function in sperm subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Jäkel
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of the Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Heiko Henning
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anne-Marie Luther
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of the Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Karl Rohn
- Institute for Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dagmar Waberski
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of the Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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6
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Saraf KK, Kumaresan A, Dasgupta M, Karthikkeyan G, Prasad TSK, Modi PK, Ramesha K, Jeyakumar S, Manimaran A. Metabolomic fingerprinting of bull spermatozoa for identification of fertility signature metabolites. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:692-703. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kaustubh K. Saraf
- Theriogenology LaboratorySouthern Regional Station of ICAR‐National Dairy Research Institute Bengaluru Karnataka India
| | - Arumugam Kumaresan
- Theriogenology LaboratorySouthern Regional Station of ICAR‐National Dairy Research Institute Bengaluru Karnataka India
| | - Mohua Dasgupta
- Theriogenology LaboratorySouthern Regional Station of ICAR‐National Dairy Research Institute Bengaluru Karnataka India
| | - Gayathree Karthikkeyan
- Centre for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research CentreYenepoya (Deemed to be University) Mangalore Karnataka India
| | | | - Prashant K. Modi
- Centre for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research CentreYenepoya (Deemed to be University) Mangalore Karnataka India
| | - Kerekoppa Ramesha
- Dairy Production SectionSouthern Regional Station of ICAR‐National Dairy Research Institute Bengaluru Karnataka India
| | - Sakthivel Jeyakumar
- Dairy Production SectionSouthern Regional Station of ICAR‐National Dairy Research Institute Bengaluru Karnataka India
| | - Ayyasamy Manimaran
- Dairy Production SectionSouthern Regional Station of ICAR‐National Dairy Research Institute Bengaluru Karnataka India
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7
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Sicherle CC, de Souza FF, Freitas-Dell'Aqua CDP, Mothé GB, Padovani CR, Papa FO, Lopes MD. Effects of the cryopreservation process on dog sperm integrity. Anim Reprod 2020; 17:e20190081. [PMID: 32399067 PMCID: PMC7212748 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2019-0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation has become an indispensable tool in reproductive biology. However, frozen/thawed semen has a short lifespan due to loss of sperm cell integrity. To better understand which sperm cell structures are compromised by the cryopreservation process and apoptosis markers, the sperm of five healthy mature dogs was analyzed in this study. Analysis was performed after collection, cooling, and thawing via computer assisted sperm analyzer (CASA) and evaluation of membrane fluidity and permeability, phosphatidylserine translocation (Annexin V), membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, membrane lipid peroxidation (LPO) and activity of the apoptotic markers caspases 3 and 7 by flow cytometry. Cryopreservation decreased total and progressive motility and the percentage of rapid sperm (P < 0.01). Damage to sperm cells was confirmed by Annexin V (P < 0.01), indicating that capacitation-like changes were induced by the cryopreservation procedures. An increase in sperm membrane fluidity was also noted in frozen/thawed samples (P < 0.01). Plasma and acrosomal cell membranes were affected (P < 0.01), with decreases in the subpopulation displaying high membrane potential (P < 0.01). Membrane LPO was increased in thawed sperm compared to cooled sperm (P < 0.05) but was not different from that in fresh sperm. No differences were observed in caspase 3 and 7 activity after cooling, freezing, or thawing. In conclusion, total and progressive motility, plasma membrane integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential suffered from the deleterious effects caused by cryopreservation, unlike the activity of caspases that remained stable during the freezing process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Cecilia Sicherle
- Departamento de Cirurgia Veterinária e Reprodução Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Julio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Fabiana Ferreira de Souza
- Departamento de Cirurgia Veterinária e Reprodução Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Julio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Camila de Paula Freitas-Dell'Aqua
- Departamento de Cirurgia Veterinária e Reprodução Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Julio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Gabriele Barros Mothé
- Departamento de Cirurgia Veterinária e Reprodução Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Julio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Carlos Roberto Padovani
- Departamento de Bioestatística, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Julio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Frederico Ozanam Papa
- Departamento de Cirurgia Veterinária e Reprodução Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Julio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Maria Denise Lopes
- Departamento de Cirurgia Veterinária e Reprodução Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Julio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brasil
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8
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Roldan ERS. Assessments of sperm quality integrating morphology, swimming patterns, bioenergetics and cell signalling. Theriogenology 2020; 150:388-395. [PMID: 32093962 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Spermatozoa are diverse in form and function and these differences impact on their fertilizing capacity. Because of considerable inter-male and inter-species differences in sperm traits, assessments of sperm quality demand that we consider variations at different levels. We should thus pay attention not only to average values but also intra- and inter-sperm population variations and subpopulation structure. Sperm shape and size evolve in reponse to postcopulatory sexual selection. Assessments of morphological variation, with conventional microscopy or with computer-assisted systems, should bear this in mind. In rodents sperm head shape is asymmetric so it requires more complex tools, such as geometric morphometrics. Sperm function also evolves under postcopulatory sexual selection and this could be used as a basis to assess sperm performance. Sperm cells swim actively to overcome barriers in the female tract and develop a peculiar motility pattern in the final stages prior to and during fertilization. Both types of movement can be analyzed by computer-assisted microscopy systems. Sperm have high energetic demands for cell homeostasis, motility, and signalling. Bioenergetics can be analyzed by various means, including extracellular flux analyses to characterize glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration. Finally, cell signalling during capacitation has received much attention and can be assessed by microscopy (conventional or computer-assisted) or flow cytometry. Recent advances in image-flow cytometry affords analyses of high cell numbers with spatial localization of subcellular changes, which will have a big impact in the development of functional tests for the andrology clinic and in sperm preservation and use in artificial insemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo R S Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), c/José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
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9
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Bucher K, Malama E, Siuda M, Janett F, Bollwein H. Multicolor flow cytometric analysis of cryopreserved bovine sperm: A tool for the evaluation of bull fertility. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:11652-11669. [PMID: 31521361 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-16572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The study aimed at the analysis of the functional status of cryopreserved bovine sperm using multicolor flow cytometry. The value of sperm functional traits as predictors of bull fertility was further evaluated through a retrospective fertility study. For this purpose, 20 Holstein-Friesian bulls serving as mature sperm donors in an artificial insemination (AI) center were selected based on their annual 56-d non-return rate (%) after at least 1,000 AI, and were accordingly classified as high (HF; nHF = 10 bulls) or low fertility bulls (LF; nLF = 10 bulls). Four to 5 cryopreserved ejaculates per bull (91 ejaculates in total) were examined immediately after thawing (0 h) and after a 3-h incubation at 38°C (3 h). A panel of 5 fluorochromes including calcein violet, propidium iodide, pycoerythrin-conjugated lectin of Arachis hypogea, Fluo-4, and cyanine dye DiIC1(5) was configured by means of a 3-laser flow cytometer, to simultaneously assess sperm esterase activity, plasma membrane integrity, acrosomal status, intracellular Ca2+ levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential, respectively. The % relative size of 18 sperm sub-populations showing 2 or more of a combination of the following features was determined: high esterase activity (Cpos), intact plasma membrane (PIneg), unstained acrosome (PNAneg), low intracellular Ca2+ levels (Fneg), and high mitochondrial membrane potential (Mpos). In both fertility groups, Mpos cells comprised more than 90 and 84% of PInegPNAneg sperm at 0 and 3 h, respectively. The percentage of CposPInegPNAnegFnegMpos sperm did not differ between HF and LF ejaculates; however, the percentage of Fneg cells within the PInegPNAneg and PInegMpos sperm populations at 0 h was higher in the HF than in the LF bulls. Applying the random forest ensemble learning method, approximately two-thirds of ejaculates could be correctly assigned to their fertility group. The fraction of Fneg sperm within the PInegMpos population at 0 h was the most important fertility predictor among the 18 defined sperm populations. In conclusion, multicolor flow cytometry offered an insight into the functional heterogeneity of cryopreserved bovine sperm. Indeed, the ability of viable sperm to retain low Ca2+ levels differed between bulls of diverse fertility. A classifier based on selected sperm populations assessed through multicolor flow cytometry could contribute to the prognosis of bull fertility after AI.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Bucher
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - E Malama
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland; Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, Thermi 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - M Siuda
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - F Janett
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - H Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
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10
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Abstract
Spermatozoa must possess many attributes to fertilize an egg but few laboratory methods can assess all of these attributes simultaneously and objectively. Most laboratory methods used to assess the quality of semen in veterinary andrology can be inaccurate and time-consuming. Laboratory techniques which evaluate only one sperm attribute, often provide results that have a weak correlation with fertility. Therefore, semen used for artificial insemination should not be assessed based on the results of one method only but rather on the comprehensive results of several laboratory tests. Flow cytometry is a modern method of analysing diJ169fferent types of cells, including sperm cells. It is based on the scattering of light and fluorescence, the outcome of which yields results that are recorded and evaluated by computer technology which makes an objective assessment. Flow cytometry in combination with fluorescence microscopy and fluorescent probes provides a comprehensive, accurate, objective, and rapid analysis of the ejaculate. In a short time frame it allows us to test thousands of sperm for their structure and properties, even with a minimal amount of semen. This method enables the evaluation of several indicators simultaneously in a population of sperm as a whole or for each sperm individually. It informs us about the selected indicators of sperm quality in the sample by examining the membrane integrity, DNA, mitochondria, acrosome, oxidative stress, and other properties. Flow cytometry has become an important method of evaluating the functional and morphological properties of sperm and is used for research in veterinary science as well as for a routine assessment of the semen quality.
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11
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Saraf KK, Singh RK, Kumaresan A, Nayak S, Chhillar S, Lathika S, Datta TK, Mohanty TK. Sperm functional attributes and oviduct explant binding capacity differs between bulls with different fertility ratings in the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:395-403. [DOI: 10.1071/rd17452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We report here the differences in sperm functional attributes and sperm–oviduct binding index in bulls with different field fertility ratings. Cryopreserved spermatozoa from Murrah buffalo bulls (n=9) with different fertility ratings were evaluated for membrane integrity, capacitation status, acrosome intactness and protein tyrosine phosphorylation status. Frozen–thawed spermatozoa were incubated with oviduct explants for 1h under 5% CO2, 38.5°C with 95% relative humidity and the number of spermatozoa bound to the unit area of oviduct explants (binding index; BI) was assessed using 5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethylbenzimidazolyl-carbocyanine iodide (JC-1) fluorescent staining. The proportion of membrane-intact and acrosome-intact spermatozoa was significantly (P<0.05) higher and the proportion of capacitated spermatozoa was significantly (P<0.05) lower in high-fertile bulls compared with medium- and low-fertile bulls. The relationship between BI and bull fertility was significant and positive (r=0.69; P=0.04). BI was negatively and significantly (r=−0.83; P=0.01) related to membrane-compromised spermatozoa. It was concluded that the sperm–oviduct explant binding index was positively related to (1) the proportion of membrane-intact spermatozoa in a given semen sample and (2) invivo fertility of the buffalo bull, indicating the possibility of developing a fertility prediction tool using a sperm–oviduct explant binding model, once validated on a greater number of bulls.
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12
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Alm-Kristiansen AH, Standerholen FB, Bai G, Waterhouse KE, Kommisrud E. Relationship between post-thaw adenosine triphosphate content, motility and viability in cryopreserved bovine semen applying two different preservation methods. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53:1448-1455. [PMID: 30044013 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Motility and energy level in sperm cells are tightly linked, but not totally understood. The aim of this study was to examine whether adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content as a sperm quality parameter for bull semen could give additional information together with viability and motility. The objective was therefore to examine the relationships between alterations in sperm ATP content, motility and viability in bovine semen samples immediately after thawing and following post-thaw incubation at physiological temperature. Two different cryopreservation methods were compared. Ejaculates from ten young bulls were split into two and cryopreserved using conventional procedure with Biladyl® (B) extender and with SpermVital® (SV) immobilization technology. From each sample, simultaneous analysis of ATP content, motility and viability was performed post-thaw (T0) and after incubation at physiological temperature for three hours (T3). Multivariate correlation analysis showed high correlation at T0 between ATP content and viability (p < 0.05), ATP and total motility (p < 0.05), as well as progressive motility and viability (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant correlation between progressive motility and ATP content at T3, neither for B nor SV semen. We conclude that both preservation method and post-thaw incubation at physiological temperature affect ATP level in bull sperm cells partly independent of motility and viability. The ATP level of bovine spermatozoa post-thaw is therefore implicated to give supplementary information of sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Hege Alm-Kristiansen
- Department of Natural Sciences and Technology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway.,SpermVital AS, Hamar, Norway
| | - Fride B Standerholen
- Department of Natural Sciences and Technology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway.,SpermVital AS, Hamar, Norway
| | | | | | - Elisabeth Kommisrud
- Department of Natural Sciences and Technology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway.,SpermVital AS, Hamar, Norway
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13
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Kumaresan A, Johannisson A, Bergqvist AS. Sperm function during incubation with oestrus oviductal fluid differs in bulls with different fertility. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 29:1096-1106. [PMID: 27112984 DOI: 10.1071/rd15474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa undergo several modifications in the oviduct before acquiring fertilising capacity. Although spermatozoa are exposed to similar conditions in the oviduct, the speed of the response varies with the male and the state of the spermatozoa. We hypothesised that spermatozoa from bulls with different fertility may differ in their ability to respond to oviductal fluid (ODF). Frozen-thawed spermatozoa from four bulls were incubated with oestrus oviductal fluid (OODF) for 6h. Sperm kinematics, tyrosine phosphorylation, phosphorylation patterns, capacitation and acrosome reaction were analysed at hourly intervals. The amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) and straightness coefficient (STR) were higher (P<0.05) in bulls with higher fertility compared with those with lower fertility, at 1-4h of incubation. At 4h of incubation and onwards, spermatozoa from bulls with higher fertility showed a lower degree (P<0.05) of tyrosine phosphorylation and higher degree of capacitation and acrosome reaction. At least five tyrosine-phosphorylated sperm proteins were detected in all bulls. However, the expression of two phosphorylated sperm proteins (183 and 109 kDa) was upregulated in bulls with lower fertility. It may be concluded that cryopreserved spermatozoa from high- and low- fertile bulls differ in their ability to respond to OODF. This may help in developing tools for assessing fertility of bulls, once validated in more animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kumaresan
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - A Johannisson
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - A-S Bergqvist
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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14
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González-Fernández L, Macías-García B, Calle-Guisado V, García-Marín LJ, Bragado MJ. Calmodulin inhibitors increase the affinity of Merocyanine 540 for boar sperm membrane under non-capacitating conditions. J Reprod Dev 2018; 64:445-449. [PMID: 29887540 PMCID: PMC6189568 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2018-021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to test whether the calmodulin (CaM) inhibitors, calmidazolium (CZ) and N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide (W-7), can be used to assess lipid disorder by flow
cytometry using Merocyanine 540 (M540). Boar spermatozoa were incubated in non-capacitating conditions for 10 min at room temperature with 1 μM CZ, 200 μM W-7, or 1 mM 8-bromoadenosine
3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP). Then, sperm were 1) directly evaluated, 2) centrifuged and washed prior to evaluation, or 3) diluted with PBS prior to evaluation. Direct evaluation
showed an increase in high M540 fluorescence in spermatozoa treated with the inhibitors (4.7 ± 1.8 [control] vs. 70.4 ± 4.0 [CZ] and 71.4 ± 4.2 [W-7], mean % ± SD, P <
0.001); washing decreased the percentage of sperm showing high M540 fluorescence for W-7 (4.8 ± 2.2, mean % ± SD) but not for CZ (69.4 ± 3.9, mean % ± SD, P < 0.001), and dilution showed
an increase in high M540 fluorescence for both CZ and W-7; 8-Br-cAMP did not induce a rise in sperm showing high M540 fluorescence. Therefore, special care must be taken when M540 is used in
spermatozoa with CaM inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauro González-Fernández
- Research Group of Intracellular Signalling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Beatriz Macías-García
- Jesús Usón Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre (CCMIJU), Assisted Reproduction Unit, 10071 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Violeta Calle-Guisado
- Research Group of Intracellular Signalling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Luis Jesús García-Marín
- Research Group of Intracellular Signalling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | - María Julia Bragado
- Research Group of Intracellular Signalling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
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15
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Taylor JF, Schnabel RD, Sutovsky P. Identification of genomic variants causing sperm abnormalities and reduced male fertility. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 194:57-62. [PMID: 29454799 PMCID: PMC6503949 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Whole genome sequencing has identified millions of bovine genetic variants; however, there is currently little understanding about which variants affect male fertility. It is imperative that we begin to link detrimental genetic variants to sperm phenotypes via the analysis of semen samples and measurement of fertility for bulls with alternate genotypes. Artificial insemination (AI) bulls provide a useful model system because of extensive fertility records, measured as sire conception rates (SCR). Genetic variants with moderate to large effects on fertility can be identified by sequencing the genomes of fertile and subfertile or infertile sires identified with high or low SCR as adult AI bulls or yearling bulls that failed Breeding Soundness Evaluation. Variants enriched in frequency in the sequences of subfertile/infertile bulls, particularly those likely to result in the loss of protein function or predicted to be severely deleterious to genes involved in sperm protein structure and function, semen quality or sperm morphology can be designed onto genotyping assays for validation of their effects on fertility. High throughput conventional and image-based flow cytometry, proteomics and cell imaging can be used to establish the functional effects of variants on sperm phenotypes. Integrating the genetic, fertility and sperm phenotype data will accelerate biomarker discovery and validation, improve routine semen testing in bull studs and identify new targets for cost-efficient AI dose optimization approaches such as semen nanopurification. This will maximize semen output from genetically superior sires and will increase the fertility of cattle. Better understanding of the relationships between male genotype and sperm phenotype may also yield new diagnostic tools and treatments for human male and idiopathic infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy F Taylor
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| | - Robert D Schnabel
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
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16
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Alm-Kristiansen AH, Gaustad ER, Bai G, Standerholen FB, Klinkenberg G, Kommisrud E, Waterhouse KE. In vitro studies of Norwegian Red bovine semen immobilized and cryopreserved in alginate solid gel network. Reprod Domest Anim 2017; 53:365-370. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- AH Alm-Kristiansen
- Department of Natural Sciences and Technology; Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences; Hamar Norway
- SpermVital AS; Hamar Norway
| | | | - G Bai
- SpermVital AS; Hamar Norway
| | - FB Standerholen
- Department of Natural Sciences and Technology; Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences; Hamar Norway
- SpermVital AS; Hamar Norway
| | | | - E Kommisrud
- Department of Natural Sciences and Technology; Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences; Hamar Norway
- SpermVital AS; Hamar Norway
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17
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Singh RK, Kumaresan A, Chhillar S, Rajak SK, Tripathi UK, Nayak S, Datta TK, Mohanty TK, Malhotra R. Identification of suitable combinations of in vitro sperm-function test for the prediction of fertility in buffalo bull. Theriogenology 2016; 86:2263-2271.e1. [PMID: 27555524 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The present study assessed sperm functional characteristics in the frozen-thawed semen of buffalo bulls and estimated their relationship with field fertility. Frozen semen samples from three different freezing operations each from nine Murrah buffalo bulls were used for the assessment of different sperm functions related to fertilizing potential. Bulls were classified into high (n = 2), medium (n = 5), and low (n = 2) fertile based on adjusted field fertility. The sperm functions estimated included membrane integrity using carboxyfluorescein diacetate-propidium iodide, acrosome reaction status using fluorescein isothiocyanate peanut agglutinine, status of apoptosis using Annexin-V, protamine deficiency using Chromomycin A3, membrane stability using Merocyanine 540 and lipid peroxidation status using 4, 4-difluoro-4-bora-3a, 4a-diaza-s-indacene. The relationship between the proportion of live acrosome-intact spermatozoa and fertility was positive and significant (r = 0.59; P = 0.001). The proportion of moribund spermatozoa showed a significantly negative correlation with fertility (r = -0.50; P = 0.008). Similarly, the relationship of spermatozoa with unstable membrane (r = -0.51; P = 0.007), necrotic (r = - 0.42; P = 0.028), early necrotic (r = -0.42; P = 0.031), and apoptotic spermatozoa (r = -0.39; P = 0.046) with bull fertility was negative and significant. The correlation between the protamine-deficient spermatozoa and fertility was negative, but not significant. Among different combinations of tests, live acrosome-intact spermatozoa and lipid peroxidation status of spermatozoa revealed high positive correlation with buffalo bull fertility (adjusted R2 = 0.73, C[p] = 0.80). These preliminary findings may help in developing tools for assessing fertility of buffalo bulls, once validated in more animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raushan K Singh
- Theriogenology Lab, Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - A Kumaresan
- Theriogenology Lab, Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India.
| | - Shivani Chhillar
- Theriogenology Lab, Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Shailendra K Rajak
- Theriogenology Lab, Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Utkarsh K Tripathi
- Theriogenology Lab, Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Samiksha Nayak
- Theriogenology Lab, Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - T K Datta
- Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - T K Mohanty
- Artificial Breeding Research Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - R Malhotra
- Dairy Economics, Statistics & Management Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
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18
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New flow cytometry approaches in equine andrology. Theriogenology 2016; 86:366-72. [PMID: 27160445 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Revised: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Flow cytometry is currently recognized as a robust tool for the evaluation of sperm quality and function. However, within equine reproduction, this technique has not reached the sophistication of other areas of biology and medicine. In recent years, more sophisticated flow cytometers have been introduced in andrology laboratories, and the number of tests that can be potentially used in the evaluation of sperm physiology has increased accordingly. In this review, recent advances in the evaluation of stallion spermatozoa will be discussed. These new techniques in flow cytometry are able to simultaneously measure damage to different sperm regions and/or changes in functionality.
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19
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Pinto-Fochi ME, Negrin AC, Scarano WR, Taboga SR, Góes RM. Sexual maturation of the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus): a histological, hormonal and spermatic evaluation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2016; 28:815-23. [DOI: 10.1071/rd14074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study determined the phases of sexual development of the male Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) based on an integrative analysis of testicular morphology, hormonal data and sperm parameters. Male gerbils were analysed at 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 50, 60, 70, 90, 100 and 120 days of age. Body, testicular and epididymal weights increased up to Day 70, 60 and 90, respectively. The impuberal phase, characterised by the presence of gonocytes, extended until Day 14. The prepubertal period lasted until Day 42, when puberty was achieved and a drastic increase in serum testosterone levels, mature adult Leydig cells and elongated spermatids was observed. Gerbils at 60 days of age showed a remarkable number of spermatozoa in the testis, epididymidis caput/corpus and cauda, and at Day 70 the maximum daily sperm production was reached. However, the gerbil may be considered sexually mature only from Day 90 onward, when sperm reserves become stable. The total transit time of spermatozoa along the epididymis of sexually mature gerbils was 11 days, with 1 day in the caput/corpus and 10 days in the cauda. These data cover a lacuna regarding the reproductive parameters of this rodent and provide foundations for its use in testicular toxicology studies.
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20
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Henning H, Petrunkina AM, Harrison RAP, Waberski D. Cluster analysis reveals a binary effect of storage on boar sperm motility function. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:623-32. [DOI: 10.1071/rd13113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Storage of liquid-preserved boar spermatozoa is associated with a loss of fertilising ability of the preserved spermatozoa, which standard semen parameters barely reflect. Monitoring responses to molecular effectors of sperm function (e.g. bicarbonate) has proven to be a more sensitive approach to investigating storage effects. Bicarbonate not only initiates capacitation in spermatozoa, but also induces motility activation. This occurs at ejaculation, but also happens throughout passage through the oviduct. In the present study we tested whether the specific response of boar sperm subpopulations to bicarbonate, as assessed by motility activation, is altered with the duration of storage in vitro. Three ejaculates from each of seven boars were diluted in Beltsville thawing solution and stored at 17°C. Only minor changes in the parameters of diluted semen were revealed over a period of 72 h storage. For assessment of bicarbonate responses, subsamples of diluted spermatozoa were centrifuged through a discontinuous Percoll gradient after 12, 24 and 72 h storage. Subsequently, spermatozoa were incubated in two Ca2+-free variants of Tyrode’s medium either without (TyrControl) or with (TyrBic) 15 mM bicarbonate, and computer-aided sperm analysis motility measurements were made. Cluster analysis of imaging data from motile spermatozoa revealed the presence of five major sperm subpopulations with distinct motility characteristics, differing between TyrBic and TyrControl at any given time (P < 0.001). Although there was an increasing loss of motility function in both media, bicarbonate induced an increase in a ‘fast linear’ cohort of spermatozoa in TyrBic regardless of storage (66.4% at 12 h and 63.9% at 72 h). These results imply a binary pattern in response of sperm motility function descriptors to storage: although the quantitative descriptor (percentage of motile spermatozoa) declines in washed semen samples, the qualitative descriptor (percentage of spermatozoa stimulated into fast linear motion by bicarbonate) is sustained independent of the duration of storage.
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21
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Petrunkina AM, Harrison RAP. Fluorescence Technologies for Evaluating Male Gamete (Dys)Function. Reprod Domest Anim 2013; 48 Suppl 1:11-24. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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22
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O'Donnell EA, Ernst DN, Hingorani R. Multiparameter flow cytometry: advances in high resolution analysis. Immune Netw 2013; 13:43-54. [PMID: 23700394 PMCID: PMC3659255 DOI: 10.4110/in.2013.13.2.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Revised: 02/20/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past 40 years, flow cytometry has emerged as a leading, application-rich technology that supports high-resolution characterization of individual cells which function in complex cellular networks such as the immune system. This brief overview highlights advances in multiparameter flow cytometric technologies and reagent applications for characterization and functional analysis of cells modulating the immune network. These advances significantly support high-throughput and high-content analyses and enable an integrated understanding of the cellular and molecular interactions that underlie complex biological systems.
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23
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Imrat P, Mahasawangkul S, Gosálvez J, Suthanmapinanth P, Sombutputorn P, Jansittiwate S, Thongtip N, Pinyopummin A, Colenbrander B, Holt WV, Stout TAE. Effect of cooled storage on quality and DNA integrity of Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) spermatozoa. Reprod Fertil Dev 2013; 24:1105-16. [PMID: 22951013 DOI: 10.1071/rd11309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2011] [Accepted: 03/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI) is a potentially useful tool for breeding captive elephants because it facilitates efforts to minimise inbreeding. However, cooled storage of elephant semen markedly reduces fertility. This study compared the effects on semen-quality parameters, including sperm DNA fragmentation, of storing elephant semen at 4°C or 15°C in a commonly-used diluent (TEST) or a diluent developed to protect against sperm DNA damage (BullMax). Storing elephant semen for >24 h in either extender at either temperature resulted in decreases in sperm motility, viability, acrosome integrity and DNA integrity (P < 0.05); the decrease in motility was especially rapid. A subjective impression of circular sperm movement in TEST was confirmed by a higher curvilinear velocity and amplitude of lateral head displacement, but lower straight-line velocity and linearity than in BullMax. Initial percentages of spermatozoa with fragmented DNA (%SDF) did not differ between extenders or temperatures, but the rate of increase in %SDF during a 48-h incubation at 37°C was higher in TEST than in BullMax (P < 0.05). In conclusion, BullMax allows more linear movement and better preserves DNA stability of stored elephant spermatozoa than TEST. Sperm DNA stability during incubation at 37°C is a promising, discriminative parameter for selecting semen storage conditions of bulls for elephant AI.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Imrat
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Equine Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Sutovsky P, Kennedy CE. Biomarker-Based Nanotechnology for the Improvement of Reproductive Performance in Beef and Dairy Cattle. Ind Biotechnol (New Rochelle N Y) 2013. [DOI: 10.1089/ind.2012.0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO
| | - Chelsey E. Kennedy
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO
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25
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Abstract
Flow cytometry allows the assessment of multiple sperm parameters following a diverse number of protocols. Here, we describe three methods for evaluating critical aspects of sperm quality: the double stain SYBR-14 and propidium iodide (PI) for assessing sperm viability; the double stain PNA-FITC (peanut agglutinin-fluorescein isothiocyanate) and PI for assessing acrosomal integrity combined with sperm viability; and JC-1 (5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethyl-benzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide) for assessing mitochondrial membrane potential. These three stains are widely used and can be analyzed with basic flow cytometers.
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26
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Minervini F, Guastamacchia R, Pizzi F, Dell’Aquila ME, Barile VL. Assessment of Different Functional Parameters of Frozen-Thawed Buffalo Spermatozoa by Using Cytofluorimetric Determinations. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 48:317-24. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02152.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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27
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Waberski D, Henning H, Petrunkina AM. Assessment of storage effects in liquid preserved boar semen. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 46 Suppl 2:45-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2011.01836.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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