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Domrazek K, Konieczny P, Majka M, Czopowicz M, Cywińska A, Jurka P. The lack of the influence of various species of Mycoplasma spp. on canine semen quality. Theriogenology 2024; 219:86-93. [PMID: 38402701 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.02.018] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Mycoplasmas colonize fish, reptiles, birds and mammals, being commensals or causing diseases, sometimes severe in ruminants, swine, poultry, or wildlife animals. So far, 15 species of canine Mycoplasma spp. have been described. Conflicting results have been presented regarding the pathogenicity of Mycoplasma spp. Although many virulence factors of these bacteria have been described, they still require attention. The main aim of our study was to evaluate the presence of known canine Mycoplasmas in the male reproductive tract of clinically healthy dogs. The second aim was to check if Mycoplasma spp. cause any abnormalities in semen quality that could have further consequences and to propose the schemes for managing the carriers. 83.3% of examined dogs were Mycoplasma spp. -positive dogs, and most of them were the carriers of more than one species. Six dogs had azoospermic ejaculates. The total spermatozoa numbers were similar in Mycoplasma -positive and negative groups. Motility was slightly higher in Mycoplasma spp.-negative group, but the difference was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference in semen characteristics between the carriers and Mycoplasma spp.-negative dogs. Neither the individual species nor the number of species strains had a significant effect on sperm morphological parameters as well as viability. Semen quality parameters are not correlated with the species found on the prepuce. Over 70% Mycoplasma spp.- positive dogs have more than one species of this bacteria. Despite finding mycoplasmas in azoospermic dogs, we suggest that they were not the cause of infertility. Mycoplasma spp. could be a part of normal microbiota in canine prepuce in individuals without any clinical signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Domrazek
- Department of Small Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences- SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159c, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - P Konieczny
- Department of Transplantation, Institute of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663, Krakow, Poland; VET CELL TECH Sp. z.o.o., 30-348, Cracow, Poland
| | - M Majka
- Department of Transplantation, Institute of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663, Krakow, Poland; VET CELL TECH Sp. z.o.o., 30-348, Cracow, Poland
| | - M Czopowicz
- Division of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159c, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
| | - A Cywińska
- Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Lwowska 1, 87-100, Toruń, Poland
| | - P Jurka
- Department of Small Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences- SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159c, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
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Yániz JL, Palacín I, Silvestre MA, Hidalgo CO, Tamargo C, Santolaria P. Ability of the ISAS3Fun Method to Detect Sperm Acrosome Integrity and Its Potential to Discriminate between High and Low Field Fertility Bulls. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10111135. [PMID: 34827128 PMCID: PMC8615164 DOI: 10.3390/biology10111135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to investigate whether fertility differences in bulls are reflected in variations of sperm quality when analysing only one ejaculate per male. Two experiments were performed. In the first experiment, frozen semen samples from 20 adult bulls were tested; 10 bulls had high field fertility and 10 bulls had low field fertility. Analyses of sperm motility, membrane integrity, and membrane–acrosome integrity with the ISAS3Fun method were performed. Sperm morphometry of the fluorescence sperm subpopulations obtained with the ISAS3Fun method was also analysed. Significant differences between high- and low-fertility groups were only found with the ISAS3Fun technique, specifically in sperm acrosome integrity, the proportion of spermatozoa with an intact acrosome and damaged membrane, and in sperm head width of spermatozoa with intact structures. Discriminant analyses allowed us to correctly classify 90% of sperm samples in their fertility group using sperm quality parameters. Given that only the results obtained with the ISAS3Fun technique were related to bull fertility, we performed a second experiment aimed to validate the efficacy of this technique to detect the acrosomal integrity of bull spermatozoa, comparing them with the conventional FITC-PNA/propidium iodide (PNA/PI) combination under capacitating conditions. The results indicated that the ISAS3Fun combination provided an accurate assessment of both viability and acrosomal integrity for ejaculated spermatozoa, while the PNA/PI combination underestimated the extension of acrosomal damage due to false negatives. It was concluded that the simultaneous assessment of sperm plasma membranes and acrosome integrity with the ISAS3Fun method is precise and seems to have a greater potential to discriminate between high- and low-fertility bulls than more conventional in vitro sperm quality tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús L. Yániz
- BIOFITER Research Group, Institute of Environmental Sciences (IUCA), University of Zaragoza, 22071 Huesca, Spain; (I.P.); (P.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Inmaculada Palacín
- BIOFITER Research Group, Institute of Environmental Sciences (IUCA), University of Zaragoza, 22071 Huesca, Spain; (I.P.); (P.S.)
| | - Miguel A. Silvestre
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universidad de Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain;
| | - Carlos Olegario Hidalgo
- Animal Genetics and Reproduction Area, Regional Agrifood Research and Development Service (SERIDA), 33394 Gijón, Spain; (C.O.H.); (C.T.)
| | - Carolina Tamargo
- Animal Genetics and Reproduction Area, Regional Agrifood Research and Development Service (SERIDA), 33394 Gijón, Spain; (C.O.H.); (C.T.)
| | - Pilar Santolaria
- BIOFITER Research Group, Institute of Environmental Sciences (IUCA), University of Zaragoza, 22071 Huesca, Spain; (I.P.); (P.S.)
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Watts J. Measurement of membrane integrity in canine spermatozoa using a fluorescent computer-assisted spermatozoal quantification method after SYBR-14/PI staining compared with manual counting after CFDA/PI staining. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:915-927. [PMID: 33794028 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare measurements of spermatozoal membrane status in dogs using computer-assisted spermatozoal quantification (CASQ) after staining with SYBR-14 and propidium iodide (PI) with manual counting after CFDA/PI staining. CASQ was performed on fresh (n = 11) and thawed cryopreserved canine semen (n = 91) using (1) a red long-pass (LP) filter on an untreated sample (membrane-disrupted spermatozoa, MDS count) and in a sample with all cellular membranes disrupted (total spermatozoal count, TC), (2) green LP filter for a TC and the red filter for an MDS count and (3) a green short-pass filter to obtain a membrane-intact spermatozoa (MIS) count and the red filter to obtain the MDS count, which were added to give a TC (red-green filter CASQ, n = 50). Spermatozoa were also stained with CFDA/PI, manually examined and classified as MIS or MDS. All measurements were performed in duplicate. The percentage of membrane-intact spermatozoa (MIS) was calculated. The percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa (PMS) was determined subjectively. The data were analysed to measure the agreement between the CASQ and CFDA/PI methods, repeatability of the methods and correlation between the MIS and PMS percentage. Compared with the CFDA/PI method, the agreement of MIS percentage with red filter CASQ was -12% to 34%, green LP filter CASQ -42% to 47% and red-green filter CASQ -23% to 29%. The repeatability of the CFDA/PI and red-green filter CASQ methods were the highest. The MIS and PMS percentages were always correlated (p < .05). Measurement of MIS percentage using red and red-green filter CASQ appeared to be the most reliable automated methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Watts
- Animal Reproduction Australia Pty Ltd, Werribee, Vic., Australia
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Watts JR. Evaluation of the use of SYBR-14 and propidium iodide stain in a fluorescent computer-assisted spermatozoal quantification method in dogs. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 56:89-102. [PMID: 33135240 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of SYBR-14/propidium iodide (PI) stain in a computer-assisted spermatozoal quantification (CASQ) method of determining spermatozoal concentration in canine semen. In Experiment A, the spermatozoal concentration was measured (n = 52) with a haemocytometer and by CASQ under fluorescent illumination using green long-pass (G-LP) and red long-pass filters at measurement concentrations of <25 million/ml. For the red filter, the limits of agreement between the haemocytometer and CASQ were -6.3% to 6.8% and -7.5% to 6.2% between the haemocytometer and CASQ for the G-LP filter. For the red filter, the mean precision CVs were 2.21% ± 4.33% (mean ± 95% CI) for the haemocytometer, 2.19% ± 4.29% for CASQ and using the G-LP filter 2.13% ± 4.18% for the haemocytometer and 2.66% ± 5.21% for CASQ. In Experiment B, spermatozoa were also examined with a green spectrum short-pass (G-SP) filter (n = 50) at measurement concentrations of <12.5 million/ml. The limits of agreement between the haemocytometer and CASQ were -5.4% to 7.8% using the red filter, -15.8% to 14.3% using the G-LP filter and -13.1% to 11.3% using the G-SP filter. The mean precision CVs for the haemocytometer and CASQ, respectively, were 2.68% ± 5.26% (mean ± 95% CI) and 1.93% ± 3.72% using the red filter and 2.01% ± 3.95% and 3.55% ± 6.95% using the G-LP filter, and 3.96% ± 7.76% for CASQ using the G-SP filter. Using the red filter, the agreement between the haemocytometer and CASQ and the precision of both haemocytometer methods and CASQ were better than when using green filters. The CASQ method performed using green filters produced acceptable results; however, CASQ using a red filter with PI staining alone was superior to that using green filters and SYBR-14/PI staining.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Watts
- Animal Reproduction Australia Pty Ltd, Werribee, Vic., Australia
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Watts J. Measurement of membrane integrity in canine spermatozoa using a fluorescent computer-assisted spermatozoal quantification method and manual counting after eosin-nigrosin staining compared with manual counting after CFDA/PI staining. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:1583-1595. [PMID: 31545547 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare measurement of spermatozoal membrane status using computer-assisted spermatozoal quantification (CASQ) and eosin-nigrosin (EN) staining with manual counting after CFDA/PI staining. Analysis was performed on both fresh and thawed cryopreserved canine semen. Membrane-disrupted spermatozoa (MDS) were counted using CASQ (n = 311) in an untreated sample and a completely membrane-disrupted sample, and the percentage of membrane-intact spermatozoa (MIS) calculated: (Total count - Untreated sample count) ÷ Total count × 100. Spermatozoa were stained with a one-step EN stain (n = 501), and then, at least 100 spermatozoa were manually examined under ×1,000 magnification and classified as MDS (stained with eosin) or MIS (non-stained). Spermatozoa from the same samples were also stained with CFDA/PI, and then, at least 200 spermatozoa were manually examined under ×1,000 magnification and classified as MIS (completely stained by CFDA) or MDS. The percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa (PMS) was determined by both computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) and subjective methodologies, and the data were subsequently analysed to measure the agreement between the CASQ and EN methods with the CFDA/PI technique using Bland-Altman methodology. Pearson's correlation was measured between the MIS and PMS percentage samples and correlation coefficients compared. The mean MIS percentage was lower for CASQ and higher for EN than in CFDA/PI for all comparisons. The agreement of MIS percentage between CASQ and CFDA/PI was -20.2% to 32.0%, and between EN and CFDA/PI was -32.9% to 14.9%. In all methods, the MIS and PMS percentages were correlated (p < .001). Measurement of CFDA/PI appeared to be the most reliable and accurate method of determining MIS percentage in dogs. Further investigation is required to determine whether the CASQ technique can be improved. Eosin-nigrosin staining also appeared to be unreliable at MIS <80% and overestimated the MIS percentage.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Watts
- Animal Reproduction Australia Pty Ltd, Werribee, Vic, Australia
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Wang J, Yi X, Liu M, Zhou Q, Ren S, Wang Y, Yang C, Zhou J, Han Y. Correlation between the In Vitro Functionality of Stored Platelets and the Cytosolic Esterase-Induced Fluorescence Intensity with CMFDA. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138509. [PMID: 26390135 PMCID: PMC4577108 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been hypothesized that the cytosolic esterase-induced fluorescence intensity (CEIFI) from carboxy dimethyl fluorescein diacetate (CMFDA) in platelets may related to platelet functions. In the present study, we measured the change of CEIFI in platelets during storage, and examined the correlations of CEIFI with the in vitro functionality of stored platelets, including the ADP-induced aggregation activity, hypotonic shock response, expression of CD62P as well as platelet apoptosis. The CEIFI of fresh platelets, when tested at 10 μM CMFDA, the mean fluorescence intensity index (MFI) was 305.9 ± 49.9 (N = 80). After 1-day storage, it was 203.8 ± 34.4, the CEIFI of the stored platelets started to decline significantly, and reduced to 112.7 ±27.7 after 7-day storage. The change in CEIFI is highly correlated to all four functional parameters measured, with the correlation coefficients being 0.9813, 0.9848, -0.9945 and -0.9847 for the ADP-induced aggregation activity, hypotonic shock response (HSR), expression of CD62P and platelet apoptosis respectively. The above results show that the CEIFI measurement of platelets represents well the viability and functional state of in vitro stored platelets. This may be used as a convenient new method for quality evaluation for stored platelets if this result can be further validated by the following clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiexi Wang
- Beijing Institute of Blood Transfusion, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyang Yi
- Beijing Institute of Blood Transfusion, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Minxia Liu
- Beijing Institute of Blood Transfusion, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- Beijing Red Cross Blood Center, Beijing, China
| | - Suping Ren
- Beijing Institute of Blood Transfusion, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Beijing Institute of Blood Transfusion, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Yang
- The Second Artillery General Hospital PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Jianwei Zhou
- Beijing Institute of Blood Transfusion, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Han
- Beijing Institute of Blood Transfusion, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
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Niżański W, Partyka A, Rijsselaere T. Use of fluorescent stainings and flow cytometry for canine semen assessment. Reprod Domest Anim 2013; 47 Suppl 6:215-21. [PMID: 23279503 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 06/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Over the last few decades, appreciable progress has been noted in canine semen assessment techniques. The common use of accurate and sensitive diagnostic methods, such as computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), flow cytometry and sperm penetration tests have become routine procedures in specialized andrology laboratories. Many fluorescent probes have been applied to the assessment of specific sperm characteristics in dogs. Flow cytometry enables the observation of cell characteristics such as size, shape and function of the spermatozoon, that can be revealed by a fluorochrome or fluorescent label. The analysis of events detected on dot plots gives accurate and highly reliable information on membrane integrity, acrosomal status, mitochondrial activity, capacitation status, lipid peroxidation, apoptosis and DNA damage. Despite the development of these modern and accurate tools, it is still questionable if the ideal method of semen evaluation, allowing predicting of the fertilizing potential of semen, has been established.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Niżański
- Department of Reproduction, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.
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9
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Klimowicz-Bodys M, Batkowski F, Ochrem A, Savič M. Comparison of assessment of pigeon sperm viability by contrast-phase microscope (eosin-nigrosin staining) and flow cytometry (SYBR-14/propidium iodide (PI) staining) [evaluation of pigeon sperm viability]. Theriogenology 2012; 77:628-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2011] [Revised: 09/02/2011] [Accepted: 09/02/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Foster M, Love C, Varner D, Brinsko S, Hinrichs K, Teague S, LaCaze K, Blanchard T. Comparison of methods for assessing integrity of equine sperm membranes. Theriogenology 2011; 76:334-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2010] [Revised: 02/14/2011] [Accepted: 02/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Schäfer-Somi S, Aurich C. Use of a new computer-assisted sperm analyzer for the assessment of motility and viability of dog spermatozoa and evaluation of four different semen extenders for predilution. Anim Reprod Sci 2007; 102:1-13. [PMID: 17045428 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2005.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2004] [Revised: 02/04/2005] [Accepted: 03/14/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to evaluate a new computer-assisted sperm analyzer (CASA; SpermVision, Minitüb, G) for the analysis of canine spermatozoa, and to suggest suitable semen diluents that should influence motility and viability parameters to the lowest extent. For these purposes, the sperm-rich fractions from 40 ejaculates were diluted with either saline (S), PBS, autologous prostate secretion (third fraction, PROST) or a modified TRIS buffer (TRIS; [Pena, A., Johannisson, A., Linde-Forsberg, C., 1999. Post-thaw evaluation of dog spermatozoa using new triple fluorescent staining and flow cytometry. Theriogenology 52, 965-980]). Viability was investigated both objectively with SYBR-14/PI in SpermVision and subjectively with carboxyfluoresceindiacetate (CFDA) fluorescence stains by optical microscopy. For all diluents and for most parameters, the intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were below 10% and 20%. Effects after dilution with TRIS and PROST were similar, but only after dilution with TRIS, total motility significantly correlated with estimated motility in raw semen (P<0.01, R=+0.514). After dilution, estimated and measured motility values were positively related, but correlated significantly with PBS only (P<0.01). After dilution with PBS and S, all motility parameters were significantly lower in comparison with PROST and TRIS, and after dilution with PBS, significantly more membrane damages occurred than with TRIS, S and PROST (P<0.05, <0.05 and <0.01). In samples diluted with TRIS, membrane integrity of spermatozoa determined with SYBR-14/PI and CFDA staining correlated significantly (R=+0.686; P<0.01). Concerning the location of membrane damages, no differences appeared after dilution with different media. In conclusion, SpermVision proved to be an accurate analyzer for the objective assessment of both motility and viability of canine spermatozoa. TRIS and PROST were the media with the lowest influences on parameters of canine semen, and are therefore recommendable for the use in SpermVision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Schäfer-Somi
- Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
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Martins-Bessa A, Rocha A, Mayenco-Aguirre A. Comparing ethylene glycol with glycerol for cryopreservation of canine semen in egg-yolk TRIS extenders. Theriogenology 2006; 66:2047-55. [PMID: 16879862 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2006.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2006] [Revised: 06/14/2006] [Accepted: 06/14/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this work was to evaluate the possibility of substituting glycerol (G) for ethylene glycol (EG) when cryopreserving dog semen. A total of 15 ejaculates from 13 dogs was pooled into five samples and frozen in egg-yolk Tris extenders with variable ethylene glycol and glycerol concentrations, with or without Equex STM Paste. Two widely used glycerol extenders (Uppsala Equex II and Norwegian) were utilized as controls. Semen quality parameters assessed after thawing were total subjective motility (TSM), computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA), eosin-nigrosin staining, and flow cytometry (FC) after staining with the PI/Fitc-PSA (fluorescein isotiocianate conjugated with the agglutinin of Pisum sativum, PSA) fluorochromes. No advantages were seen in using EG to replace G when freezing dog semen or combining EG and G in the freezing medium. The Uppsala Equex II provided the best overall post-thaw parameters, followed by the egg-yolk Tris experimental extender with 5% EG and Equex STM Paste. The extender with 4% EG produced similar results to the Norwegian extender. High correlations (r>0.98) were obtained between eosin-nigrosin staining and FC, as well as between subjective and computerized motility assessment (r>0.90).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Martins-Bessa
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and CECAV, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal.
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Rijsselaere T, Van Soom A, Tanghe S, Coryn M, Maes D, de Kruif A. New techniques for the assessment of canine semen quality: A review. Theriogenology 2005; 64:706-19. [PMID: 15946733 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2005.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Until recently, canine semen assessment was routinely performed by conventional light microscopic techniques. The limitations of these methods include subjectivity, variability, the small number of spermatozoa analyzed, and poor correlation with fertilizing potential. The last decade, several new in vitro techniques have been introduced for canine semen assessment that enable a more detailed evaluation of several sperm characteristics. Numerous fluorescent staining techniques have been developed for the evaluation of specific sperm characteristics and functions, including plasma membrane integrity, capacitation status and the acrosome reaction. By combining fluorescent stains, several functional sperm characteristics can be assessed simultaneously. Moreover, by means of flow cytometry, large numbers of fluorescently labelled spermatozoa can be analysed in a short interval. Following thorough standardization and validation, computer-assisted sperm analysis systems provide objective and detailed information on various motility characteristics and morphometric dimensions that cannot be identified by conventional light microscopic semen analysis. In vitro assays, evaluating the capacity of canine spermatozoa to bind to the zona pellucida or oviductal explants, or to penetrate the oocyte, provide additional information on canine gamete interaction that may be useful in predicting the fertilizing potential of spermatozoa. Although substantial improvements have been made in canine semen assessment, surprisingly few parameters were correlated with in vivo fertility. Therefore, further research is required to determine which sperm characteristics are of clinical value for predicting the in vivo fertility in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Rijsselaere
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
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Abstract
Evaluation of canine cryopreserved semen has the ultimate goal of determining if an individual frozen ejaculate will have acceptable fertility. This is difficult in that there is no accepted normal fertility for the dog. The fertility of the female also plays a crucial role in estimating the fertility of the male. Poor female fertility can make a fertile male appear less fertile. Variability of animals, breeding technique, breeding timing, and number of cells inseminated make comparisons in canine fertility difficult to truly measure. Many more animals are needed to provide meaningful statistical results than are usually used. Several tests, including motility in bright field and phase contrast microscopy, computer analysis of motility, sperm morphology, sperm membrane integrity, capacitation and sperm function tests have been investigated to predict fertility, however few of these tests have actually been correlated with fertility. More work is needed to create one or more tests that accurately predict fertility of cryopreserved canine semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce E Eilts
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
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Lezcano M, Granja C, Salazar M. The use of flow cytometry in the evaluation of cell viability of cryopreserved sperm of the marine shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Cryobiology 2004; 48:349-56. [PMID: 15157783 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2004.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2003] [Accepted: 03/05/2004] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although the cryopreservation of penaeid prawn sperm or embryos has definite applications in the aquaculture industry, there is no protocol routinely used for this procedure. One of the main problems relies on the limitations for the determination of sperm cell viability. In this study, we evaluated the toxicity and cryoprotectant effect of four agents, at three different concentrations, in sperm suspension, spermatic mass, and complete spermatophore of the marine shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. Cells were frozen by fast and slow cooling rates. After thawing, they were analyzed by optical microscopy and flow cytometry, which was also utilized to determine spermatic viability by DNA staining with propidium iodine. Considering viability by morphotype analysis, the best result was obtained when the spermatic mass was frozen by slow cooling rate in the presence of methanol (61.6%). There was a positive correlation between morphotype analysis and flow cytometry, although the percentage of viable cells was always lower when determined by the later. These results show that flow cytometry is a valuable tool to evaluate sperm cell viability in decapod species and it is more sensitive technique than optical microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magda Lezcano
- Centro de Investigaciones de la Acuicultura en Colombia CENIACUA, Carrera 8(a) #96-60 Bogota, Colombia
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Abstract
There is little doubt that objective assessment of multiple parameters related to the functional and morphological characteristics of spermatozoa, increase the predictability of the fertilizing potential of a semen sample. Conventional microscopic methods for sperm evaluation in combination with the more objective computer-assisted sperm motility and morphology analyzers and flow cytometry, have allowed investigators to obtain precise information about the morphofunctional status of spermatozoa, which already has resulted in a better understanding of sperm biology and of some of the mechanisms involved in sperm cryoinjury. In addition, assays based on in vitro fertilization provide valuable information about the functional ability of spermatozoa when interacting with the oocyte. Although objective methods for dog sperm evaluation are available for many researchers, considerable effort has still to be invested in order to standardize physiological sperm parameters for the results to be interpretable under unified criteria. In the present paper some of the classical and new methods currently used for dog sperm evaluation are reviewed, though not exhaustively, covering some aspects of the sperm cell that are useful in estimating its functional ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- A I Peña Martínez
- Unit of Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain.
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17
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Peter AT, Linde-Forsberg C. Efficacy of the anticaspase agent zVAD-fmk on post-thaw viability of canine spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2003; 59:1525-32. [PMID: 12559457 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(02)01206-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cryopreservation protocols for gametes are constantly improved with the aim of increasing the post-thaw viability of gametes. It is becoming clear that stress, resulting from cryopreservation, reduces cell numbers by apoptosis. Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a gene-activated event that occurs as a normal consequence of development and as a result of cellular stress. Apoptosis is mediated by the family of cysteine-dependent asparate-specific proteases (caspases). The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that addition of an anticaspase (zVAD-fmk) that has inhibitory properties against caspases and apoptosis to semen extenders and to the thaw medium would increase post-thaw viability of canine spermatozoa. Extenders were added in a two-step process. A dose of 100 microM caspase inhibitor was used. Four groups (n=6 for each) were composed based on the presence or absence of the caspase inhibitor: Group I (control), no caspase inhibitor in the extender or the thaw medium; Group II, caspase inhibitor in the thaw medium; Group III, caspase inhibitor in Extender II; and Group IV, caspase inhibitor in both Extender II and the thaw medium. Post-thaw motility, plasma membrane integrity, and acrosome status were investigated. The addition of caspase inhibitor to Extender II or to the thaw medium failed to improve the parameters that were studied. The results suggest that this caspase inhibitor may not be beneficial to the post-thaw motility of canine spermatozoa if used at this concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustine T Peter
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, Lynn Hall, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1248, USA.
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18
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Peña AI, Quintela LA, Herradón PG. Flow Cytometric Assessment of Acrosomal Status and Viability of Dog Spermatozoa. Reprod Domest Anim 1999. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.1999.tb01409.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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19
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Peña A, Johannisson A, Linde-Forsberg C. Post-thaw evaluation of dog spermatozoa using new triple fluorescent staining and flow cytometry. Theriogenology 1999; 52:965-80. [PMID: 10735104 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(99)00186-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A new triple fluorescent staining method was developed to evaluate frozen-thawed dog spermatozoa. This method was used to compare functional parameters of canine spermatozoa cryopreserved using 2 different freezing-thawing protocols. One ejaculate from each of 10 dogs was split into 2 aliquots and processed using the Andersen method or the CLONE method. Semen samples were evaluated immediately after thawing and after 3 h of incubation at 37 degrees C. Plasma membrane integrity and acrosomal status of the spermatozoa were evaluated simultaneously by flow cytometry using a combination of 3 fluorescent dyes: Carboxy-SNARF-1 (SNARF), to identify the live spermatozoa; propidium iodide (PI), which only stains dead cells or cells with damaged membranes; and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated Pisum sativum agglutinin (PSA), which binds to the acrosomal content of spermatozoa with damaged plasma and outer acrosomal membranes. The accuracy of this new staining method in quantifying the proportions of live and dead spermatozoa by flow cytometry was evaluated by comparing it with the staining technique using carboxyfluorescein diacetate and propidium iodide (CFDA-PI), which yielded high correlation coefficients. The triple-stained sperm samples were also analyzed by epifluorescence microscopy, and both methods proved to be highly correlated. Post-thaw progressive motility and plasma membrane integrity were similar for the 2 freezing procedures, but the proportion of damaged acrosomes after thawing was lower using the Andersen method and the spermatozoa had a higher thermoresistance. This new triple staining method for assessing canine sperm viability and acrosomal integrity provides an efficient procedure for evaluating frozen-thawed dog semen samples either by flow cytometry or fluorescence microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Peña
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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