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Huijsmans TERG, Hassan HA, Smits K, Van Soom A. Postmortem Collection of Gametes for the Conservation of Endangered Mammals: A Review of the Current State-of-the-Art. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13081360. [PMID: 37106923 PMCID: PMC10135332 DOI: 10.3390/ani13081360] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The collection of gametes from recently deceased domestic and wildlife mammals has been well documented in the literature. Through the utilization of gametes recovered postmortem, scientists have successfully produced embryos in 10 different wildlife species, while in 2 of those, offspring have also been born. Thus, the collection of gametes from recently deceased animals represents a valuable opportunity to increase genetic resource banks, obviating the requirement for invasive procedures. Despite the development of several protocols for gamete collection, the refinement of these techniques and the establishment of species-specific protocols are still required, taking into account both the limitations and the opportunities. In the case of wildlife, the optimization of such protocols is impeded by the scarcity of available animals, many of which have a high genetic value that must be protected rather than utilized for research purposes. Therefore, optimizing protocols for wildlife species by using domestic species as a model is crucial. In this review, we focused on the current advancements in the collection, preservation, and utilization of gametes, postmortem, in selected species belonging to Equidae, Bovidae, and Felidae, both domestic and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim E R G Huijsmans
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction, and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Hiba Ali Hassan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction, and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Katrien Smits
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction, and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction, and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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Effect of the addition of antifreeze protein type I on the quality of post-thawed domestic cat epididymal sperm. ZYGOTE 2023; 31:240-245. [PMID: 36919856 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199422000521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Cryopreservation of domestic cat semen is mainly performed as a model for the establishment of endangered wild feline protocols. The supplementation of antifreeze protein type I (AFP I) to cryopreservation medium has shown improvement in frozen-thawed sperm quality in other species, but its effect on cat semen has not yet been tested. This study aimed to assess the addition of AFP I to cryopreservation medium in domestic cats. Sperm was obtained from the cauda epididymis of orchiectomized cats; sperm was then pooled in Tris buffer and allocated into three treatments, according to AFP I final concentration: 0 (control), 0.1, and 0.5 µg/ml. Nine replicates were cryopreserved in a two-step protocol and subsequently thawed at 37°C for 30 s. There was no difference (P > 0.05) among the control, 0.1 and 0.5 µg/ml groups for parameters such as motility, vitality, functional membrane integrity, mature chromatin, normal morphology, and sperm binding to egg perivitelline membrane. In the 0.5 μg/ml group only, percentages of live sperm with intact acrosome and of sperm with most inactive mitochondria (DAB III) showed a significant reduction, along with a tendency (P = 0.053) to an increase in the percentage of sperm with most active mitochondria (DAB II). In conclusion, the supplementation of 0.1 and 0.5 µg/ml of AFP I did not promote consistent beneficial effects on the overall sperm cryotolerance in domestic cats.
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Cryopreservation of Siberian tiger ( Panthera tigris altaica) epididymal spermatozoa: pilot study of post-thaw sperm characteristics. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL REPRODUCTION AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.12750/jarb.37.2.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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How Can We Introduce ART into Wild Felid Conservation in Practice? Joint Experience in Semen Collection from Captive Wild Felids in Europe. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12070871. [PMID: 35405860 PMCID: PMC8997001 DOI: 10.3390/ani12070871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Artificial reproductive techniques (ART), such as cryopreservation of sperm cells and artificial insemination, are useful tools for species conservation. However, there is relatively little information published about their introduction into clinical practice for wild felids. The aim of this paper was to describe how those techniques were applied by three European teams in various species of wild felids. In total, this article presents 22 semen collection attempts in 12 species of wild felids, 15 of which were successful and resulted in the collection of at least one million spermatozoa. The failures in obtaining spermatozoa were most probably due to (1) male infertility, (2) wrong age/non-breeding season, or (3) recent multiple copulations. The cases presented in the article confirm that although ART have been introduced into clinical practice, they are mostly used in cases of infertility, not as routine breeding tools. Greater involvement of zoological gardens and private breeders is required, as many chances for preservation of valuable material are lost. Abstract Although artificial reproductive techniques (ART) are considered to be a valuable tool for species conservation, information about their introduction into clinical practice for wild felids is limited. The aim of this paper was to jointly describe cases of non-experimental sperm collection from males of various species of wild felids, performed by three European centers focused on feline reproduction. In total, the article presents 22 attempts of semen collection in 12 species of wild felids. The reasons for semen collection were: fertility assessment (10 cases), artificial insemination (5 cases), sperm rescue (postmortem collection for cryopreservation, 5 cases), and sperm banking (in vivo collection for cryopreservation, 2 cases). Semen collection was successful (defined as at least 1 × 106 spermatozoa) in 15 cases. The failures in obtaining spermatozoa were most probably due to (1) male infertility, (2) wrong age/non-breeding season, or (3) recent multiple copulations. The cases presented here confirm that although ART have been introduced into clinical practice, they are mostly used in cases of infertility, not as routine breeding tools. Higher involvement of zoological gardens and private breeders is required, as many chances for preservation of valuable material are lost.
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Amstislavsky SY, Mokrousova VI, Okotrub SV, Brusentsev EY, Naprimerov VA. Application of the Cryobank Concept to Wild and Endangered Carnivora Species. Russ J Dev Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360421040020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Pintus E, Kadlec M, Karlasová B, Popelka M, Ros-Santaella JL. Spermatogenic Activity and Sperm Traits in Post-Pubertal and Adult Tomcats ( Felis catus): Implication of Intra-Male Variation in Sperm Size. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030624. [PMID: 33799826 PMCID: PMC7998732 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tomcats are considered to be adults at 1 year of age, although many reach sexual maturity at an earlier age. Nevertheless, we still know little about whether the spermatogenic activity and sperm quality of mature under one-year-old tomcats differ from those of tomcats that are over one-year-old. This study aims to evaluate the spermatogenic activity, sperm traits, and their relationships in mature tomcats at two different ages. Sixteen tomcats showing complete spermatogenesis and spermatozoa in their epididymal caudae were used and classified according to their age as post-pubertal (<1 year old) or adult (˃1 year old). Our results show that adult cats have higher epididymal sperm concentration and lower coefficient of variation in sperm head width and ellipticity than post-pubertal cats. However, they do not differ in their testicular and epididymal mass, spermatogenesis, and sperm traits such as motility, mitochondrial activity, morphology, morphometry, as well as plasma membrane, acrosome, and DNA integrity. Reduced intra-male variation of sperm head ellipticity is associated with higher testis mass, epididymis mass, and sperm concentration. Interestingly, low intra-male variation in sperm head size is associated with increased Sertoli cell function and reduced post-meiotic germ cell loss. These findings increase our knowledge about feline reproductive physiology and provide new insights into the functional significance of low intra-male variation in sperm size and shape in tomcats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliana Pintus
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Praha 6-Suchdol, Czech Republic; (M.K.); (B.K.)
- Correspondence: (E.P.); (J.L.R.-S.); Tel.: +420-22438-2939 (E.P.); +420-22438-2935 (J.L.R.-S.)
| | - Martin Kadlec
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Praha 6-Suchdol, Czech Republic; (M.K.); (B.K.)
| | - Barbora Karlasová
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Praha 6-Suchdol, Czech Republic; (M.K.); (B.K.)
- Veterinary Surgery Doskar, Podhorská 16, 150 00 Prague 5-Motol, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Popelka
- Veterinary Clinic MyVet, Budějovická 81, 252 42 Jesenice, Czech Republic;
| | - José Luis Ros-Santaella
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Praha 6-Suchdol, Czech Republic; (M.K.); (B.K.)
- Correspondence: (E.P.); (J.L.R.-S.); Tel.: +420-22438-2939 (E.P.); +420-22438-2935 (J.L.R.-S.)
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Ciani F, Maruccio L, Cocchia N, d’Angelo D, Carotenuto D, Avallone L, Namagerdi AA, Tafuri S. Antioxidants in assisted reproductive technologies: An overview on dog, cat, and horse. J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8:173-184. [PMID: 33860028 PMCID: PMC8043350 DOI: 10.5455/javar.2021.h500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are widely used as a tool to improve reproductive performance in both humans and animals. In particular, in the veterinary field, ARTs are used to improve animal genetics, recover endangered animals, and produce offspring in the event of subfertility or infertility in males or females. However, the use of ARTs did not improve the fertilization rate in some animals due to various factors such as the difficulty in reproducing an anatomical and humoral substrate typical of the natural condition or due to the increase in catabolites and their difficult elimination. The in vitro environment allows the production and increase in the concentration of substances, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), which could be harmful to gametes. If produced in high concentration, the ROS becomes deleterious, both in vitro and in vivo systems. It has been seen that the use of antioxidants can help neutralize or counteract the production of ROS. The present study aims to report the latest findings regarding the use of antioxidants in ARTs of some domestic species, such as dogs, cats, and horses, compared to other animal species, such as cattle, in which ARTs have instead developed more widely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ciani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Lucianna Maruccio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Natascia Cocchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Danila d’Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Avallone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Simona Tafuri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Barbosa BDS, Dos Santos FA, do Macêdo LB, Izzo RG, Fernandes DP, Praxedes ÉA, Silva AR, Bezerra MB. Effect of supplementation of Aloe vera extracts in cold storage media and cryopreservation of domestic cat epididymal spermatozoa. Anim Reprod 2020; 17:e20190067. [PMID: 32368279 PMCID: PMC7189537 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2019-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of the extract of Aloe vera at concentrations of 10% and 20% on the cryopreservation of sperm from the epididymis of domestic cats. Epididymal spermatozoa were recovered using the flotation technique and used in the treatments: control (TRIS-egg yolk at 20%), T10% (TRIS plus 10% of A. vera extract), and T20% (TRIS plus 20% of A. vera extract). The spermatozoa were subjected to 4ºC for 60 minutes, followed by 20 minutes in nitrogen vapors, and stored in a cryogenic cylinder. The samples were thawed at 37°C for 30 seconds. The sperm motility decreased (P<0.05) after thawing in the three treatments. Only the spermatozoa in the control treatment maintained post-thawing vigor. The viability of spermatozoa decreased in the treatments with A. vera (P<0.05). According to the hypoosmotic test, all treatments maintained the sperm membrane functionality (P>0.05) during freezing; however, after thawing, it decreased (P<0.05) in the T10% and T20% treatments. The morphology and chromatin condensation of spermatozoa did not differ, regardless of the treatments and time of evaluation (P>0.05). The effect of the crude A. vera extract was not satisfactory on the cryopreservation of epididymal spermatozoa of domestic cats after thawing; although the motility of spermatozoa was similar to that found with the use of egg yolk, and it presented maintenance of the chromatin integrity. However, it is necessary to understand the action of the substances present in A. vera with the feline spermatozoa, well as the standardization and adjustment of physicochemical characteristics aiming at the future application of the vegetal extract.
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Tafuri S, Cocchia N, Vassetti A, Carotenuto D, Esposito L, Maruccio L, Avallone L, Ciani F. Lepidium meyenii (Maca) in male reproduction. Nat Prod Res 2019; 35:4550-4559. [PMID: 31805775 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2019.1698572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Lepidium meyenii (Maca) is an edible root plant that grows in the Andean region of Peru. For centuries, the plant has been used as a dietary supplement for its nutritional and therapeutic properties. Maca are rich in high value nutritional elements and secondary metabolites (macaridine, macamides and glucosinolates) with high biological activity. Several studies demonstrated various biological effects of Maca mainly in the field of fertility. The aim of this review is to summarize the state of knowledge on the properties of Maca on male reproduction. Literature data was performed in PubMed with researches published from 2000 to 2019. The research showed results related to the effects of Maca on the quality and quantity of the semen, sexual behaviour and disorders of the male genital tract. Despite the numerous studies carried out on different animal species, further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms of action of Maca.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Tafuri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Natascia Cocchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anastasia Vassetti
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council, Portici (Na), Italy
| | - Domenico Carotenuto
- Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, UNMSM, Universidad Nacional Mayor San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Luigi Esposito
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucianna Maruccio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Avallone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Ciani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Chemical Analysis of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) and Its Effects on Redox Status and on Reproductive Biology in Stallions †. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24101981. [PMID: 31126050 PMCID: PMC6571579 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24101981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was conducted to assess the chemical composition of Yellow Maca (Lepidium meyenii) and its biological activity on stallions following oral administration of hypocotyl powder. Maca was subjected to methanolic extraction and the chemical analysis was carried out by LC-MS-QTOF (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry). Our results showed that Maca contains some effective antioxidants, a high percentage of glucosinolates, and other important components with a high antioxidant capacity. To evaluate the plant biological activity in stallions fed with Maca powder for 60 days, the redox status and some reproductive parameters were investigated. Blood and semen samples were collected at 0, 30, 60, and 90 days from the beginning of this study. Blood samples showed a decrease of the reactive oxygen metabolites, evaluated by d-ROMs test, and an increase of the antioxidant barrier in terms of biological antioxidant potential (BAP test), powerful oxidant capacity (OXY-Adsorbent test), and thiols evaluation (-SHp test). Furthermore, semen samples showed a positive trend during Maca administration in the following parameters: ejaculate volumes and sperm concentrations, total and progressive motility, and acrosome integrity.
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Polit M, Prochowska S, Niżański W. Comparison of the characteristics of chinchilla epidydimal semen after collection, storage at 5°C and cryopreservation. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 53 Suppl 3:29-36. [PMID: 30474339 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13329] [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: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to compare the characteristics of chinchilla epididymal sperm: fresh, stored at liquid state and cryopreserved. Epididymal spermatozoa obtained from 11 males were assessed for subjective motility, concentration, motility parameters measured by CASA, viability, morphology, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial potential, lipid peroxidation, chromatin structure, apoptotic changes and capacitation. Then half of the spermatozoa were stored at 5°C for 30 hr, and the second half was cryopreserved. After storage and thawing the same parameters as in fresh semen were assessed. Fresh semen showed good quality, with low levels of lipid peroxidation, chromatin fragmentation and capacitation. CASA evaluation showed significantly lower values for MOT, PMOT, RAPID, VCL, VAP and VSL after both storage at liquid state and cryopreservation (p < 0.05). Cold storage did not induce membrane and acrosome damage (p > 0.05), conversely to cryopreservation (p < 0.05). After storage, there was a drop in high mitochondrial potential in live cells (p < 0.05) and an increase in the percentage of non-apoptotic, capacitated cells (p < 0.05). These changes were not seen after cryopreservation (p > 0.05). Lipid peroxidation in live cells and chromatin structure remained unchanged both after storage and cryopreservation (p > 0.05). The study showed that examined methods of semen preservation exerted different patterns of changes in spermatozoa and that sperm quality after both of them allowed for further use of preserved spermatozoa in artificial reproductive techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Polit
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Sylwia Prochowska
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Wojciech Niżański
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
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Macente BI, Gutierrez RR, Apparício M, Balieiro CDC, Mansano CFM, Pereira MM, Borges-Silva JC, Pires-Buttler EA, Galvão ALB, Toniollo GH, Luvoni GC, Morselli MG, Vicente WRR. Cat epididymal semen cryopreserved with and without vitamin E: effect on sperm parameters and lipid peroxidation. Anim Reprod 2018; 15:1193-1198. [PMID: 34221131 PMCID: PMC8203110 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2018-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of this study were to investigate: 1) if the addition of α-tocopherol (vitamin
E) in three concentrations (0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 mM) is able to preserve spermatozoa integrity
after thawing and 2) the effect of α-tocopherol supplementation on lipid peroxidation.
Fifty four domestic cats were used in this study constituting 18 pools (3 cats per pool). Each
pool was submitted at four experimental groups: group 0 (control) – epididymal sperm
were frozen with a commercial Botucrio® extender; group 0.3, group 0.6
and group 0.9 – the extender was supplemented with 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 mM of α-tocopherol,
respectively. Each semen sample was evaluated for motility, progressive forward motility,
morphology, sperm viability (plasma membrane integrity-PMI), hypo-osmotic swelling test
(HOST), before and after thawing. The evaluation of lipid peroxidation reaction by Thiobarbituric
Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) test was performed on thawed semen only. Results demonstrated
that there was no significant difference between control and the three α-tocopherol
groups with regards to motility and progressive motility after thawing (P > 0.05). As expected,
in fresh samples viability was significantly higher than in all the cryopreserved groups
in which there was no positive influence of any of the α-tocopherol concentration
used. Lipid peroxidation was higher in the supplemented groups 0.6 and 0.9 mM of α-tocopherol
than in control and in 0.3 mM group. In conclusion, the addition of α-tocopherol to
the commercial extender had no positive influence on reduction of lipid peroxidation. This
topic deserves further investigations to better understand the effect of cryopreservation
procedures on epididymal spermatozoa and to establish adequate strategies to counteract
sperm cryodamages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maricy Apparício
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
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Kunkitti P, Chatdarong K, Suwimonteerabutr J, Nedumpun T, Johannisson A, Bergqvist AS, Sjunnesson Y, Axnér E. Osmotic tolerance of feline epididymal spermatozoa. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 185:148-153. [PMID: 28847638 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 05/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
During the cryopreservation process, spermatozoa are exposed to hypertonic solutions contributed by the high concentration of cryoprotectant. During addition and removal of cryoprotectant the spermatozoa are subjected to a substantial osmotic stress. Spermatozoa of different species and different stages of maturation may have different susceptibility to osmotic stress depending on the biology of the cell membrane and this will affect their tolerance to the freezing-thawing stress. The aims of this study were to determine the osmotic tolerance limits for motility, membrane integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential of feline epididymal spermatozoa and to study the effect of osmotic stress on the feline spermatozoa of different epididymal regions. Epididymal spermatozoa from three regions (caput, corpus and cauda) were pre-exposed to various osmolalities (75, 300, 600, 900, 1200 mOsm) in a single step for 10min and returned to 300 mOsm afterward. Percentage of motile spermatozoa was measured subjectively and membrane integrity (SYBR-14 positive cells) was evaluated prior to and after exposure to different osmolalities. The mitochondrial membrane potential (JC1) of spermatozoa were evaluated using flow cytometer and compared between epididymal regions (caput, corpus and cauda). All the parameters were compared using a mixed procedure. The percentage of motile epididymal spermatozoa decreased significantly when spermatozoa were exposed to 75 mOsm and 600 mOsm. Epididymal spermatozoa showed signs of damage when pre-exposed to 900 and 1200 mOsm and returned to isotonic condition as significant reduction of membrane integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential were observed (P<0.05). The plasma membrane of spermatozoa from the cauda epididymal region showed higher susceptibility to osmotic stress than the other regions as demonstrated by a significant difference between regions after return to isotonicity from 900 mOsm (P>0.01) and a difference between caput and corpus after return from 1200 mOsm (P<0.05). The corpus and cauda epididymal spermatozoa had higher percentage of spermatozoa with high mitochondrial membrane potential than those from caput when exposed to 75, 300 and 600 mOsm (P<0.05). In conclusion, a single step exposure to hypertonic solution of greater than 600 mOsm prior to return to isotonic condition can cause severe damage to sperm membrane and mitochondrial membrane potential compared to non-returning (exposure to various osmolality but not returned to isotonic condition). Changes in osmolality impacted mostly on sperm motility. Spermatozoa from cauda epididymis were more susceptible to osmotic stress compared to those from corpus and caput indicating that the maturation changes in the sperm membrane during passage through the epididymis increase susceptibility to the osmotic changes that may occur during sperm cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panisara Kunkitti
- Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
| | - Kaywalee Chatdarong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Junpen Suwimonteerabutr
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Teerawut Nedumpun
- Inter-department of Medical Microbiology, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Anders Johannisson
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Ann-Sofi Bergqvist
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Ylva Sjunnesson
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Eva Axnér
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Gutiérrez-Reinoso MA, García-Herreros M. Normozoospermic versus teratozoospermic domestic cats: differential testicular volume, sperm morphometry, and subpopulation structure during epididymal maturation. Asian J Androl 2017; 18:871-878. [PMID: 27624990 PMCID: PMC5109878 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.187583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Teratozoospermia (<40% morphologically normal spermatozoa/ejaculate) is a frequent phenomenon in feline species. This research was carried out to study the possible differences in testicular volume, differential sperm morphometric traits, and potential differences regarding the sperm subpopulational structure during epididymal sperm maturation in teratozoospermic feline donors. Epididymal sperm samples were collected from the caput (R1), corpus (R2), and cauda (R3) epididymidis in two donor groups (N: normozoospermic; T: teratozoospermic). Aliquots were assessed for concentration, viability, motility, and acrosomal integrity. Sperm morphometric descriptors from CASA-Morph analysis were analyzed by the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and clustering analyses. Irrespective of the group analyzed, PCA revealed two Principal Components (PCs) for each epididymal region explaining more than the 93% of the variance. Surprisingly, the number of subpopulations remained constant in regions R1-R2-R3 irrespective of the donor group analyzed. However, the distribution of these subpopulations was found to be structurally different and strongly influenced by the epididymal region and the donor group. In conclusion, testicular morphometry and the sperm subpopulation structure were different in N and T donors. The alterations in subpopulations during epididymal maturation could be used as a potential clinical indicator of teratozoospermic individuals since an important influence of teratozoospermia on sperm subpopulation structure has been demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuel García-Herreros
- National Secretariat of Higher Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (SENESCYT), Quito, Ecuador
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17
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Lima D, Silva T, Cortez AA, Pinto J, Magalhães F, Caldini B, Silva L. Recovery of sperm after epididymal refrigeration from domestic cats using ACP-117c and Tris extenders. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2016. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-8653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT We aimed to compare fresh sperm and sperm cooled to 4ºC that had been recovered from the epididymides of cats using powdered coconut water (ACP-117c) and Tris extenders. Sixty epididymides were divided into 6 groups: 10 fresh epididymides were recovered using Tris (T0h); 10 were kept at 4°C/2h and recovered using Tris (T2h); 10 were kept at 4°C/4h and recovered using Tris (T4h); 10 fresh were recovered using ACP-117c (A0h); 10 were kept at 4°C/2h and recovered using ACP-117c (A2h), and 10 were kept at 4°C/4h and recovered using ACP-117c (A4h). The testis-epididymis complexes (TEC) control were not cooled. The others were cooled at 4°C for 2 or 4h. The epididymis was separated and the sperm was recovered by the modified flotation method. Sperm kinetic parameters were evaluated by a computer-system analysis, and vigor, viability, concentration, membrane function and morphology of the sperm were assessed under a light microscope. The progressive motility with ACP-117c declined after 2h of cooling, but did not differ between fresh and 4h. The vigor and membrane function were higher in A4h than A0h. The vigor at T2h and T4h were decreased compared to T0h. T0h was higher than A0h for vigor and sperm membrane function. However, after 4h of cooling, ACP-117c maintained a higher percentage of living cells. Feline epididymal sperm quality can be maintained to the degree necessary for artificial breeding programs following cooling and ACP-117c may be successfully used to recover cat sperm that have been cooled for up to 4h.
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18
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Kunkitti P, Axnér E, Bergqvist AS, Sjunnesson Y. In vitro fertilization using frozen-thawed feline epididymal spermatozoa from corpus and cauda regions. Theriogenology 2016; 86:1403-1408. [PMID: 27242180 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Epididymal sperm preservation offers a potential for rescuing genetic material from endangered or valuable animals after injury or death. Spermatozoa from corpus, as well as from cauda, have the capability to be motile and to undergo capacitation and can thus potentially be preserved for assisted reproductive technologies. In the present study, feline frozen-thawed epididymal spermatozoa from corpus and cauda regions were investigated for their ability to fertilize homologous oocytes and further embryo development in vitro. Epididymal spermatozoa from corpus and cauda of seven cats were cryopreserved and used for IVF. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (n = 419) were obtained from female cats after routine spaying. Frozen-thawed corpus epididymal spermatozoa showed similar properties of acrosome integrity, membrane integrity, and chromatin integrity as frozen-thawed spermatozoa from cauda except corpus spermatozoa showed lower motility (P < 0.05). The fertilizing capacity of frozen-thawed corpus epididymal spermatozoa was confirmed by similar number of embryos developing to the two- and four-cell stages compared with sperm from cauda (32.03% vs. 33.33%). However, oocytes fertilized with corpus spermatozoa had lower potential to develop to the blastocyst stage (6.79%) and had lower cell numbers compared to oocytes fertilized with cauda spermatozoa (14.08%). In conclusion, spermatozoa from corpus epididymis had a similar capability to fertilize homologous oocytes in vitro as sperm from cauda but resulted in fewer embryos developing to the blastocyst stage compared to spermatozoa from the cauda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panisara Kunkitti
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
| | - Eva Axnér
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ann-Sofi Bergqvist
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ylva Sjunnesson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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19
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Kunkitti P, Bergqvist AS, Sjunnesson Y, Johannisson A, Axnér E. The tolerance of feline corpus and cauda spermatozoa to cryostress. Theriogenology 2016; 85:502-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Revised: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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20
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Kunkitti P, Bergqvist AS, Sjunnesson Y, Axnér E. The ability of feline spermatozoa in different epididymal regions to undergo capacitation and acrosome reaction. Anim Reprod Sci 2015; 161:64-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2015.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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21
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Cocchia N, Corteggio A, Altamura G, Tafuri S, Rea S, Rosapane I, Sica A, Landolfi F, Ciani F. The effects of superoxide dismutase addition to the transport medium on cumulus-oocyte complex apoptosis and IVF outcome in cats (Felis catus). Reprod Biol 2014; 15:56-64. [PMID: 25726378 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2014.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2013] [Revised: 08/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of superoxide dismutase (SOD) addition to the ovary transport medium (4°C, 3-72 h) on ovarian cell viability and apoptosis and in vitro embryo production (IVEP) in domestic cats. The ovaries collected from 76 mixed-breed domestic queens were randomly assigned to the control or SOD-treated groups and incubated for 3, 24, 48 or 72 h. The ovaries were then subjected to the following: (1) fixed in formalin to assess the incidence of apoptosis (fragmented DNA in situ detection kit), (2) stored at -196°C in liquid nitrogen to evaluate the expression of the pro-apoptotic Bax gene and the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene (RT-PCR), and (3) used to obtain the cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) in order to test the cell viability (carboxyfluorescein or trypan blue staining) and IVEP. The incidence of apoptosis appeared to be higher in the control compared with the SOD-treated ovaries. The ovarian expression of Bax was lower and the Bcl-2 expression was higher in the SOD-treated group compared with the control group. The presence of SOD in the transport medium increased the viability of COCs and IVEP compared with the control medium. In summary, the supplementation of the ovary transport medium with SOD reduced cellular apoptosis and enhanced COC survival and IVEP in domestic cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natascia Cocchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions - University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino n. 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Annunziata Corteggio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions - University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino n. 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Altamura
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions - University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino n. 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Tafuri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions - University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino n. 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Silviana Rea
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions - University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino n. 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Isabella Rosapane
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions - University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino n. 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sica
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions - University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino n. 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Ciani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions - University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino n. 1, 80137 Naples, Italy.
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Fertilization capacity of cryopreserved Iberian ibex epididymal sperm in a heterologous in vitro fertilization assay. ZYGOTE 2013; 23:136-44. [DOI: 10.1017/s0967199413000518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
SummaryIn vitro fertilization (IVF) can be used to assess the fertilization capacity of sperm. Heterologous IVF may be useful when assessing that of wild animals as it is often difficult to obtain adequate numbers of naturally corresponding oocytes. The aim of the present study was to assess the fertilization capacity of frozen–thawed ibex epididymal spermatozoa via heterologous IVF involving the oocytes of prepubertal domestic goats. The effect on fertilization and embryo development of adding oestrous sheep serum (ESS) to the fertilization medium was also examined. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in TCM-199 for 24–27 h at 38.5°C in a 5% CO2 in air atmosphere. Frozen–thawed epididymal spermatozoa were selected by density gradient centrifugation. After maturation, the oocytes were co-incubated with spermatozoa in synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF) with different concentrations of ESS: SOF-C (0%), SOF-2 (2%) and SOF-20 (20%). At 17 h post-insemination (hpi), zygotes with one female and one male pronucleus (2PN) were categorised as normal; zygotes with 3PN were recorded as polyspermic, and oocytes with 1PN as asynchronous. Cleavage and blastocyst development were assessed at 48 and 168 hpi respectively. The percentage of zygotes with 2PN was higher in the SOF-2 than in the SOF-20 treatment group (27.7% versus 2.9% P < 0.05). The percentage of blastocysts formed with the SOF-C, SOF-2 and SOF-20 treatments were 1.1%, 7.5% and 0% respectively. These results show that the presence of 2% ESS achieves better results than the use of no serum or the standard 20% concentration. Heterologous IVF may be an effective method for predicting the fertilization capacity of ibex spermatozoa, and therefore perhaps that of other wild mountain ungulates.
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Jiménez E, Pérez-Marín CC, Vizuete G, Millán Y, Agüera EI. Effect of Different Extenders onIn VitroCharacteristics of Feline Epididymal Sperm During Cryopreservation. Reprod Domest Anim 2013; 48:665-72. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2012] [Accepted: 12/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E Jiménez
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Cordoba; Cordoba; Spain
| | - CC Pérez-Marín
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Cordoba; Cordoba; Spain
| | - G Vizuete
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Cordoba; Cordoba; Spain
| | - Y Millán
- Department of Anatomy and Comparative Pathology; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Cordoba; Cordoba; Spain
| | - EI Agüera
- Department of Cell Biology; Physiology and Immunology; University of Cordoba; Cordoba; Spain
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Buarpung S, Tharasanit T, Comizzoli P, Techakumphu M. Feline spermatozoa from fresh and cryopreserved testicular tissues have comparable ability to fertilize matured oocytes and sustain the embryo development after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Theriogenology 2013; 79:149-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2012] [Revised: 09/21/2012] [Accepted: 09/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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25
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Vick M, Bateman H, Lambo C, Swanson W. Improved cryopreservation of domestic cat sperm in a chemically defined medium. Theriogenology 2012; 78:2120-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2011] [Revised: 07/24/2012] [Accepted: 08/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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26
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Terrell KA, Wildt DE, Anthony NM, Bavister BD, Leibo S, Penfold LM, Marker LL, Crosier AE. Different patterns of metabolic cryo-damage in domestic cat (Felis catus) and cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) spermatozoa. Cryobiology 2012; 64:110-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2011.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2011] [Revised: 11/01/2011] [Accepted: 12/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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