1
|
Gonzalez-Castro RA, Peña FJ, Herickhoff LA. Spermatozoa cooled to 5°C one day after collection from porcine commercial semen doses retain sperm functionality with reduced bacterial load. Andrology 2024; 12:186-197. [PMID: 37058577 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Commercial porcine semen is stored at 17°C, leading to a reduction of sperm quality and increase of bacterial growth. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of 5°C storage on porcine sperm functionality cooled one day after collection. MATERIALS AND METHODS Semen doses (n = 40) were transported at 17°C and cooled at 5°C one day after collection. Spermatozoa were evaluated at Days 1, 4, and 7 for motility, viability, acrosome integrity, membrane stability, intracellular zinc, oxidative stress, and bacterial growth. RESULTS Contaminated semen doses predominantly exhibited Serratia marcescens, with increasing bacterial load during 17°C storage. Under hypothermal storage, negative doses for bacteria growth at Day 1 remained negative, and bacterial load did not increase in bacterial contaminated samples. Motility was significantly reduced through 17°C storage, but at 5°C, motility was only reduced at Day 4. Samples with bacterial growth (35.0%, 14/40) had significantly reduced motility at 17°C, but motility was unaltered at 5°C. Plasma membrane and acrosome integrity without bacterial contamination were unaffected at 17°C, but were significantly reduced at 5°C on Day 7. Plasma membrane and acrosome integrity significantly decreased with bacterial contamination regardless of temperature. High mitochondrial activity in viable spermatozoa without bacteria was not altered by temperature, but was significantly reduced by bacterial contamination at 17°C. Membrane stability was significantly reduced at Day 4, but tended (p = 0.07) to be higher in samples without bacterial growth. Viable spermatozoa exhibiting high zinc were significantly reduced throughout storage regardless of temperature. Oxidative stress levels were not altered, but significantly increased with bacterial contamination at 17°C. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Porcine spermatozoa cooled to 5°C one day after collection retain functional attributes similar to spermatozoa stored at 17°C, but have a reduced bacterial load. Cooling extended boar semen to 5°C is feasible after transport to avoid modifying semen production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raul A Gonzalez-Castro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc., Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Fernando J Peña
- Department of Animal Medicine, Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gonzalez‐Castro R, Porflidt C, Patton T, Goins D, Herickhoff L. Effect of season, genetic line and temperature during transport on sperm motility of commercial insemination doses of pooled boar semen: a retrospective study. Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57:1363-1374. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.14214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Raul Gonzalez‐Castro
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc, Fort Collins Colorado US
- Colorado State University Department of Biomedical Sciences, Fort Collins Colorado US
| | | | - Toni Patton
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc, Fort Collins Colorado US
| | - Donna Goins
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc, Fort Collins Colorado US
| | - Lisa Herickhoff
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc, Fort Collins Colorado US
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Henning H, Luther AM, Waberski D. A High Incidence of Sperm with Cytoplasmic Droplets Affects the Response to Bicarbonate in Preserved Boar Semen. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092570. [PMID: 34573536 PMCID: PMC8465936 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Retained cytoplasmic droplets (CD) are the most frequent sperm abnormality in boar semen. A high incidence of CD is associated with subfertility, but the underlaying reasons are not well understood. The storage of extended semen might augment the adverse effects of CD on essential steps towards fertilization, such as capacitation. The aim of this study was to examine whether the enhanced presence of CD in boar semen influences sperm's response to the capacitation stimulus bicarbonate during long-term semen storage. Extended semen samples (n = 78) from 13 artificial insemination centers were analyzed using a flow cytometric calcium influx assay. Samples with >15% of CD showed a reduced specific response to bicarbonate and a higher non-specific destabilization after storage for 96 h and subsequent incubation at 38 °C in three variants of Tyrode's medium (p < 0.05). The size of the bicarbonate-responsive sperm population was inversely correlated with the presence of CD-bearing sperm (r = -0.61, p < 0.01). Samples with ≤15% and samples with >15% of CD did not differ in motility or viability and acrosome integrity during semen storage. In conclusion, incomplete epididymal sperm maturation impairs the in vitro capacitation ability and promotes sperm destabilization in stored boar semen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Henning
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine, Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (H.H.); (A.-M.L.)
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 31535 Neustadt am Rübenberge, Germany
| | - Anne-Marie Luther
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine, Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (H.H.); (A.-M.L.)
| | - Dagmar Waberski
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine, Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (H.H.); (A.-M.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-511-953-8524
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Henning HHW, Batz-Schott J, Grünther B, Le Thi X, Waberski D. Fluorescent labelling of boar spermatozoa for quantitative studies on competitive sperm-oviduct binding. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 31:1520-1532. [PMID: 31072452 DOI: 10.1071/rd19081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Invitro sperm-oviduct binding assays enable assessment of the capacity of spermatozoa to form a 'reservoir' in the oviduct. Competitive approaches, such as experimental set-ups that test multiple males or semen samples simultaneously on the same tissue explants, are desirable because they reduce the likelihood of bias when using material from different females. Therefore, we established a fluorescent labelling technique that allows tagging and storage of spermatozoa before competitive studies of sperm-oviduct binding invitro. Fluorescent markers were tested for reliability and compatibility with parameters of boar spermatozoa viability. The addition of seminal plasma after density gradient centrifugation was essential to counteract centrifugation stress during the labelling procedure. It was demonstrated that sperm tagged with MitoTracker Green FM or MitoTracker Red FM can be successfully used in competitive sperm-oviduct binding studies. The assay was sensitive enough to indicate subtle effects of semen storage temperature on the ability of the spermatozoa to contribute to the female sperm reservoir.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heiko H W Henning
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine, Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine, Bünteweg 15, 30559 Hannover, Germany; and Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584CM Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Julia Batz-Schott
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine, Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine, Bünteweg 15, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Benita Grünther
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine, Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine, Bünteweg 15, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Xuyen Le Thi
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine, Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine, Bünteweg 15, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Dagmar Waberski
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine, Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine, Bünteweg 15, 30559 Hannover, Germany; and Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Determination of a cooling-rate frame for antibiotic-free preservation of boar semen at 5°C. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234339. [PMID: 32516324 PMCID: PMC7282664 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypothermic storage of boar semen provides the possibility to omit antibiotics from semen extenders so long as sperm quality is maintained and bacterial growth prevented. The objective of this study was to determine an optimal cooling-rate frame for boar semen preserved at 5°C in an antibiotic-free extender. Semen from eight boars extended in AndroStar® Premium was cooled from 30°C to 5°C using seven different cooling rates, ranging initially from 0.01 to 0.36°C min–1 and reaching 5°C between 2 h and 24 h after dilution. Sperm motility, membrane integrity, membrane fluidity, mitochondrial membrane potential and the response to the capacitation stimulus bicarbonate remained at a high level for 144 h at 5°C when the semen was initially cooled in a cooling-rate frame ranging from 0.01 to 0.09°C min‑1 in the temperature zone from 30 to 25°C, followed by 0.02 to 0.06°C min–1 to 10°C and 0.01 to 0.02°C min‑1 to the final storage temperature. A cooling rate of 0.07°C min–1 in the temperature zone from 30 to 10°C led to a reduced response to bicarbonate (P < 0.01) and fast cooling to 5°C within 1 h with a cooling rate of 0.31°C min–1 resulted in lower values (P > 0.05) of all sperm parameters. In a further experiment, slow cooling with a holding time of 6 h at 22°C induced after 6 h storage a temporary increase in Escherichia coli of 0.5 × 103 to 2.4 × 103 CFU mL–1 in the sperm-free inoculated extender. Overall, the load of mesophilic bacteria in the stored semen was below 6 × 103 CFU mL–1, a level that is not regarded as critical for sperm quality. In conclusion, appropriate cooling protocols were established for the antibiotic-free storage of boar semen at 5°C, allowing the application of hypothermic preservation in research and in artificial insemination.
Collapse
|
7
|
Premrov Bajuk B, Zrimšek P, Zakošek Pipan M, Tilocca B, Soggiu A, Bonizzi L, Roncada P. Proteomic Analysis of Fresh and Liquid-Stored Boar Spermatozoa. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10040553. [PMID: 32224901 PMCID: PMC7222389 DOI: 10.3390/ani10040553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study comparative proteomics was used to define changes in the expression of the spermatozoa proteins during liquid storage. Semen from eight boars was analyzed on the day of collection and after liquid preservation at 15-17 °C for three days. Sperm parameters (concentration, motility, morphology, vitality) and percentage of non-capacitated and acrosomal-reacted spermatozoa were determined. Sperm proteins were extracted and separated by two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and proteomic profiles were computationally compared to highlight differentially expressed protein spots that were, in turn, identified by mass spectrometry. The intensities of four spots were significantly different between fresh and liquid stored sperm. Namely: ATP citrate lyase, chaperonin containing T-complex polypeptide 1 (TCP1) subunit ε and probable phospholipid-transporting ATP-ase were over-expressed in liquid stored sperm, whereas cytosolic non-specific dipeptidase was over-expressed in fresh sperm. These differentially expressed proteins could be used as plausible biomarkers for the evaluation of boar semen quality and spermatozoa survival after liquid storage and could help to address problems associated with sperm preservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blanka Premrov Bajuk
- Institute of Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +386-14779139
| | - Petra Zrimšek
- Institute of Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Maja Zakošek Pipan
- Clinic for Reproduction and Large Animals, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Bruno Tilocca
- Department of Health Sciences, University ‘Magna Græcia´of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (B.T.); (P.R.)
| | - Alessio Soggiu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell‘Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy;
| | - Luigi Bonizzi
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via della Commenda 10, 20122 Milano, Italy;
| | - Paola Roncada
- Department of Health Sciences, University ‘Magna Græcia´of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (B.T.); (P.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Waberski D, Luther AM, Grünther B, Jäkel H, Henning H, Vogel C, Peralta W, Weitze KF. Sperm function in vitro and fertility after antibiotic-free, hypothermic storage of liquid preserved boar semen. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14748. [PMID: 31611589 PMCID: PMC6791940 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51319-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of antibiotics (AB) in semen extenders as a potential contribution to the global antimicrobial resistance threat is emerging. Here, we establish an AB-free hypothermic preservation strategy for boar semen and investigate its impact on sperm function, microbial load and fertility after artificial insemination (AI). Spermatozoa (12 boars) preserved in AB-free AndroStar Premium extender at 5 °C maintained high motility, membrane integrity, and a low DNA-fragmentation index throughout 72 h storage and results did not significantly differ from controls stored at 17 °C in extender containing AB (p = 0.072). Likewise, kinetic response of spermatoza to the capacitation stimulus bicarbonate during 180 min incubation in Tyrode's medium did not differ from 17 °C-controls. In a competitive sperm oviduct binding assay, binding indices did not differ between semen stored for 72 h AB-free at 5 °C and 17 °C-controls (n = 6 boars). Bacterial load < 103 CFU/ml after 72 h was measured in 88.9% of samples stored at 5 °C AB-free compared to 97.2% in 17 °C-controls (n = 36 semen pools, 23 boars). Fertility traits of 817 females did not differ significantly between the two semen groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, a hypothermic semen preservation strategy is presented which offers antibiotic-free storage of boar semen doses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dagmar Waberski
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 15, D-30559, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Anne-Marie Luther
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 15, D-30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Benita Grünther
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 15, D-30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Helen Jäkel
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 15, D-30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Heiko Henning
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 15, D-30559, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte Vogel
- Institute for Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing (IBEI), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 2, D-30559, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Karl Fritz Weitze
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 15, D-30559, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Luther AM, Waberski D. In vitro aging of boar spermatozoa: role of sperm proximity and seminal plasma. Andrology 2019; 7:382-390. [PMID: 30793513 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge on the effect of seminal plasma on sperm function in extended semen during in vitro storage is lacking. OBJECTIVES The aim was to examine the interactive role of sperm concentration and seminal plasma concentration on boar sperm function during in vitro aging. MATERIAL AND METHODS Experiment 1: Twenty-one boar ejaculates were aliquoted with Beltsville Thawing Solution into five semen doses containing between 32.5 and 8.5 × 106 sperm/mL. Experiment 2: Semen samples (n = 8) containing 18 × 106 or 10 × 106 sperm/mL with their natural amount of seminal plasma and 10 × 106 sperm/mL substituted with autologous seminal plasma to the same concentration as in doses with 18 × 106 sperm/mL were prepared. Experiment 3: Four variants of semen doses containing 18 × 106 or 10 × 106 sperm/mL with either 10% or 0.5% (v/v) seminal plasma were used. Lipid peroxidation was assessed using Bodipy 581/591 in samples (n = 8) with two different sperm concentrations. Semen was examined during 144-h storage at 17 °C by computer-assisted semen analysis and flow cytometry. RESULTS Experiment 1: 3D kinematic patterns revealed a concentration- and time-dependent loss of sperm kinematics in samples with < 23 × 106 sperm/mL (p < 0.05). Percent viable spermatozoa with high mitochondria membrane potential were lower (p < 0.05) in samples with < 15 × 106 sperm/mL. Experiment 2: Seminal plasma supplementation in samples with 10 × 106 sperm/mL did not restore the loss of sperm kinematics (p > 0.05). Experiment 3: At 144 h, motility was lowest in samples containing 10 × 106 sperm/mL and 10% (v/v) seminal plasma (p < 0.05). Sperm lipid peroxidation did not differ between samples with different sperm concentration. CONCLUSION Long-term exposure to seminal plasma has a negative impact on in vitro-aged boar spermatozoa. Reduced sperm-to-sperm proximity but not the reduction of seminal plasma limits sperm function in long-term stored boar semen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A-M Luther
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - D Waberski
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Luther A, Le Thi X, Schäfer J, Schulze M, Waberski D. Irradiation of semen doses with LED-based red light in a photo chamber does not improve in vitro quality of thermically stressed boar spermatozoa. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53:1016-1019. [PMID: 29604142 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Recent reports indicate that stimulation of liquid-stored boar semen with red LED-based light improves sperm quality and reproductive performance in sow herds. So far, in vitro data after LED stimulation of whole semen doses are lacking. In this study, the effect of LED light exposure on the in vitro quality of boar spermatozoa after storage and thermic incubation was examined. Boar semen doses were stored at 17°C (n = 10) or 5°C (n = 6) in Beltsville Thawing Solution extender and then exposed to red LED light using a commercial photo chamber. During a subsequent long-term incubation at 38°C, neither sperm kinematic parameters nor mitochondria function or membrane integrity differed between control and treated samples (p > .05). It is concluded that stimulation of semen doses in the LED-photo chamber does not improve quality of thermically stressed boar sperm in vitro. Other than the sperm traits tested here might be involved in the previously reported improvement of in vivo fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Luther
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - X Le Thi
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - J Schäfer
- Institute for the Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow Inc., Bernau, Germany
| | - M Schulze
- Institute for the Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow Inc., Bernau, Germany
| | - D Waberski
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Martin-Hidalgo D, Gil MC, Hurtado de Llera A, Perez CJ, Bragado MJ, Garcia-Marin LJ. Boar sperm hyperactivated motility is induced by temperature via an intracellular calcium-dependent pathway. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 30:1462-1471. [DOI: 10.1071/rd17549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Herein we describe a new protocol to induce boar sperm hypermotility: temperature-induced hypermotility (TIH). Briefly, spermatozoa stored at 17°C in a calcium-free Tyrode’s basal medium (containing EGTA) were exposed to increased temperature by incubation at 38.5°C. Hypermotility induced by the calcium ionophore A23187 was used as a control (calcium ionophore-induced hyperactivity (CIIH)). The increase in temperature led to an increase in the percentage of hypermotile spermatozoa. When the slope of the temperature increase is near zero, sperm hyperactivity becomes a more progressive movement. Motility parameters of sperm hyperactivation induced by TIH were different from those following CIIH. Cluster analysis revealed that these two populations of hyperactivated spermatozoa are different. TIH is independent of extracellular Ca2+ but dependent on intracellular Ca2+ release. Moreover, TIH is unaffected by protein kinase A (PKA) inhibition, whereas CIIH is reduced by half in the presence of a PKA inhibitor. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that: (1) a temperature increase in boar spermatozoa is a stimulus that can induce a hyperactive population, which is differs from the hyperactive sperm population induced by calcium ionophore; (2) the temperature increase in spermatozoa triggers the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores; (3) extracellular calcium is not required for TIH; and (4) TIH in boar spermatozoa is independent of PKA activity.
Collapse
|
12
|
Impact of different dilution techniques on boar sperm quality and sperm distribution of the extended ejaculate. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 182:138-145. [PMID: 28576677 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The dilution of ejaculates is a fundamental step for the production of liquid-preserved boar semen. For a long time, it has been recommended to add the extender to the ejaculate. The aim of the present study was to first compare the effect of the position ('center' vs. 'wall') where the extender is added to the semen-mixing cylinder (height 32.5cm; diameter 12.7cm) using an automatic dispenser (n=11). In experiment 2 (n=30), we analyzed the two main dilution methods (extender to the semen ('control') vs. 'reverse'). Experiment 3 was carried out to study the dilution effect on kinematics. In Experiments 1 and 2, the sperm distribution 10min after the dilution and the sperm quality parameters during long-term storage (d1, d3, d5, and d7) were evaluated. In Experiment 3, sperm quality was assessed during short-term storage at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 60min after semen dilution ('control' vs. 'reverse'; n=6). There were no significant differences (P>0.05) between the treatments in the specific response to bicarbonate, mitochondrial activity, membrane status, thermo-resistance or sperm motility immediately after dilution or long-term storage. The sperm distribution was significantly (P=0.029) affected by the dilution method in Experiment 2. In summary, treatment with the extender first, which is used by only a few European boar studs, leads to comparable results in sperm quality during storage and better results in sperm distribution after dilution. This procedure is also less time consuming, less foam formation occurs during the semen dilution and the procedure is more hygienic.
Collapse
|
13
|
Kradolfer D, Flöter VL, Bick JT, Fürst RW, Rode K, Brehm R, Henning H, Waberski D, Bauersachs S, Ulbrich SE. Epigenetic effects of prenatal estradiol-17β exposure on the reproductive system of pigs. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 430:125-37. [PMID: 27062901 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Revised: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
There is growing evidence that early life exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals might increase the risk for certain adult onset diseases, in particular reproductive health problems and hormone dependent cancers. Studies in rodents suggest that perinatal exposure to even low doses of estrogenic substances can cause adverse effects, including epigenetic reprogramming of the prostate and increased formation of precancerous lesions. We analyzed the effects of an in utero exposure to the strongest natural estrogen, estradiol-17β, in a pig model. Two different low and one high dose of estradiol-17β (0.05, 10 and 1000 μg/kg body weight/day) were orally applied to gilts during pregnancy and potential effects on the reproductive system of the offspring were analyzed. No significant effects on sperm vitality parameters and testes size were observed in adult boars. However, prenatal exposure to the high dose decreased absolute, but not relative weight of the testes in prepubertal piglets. RNA sequencing revealed significantly regulated genes of the prepubertal prostate, while testes and uteri were not affected. Notably, we found an increased prostate expression of CCDC80 and a decreased ADH1C expression in the low dose treatment groups. BGN and SPARC, two genes associated with prostate tumor progression, were as well more abundant in exposed animals. Strikingly, the gene body DNA methylation level of BGN was accordingly increased in the high dose group. Thus, while only prenatal exposure to a high dose of estrogen altered testes development and local DNA methylation of the prostate, even low dose exposure had significant effects on gene expression in the prostate of prepubertal piglet offspring. The relevance of these distinct, but subtle transcriptional changes following low dose treatment lacking a clear phenotype calls for further long-term investigations. An epigenetic reprogramming of the pig prostate due to prenatal estrogen cannot be neglected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Kradolfer
- ETH Zurich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Veronika L Flöter
- Technische Universität München, Physiology Weihenstephan, Freising, Germany
| | - Jochen T Bick
- ETH Zurich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rainer W Fürst
- Technische Universität München, Physiology Weihenstephan, Freising, Germany
| | - Kristina Rode
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Institute of Anatomy, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ralph Brehm
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Institute of Anatomy, Hannover, Germany
| | - Heiko Henning
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Unit for Reproductive Medicine, Hannover, Germany; Utrecht University, Dep. of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Vet. Med., Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dagmar Waberski
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Unit for Reproductive Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefan Bauersachs
- ETH Zurich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Susanne E Ulbrich
- ETH Zurich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland; Technische Universität München, Physiology Weihenstephan, Freising, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Henning H, Ngo TT, Waberski D. Centrifugation stress reduces the responsiveness of spermatozoa to a capacitation stimulus in in vitro-aged semen. Andrology 2015; 3:834-42. [PMID: 26226856 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Density gradient centrifugation of semen is commonly used in many assisted reproduction techniques. Although gradients have the potential to isolate and enrich motile and viable spermatozoa, the centrifugation force presents a stress factor to cell organelles and membranes. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of density gradient centrifugation stress on sperm capacitation dynamics, cell stability and the ability of spermatozoa to specifically respond to bicarbonate in extended semen undergoing in vitro ageing. Extended boar semen (n = 7) was stored for 12, 24, 72 and 120 h respectively at 17 °C before centrifugation and incubation in variations of an in vitro capacitation medium. The number of viable, acrosome intact sperm and motility parameters as assessed by computer-assisted semen analysis did not change during storage. Kinetic changes in viability (plasma membrane integrity) and intracellular calcium levels (calcium influx) during in vitro capacitation were assessed after preparation of semen samples with both, a Percoll and a sucrose gradient centrifugation, either only Percoll, only sucrose centrifugation or no centrifugation. Changes in the viable sperm population that could be specifically attributed as a response to either bicarbonate or calcium were determined. In in vitro-aged (>12 h stored) spermatozoa, centrifugation reduced the proportion of spermatozoa which specifically responded to the capacitating stimulus bicarbonate. Concomitantly, centrifugation increased the proportion of spermatozoa responding to calcium in absence of bicarbonate, thus indicating an increased sensitivity to incubation per se. Absence of centrifugation steps during semen preparation, revealed a highly conserved ability of in vitro-aged spermatozoa to specifically respond to bicarbonate. In conclusion, density gradient centrifugation alters the physiological property of spermatozoa for controlled capacitation, which may influence the success rates of centrifuged semen in assisted reproductive technologies and confound interpretation of capacitation assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Henning
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University for Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - T T Ngo
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University for Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - D Waberski
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University for Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Preovulatory binding of viable spermatozoa in the oviduct isthmus is widely accepted as a preliminary to fertilization, but details of physiological events associated with epithelial binding and release from binding are themselves little understood. Important questions include the potential number, distribution and stability of such sites in the caudal isthmus, whether multiple molecular forms of binding exist within a single-mated individual, and whether some sites are more favourable than others for the maintenance of preovulatory sperm viability. Also to be resolved is whether spermatozoa interact with the first available binding sites in the isthmus, whether spermatozoa from second or subsequent matings bind closer to the site of fertilization, and whether the first spermatozoa entering the oviduct are those that will be released first with impending ovulation. Ideally, future research needs to focus on a fertilizing spermatozoon monitored in vivo and not on spermatozoa destined to remain on or in the zona pellucida or in the lower reaches of the oviduct.
Collapse
|
16
|
Casas I, Miller-Lux Y, Osborne B, Bonet S, Althouse GC. Testing an egg yolk supplemented diet on boars to aid in sperm adaptation at 5°C. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2015; 61:253-62. [DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2015.1040137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
|
17
|
Pinart E, Yeste M, Prieto-Martínez N, Reixach J, Bonet S. Sperm quality and fertility of boar seminal doses after 2 days of storage: does the type of extender really matter? Theriogenology 2015; 83:1428-37. [PMID: 25796288 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Revised: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The present approach was designed to evaluate the extender effects on sperm quality and fertility of short-term refrigerated seminal doses from Landrace boars lodged in husbandry-controlled conditions. For this purpose, we analyzed the sperm quality of seminal doses diluted in short-term (Beltsville Thawing Solution) and extra-long-term (Duragen) extenders from Days 0 to 2 of storage at 17 °C during an 8-month period. Pregnancy rates and litter size were evaluated from double inseminations within an interval of 12 hours (36 and 48 hours of refrigeration) of multiparous females using seminal doses diluted in each extender type. Sperm quality was assessed from the analyses of sperm motility and kinetics, sperm viability, expressed as plasma and acrosome membrane integrity, membrane lipid disorder, intracellular calcium levels, and acrosin activity. Results indicated significant differences between the extenders in the sperm quality of seminal doses. Therefore, the seminal doses diluted in Duragen had higher percentages of progressive motile spermatozoa and membrane-intact spermatozoa than those diluted in Beltsville Thawing Solution throughout all the experimental months. Nevertheless, despite these differences in preserving the sperm quality, pregnancy rates (>90%) and litter sizes (>10 piglets born per litter) were similar between the extenders. Our results had great relevance from a practical point of view because they reported lack of an extender effect on the reproductive performance of seminal doses during short-tem storage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Pinart
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.
| | - Marc Yeste
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Noelia Prieto-Martínez
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Josep Reixach
- Department of Research, Selección Batallé SA, Girona, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wysokińska A, Kondracki S. Assessment of changes in sperm cell membrane integrity occurring during the storage of semen from genetically different males using two diagnostic methods. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2014. [DOI: 10.4141/cjas2013-095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Wysokińska, A. and Kondracki, S. 2014. Assessment of changes in sperm cell membrane integrity occurring during the storage of semen from genetically different males using two diagnostic methods. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 601–606. The present study was carried out to assess changes in sperm cell membrane integrity occurring during the storage of semen collected from genetically different domestic male pigs. The study was aimed at assessing differences in the course of changes in the integrity of cell membranes in spermatozoa produced by males with different degrees of genetic diversity (pure-bred males, two-breed hybrids and multi-breed crosses) and testing the usefulness of two methods of sperm cell membrane integrity evaluation, based on material collected from genetically different males. The experiments were conducted on 56 ejaculates collected from 28 domestic male pigs. The examination of sperm cell membrane integrity was performed three times for each ejaculate, i.e., after 1 h, after 24 h and after 48 h from collection. The preparations for analysing cell membrane integrity were made using two methods: the SYBR 14/PI method and the eosin–nigrosin method. It was found that both SYBR 14/PI and eosin–nigrosin staining methods make it possible to successfully assess the integrity of the plasma membrane of domestic pig sperm cells under in vitro conditions. Hybrid pig spermatozoa, especially those from multi-breed crosses, better retain the integrity of their plasmalemmas than the spermatozoa of pure-bred boars. The ejaculates of Hypor cross-breed boars assessed after 1, 24 and 48 h of storage contain more spermatozoa with intact cell membranes than the ejaculates of pure-bred Duroc and Pietrain boars. The ejaculates of Hypor boars also show fewer decaying spermatozoa than those produced by pure-bred boars.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wysokińska
- Institute of Bioengineering and Animal Breeding, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Prusa 14, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland
| | - Stanislaw Kondracki
- Institute of Bioengineering and Animal Breeding, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Prusa 14, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Impact of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) vaccination on boar semen quality and quantity using two different vaccines. Theriogenology 2014; 82:574-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
|
20
|
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.
Collapse
|
21
|
Schulze M, Henning H, Rüdiger K, Wallner U, Waberski D. Temperature management during semen processing: Impact on boar sperm quality under laboratory and field conditions. Theriogenology 2013; 80:990-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Revised: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
22
|
Schmid S, Henning H, Petrunkina AM, Weitze KF, Waberski D. Response to capacitating stimuli indicates extender-related differences in boar sperm function12. J Anim Sci 2013; 91:5018-25. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2013-6287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S. Schmid
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine, Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - H. Henning
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine, Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - A. M. Petrunkina
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Box 157, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics, Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - K. F. Weitze
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine, Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - D. Waberski
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine, Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
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]
|
24
|
Fernández-Gago R, Domínguez JC, Martínez-Pastor F. Seminal plasma applied post-thawing affects boar sperm physiology: a flow cytometry study. Theriogenology 2013; 80:400-10. [PMID: 23756043 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2013] [Revised: 04/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cryopreservation induces extensive biophysical and biochemical changes in the sperm. In the present study, we used flow cytometry to assess the capacitation-like status of frozen-thawed boar spermatozoa and its relationship with intracellular calcium, assessment of membrane fluidity, modification of thiol groups in plasma membrane proteins, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, viability, acrosomal status, and mitochondrial activity. This experiment was performed to verify the effect of adding seminal plasma on post-thaw sperm functions. To determine these effects after cryopreservation, frozen-thawed semen from seven boars was examined after supplementation with different concentrations of pooled seminal plasma (0%, 10%, and 50%) at various times of incubation from 0 to 4 hours. Incubation caused a decrease in membrane integrity and an increase in acrosomal damage, with small changes in other parameters (P > 0.05). Although 10% seminal plasma showed few differences with 0% (ROS increase at 4 hours, P < 0.05), 50% seminal plasma caused important changes. Membrane fluidity increased considerably from the beginning of the experiment, and ROS and free thiols in the cell surface increased by 2 hours of incubation. By the end of the experiment, viability decreased and acrosomal damage increased in the 50% seminal plasma samples. The addition of 50% of seminal plasma seems to modify the physiology of thawed boar spermatozoa, possibly through membrane changes and ROS increase. Although some effects were detrimental, the stimulatory effect of 50% seminal plasma could favor the performance of post-thawed boar semen, as showed in the field (García JC, Domínguez JC, Peña FJ, Alegre B, Gonzalez R, Castro MJ, Habing GG, Kirkwood RN. Thawing boar semen in the presence of seminal plasma: effects on sperm quality and fertility. Anim Reprod Sci 2010;119:160-5).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Fernández-Gago
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Schmid S, Henning H, Oldenhof H, Wolkers WF, Petrunkina AM, Waberski D. The specific response to capacitating stimuli is a sensitive indicator of chilling injury in hypothermically stored boar spermatozoa. Andrology 2013; 1:376-86. [PMID: 23427145 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2013.00045.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2012] [Revised: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Boar spermatozoa are sensitive to storage temperatures below 15 °C. Chilling injury causes loss of motility and membrane integrity in a minority of cells, whereas the main population displays sublethal changes compromising fertility. In this study, changes of the response to capacitation conditions in hypothermically stored boar spermatozoa have been examined using a kinetic approach with well-defined test and control media. Ejaculates of seven boars were diluted in Beltsville Thawing Solution kept for 3 h at 22 °C or cooled to 17, 10 and 5 °C and stored for 24 and 96 h. At each time point, the standard sperm parameters motility and membrane integrity were evaluated. Subsequently, washed subsamples were incubated in capacitating and control medium before flow cytometric analysis of intracellular calcium content using the Fluo-3 probe and changes in phospholipid disorder using merocyanine. Kinetic changes of response parameters were monitored in viable (plasma membrane intact) cells. Chilling led to a loss of standard sperm quality traits in a minor subpopulation of cells, whereas storage length had no effect on these parameters. However, responses to incubation as determined by the loss of live cells with low intracellular calcium content showed marked changes in relation to storage conditions. The specific responsiveness to capacitation conditions decreased in close relation to storage temperature and length. In contrast, the merocyanine probe revealed to be limited to detect effects of hypothermic storage. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, no influence of chilling on membrane phase behaviour was found that might implicate decreased sperm function. In conclusion, assessment of response to capacitating media by monitoring intracellular calcium levels provides a sensitive measure for chilling injury in extended boar semen, and therefore, deserves implementation in hypothermic storage tests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Schmid
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics, Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, D-30559 Hannover, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|