Easy and quick (EQ) sperm freezing method for urgent preservation of mouse strains

Cryopreservation of mouse spermatozoa is widely used for the efficient preservation and safe transport of valuable mouse strains. However, the current cryopreservation method requires special containers (plastic straws), undefined chemicals (e.g., skim milk), liquid nitrogen, and expertise when handling sperm suspensions. Here, we report an easy and quick (EQ) sperm freezing method. The main procedure consists of only one step: dissecting a single cauda epididymis in a microtube containing 20% raffinose solution, which is then stored in a -80 °C freezer. The frozen-thawed spermatozoa retain practical fertilization rates after 1 (51%) or even 3 months (25%) with the C57BL/6 J strain, the most sensitive strain for sperm freezing. More than half of the embryos thus obtained developed into offspring after embryo transfer. Importantly, spermatozoa stored at -80 °C can be transferred into liquid nitrogen for indefinite storage. As far as we know, our EQ method is the easiest and quickest method for mouse sperm freezing and should be applicable in all laboratories without expertise in sperm cryopreservation. This technique can help avoid the loss of irreplaceable strains because of closure of animal rooms in emergency situations such as unexpected microbiological contamination or social emergencies such as the COVID-19 threat.

Spotted wolffish (Anarhichas minor) sperm cryopreservation in 5-mL cryovials

In spotted wolffish Anarhichas minor aquaculture, cryopreservation is used to secure sperm availability throughout the entire spawning season. Under current protocols, sperm is cryopreserved in 0.5-mL straws. This implies thawing a considerable number of straws for insemination with cryopreserved sperm. In this work, we scale up the spotted wolffish sperm cryopreservation procedure through the development of a protocol for sperm cryopreservation in 5-mL cryovials. Different freezing (distances from the liquid nitrogen surface) and thawing rates were tested. The best results were obtained with cryovials frozen at a distance of 1.5 cm from the liquid nitrogen surface and thawed either at 15 or 10 °C for 4 and 6 min, respectively. Under these conditions, similar percentage of motile cells, sperm velocity and percentage of viable cells were obtained in comparison with the sperm cryopreserved in the traditional 0.5-mL straws. This protocol will facilitate the process of insemination with cryopreserved sperm in the spotted wolffish hatcheries.

Novel micro-straw for freezing small quantities of human spermatozoa

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a novel micro-straw as an efficient, simple method for freezing a small number of human spermatozoa for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Sperm bank.

PATIENT(S)

Men with severe oligozoospermia or azoospermia undergoing a total of 143 ICSI cycles at the CITIC-Xiangya Hospital of Reproduction and Genetics from June 1, 2015, to June 31, 2019, and 20 donors at the Hunan Province Human Sperm Bank from 2001 to 2016.

INTERVENTION(S)

Analysis of sperm samples and clinical outcomes after sperm use.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Clinical information, including number of motile sperm before and after freezing, freeze-thaw survival rates, two-pronuclear fertilization rates, clinical pregnancy, and early pregnancy loss rates after sperm use.

RESULT(S)

In the feasibility experiment using the micro-straw, we found a freeze-thaw survival rate of 73% ± 8.3% and no difference in normal sperm morphology, normal acrosome integrity, or DNA fragmentation index between the micro-straw and 1.8-mL cryotubes. The prospective cohort included 1,325 cases, and we collected sperm from testicular, epididymis, and ejaculation sources. We observed motile sperm in 1,294 (97.6%) of 1,325 frozen-thawed samples. Postthaw sperm were available for ICSI in 140 (97.9%) of 143 of cycles. The fertilization, cleavage, and high-quality embryo rates were 1,007 (81.7%) of 1,233; 995 (98.8%) of 1,007; and 537 (53.9%) of 995, respectively. Sixty-nine (49%) clinical pregnancies were achieved, and the miscarriage rate was 6 (8.6%) of 69.

CONCLUSION(S)

The micro-straw is suitable and clinically useful for the cryopreservation of small numbers of spermatozoa.

Effects of cashew gum and nanoparticles on cooled stallion semen

BACKGROUND

Cryopreservation of stallion spermatozoa tends to cause plasma membrane damage due to the low ratio of cholesterol to phospholipids. Gums have been suggested as an alternative cryoprotectant to glycerol for stallion spermatozoa. Therefore, the present experiment was designed to verify whether the effect of addition of cashew gum (CG), or nanoparticles (NP) containing CG, to the extender before cooling on sperm quality in stallion semen. Ejaculates from 6 stallions were extended and split between six treatment groups (control, a-tocopherol [TOC], CG1, CG0.5, NP1 and NP0.5), stored in cryotubes at 4 °C.

RESULTS

Aliquots were analysed by computer-assisted sperm motility analysis on the day of collection, and after 24 h and 48 h of cold storage. After 48 h, the total motility with NP1 (78.53 + 6.31%) was similar to control 85.79 + 6.31% at 0 h. The same pattern was observed for progressive motility. Membrane integrity assessed by flow cytometer was similar between control, TOC and G1 at all storage times. The DNA fragmentation in the control group increased at all time points, whereas chromatin integrity was maintained after 24 h in TOC and NP0.5 compared to 0 h. There was no increase in the proportion of live spermatozoa producing hydrogen peroxide, but there was a tendency for an increased proportion of spermatozoa in the live superoxide category in CG1 after 24 h cooled storage.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of CG or CG-derived NP to extender for stallion semen was not harmful to the sperm cells.

[Self-made metal freezing plate for cryopreservation of human epididymal sperm: An experimental study]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of a new human sperm freezing method on the sperm recovery rate and search for an optimal method for cryopreservation of human epididymal sperm.

METHODS

We collected semen samples from 76 men with obstructive azoospermia by percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration and divided each sample into two parts to be cryopreserved with a self-made metal freezing plate (the experimental group) or by slow freezing (the control group), respectively. We measured the percentage of progressively motile sperm (PMS) with the computer-assisted semen analysis system and compared the membrane function, DNA fragmentation index (DFI), acrosin activity and morphological abnormality of the sperm between the two groups before and after cryopreservation.

RESULTS

After thawing, both the percentages of PMS and hypotonically swollen sperm were significantly higher in the experimental than in the control group (［12.0 ± 7.5］% vs ［8.0 ± 5.1］%, P < 0.05; ［22.0 ± 17.5］% vs ［18.0 ± 20.5］%, P < 0.05), though both decreased in comparison with the pre-freezing parameters (［20.7 ± 8.8］% and ［30.0 ± 13.5］%) (P < 0.05). The sperm acrosin activity was remarkably higher in the experimental than in the control group after thawing (［75.2 ± 9.5］ vs ［55.7 ± 8.3］ μIU/106sperm, P < 0.05), though decreased as compared with the baseline (［120.0 ± 10.5］ μIU/106 sperm, P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed between the experimental and the control groups after thawing in the percentage of morphologically abnormal sperm (［98.7 ± 8.8］% vs ［98.5±9.2］%, P > 0.05) or sperm DFI ［38.2 ± 8.5］% vs ［39.5 ± 10.2］%, P > 0.05), though both markedly elevated in comparison with the pre-freezing parameters (［97.2 ± 9.5］% and ［30.8 ± 9.7］%) (P < 0.05). The post-thaw recovery rate of sperm was significantly higher in the experimental than in the control group (［65.2 ± 12.0］% vs ［52.3 ± 18.0］%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The self-made metal freezing plate, with its advantages of low cost, high efficiency, and easy operation, can be used as an effective method for cryopreservation of human sperm to achieve a high post-thaw sperm recovery rate, progressive sperm motility, and sperm acrosin activity.

Electric ultrafreezer (- 150 °C) as an alternative for zebrafish sperm cryopreservation and storage

Zebrafish sperm cryopreservation is a fundamental methodology to manage and back-up valuable genetic resources like transgenic and mutant strains. Cryopreservation usually requires liquid nitrogen for storage, which is expensive and hazardous. Our objective was to evaluate if electric ultrafreezers (- 150 °C) are a viable alternative for zebrafish sperm storage. Zebrafish sperm was cryopreserved in the same conditions (- 20 °C/min), stored either in liquid nitrogen or in an ultrafreezer, and thawed after 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. Sperm motility, membrane integrity, and fertilization ability were assessed. There were no significant differences in motility and hatching rate throughout storage time. Additionally, we aimed at understanding if cryopreservation directly in an ultrafreezer (- 66 °C/min) could improve post-thaw sperm quality. Freezing at - 20 °C/min was performed as before, and compared to samples cryopreserved with a fast cooling rate by placing directly in an ultrafreezer (- 66 °C/min). Sperm quality was assessed according to motility, viability, DNA fragmentation, and apoptosis (annexin V). The - 66 °C/min cooling rate showed significantly higher membrane and DNA integrity, and lower number of cells in late apoptosis in comparison to the other treatments. This study showed that zebrafish sperm cryopreservation and storage in an ultrafreezer system is possible and a fast cooling rate directly in ultrafreezer improves post-thaw sperm quality.

Development of sea bream (Sparus aurata) semen vitrification protocols

The long-term goal of this research project is to set up efficient protocol that can be used to develop a standardized approach for vitrification of marine fish spermatozoa. In particular, the aim of the present study was to develop a vitrification protocol for sea bream (Sparus aurata) spermatozoa. To draw up the protocol, we tested two different dilution media (1% NaCl and Mounib medium), three different vitrification devices (loops, drops and cut straws), different cryoprotectants (CPs) and three different equilibration times (30, 60 and 120 s). The effect of the different vitrification procedures on spermatozoa quality was checked by measuring spermatozoa motility rate and viability, mitochondrial membrane potential and the fertilizing ability of both fresh and post-thawed gametes. The best result was obtained by dropping directly into liquid nitrogen 20 μl of spermatozoa suspension (drop-wise method) diluted with Mounib buffer containing 10% Me₂SO + 10% glycerol. The addition of a mixture of anti-freezing proteins, AFPI and AFPIII, to Mounib buffer significantly increases the spermatozoa quality following vitrification so confirming the usefulness of AFPs in improving the quality of gametes subjected to the vitrification process. The present study proves that vitrification offers an alternative to conventional sperm cryopreservation also in this species.

Chapter 5 Slow Freezing of Human Sperm

Cryopreservation of human spermatozoa is a highly efficient procedure for managing male fertility, and much of its successful application seems to have a crucial impact on the reproductive outcome of assisted reproduction technologies. Here, we present, explain, and describe the slow freezing method for preserving human spermatozoa, which is currently the most commonly used freezing technique in most clinical andrology laboratories.

Improvement of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) sperm cryopreservation using a programable freezer

The applicability of a programmable freezer for the increased-scale cryopreservation of common carp sperm was investigated. The effect of different equilibration times, cryopreservation methods, extenders, dilution ratios, activating solutions on the post-thaw motility of common carp sperm was investigated. The suitable post-thaw storage time-interval as well as fertilizing capacity of cryopreserved sperm was also examined. The motility, curvilinear velocity (VCL) and straightness (STR) values did not decrease significantly during 60min of equilibration neither in equilibrated nor thawed groups. Motility parameters of thawed sperm were similar using a conventional cryopreservation technique using a polystyrene box [motility (33%), VCL (47μm/s) and STR (88%)] and a programmable freezer: [motility (32%), VCL (54μm/s) and STR (89%)]. The highest motility and VCL was measured with a sugar based extender (grayling extender) at a ratio 1:9 (motility: 52%, VCL: 76μm/s) and 1:20 (motility: 49%, VCL: 76μm/s). The activating solution for cyprinids (ASC) could prolong sperm movement up for 2min. A storage time of six hours following thawing did not have a significant effect on the motility parameters of thawed carp sperm. Agglutination was observed during cryopreservation of an elevated volume of sperm whereas motility 47%, VCL 62μm/s and STR 91% were measured after thawing. Fertilization rate with thawed sperm (32%) was significantly lower compared to the control group (73%). According to our results, the developed method using a programmable freezer is suitable for the cryopreservation of elevated number of straws. However, carp sperm agglutination during freezing may have a negative effect on the fertilizing capacity.

Effect of melatonin supplementation on cryopreserved sperm quality in mouse

BACKGROUND

Antioxidants protect spermatozoa against cell damage during cryopreservation.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether melatonin supplement in the extender may improve the quality of cryopreserved mouse sperm.

METHODS

Kunming mice sperm frozen in extender R18S3 (18% (w/v) raffinose and 3% (w/v) skim milk) supplemented with melatonin were thawed and evaluated.

RESULTS

Mouse spermatozoa were cryopreserved in the freezing extender R18S3 that contained melatonin at 0, 0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/mL melatonin. The extender without melatonin supplement was associated with increased formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased sperm motility. Melatonin supplement at 0.125 mg/mL significantly increased the progressive motility of sperm in comparison to other melatonin concentration or control. The percentage of thawed viable sperm with ROS was lower in the melatonin-treated groups than in untreated group. Melatonin supplement also increased antiapoptotic gene Bcl-xl expression in the thawed sperm.

CONCLUSION

Supplement of 0.125 mg/mL melatonin could reduce oxidative damage and apoptosis.

DETERMINATION OF HEAT TRANSFER COEFFICIENTS FOR FRENCH PLASTIC SEMEN STRAW SUSPENDED IN STATIC NITROGEN VAPOR OVER LIQUID NITROGEN

BACKGROUND

The use of mathematical models describing heat transfer during the freezing process is useful for the improvement of cryopreservation protocols. A widespread practice for cryopreservation of spermatozoa of domestic animal species consists of suspending plastic straws in nitrogen vapor before plunging into liquid nitrogen. Knowledge of surface heat transfer coefficient (h) is mandatory for computational modelling; however, h values for nitrogen vapor are not available.

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, surface heat transfer coefficients for plastic French straws immersed in nitrogen vapor over liquid nitrogen was determined; vertical and horizontal positions were considered.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Heat transfer coefficients were determined from the measurement of time-temperature curves and from numerical solution of heat transfer partial differential equation under transient conditions using finite elements. The h values experimentally obtained for horizontal and vertically placed straws were compared to those calculated using correlations based on the Nusselt number for natural convection.

RESULTS

For horizontal straws the average obtained value was h=12.5 ± 1.2 W m(2) K and in the case of vertical straws h=16 ± 2.48 W m(2) K. The numerical simulation validated against experimental measurements, combined with accurate h values provides a reliable tool for the prediction of freezing curves of semen-filled straws immersed in nitrogen vapor.

CONCLUSION

The present study contributes to the understanding of the cryopreservation techniques for sperm freezing based on engineering concepts, improving the cooling protocols and the manipulation of the straws.

Cryopreservation of Greenshell™ mussel (Perna canaliculus) sperm

Cryopreservation is a valuable technique for aquaculture as it enables a library or bank of genetically valuable animals to be maintained in a cost-effective manner. Here, we describe a method to cryopreserve the sperm of the Greenshell™ mussel (Perna canaliculus) and how to use the sperm post-thawing to maximize larval production from thawed sperm in selective breeding.

Simple and effective methods of freezing capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.) semen

A continuous decline in the number and range of capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.) in many European countries can be observed, mostly due to habitat destruction by human activity, unecological forestry management, and increased density of natural predators. Ex situ in vitro gene banks provide a unique opportunity to preserve the genetic material for future generations. Simple and effective cryopreservation methods for capercaillie semen are discussed. Semen was collected from seven males kept in the Capercaillie Breeding Centre at Forestry Wisła in Poland. Within five minutes after collection, ejaculates were diluted with EK diluent, then divided into two parts, and subjected to two freezing procedures: in pellets and in straws. In fresh semen, ejaculate clearness, viscosity, color and volume, as well as sperm concentration, motility and morphology, were evaluated, while in frozen-thawed semen only motility and morphology of sperm were determined. Fertilizing ability of thawed semen was examined for samples frozen in straws. Significant (P<0.05) differences between individual males were found in relation to the majority of fresh semen traits: ejaculate volume averaged 102.1 µL (varying from 49.0 to 205.0); average sperm concentration was 632.5 x10⁶ mL^-1 (178.8–1257.1); percentage of live normal cells varied from 39.2 to 70.3% (58.7% on an average); percentage of motile cells ranged from 76.0 to 85.7%) and motility parameters were male dependent, as well. Both cryopreservation methods had a negative effect on morphology and motility of frozen-thawed semen; however, the straw method yielded 60.7% and the pellet method 42.5% of live cells in total in thawed semen (P<0.05), while the number of live normal (intact) cells was similar (22.4 and 22.2%, respectively). Egg fertility varied between 77.8 and 91.7% (average 84.4%). Both freezing procedures seem to be effective in obtaining acceptable viability and high fertilizing potency of thawed sperm and can be used to create a gene bank of capercaillie semen.

Cryopreservation of semen from domestic livestock

In modern livestock breeding, cryopreserved semen is routinely used for artificial insemination. Sperm cryopreservation secures future reproduction, and insemination doses can be easily shipped. Processing of semen for cryopreservation can be done with minimal efforts and relatively low costs. In this chapter we describe the entire cryopreservation process for stallion and bull sperm including dilution of sperm in primary and freezing extender, cooling and packaging in straws, freezing in liquid nitrogen vapor, cryogenic storage, and thawing. Special emphasis is given on preparation of commonly used primary and freezing extenders (skim milk extender "INRA-82", TRIS-egg yolk extender "TEY") used in a two-step dilution approach. Furthermore the different cooling rates needed in different temperature regimes during the freezing process are being described. Cryopreservation procedures are described in case of using both specialized automated equipment and simple equipment.

Directional freezing for large volume cryopreservation

Cryopreservation is currently the method of choice when it comes to long-term preservation of viable biological samples. The process, and consequently the volume of the sample, however, is limited by the ability to achieve homogenous and efficient heat removal. When this cannot be properly managed, ice crystals will grow uncontrollably resulting in extensive damage to the cryopreserved cells or tissues. Directional freezing is a technique that can be used to precisely control heat dissipation and ice crystal growth and morphology even when freezing large volumes. The technique has been used over the years to cryopreserve spermatozoa, oocytes, embryos, tissue slices and whole organs from a wide variety of domestic and wild species. In this chapter a protocol for directional freezing of spermatozoa is described and its benefits and shortcomings are discussed.

IVF recovery of mutant mouse lines using sperm cryopreserved with mtg in cryovials

BACKGROUND

Modification of cryoprotective medium (CPM) R18S3 (18% raffinose and 3% skim milk) by addition of monothioglycerol (MTG) or L-glutamine (Glu) has been shown to improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) using mouse sperm cryopreserved in cryostraws. However, whether these CPMs can be applied effectively to sperm cryopreserved in cryovials is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The study was to determine the comparative effectiveness of using R18S3, R18S3+Glu (100mM and 87 mM), or R18S3+MTG (477 µM) to cryopreserve various sample volumes of mouse sperm in cryovials and cryostraws.

METHODS

This study compared the effects of different CPMs on motility of fresh and frozen-thawed C57BL/6J sperm and on IVF rate of C57BL/6J sperm cryopreserved in different CPMs and containers with different volumes, and then used technologies developed to cryopreserve and recover sperm of knockout mouse lines on inbred C57BL/6 backgrounds.

RESULTS

Glutamine at 100 mM inhibited, but MTG at 477 µM protected, fresh sperm motility significantly (P < 0.05). Sperm cryopreserved in R18S3+MTG had significantly better (P < 0.05) post-thaw progressive motility and IVF rate than when cryopreserved in R18S3 alone, R18S3+Glu (100 mM), or RSGlu87 (15.7% raffinose, 2.6% skim milk, and 87 mM L-glutamine). There was no significant difference in IVF rates among sperm cryopreserved with R18S3+MTG in cryovials or in cryostraws (P > 0.05). Sperm from 63 knockout mouse lines on C57BL/6 backgrounds cryopreserved using R18S3+MTG in cryovials were all recovered successfully to genotypically-confirmed offspring.

CONCLUSION

Mouse sperm on C56BL/6 backgrounds can be successfully cryopreserved in cryovials using R18S3+MTG.

On-chip cryopreservation: a novel method for ultra-rapid cryoprotectant-free cryopreservation of small amounts of human spermatozoa

Cryopreservation of human spermatozoa free from cryoprotectant can avoid toxicity caused by highly concentrated cryoprotectant and a series of specific carriers have been previously explored, except for PDMS chip. Our study is aimed at exploring a novel device for ultra-rapid cryopreservation of small numbers of spermatozoa without cryoprotectant based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chips. Spermatozoa from 25 healthy men were involved in this study, comparing on-chip cryopreservation with different micro-channel height (group A: 10 µm height, group B: 50 µm height, group C: 100 µm height) and conventional freezing (group D) in liquid nitrogen for 72 h. The viability, motility, DNA integrity by comet assay and acrosome integrity by fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated peanut agglutinin (FITC-PNA) staining of frozen-thawed spermatozoa of each group were compared. The motility and viability of post-thawed spermatozoa was significantly decreased than that of pre-freezing spermatozoa. There was no difference of viability and motility of frozen-thawed spermatozoa between group A and D, while viability and motility of group B and C decreased compared to group A. Comet assay showed that no matter for group A or D, there was no difference of CR, TL, TD and OTM between pre-frozen and post-thawed spermatozoa. There was no difference of CR, TL, TD and OTM of post-thawed spermatozoa between group A and group D neither, while spermatozoa DNA damage was more serious in group B and group C with increasing height of micro-channel compared with group A. The proportion of intact acrosome of post-thawed spermatozoa in group A was the highest when compared with group B and group C, though similar to that of group D. In conclusion, PDMS chip with 10 µm height micro-channel is ideal for ultra-rapid cryopreservation of small quantity of spermatozoa without cryoprotectant.

How important are internal temperature gradients in french straws during freezing of bovine sperm in nitrogen vapor?

The subject of present work was to predict internal temperature gradients developed during freezing of bovine sperm diluted in extender, packaged in 0.5 ml French plastic straws and suspended in static liquid nitrogen vapor at -100 degree C. For this purpose, a mathematical heat transfer model previously developed to predict freezing times (phase change was considered) of semen/extender packaged in straw was extended to predict internal temperature gradients during the cooling/freezing process. Results showed maximum temperature differences between the centre and the periphery of semen/extender "liquid" column was 1.5 degree C for an external heat transfer coefficient, h = 15 W per (m(2) K), and only 0.5 degree C for h = 5 W per (m(2) K). It is concluded that if a thermocouple wire were inserted in a 0.5 ml plastic straw to monitor the freezing process in nitrogen vapor, its radial position would have little importance since expected internal gradients may be safely neglected. This finding facilitates the interpretation of freezing rates in 0.5 ml plastic straws immersed in nitrogen vapor over liquid nitrogen, a widely used method for cryopreservation of bovine spermatozoa.

Cryoprotectant-free vitrification of human spermatozoa in large (up to 0.5 mL) volume: a novel technology

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to develop and to test the aseptic technology of cryoprotectant-free vitrification of human spermatozoa in large volume (for intrauterine insemination). Spermatozoa, vitrified by this technology, are free of permeant cryoprotectants and are ready for further use immediately after warming without any additional treatment (centrifugation or separation in the gradient for removal of cryoprotectant).

METHODS

Each of 52 swim up-prepared ejaculates were divided into three aliquots and distributed into three treatment groups: Group 1: non-treated control; Group 2: spermatozoa cryopreserved by slow conventional freezing with glycerol-containing medium, and Group 3: spermatozoa vitrified in 0.5 mL insemination "French" straws in culture medium with 0.25 M sucrose. Sperm motility 1, 24 and 48 hours after warming, plasma membrane integrity and capacitation-like changes (spontaneous "cryo-capacitation" and acrosome reaction) were assessed after freezing-thawing.

RESULTS

In contrast to conventional freezing, spermatozoa vitrified with aseptic cryoprotectant-free technology displayed superior functional characteristics. The motility rate, integrity rates of cytoplasmic, and acrosomal membranes were significantly higher after vitrification than after conventional freezing (76% vs 52%, 54% vs 28% and 44% vs 30%, respectively) (p < 0.05). However, there were no differences between vitrification and conventional freezing in the presence of glycerol in terms of percentage of spermatozoa expressing CTC-capacitation pattern (11% vs 10%, respectively) (p > 0.1).

CONCLUSIONS

A basic protection from cryo-injury can be achieved for human spermatozoa using the novel technology of aseptic cryoprotectant-free vitrification in large volumes.

Theoretical prediction of the effect of heat transfer parameters on cooling rates of liquid-filled plastic straws used for cryopreservation of spermatozoa

Heat transfer plays a key role in cryopreservation of liquid semen in plastic straws. The effect of several parameters on the cooling rate of a liquid-filled polypropylene straw when plunged into liquid nitrogen was investigated using a theoretical model. The geometry of the straw containing the liquid was assimilated as two concentric finite cylinders of different materials: the fluid and the straw; the unsteady-state heat conduction equation for concentric cylinders was numerically solved. Parameters studied include external (convection) heat transfer coefficient (h), the thermal properties of straw manufacturing material and wall thickness. It was concluded that the single most important parameter affecting the cooling rate of a liquid column contained in a straw is the external heat transfer coefficient in LN2. Consequently, in order to attain maximum cooling rates, conditions have to be designed to obtain the highest possible heat transfer coefficient when the plastic straw is plunged in liquid nitrogen.

Effects of cryopreservation on sperm parameters and ultrastructural morphology of human spermatozoa

PURPOSE

Cryopreservation of sperm is a widely used technique to maintain and protect the fertility in various occasions such as infertility and malignancy treatments. This study aims to reveal the effects of freezing and thawing on human spermatozoa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To evaluate the effects of freeze-thawing, semen samples were evaluated by light microscopy by means of morphology, motility and viability, by scanning and transmission electron microscopy for detailed ultrastructural changes.

RESULTS

After cryopreservation, a significant decrease in spermatozoa viability was observed (p < 0.01). Group a, b and c motility according to World Health Organization criteria decreased considerably (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.05, respectively), whereas there was a substantial increase in group d motility. A strong correlation between rise in number of immotile spermatozoa and decrease in viability was also noted (r = -0.848, p < 0.01). Post-thaw light microscopic studies revealed a considerable decrease in rate of normal spermatozoa (p < 0.05). A considerable decline in the rate of normal sperm was also observed by TEM (p < 0.05). Statistically, acrosomal changes and subacrosomal swelling were found to be significantly increased (both p < 0.05), where the latter appears to be a novel finding in literature.

CONCLUSION

Cryopreservation has deleterious effects on spermatozoa, especially on plasmalemma, acrosomes and tails. Electron microscopy is the ultimate modality to investigate spermatogenic cells.

Gene banking of the neotropical fish Leporinus obtusidens (Valenciennes, 1836): A protocol to freeze its sperm in the field

A practical sperm cryopreservation protocol using a dry-shipper and a diluent of simple composition is described for the neotropical fish Leporinus obtusidens (Valenciennes, 1836). The cooling rate of the dry-shipper and its period of useful time, established under laboratory conditions, were respectively 25.7-30.8 degrees C/min (between 0 and -60 degrees C) and 9 days after charging. Sperm donors were selected on the basis of their hyperemic genital papilla and the ability to ooze milt under gentle manual pressure, during the reproductive months of November to January. Milt volume (1.3+/-0.3 mL; n=9 fish), fresh sperm motility rate (93.3+/-2.5%; n=6 fish), and sperm concentration (10.9+/-3.0 x 10(9)spermatozoa/mL of milt) were obtained. The sperm cryopreservation experiments were conducted with the following cryoprotectants (all at 10%, before mixing with milt): dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO; n=10 fish), methanol (n=6 fish), propanediol (n=6 fish) and ethylene glycol (n=5 fish). Glucose (5%) and hen's egg yolk (10%) made up the diluents containing DMSO, ethylene glycol or propanediol. Milk powder (10%) replaced hen's egg yolk in the diluent containing methanol. Distilled water (up to 100%) completed the diluent solutions. Milt freezing (in 0.5-mL straws) was performed in the dry-shipper after 1:5 (milt:diluent) dilution. Thawed sperm cryopreserved in DMSO-containing diluent and activated by 119 mM NaHCO(3) gave the highest motility rate (62+/-14%). The fertilizing capacity of L. obtusidens sperm was tested using the combination of DMSO-containing diluent as the cryoprotectant and 119 mM NaHCO(3) as the activating solution. Oocytes were obtained from artificial spawning and fertilized with different proportions of spermatozoa. The greatest rate of fertilization (74%) occurred when the ratio of about 112,000 motile spermatozoa:oocyte was used. Thus, a protocol to freeze L. obtusidens sperm can be elaborated as follows. Milt (<1.5 mL fish(-1)) was readily available only in November to January; a simple solution, composed of 10% DMSO (concentration before adding milt), 5% glucose, and 10% hen yolk egg, in distilled water, was used as sperm diluent; cooling rate of 25-30 degrees C/min, yielded in a portable dry-shipper, was adequate to freeze diluted milt (1:5; milt:diluent), in 5-mL straws; about 112,000 thawed motile spermatozoa:oocyte activated by 119 mM NaHCO(3) assured a fertilization rate of 74%.

Efficiency of short-term storage of equine semen in a simple-design cooling system

Five experiments tested the efficiency of a simple, low-cost system (CP) for cooling and storing equine semen at 2.0 degrees C for 24 h and 48 h. Pantaneiro stallions of known fertility were used. Semen quality was evaluated for progressive motility (PM), plasma membrane integrity (PMI), and pregnancy rate. Experiment 1 showed that PM and PMI were similar between CP and the control (Equitainer) in cooled semen. In Experiment 2, the influence was evaluated of combinations (four treatments) of two volumes (50/100 ml) and two sperm concentrations (500/750x10(6)) on sperm quality of semen cooled and preserved by CP (cooling system replaced at 24 h). While PM decreased gradually from before cooling to 24 h and 48 h, PMI decreased only at the least and greatest sperm volume and concentrations. Storage time did not affect PMI. Results from Experiment 3 showed that CP maintained semen PM>or=30% in all samples 24 h after cooling and decreased to about 70% 42 h after cooling. Results from Experiments 4 and 5 confirmed semen quality after cooling and storage (24 h and 48 h, respectively), achieving a 69% pregnancy rate in the first estrous cycle when insemination occurred. Thus, the CP system is satisfactory for cooling and preserving equine semen for up to 48 h.

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

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.

Phenotypic analysis of C57BL/6J and FVB/NJ mice generated using evaporatively dried spermatozoa

Combination of evaporative drying and frozen storage at -80 degrees C has been used successfully to preserve hybrid B6D2F1 mouse spermatozoa. To determine whether this method can be applied equally well to inbred mice, spermatozoa of C57BL/6J and FVB/ NJ mice were evaporatively dried and stored for 1 mo at -80 degrees C before being used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to produce live offspring. After weaning, 1 male and 1 female mouse from each litter were randomly selected at 8 wk of age for natural mating to produce live offspring. Results showed that spermatozoa from both inbred strains that had been evaporatively dried and subsequently stored at -80 degrees C could be used successfully to derive live, healthy, and reproductively sound offspring by ICSI. No significant differences were found in embryo transfer rate (number of pups born/number of embryos transferred), litter size, weaning rate, body weight, number of pathologic lesions, and amount of contamination by pathogens of mice produced by ICSI using evaporatively dried spermatozoa compared with mice produced by natural mating or by ICSI using fresh (that is, nonpreserved) spermatozoa. Progeny produced by mating mice generated from ICSI using evaporatively dried spermatozoa were normal. Therefore, spermatozoa from inbred mouse strains C57BL/6J and FVB/NJ can be preserved successfully after evaporative drying and frozen storage at -80 degrees C.

Effect of different procedures of ejaculate collection, extenders and packages on DNA integrity of boar spermatozoa following freezing–thawing

Whole ejaculate or sperm-rich fraction, collected from four sexually mature boars, was frozen in an extender containing lactose-hen egg yolk with glycerol (lactose-HEY-G) or extender containing lactose, lyophilized lipoprotein fractions isolated from ostrich egg yolk and glycerol (lactose-LPFo-G), and Orvus Es Paste, respectively. The sperm samples were also frozen in a standard boar semen extender (Kortowo-3), without the addition of cryoprotective substances. Sperm DNA integrity was assessed using a modified neutral comet assay. Sperm characteristics such as motility, plasma membrane integrity (SYBR-14/PI), mitochondrial function (rhodamine 123) and acrosome integrity were monitored. Freezing-thawing caused a significant increase (P<0.05) in sperm DNA fragmentation, irrespective of the procedures of ejaculate collection and extender type. Sperm DNA fragmentation was significantly lower (P<0.05) in the whole ejaculate compared with the sperm-rich fraction, indicating that spermatozoa maintained in the whole seminal plasma prior to its removal for freezing-thawing procedure were less vulnerable to cryo-induced DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, spermatozoa frozen in lactose-HEY-G or lactose-LPFo-G extender exhibited lower (P<0.05) DNA fragmentation than those frozen in the absence of cryoprotective substances. The levels of sperm DNA damage, as expressed by comet tail length and tail moment values, were significantly higher (P<0.05) in sperm samples frozen in the absence of cryoprotective substances. The deterioration in post-thaw sperm DNA integrity was concurrent with reduced sperm characteristics. It can be suggested that evaluation of DNA integrity, coupled with different sperm characteristics such as motility, plasma membrane integrity and mitochondrial function, may aid in determining the quality of frozen-thawed boar semen.

Cryopreservation of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) sperm in 1.2 and 5 ml straws and occurrence of haploids among larvae produced with cryopreserved sperm

Experiments were carried out on the cryopreservation of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) sperm in order to test the suitability of using 1.2 and 5 ml straws and to investigate the ploidy of malformed larvae found among the hatched progeny. In the first set of experiments, the effect of freezing time was investigated on the hatch rate of embryos. The highest hatch rate for 1.2 ml straws was 69+/-16% at the freezing time of 4 min, and 39+/-27% for 5 ml straws at 5 min. In the second set, the effect different egg volumes fertilized with one straw of sperm on the hatch rate and the rate of malformed larvae was investigated. The highest hatch rate with 1.2 ml straws (86+/-12%) was observed when 10 g of eggs were fertilized with one straw, whereas with 5 ml straws the hatch rate was highest (65+/-18%) when 40 g of eggs were fertilized. The highest rate of malformed larvae (15+/-9%) was found in the control, whereas the highest rate of malformed larvae among the groups fertilized with cryopreserved sperm (13+/-7%) was found in the 1x dose group fertilized with 5 ml straw. The chromosome numbers of malformed larvae were investigated and haploids were found among those hatched from eggs fertilized with cryopreserved sperm whereas only diploids were found in the controls.

Effects of semen extender and semen processing on motility and viability of frozen-thawed dog spermatozoa

The aims of the present study were, to assess the effects of semen centrifugation, two different diluents and two different freezing methods on post-thaw semen quality in canine semen, and to elucidate the interdependence of these parameters. For this purpose, the sperm-rich fractions of ejaculates from 12 healthy male beagles were divided into four aliquots. Two aliquots were centrifuged and resuspended with two TRIS-egg yolk based extenders: with Uppsala and Gill extender (Gill). The diluents differed in the concentration of glycerol and in the admixture of Equex STM paste (Nova Chemical Sales Inc., Scituate, MA, USA). Diluted semen was frozen either in a styrofoam box or with a computerized freezing machine and an optimized freezing curve (IceCube 1,810; Sy-Lab, Purkersdorf, A). The change in temperature inside the straws was measured during the freezing procedure. Thawed semen samples were assessed for motility and viability (SYBR-14/PI) using the computer assisted sperm analyzer SpermVision (Minitüb, G) and a modified triple staining technique (flow cytometry). Deep freezing in the machine resulted in better motility and viability than in the box. The combination centrifugation-Uppsala extender-machine was superior to all other combinations, which was most evident after storage at +5 degrees C for 7 h (motility: 53.1%, viability: 64.9%). Post-thaw longevity and progressive motility were significantly improved by the use of the here introduced freezing curve. This was shown to be partly caused by less pronounced fluctuations of temperature inside the straws when compared to box-freezing.

Comparison of Glycerol, Lactamide, Acetamide and Dimethylsulfoxide as Cryoprotectants of Japanese White Rabbit Spermatozoa

The rabbit is considered to be a valuable laboratory animal. We compared glycerol, lactamide, acetamide, and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) as cryoprotectants in egg-yolk diluent of ejaculated Japanese white rabbit spermatozoa for improvement of sperm cryopreservation methods. Rabbit semen was frozen with 1.0 M glycerol, lactamide, acetamide, or DMSO in plastic straws. Forward progressive motility and plasma membrane integrity of the post-thaw spermatozoa were examined. The rate of forward progressive motile spermatozoa in lactamide (37.8 +/- 3.0%) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than in glycerol (17.0 +/- 3.3%). In addition, the rates of sperm plasma membrane integrity in lactamide and acetamide (35.9 +/- 3.3% and 30.2 +/- 3.0%, respectively) were significantly (P<0.05) higher than in glycerol (17.0 +/- 2.6%). The results indicate that 1.0 M lactamide and acetamide have higher cryoprotective effects than 1.0 M glycerol for cryopreservation of Japanese white rabbit spermatozoa.

Cryopreservation of European catfish Silurus glanis sperm: Sperm motility, viability, and hatching success of embryos

The aim of this study was to elaborate cryopreservation methods for ex situ conservation of European catfish. The success of sperm cryopreservation was evaluated by post-thaw sperm motility and velocity, percentage of live spermatozoa and fertility (hatching rates) using frozen/thawed sperm. The best hatching rates of 82-86% were obtained with sperm stored for 5 h before freezing in immobilizing solution and frozen with Me2SO in concentrations of 8, 10, and 12%, or with a mixture of 5% Me2SO and 5% propandiole. These results did not significantly differ from the fresh sperm control sample. The percentage of live spermatozoa in frozen/thawed sperm did not correlate with hatching rate or motility of spermatozoa, but was negatively correlated with velocity of spermatozoa (r=-0.47, P=0.05). The percentage motility in frozen/thawed sperm ranged from 8 to 62%, when sperm was stored in immobilizing solution 5h before freezing. The average value in the fresh sperm (control) was 96%. The frozen/thawed sperm motility rate significantly correlated with the hatching rate (r=0.76, P=0.0002), but not with the percentage of live spermatozoa (r=0.16, P=0.52) or the sperm velocity (r=0.07, P=0.79). The velocity of frozen/thawed spermatozoa ranged from 37 to 85 microm/s, whereby methanol concentrations of 7.5 and 10% resulted in highest velocities. Freezing sperm volumes of 1-4 ml did not affect the quality of frozen/thawed sperm.

Osmotic tolerance and membrane permeability characteristics of rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) spermatozoa

Biophysical characteristics of the plasma membrane, such as osmotic sensitivity and water and cryoprotectant permeability are important determinants of the function of spermatozoa after cryopreservation. A series of experiments was conducted with rhesus macaque spermatozoa at 23 degrees C to determine their: (1) cell volume and osmotically inactive fraction of the cell volume; (2) permeability coefficients for water and the cryoprotectants dimethyl sulfoxide, glycerol, propylene glycol, and ethylene glycol; (3) tolerance to anisosmotic conditions; and (4) motility after a one step addition and removal of the four cryoprotectants. An electronic particle counter and computer aided semen analysis were used to determine the cell volume and permeability coefficients, and motility, respectively. Rhesus spermatozoa isosmotic cell volume was 27.7+/-3.0 microm3 (mean+/-SEM) with an osmotically inactive cell fraction of 51%. Hydraulic conductivity in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide, glycerol, propylene glycol, and ethylene glycol was 1.09+/-0.30, 0.912+/-0.27, 1.53+/-0.53, and 1.94+/-0.47 microm/min/atm, respectively. Cryoprotectant permeability was 1.39+/-0.31, 2.21+/-0.32, 3.38+/-0.63, and 6.07+/-1.1 (x10(-3)cm/min), respectively. Rhesus sperm tolerated all hyposmotic exposures. However, greater than 70% motility loss was observed after exposure to solutions of 600 mOsm and higher. A one step addition and removal of all four cryoprotectants did not cause significant motility loss. These data suggest that rhesus sperm are tolerant to hyposmotic conditions, and ethylene glycol may be the most appropriate cryoprotectant for rhesus sperm cryopreservation, as it has the highest permeability coefficient of the tested cryoprotectants.

Experimental microbial contamination and disinfection of dry (vapour) shipper dewars designed for short-term storage and transportation of cryopreserved germplasm and other biological specimens

Cryopreservation, storage and transport of cryopreserved germplasm without the risk of disease transmission is of great concern to animal and human health authorities. Here we report on the efficacy of microbial decontamination of the liquid nitrogen (LN) dry (vapour) shippers used for short-term storage and transportation of germplasm and other biological specimens. Dry shippers containing either a hydrophobic or a non-hydrophobic LN absorbent were experimentally contaminated with high titers of cultures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococus aureus, bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1). Biocidals with broad spectrum antimicrobial activity and gas vapours of formalin and ethylene oxide were used for disinfection of the dewars. Among the biocidals used, treatment with sodium hypochlorite solution, the quaternary ammonium-based disinfectants and peracetic acid were the most effective and useful for dry shippers with a hydrophobic LN absorbent. None of the bacterial or viral microorganisms were detected in samples of semen and embryos stored in dry shippers following their disinfection with these biocides. An application of some other disinfectants, due to their foaming properties or to the permeability of the absorbent hydrophobic membrane (HM) was not effective or may have caused irreversible damage to the LN absorbent. Gas sterilization by ethylene oxide in contrast to formalin was fully effective for both types of dry shippers.

Managing risk associated with cryopreservation

Patients who consent to the frozen storage of sperm or embryos quite rightly expect the storing centre to do everything reasonably possible to keep them in optimum conditions. Both the process of cryopreservation and the cryofacility are loaded with risk, from patient/sample processing, through to the eventual utilization or disposal of specimens. The risk management process should focus on minimizing losses, including staff injury, premature warming of cells and tissues, mistaken identity, and transmission of infection. Early warning and monitoring systems should be in place for quality assurance and to prevent incidents involving cryovessels turning critical. Centres must ensure that every reasonable practical measure that can be put in place is done so, and that resourcing of the service adequately reflects the liability it represents.

Preliminary Evaluation of a Unique Freezing Technology for Bovine Spermatozoa Cryopreservation

Artificial insemination (AI) and semen cryopreservation has significantly improved the breeding potential of male animals. However, current freezing techniques commonly result in reduced semen quality. Ten years ago, a unique freezing technology (UFT) was developed for the freezing of foodstuffs and other materials. Previous work from this laboratory has demonstrated the UFT to be a superior method of freezing for a number of cell types. In a preliminary study, the UFT was compared with the conventional freezing methodology of bovine semen. Semen samples were collected from an angus (Bull A) and a gelbivich bull (Bull B), prepared using a conventional bovine cryoprotectant, and frozen in the UFT or in liquid nitrogen (LN) mist. The samples were stored in LN before being thawed and assessed for the semen parameters of motility and forward progression. Preliminary results suggest the UFT is equivalent to current techniques in the cryopreservation and recovery of bovine semen, and with modification, possibly a superior technique for semen freezing. Further studies using larger sample populations, and using a CASA system to evaluate motility, forward progression and linearity are merited.

The effects of different cryoprotectants and the temperature of addition on the survival of red deer epididymal spermatozoa

With the aim of finding an ideal cryoprotectant in a suitable concentration for red deer epididymal spermatozoa conservation, we evaluated the effects of four most commonly used cryoprotectants (CPAs), Glycerol (G), Ethylene glycol (EG), Propylene glycol (PG), and Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), on the sperm survival. Besides, the effects of two temperatures of CPA addition--22 degrees C (ambient temperature) and 5 degrees C--on sperm quality were also tested. For each temperature tested, sperm samples were evaluated after 0, 15, 30 and 60 min of spermatozoa exposition to CPAs. Thus, sperm quality was in vitro judged by microscopic assessments of individual sperm motility (SMI), and of plasma membrane (Viability) and acrosome (NAR) integrities. Overall, DMSO showed the highest toxicity for red deer epididymal spermatozoa, and glycerol the lowest. Thus, at 60 min of incubation SMI results showed that the toxicity to red deer epididymal spermatozoa of the four CPAs are in the following sequence: G approximately = EG approximately = PG < DMSO ('less than' symbol means P < 0.05, and approximate symbol means P = 0.08). Furthermore, our results also showed a differential response of acrosome membrane to temperature of CPAs addition. Regardless of the CPA used, statistically significant variations (P < 0.05) were found between the two temperatures of addition of CPAs for acrosome integrity, the best being 22 degrees C (NAR = 83.8% vs. 69.8%). These data indicate that sperm quality of red deer epididymal spermatozoa, in addition to be affected by the cryoprotectant, can also be influenced by the temperature at which CPAs are added prior to freezing.

Clean technique for cryoprotectant-free vitrification of human spermatozoa

Human spermatozoa can be successfully cryopreserved without the use of cryoprotectants through vitrification at very high warming rates. This is achieved by plunging a small amount of frozen sperm suspension into a warming medium, or a large amount of sperm suspension into an agitated warming medium. The aim of the present study was to compare the motility of human spermatozoa cryopreserved using four different methodologies of cooling and warming: cryoloops, droplets, open-pulled straws and standard open straws. Evaluation of two parameters, motility and viability rate of spermatozoa, suggests that all four methods are suitable for use in assisted reproductive technology. However, only the use of open-pulled straws as well as standard open straws allows the isolation of spermatozoa from liquid nitrogen with low potential risk of microbial contamination during freezing and storage, and is thereby a clean method of vitrification.

Comparative Study on Five Different Commercial Extenders for Boar Semen

Increasing interest in a longer preservation of diluted boar sperm raises questions in the field concerning the choice of the extender. The aim of this study was to evaluate the longevity of boar sperm extended in currently used commercial semen extenders. Three long-term extenders and two short-term extenders were compared for different semen quality parameters that can be assessed under routine laboratory conditions. Sperm morphology, motility, pH and bacteriological contamination were investigated during a 7-day period. The number of dead spermatozoa did not differ significantly among the extenders (p > 0.05). Sperm motility was not only related with storage period but most of all with pH, especially in long-term extenders. Differences between the different extenders were prominent (p < 0.05); the sperm preserved in only one long-term extender showed good motility during the whole test period. In all cases, the pH of the extended semen increased by 0.3-0.5 in the first days of storage and was significantly correlated with a decrease in motility. Bacteriological quality had no significant influence on motility or pH of the semen. In conclusion, we can state that in both short-term extenders and in only one long-term extender, sperm longevity, as evaluated by the parameters used in this study, was sufficient during the preservation period. To preserve the quality of diluted boar semen during long-term storage, the choice of the long-term extender is important. In addition, the monitoring of the pH of extended boar semen in our study emphasizes the importance of the buffering capacity of semen extenders.

A custom-built controlled-rate freezer for small sample cryopreservation studies

A custom-built controlled-rate freezing machine is described. It operates by automatically raising and lowering the sample carrier in a static column of liquid nitrogen vapour. It is controlled by a computer-assisted thermocouple feedback system that operates a stepper motor driving the sample carrier. The cooling protocol is divided into three phases: cooling from +5 to -5 C, initiation of ice nucleation, and cooling from -5 to -80 C. Experiments are described to validate the device over a range of different cooling rates. A freezing protocol is established to cool samples in plastic straws over a range of rates up to 80 C/min, with rapid and consistent absorption of the latent heat.

Semen production by the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae). 1. Methods for collection of semen

Two methods for collecting semen from male emus using an artificial cloaca (AC) have been developed. In the first method, the male mounts the female teaser and the collector effects erection and subsequent ejaculation using the AC. The second method takes advantage of the development of sexual behaviour directed towards the semen collector and semen is collected when the male mounts the collector's back. Eight of 11 males were successfully trained with teasers and 5 of the 7 males trained without teasers ejaculated successfully. The ease of training varied between birds. The use of a teaser was very valuable, as the crouching behavior of the teaser elicited mating attempts in every male. The training and collection of semen was done by one person. Both methods can be used for routine collection of semen, as they take advantage of natural stimulation and the voluntary ejaculation reflex to which the birds adapted readily.

Continuous assessment of human spermatozoa viability during cryopreservation

Cryomicroscopy has enabled direct observation of freezing and thawing of human spermatozoa. When used with a fluorescent viability kit, sperm membrane damage was not apparent down to temperatures of -5 degrees C, but significant damage occurred after thawing (55% of spermatozoa had damaged membranes). Semen samples were cooled or frozen to temperatures (at decrements of 10 degrees C) from 0 degree C to -110 degrees C. At all these temperatures the proportion of live to membrane-damaged cells remained constant. Samples held at temperatures above -30 degrees C were not adversely affected. Below -30 degrees C there was a gradual increase in the proportion of membrane-damaged cells on thaw and a decrease in the number of live cells recovering motility. At temperatures between -50 degrees C and -60 degrees C there was an equal proportion of live motile, immotile, and membrane-damaged cells. It is concluded that some irreversible damage to spermatozoa was a result of freezing processes in cells frozen to -30 degrees C or less, but most of the cryodamage was incurred during thawing, possibly due to recrystallization.

Cryopreservation of poultry semen

1. The effect on fertility of storing the semen of fowl, turkey, gander or drake at -196 degrees C in a diluent with dimethylacetamide was investigated. 2. After artificially inseminating ducks, geese, turkeys and hens with freeze-thawed semen, the percentage of fertility was 69-90%, 81-90%, 80-90% and 75-85%, respectively.

Glass wool filter preparation of cryopreserved spermatozoa

Oligozoospermic and asthenozoospermic semen ejaculates, as well as cryopreserved sperm samples prepared by the wash and swim-up procedure often result in unsatisfactory sperm recovery rates. In this study the glass wool filter and the wash and swim-up preparation procedures were compared on the basis of their 'effective' (number of live sperm per millilitre) recovery rates. The glass wool filter procedure consistently produced significantly (P = 0.0002) higher viable sperm concentrations, making it the preferred method for the preparation of cryopreserved sperm to be used in assisted reproduction techniques. The use of this preparation procedure has also been shown to have no adverse affect on the fertilizing potential of human spermatozoa in our unit.

Cryopreservation of vervet monkey semen and recovery of progressively motile spermatozoa

A method to cryopreserve semen from the Vervet monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops) has been developed, yielding a mean post thaw recovery of 63.60% of pre-freeze progressive motility. The extender contained a TES-TRIS buffer, egg yolk, dextrose, streptomycin, penicillin, and glycerol as cryoprotectant. The pH ranged from 7.10-7.18 and the osmolality was 330-345 mOsmol/L.

Combined effect of glycerol concentration and cooling velocity on motility and acrosomal integrity of boar spermatozoa frozen in 0.5 ml straws

The interaction of glycerol concentrations of 0-10% and cooling rates from 1 to 1,500 degrees C/min with boar spermatozoa motility and acrosomal integrity (proportion of spermatozoa with normal apical ridge) was studied after thawing 0.5 ml straws at a constant rate. While increasing the glycerol concentration from 0 to 4% progressively improved motility, the percentage of spermatozoa with a normal apical ridge gradually decreased. The magnitudes of the respective changes depended on cooling rate. A peak value of 48.1% and rating 3.8 were obtained in semen protected with 4% glycerol, frozen at 30 degrees C/min. Increasing the glycerol levels above 6% resulted in a gradual decrease in motility. The proportion of spermatozoa with normal apical ridge was highest in semen protected with 0-1% glycerol after cooling at 30 degrees C/min (64.4% and 66.1%, respectively), but at these glycerol concentrations the percentage of motile spermatozoa was low. At the 30 degrees C/min cooling rate, the decline in the proportion of cells with normal apical ridge due to increasing the glycerol levels to 3 and 4% was relatively slow (57.3% and 49.4%, respectively). Cooling at 1 degrees C/min was detrimental to acrosomal integrity, which decreased with increasing glycerol concentration, in contrast to increasing motility, which even at its maximum, remained low. The direct plunging of straws into liquid nitrogen (1,500 degrees C/min) resulted in damaged acrosomes in all spermatozoa with the total loss of motility. Balancing motility and acrosomal integrity, freezing boar semen protected with 3% glycerol by cooling at 30 degrees C/min resulted in optimal survival for boar semen frozen in 0.5 ml French straws.

A simplified method for freezing and storage of human semen

The use of 10-cm-long plastic tuberculin syringes for freezing and storage of human semen is introduced. This new method reduces the number of prefreezing and postthawing manipulations to a minimum. Postthawing motility, penetration of spermatozoa into cervical mucus, and results of the hamster ovum test were similar for spermatozoa stored-frozen in tuberculin syringes and for spermatozoa stored-frozen in french straws. The results of the postinsemination test performed in six women were slightly better with fresh semen than with semen stored-frozen in tuberculin syringes. Donor insemination with fresh semen resulted in eight pregnancies per 24 insemination cycles; with semen stored-frozen in tuberculin syringes five pregnancies were achieved in 22 insemination cycles.