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Harmon ER, Liu Y, Shamkhalichenar H, Browning V, Savage M, Tiersch TR, Monroe WT. An Open-Hardware Insemination Device for Small-Bodied Live-Bearing Fishes to Support Development and Use of Germplasm Repositories. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:961. [PMID: 35454209 PMCID: PMC9032428 DOI: 10.3390/ani12080961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Small-bodied live-bearing fishes attract broad attention because of their importance in biomedical research and critical conservation status in natural habitats. Artificial insemination is an essential process to establish hybrid lines and for the operation of sperm repositories. The existing mouth-pipetting technique for artificial insemination of live-bearing fishes has not been substantially upgraded since the first implementation in the 1950s. The goal of this work was to develop a standardized artificial inseminator device (SAID) to address issues routinely encountered in insemination by mouth-pipetting, including lack of reproducibility among different users, difficulty in training, and large unreportable variation in sample volume and pressure during insemination. Prototypes of the SAID were designed as relatively inexpensive ( 0.99) between the piston position and volume. Pressure generation from eight mouth-pipetting operators and SAID prototypes were assessed by pressure sensors. The pressure control by SAID was superior to that produced by mouth-pipetting, yielding lower pressures (31−483 Pa) and smaller variations (standard deviation <11 Pa). These pressures were sufficient to deliver 1−5 μL of fluid into female reproductive tracts yet low enough to avoid physical injury to fish. Community-level enhancements of the SAID prototype could enable standardized insemination with minimal training and facilitate the participation of research communities in the use of cryopreserved genetic resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise R. Harmon
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA; (E.R.H.); (Y.L.); (V.B.)
- Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70820, USA; (H.S.); (T.R.T.)
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA; (E.R.H.); (Y.L.); (V.B.)
- Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70820, USA; (H.S.); (T.R.T.)
| | - Hamed Shamkhalichenar
- Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70820, USA; (H.S.); (T.R.T.)
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Valentino Browning
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA; (E.R.H.); (Y.L.); (V.B.)
| | - Markita Savage
- The Xiphophorus Genetic Stock Center, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA;
| | - Terrence R. Tiersch
- Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70820, USA; (H.S.); (T.R.T.)
| | - William Todd Monroe
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA; (E.R.H.); (Y.L.); (V.B.)
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Liu Y, Eskridge M, Guitreau A, Beckham J, Chesnut M, Torres L, Tiersch TR, Monroe WT. Development of an open hardware 3-D printed conveyor device for continuous cryopreservation of non-batched samples. AQUACULTURAL ENGINEERING 2021; 95:102202. [PMID: 37736500 PMCID: PMC10512692 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquaeng.2021.102202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
A great challenge among communities participating in germplasm repository development is to obtain suitable cryopreservation equipment and devices. Commercial programmable freezers are costly and thus unaffordable to many users. Self-made devices have substantial variability among users, resulting in few opportunities for standardization across communities. The development of open hardware with the increasing accessibility of three-dimensional (3-D) printing offers rapid prototyping and easy fabrication of devices by users around the world at low cost. The present study explored the feasibility of developing operational prototypes of 3-D printed motorized cryopreservation devices for continuous freezing of non-batched samples. A controlled cooling conveyor device (CCCD) was designed and fabricated to cryopreserve sperm samples in straws that were loaded onto chain links suspended over liquid nitrogen held in a Styrofoam box. Cooling rates of 5 to 34 °C/min for 0.5-ml French straws were produced by adjusting the height of conveyor chains, slopes, and liquid nitrogen mass. The plunge temperature (-47 °C to -61 °C) was controlled by adjustment of conveyor speed. The cooling curves from the CCCD were comparable to a commercial programmable freezer. There were no significant differences in post-thaw motility of sperm from ornamental (Koi) common carp (Cyprinus carpio) among samples frozen with the CCCD and those frozen with a commercial programmable freezer. The post-thaw sperm motility was consistent among samples frozen in the CCCD across a 15-min time span. The CCCD prototypes in the present study proved to be feasible and functional as low-cost, customizable, portable, and yet standardizable options for freezing of individual (non-batched) samples. Additional design alternatives are proposed to facilitate further adaptation and development by diverse user communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University and LSU Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
- Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, 70820, USA
| | - Melissa Eskridge
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University and LSU Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Amy Guitreau
- Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, 70820, USA
| | - Jacob Beckham
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University and LSU Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Megan Chesnut
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University and LSU Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Leticia Torres
- Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, 70820, USA
| | - Terrence R Tiersch
- Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, 70820, USA
| | - William Todd Monroe
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University and LSU Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
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Liu Y, Cheng H, Tiersch TR. The role of alkalinization-induced Ca2+ influx in sperm motility activation of a viviparous fish Redtail Splitfin (Xenotoca eiseni). Biol Reprod 2019; 99:1159-1170. [PMID: 29982498 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms regulating sperm motility activation are generally known in oviparous fishes, but are poorly understood in viviparous species. The mechanism of osmotic-shock induced signaling for oviparous fishes is not suitable for viviparous fishes which activate sperm motility within an isotonic environment. In addition, the presence of sperm bundles in viviparous fishes further complicates study of sperm activation mechanisms. The goal of this study was to establish methodologies to detect intracellular Ca2+ signals from sperm cells within bundles, and to investigate the signaling mechanism of sperm activation of viviparous fish using Redtail Splitfin (Xenotoca eiseni) as a model. Motility was assessed by classification of bundle dissociation and computer-assisted sperm analysis, and intracellular Ca2+ was assessed using the fluorescent probe Fura-2 AM. Bundle dissociation and sperm motility increased with extracellular Ca2+ and pH levels. Intracellular Ca2+ signals were detected from sperm within bundles, and increased significantly with extracellular Ca2+ and pH levels. Major channel blockers known to inhibit Ca2+ influx (NiCl2, ruthenium red, GdCl3, SKF-96365, nimodipine, verapamil, methoxyverapamil, mibefradil, NNC 55-0396, ω-Conotoxin MVIIC, bepridil, and 2-APB) failed to inhibit Ca2+ influx, except for CdCl2, which partially inhibited the influx. We propose a novel mechanism for motility regulation of fish sperm: an alkaline environment in the female reproductive tract opens Ca2+ channels in the sperm plasma membrane without osmotic shock, and the Ca2+ influx functions as a second messenger to activate motor proteins controlling flagella movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Henrique Cheng
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Terrence R Tiersch
- Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
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Liu Y, Blackburn H, Taylor SS, Tiersch TR. Development of germplasm repositories to assist conservation of endangered fishes: Examples from small-bodied livebearing fishes. Theriogenology 2019; 135:138-151. [PMID: 31220687 PMCID: PMC6612591 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Germplasm repositories are a necessary tool for comprehensive conservation programs to fully preserve valuable genetic resources of imperiled animals. Cryopreserved germplasm can be used in the future to produce live young for integration into other conservation projects, such as habitat restoration, captive breeding, and translocations; thus compensating for genetic losses or negative changes that would otherwise be permanent. Although hundreds of cryopreservation protocols for various aquatic species have been published, there are great difficulties in moving such research forward into applied conservation projects. Successful freezing of sperm in laboratories for research does not guarantee successful management and incorporation of genetic resources into conservation programs in reality. The goal of the present review is to provide insights and practical strategies to apply germplasm repositories as a real-world tool to assist conservation of imperiled aquatic species. Live-bearing (viviparous) fishes are used as models herein to help explain concepts because they are good examples for aquatic species in general, especially small-bodied fishes. Small live-bearing fishes are among the most at-risk fish groups in the world, and need urgent conservation attention. However, development of germplasm repositories for small live-bearing fishes is challenged by their unusual reproductive characteristics, such as formation of sperm bundles, initiation of spermatozoa motility in an isotonic environment, internal fertilization and gestation, and the bearing of live young. The development of germplasm repositories for goodeids and Xiphophorus species can provide examples for addressing these challenges. Germplasm repositories must contain multiple basic components, including frozen samples, genetic assessment and information systems. Standardization and process generalization are important strategies to help develop reliable and efficient repositories. An ideal conservation or recovery program for imperiled species should include a comprehensive approach, that combines major concerns such as habitat (by restoration projects), population propagation and maintenance (by captive breeding or translocation projects), and preservation of genetic diversity (by repository projects). In this context, strong collaboration among different sectors and people with different expertise is a key to the success of such comprehensive programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Harvey Blackburn
- National Animal Germplasm Program, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Sabrina S Taylor
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Terrence R Tiersch
- Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
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Uribe MC, Grier HJ, Parenti LR. Testicular structure and spermatogenesis of the oviparous goodeids Crenichthys baileyi (Gilbert, 1893) and Empetrichthys latos Miller, 1948 (Teleostei, Cyprinodontiformes). J Morphol 2018; 279:1787-1797. [PMID: 30478905 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The cyprinodontiform family Goodeidae comprises some 51 species, including subspecies, of freshwater fishes all of which are at risk or are extinct in the wild. It is classified in two allopatric subfamilies: the Goodeinae, endemic to the Mexican Plateau, and the Empetrichthyinae, known only from relict taxa in Nevada and southern California. The 41 species of goodeins are all viviparous and share a set of well-documented reproductive characters. In contrast, the recent species or subspecies of empetrichthyins are all oviparous and relatively poorly known, yet of critical interest in understanding the evolution of livebearing in the family. We previously described ovarian structure and oogenesis in empetrichthyins using archival museum specimens of females and here extend that study to males. Testicular characters of two species of empetrichthyins, Crenichthys baileyi, and Empetrichthys latos, are studied and compared directly with those of one species of viviparous goodeid, Ataeniobius toweri. The testis is a restricted spermatogonial type in both the Empetrichthyinae and the Goodeinae: spermatogonia are found solely at the distal termini of lobules, a diagnostic character of atherinomorph fishes. Morphology of the differentiation of germinal cells during spermatogenesis is similar in both subfamilies. In the oviparous C. baileyi and E. latos spermatozoa are free in the deferent ducts. In contrast, the spermatozoa of viviparous goodeids are organized into numerous bundles called spermatozeugmata, a characteristic of most fishes that practice internal fertilization. Differences between the goodeid subfamilies are interpreted relative to the oviparous versus viviparous modes of reproduction. Archival museum specimens are a reliable source of data on reproductive morphology, including histology, and may be the only specimens available of rare or extinct taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Carmen Uribe
- Facultad de Ciencias, Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción Animal, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510 México, D.F., Mexico
| | - Harry J Grier
- Division of Fishes, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 159, District of Columbia.,Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, 100 8th Avenue SE, St. Petersburg Florida
| | - Lynne R Parenti
- Division of Fishes, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 159, District of Columbia
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Liu Y, Grier HJ, Tiersch TR. Production of live young with cryopreserved sperm from the endangered livebearing fish Redtail Splitfin (Xenotoca eiseni, Rutter, 1896). Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 196:77-90. [PMID: 30006086 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies of sperm cryopreservation of livebearing fish have been limited to two genera within the family Poeciliidae. The goal of the present study was to investigate the feasibility to produce live young of livebearing goodeids (family Goodeidae) with cryopreserved sperm, using aquarium-trade populations of the endangered species Redtail Splitfin (Xenotoca eiseni, Rutter, 1896). Reproductive condition of females was evaluated by histological categorization of ovarian development. A total of 117 females were inseminated with cryopreserved sperm, 81 were inseminated with fresh sperm, 27 were mixed with males for natural breeding, and 30 were maintained without males or insemination. Histological images of 34 mature females indicated 68% of ovaries had primary- or secondary-growth oocytes, and 32% had ovulated eggs. Ovarian development had no significant relationship (P = 0.508) with body wet weight, but had a relationship (P < 0.001) with ovary weight and gonadosomatic index. Sperm cells were observed within ovaries that were fixed at 12 h after insemination with fresh sperm. A total of 29 live young were produced from two females inseminated with thawed sperm (8% post-thaw motility with HBSS300 as extender, 20 min incubation in 15% DMSO, cooling rate at 10 °C/min, and thawing at 40 °C for 7 s), 12 were produced from two females with fresh sperm (1%-20% motility), 41 were produced from five naturally spawned females, and no live young were produced from the female-only group. This study provides a foundation for establishment of germplasm repositories for endangered goodeids to assist conservation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Harry J Grier
- Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Fishes, National Museum of Natural History, MRC 159, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Terrence R Tiersch
- Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
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