冷冻保存对公猪精子功能的影响

试验旨在探究公猪精液冷冻保存对其精子功能的影响。取长白猪的鲜精和优质冻精,用精子分析仪检测精子的运动能力,台盼蓝染色检测精子活率,体外受精（IVF）试验检测卵裂率与囊胚率,采用不同功能检测试剂盒检测冻精和鲜精的顶体完整率、线粒体膜通道孔（MPTP）活性、线粒体膜电位（MMP）、线粒体活性、线粒体氧化应激活性氧（ROS）以及精子DNA完整性,实时荧光定量PCR检测弱精子症相关蛋白基因SMCP、TEKT3、DNAH1、TCTE3的表达。结果表明,与猪鲜精相比,猪冻精的活率及活力均显著降低（P<0.05）,冻精的顶体完整率也明显下降（P<0.05）;冻精的卵裂率和囊胚率显著低于鲜精（P<0.05）;精子线粒体功能分析结果显示,冻精的MPTP相对荧光单位值（RFU）、线粒体膜电位荧光比率以及线粒体活性光密度（OD）值均显著低于鲜精（P<0.05）;精子线粒体ROS检测发现,冻精的RFU值显著高于鲜精（P<0.05）;精子DNA完整性检测结果显示,冻精拖尾率显著高于鲜精（P<0.05）;而弱精子症相关蛋白基因的表达与鲜精相比,差异不显著（P>0.05）。综上所述,冷冻导致猪精子活率、活力、线粒体功能、DNA完整性下降,最终使得冷冻精液精子的受精能力降低。     

一周岁内滩羊皮肤差异表达蛋白研究

为研究一周岁内滩羊皮肤中的差异表达蛋白,本试验利用双向凝胶电泳（2-DE）技术分离了滩羊不同生长阶段皮肤蛋白,经考马斯亮蓝染色,用PDQuest 8.0软件检测并分析差异蛋白点,并经MALDITOF/TOF-MS/MS鉴定。对4个生长时期的蛋白图谱进行两两比对,共发现了19个差异蛋白点,质谱成功鉴定出15个蛋白点共13种蛋白,可能与滩羊皮肤生长调控有关的蛋白有14-3-3蛋白σ亚型（14-3-3 protein sigma）、膜联蛋白A2（annexin A2）、角蛋白25（keratin 25）、微管蛋白α链（tubulin alpha chain）。对差异表达蛋白进行分析,发现这些差异表达蛋白可能与滩羊皮肤不同生长阶段的毛囊周期性变化有关。一周岁内滩羊皮肤差异蛋白的发现为滩羊皮肤的年变化规律研究奠定理论基础。     

鸽蛋低密度脂蛋白对冷休克和冻融猪精子HSP70及凋亡相关基因表达的影响

旨在探究鸽蛋低密度脂蛋白(LDL)对冷休克和冻融猪精子HSP70及凋亡相关基因表达的影响。试验分为5组,分别是鲜精组、3%LDL(-80和-196℃)处理组、9%LDL(-80和-196℃)处理组。采用CASA系统分析不同处理组添加不同浓度鸽蛋LDL对冷休克及冻融前后猪精子生物学性状的影响;通过SDS-PAGE、Western blotting、PCR扩增检测分析HSP70蛋白及凋亡基因表达量的变化。结果表明:猪精子经过冻融处理后,热休克蛋白HSP70的表达量高于鲜精组,同时添加9%鸽蛋LDL并置于-196℃保存的冻融精子的热休克蛋白HSP70的表达量与鲜精组无显著差异(P0.05);在抗凋亡基因Bcl-x1、Bcl-2l试验中,鲜精组的基因表达量均高于其他处理组,添加9%LDL(-196℃)处理组的基因表达量与鲜精组无显著差异(P0.05);在促凋亡基因Bak试验中,鲜精组的基因表达量最低,且添加9%LDL(-196℃)处理组的Bak基因表达量与鲜精组无显著差异(P0.05)。添加鸽蛋LDL可在一定程度上降低猪精子在冻融过程中造成的损伤,维持猪精子正常生物学性状,提高猪精子存活率。     

双向凝胶电泳分析感染禽脑脊髓炎病毒鸡脑组织蛋白表达图谱

本研究采用双向凝胶电泳分离接毒组（感染AEV）和对照组（不接毒）的鸡脑组织全蛋白,经过银染后,用Image ScannerⅡ光密度扫描仪获取凝胶图像,并用Image Master 2D Platinum软件进行差异蛋白分析。对蛋白斑点编辑后,接毒组中检测到793个蛋白点,对照组中检测到827个蛋白点,两张图谱的匹配蛋白点数为614个,凝胶匹配率为75．8％。差异蛋白分析后,发现在接毒组中有16个蛋白点表达量显著下调,这些蛋白质成份可能与组织细胞病变有关,它们将为认识禽脑脊髓炎的发病机理提供线索。     

利用双向电泳技术分析山羊精子冷冻前后蛋白组的差异

建立稳定的山羊精子蛋白质双向电泳的技术平台，对精子上样量、蛋白质提取方法、二维电泳程序等相关技术都进行了优化，得到了相对清晰的冻精和鲜精的二维电泳图谱，并运用ImageMaster TM 2D Platinum软件进行了分析。结果表明：通过改进的热Trizol法提取山羊精子蛋白，当取精子3&#215;10^7、上样量为150μL时能取得较好的电泳图谱，鲜精的蛋白位点重复性较高的有650个&#177;10个，冻精的蛋白位点重复性较高的有600个&#177;10个。冷冻导致精子蛋白丢失约50个，而且冻精多表现为大分子量蛋白的丢失，大部分分布于60～100kb之间，其中60～80kb之间蛋白丢失约18个，80～100kb之间蛋白丢失近20个，12～60kb之间蛋白丢失近12个。实验初步探明了山羊精子融冻前后精子的蛋白变化规律，为进一步了解精子冷冻损伤的确切机理奠定了基础。     

百合鳞茎休眠解除过程中差异蛋白表达分析

通过低温处理打破细叶百合(Lilium pumilum)鳞茎休眠,利用荧光差异凝胶电泳和质谱技术,借助生物信息学分析手段,分析百合鳞茎休眠解除过程中蛋白质组的变化,以期进一步理解百合鳞茎休眠机制奠定基础。结果表明,分离得到31个差异表达蛋白点;相对于休眠鳞茎,休眠解除鳞茎中上调表达的蛋白点有15个,下调表达的蛋白点有16个;应用MS质谱成功鉴定12个差异蛋白点,按功能划分为6类,主要为胁迫类蛋白,可能涉及鳞茎内物质的代谢过程,进而调控鳞茎的休眠解除;根据细叶百合鳞茎休眠解除过程中差异蛋白表达谱比较,获得了几种与鳞茎休眠相关的蛋白质,鳞茎休眠时胁迫类蛋白高表达,休眠解除时蛋白水解酶类高表达。     

水牛卵泡液差异蛋白质双向电泳方法的建立及质谱分析

旨在研究沼泽型水牛成熟前后卵泡内差异表达蛋白质的变化规律。采用双向凝胶电泳技术分离成熟卵泡液和未成熟卵泡液总蛋白质,建立和优化了卵泡液的双向电泳体系,并使用质谱鉴定差异表达蛋白点。结果显示,丙酮沉淀法处理得到的总蛋白质样品后,在24cm(pH 4～7)胶条且上样量350μg时得到分辨率较好的双向电泳图谱。软件分析得到11个差异蛋白点,以成熟卵泡液作为对照,5个蛋白点表达上调,3个蛋白点表达下调,1个蛋白点缺失,2个蛋白点在未成熟卵泡液中特异性表达。质谱成功鉴定出4个蛋白质:过氧化物酶-2、醛糖还原酶、牛纤维蛋白原的晶体结构、转甲状腺素蛋白。该研究建立了良好的卵泡液双向电泳体系,分析并鉴定一批水牛卵泡液差异蛋白质,对于研究水牛卵母细胞的发育微环境和成熟机制提供了新的研究线索。     

新疆驴细管冻精的制作

试验旨在研究新疆驴细管冻精制作过程中精液冷冻液、降温平衡时间及液氮熏蒸时间对精子冻后活力的影响。研究共设计3个试验。试验1对比了INRA-Freeze、Optidyl、房氏驴精液冷冻保存液、自配马精液冷冻冷冻液等4种精液冷冻液在精子冷冻过程对精子冻后活力的影响,筛选出适合制作新疆驴细管冻精的冷冻液;试验2探索在细管冻精制作过程中平衡90、120、150 min对精子冻后活力的影响;试验3比较在细管冻精制作过程中使用液氮熏蒸5、6、7、8、9、10 min时对精子冻后活力的影响,探索液氮熏蒸的最佳时间。结果显示,使用INRA-Freeze冷冻液或房氏冷冻液在冷冻过程中对精子的损伤最小;冷冻过程中,降温平衡90、120、150 min对精子冻后活力的影响差异不显著（P>0.05）;在冷冻过程中液氮熏蒸7 min时精子冻后活力最高,显著高于熏蒸5、9、10 min的精子冻后活力（P<0.05）,与熏蒸6、8 min时精子冻后活力差异不显著（P>0.05）。研究表明,为降低成本可使用INRA-Freeze冷冻液稀释精液,于冰箱中平衡90～150 min后装入0.5 mL的细管...     

奶牛性控精子膜蛋白提取及双向电泳分离技术的研究

本文的研究内容是奶牛性控精子膜蛋白双向电泳平台的建立和优化以及性控X、Y精子膜蛋白表达的差异性分析。分别对性控X精子、Y精子提取膜蛋白并进行双向电泳,用ImageMaster7.0软件对本结果进行比对分析,发现一张图谱上大约有600左右的蛋白点,其中差异蛋白点32个,在差异蛋白点中,上调蛋白19个,下调蛋白13个。说明基于双向电泳的蛋白质组学可以用于性控精子的研究,发生改变的这些差异蛋白可能在性别分化过程中发挥重要作用。     

肉碱对冻融猪精子总抗氧化能力、抗氧化酶基因及凋亡相关基因表达的影响

试验旨在探究肉碱对冻融猪精子质量、抗氧化、抗凋亡及精卵结合能力的影响。试验分鲜精组和冻融组,冻融组的肉碱浓度分别为0、0.025、0.05、0.075 mg/mL,对冻融后的精子质量、总抗氧化能力、抗氧化酶相关基因及凋亡相关基因mRNA表达、精卵结合能力进行检测。结果显示,在冻融组中,经过肉碱处理的精子存活率、质膜完整率和顶体膜完整率均显著高于0 mg/mL处理组（P < 0.05）,其中肉碱浓度为0.05 mg/mL时改善效果最好;经过冻融处理的精子中丙二醛（MDA）浓度与鲜精组相比显著升高（P < 0.05）,其中肉碱浓度为0.05 mg/mL时显著低于其他肉碱处理组（P < 0.05）;与鲜精组相比,各冻融组精子总抗氧化能力均显著降低（P < 0.05）,肉碱浓度为0.05 mg/mL时总抗氧化能力最高。此外,与鲜精组相比,0 mg/mL肉碱处理组中凋亡相关基因Caspase-3与Bax的相对表达量显著升高（P < 0.05）,抗凋亡基因Bcl-2的相对表达量显著降低（P < 0.05）,抗氧化酶相关基因SOD2、CAT与GPx的相对表达量显著降低（P < 0.05）;冻融组精卵结合能力均下降,但肉碱浓度为0.05 mg/mL时可得到显著改善（P < 0.05）。结果表明,添加肉碱可以改善冻融猪精子的质量、抗氧化能力、抗凋亡能力及精卵结合能力。     

Localization of CD9 Molecule on Bull Spermatozoa: Its Involvement in the Sperm–Egg Interaction

Tetraspanin CD9 is one of the egg membrane proteins known to be essential in fertilization process. The presence and localization of CD9 molecule in spermatozoa and its possible function in reproduction are still unclear. In our study, we describe the localization of CD9 on bull spermatozoa. In the immunofluorescence assay, the positive signal has been observed in the high proportion of sperm cells as a fine grains either on the apical part or through the entire anterior region of sperm head. CD9 recognized by monoclonal antibody IVA‐50 was detected on freshly ejaculated (83.4 ± 3.7%) and frozen‐thawed (84.3 ± 2.3%) sperm. The same reaction pattern was observed on sperm capacitated for 1 h, 2 h, 3 h and 4 h (83.6 ± 2.0%; 84.0 ± 1.5%; 85.7 ± 0.8%; 77.5 ± 10.8%). The presence of CD9 exclusively on plasma membrane of the bovine sperm has been detected by Western blot analysis of the protein fractions after the discontinuous sucrose gradient fractionation of the bull sperm. Moreover, probable role of the sperm CD9 molecule in fertilization process of cattle has been suggested as sperm treatment with anti‐CD9 antibody significantly reduced (by 25%, p ≤ 0.001) the number of fertilized oocytes compared to control group in fertilization assay in vitro.     

A Scanning Electron Microscopy Study of Frozen / Thawed Dog Sperm During In Vitro Gamete Interaction

The aim of this work was to study the effects of cryopreservation on the binding and penetration of dog spermatozoa to the zona pellucida (ZP) by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The sperm-rich fraction of six ejaculates from five dogs was divided into two aliquots and washed by centrifugation. One aliquot was processed as fresh control sample and the other aliquot frozen in Tris-fructose extender. Gamete interaction was assessed using in vitro matured bitch oocytes, which were co-incubated for up to 3 h. At hourly intervals after the start of co-incubation, in vitro fertilized (IVF) oocytes were processed by SEM. The results were analysed statistically using the anova test. Differences in binding and penetration of the spermatozoa to the ZP occurred; a lower proportion of oocytes with spermatozoa bound to ZP was observed using frozen sperm (p < 0.05) than with fresh sperm (61%, 57% and 53% vs 42%, 40% and 44% at 1, 2 and 3 h, respectively). The percentage of ZP penetration by fresh sperm was directly proportional to the time of co-incubation (9%, 25% and 34%; p < 0.05); in contrast, no differences were observed in the penetration rate with frozen-thawed sperm (21%, 17% and 21%). More acrosome reacted sperm were observed in frozen sperm than in fresh sperm on the surface of the ZP. The differences in the percentage of binding and penetration between fresh and frozen sperm during the co-culture could indicate that the time course of penetration is faster in frozen-thawed dog spermatozoa than in fresh sperm, but that fresh spermatozoa can penetrate more oocytes over a given period of time, which may be related to their reacted or non-reacted initial status.     

Effect of relaxin on the motility, acrosome reaction and utilization of glucose of fresh and frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of relaxin on motility, acrosome reaction (AR), viability and utilization of glucose in fresh and frozen‐thawed bovine spermatozoa. Both semen samples were washed twice through centrifugation (5 min at 600 g), and preincubated for 1 h at 39°C for swim up. The swim‐up separated spermatozoa were resuspended in a sperm Tyrode's albumin lactate pyruvate (Sp‐TALP) medium containing 0 (control) and 40 ng/mL porcine relaxin and incubated for 0–6 h. Sperm motility was determined on the basis of movement quality examined by a phase contrast microscope. Sperm viability and AR were evaluated by using the triple staining technique. The incorporation and oxidation of ¹⁴C‐glucose was assessed by a liquid scintillation counter. Motility was improved (P < 0.05) in both fresh and frozen‐thawed spermatozoa by the addition of relaxin to the Sp‐TALP medium, whereas relaxin showed no significant effect on viability in either fresh or frozen‐thawed spermatozoa. The percentage of AR increased (P < 0.05) when fresh or frozen‐thawed spermatozoa were incubated with relaxin. In contrast, the incorporation and oxidation of ¹⁴C‐glucose increased (P < 0.05) in both kinds of spermatozoa incubated with relaxin. Thus the results demonstrated that the addition of relaxin to the Sp‐TALP medium increased the motility, AR and utilization of glucose in fresh and frozen‐thawed bovine spermatozoa.     

Effect of Cryopreservation on the Sperm DNA Fragmentation Dynamics of the Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

Sperm DNA fragmentation is one of the major causes of infertility; the sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCDt) evaluates this parameter and offers the advantage of species‐specific validated protocol and ease of use under field conditions. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate sperm DNA fragmentation dynamics in both fresh and post‐thaw bottlenose dolphin sperm using the SCDt following different cryopreservation protocols to gain new information about the post‐thaw differential sperm DNA longevity in this species. Fresh and cryopreserved semen samples from five bottlenose dolphins were examined for sperm DNA fragmentation dynamics using the SCDt (Halomax^®). Sperm DNA fragmentation was assessed immediately at collection and following cryopreservation (T0) and then after 0.5, 1, 4, 8, 24, 48 and 72 h incubation at 37°C. Serially collected ejaculates from four dolphins were frozen using different cryopreservation protocols in a TES‐TRIS‐fructose buffer (TTF), an egg‐yolk‐free vegetable lipid LP1 buffer (LP1) and human sperm preservation medium (HSPM). Fresh ejaculated spermatozoa initially showed low levels of DNA fragmentation for up to 48 h. Lower Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) was found in the second fresh ejaculate compared to the first when more than one sample was collected on the same day (p < 0.05); this difference was not apparent in any other seminal characteristic. While there was no difference observed in SDF between fresh and frozen–thawed sperm using the different cryopreservation protocols immediately after thawing (T0), frozen–thawed spermatozoa incubated at 37°C showed an increase in the rate of SDF after 24 h. Sperm frozen in the LP1^? buffer had higher levels (p < 0.05) of DNA fragmentation after 24‐ and 48‐h incubation than those frozen in TTF or HSPM. No correlation was found between any seminal characteristic and DNA fragmentation in either fresh and/or frozen–thawed samples.     

Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) on Fresh and Cryopreserved Buffalo Sperm Functions During Incubation at 37°C In Vitro

The magnitude of damage to buffalo spermatozoa during incubation with different levels of H₂O₂ was assessed. A total number of 24 ejaculates from four Murrah buffalo bulls were analysed in the study. Each ejaculate was split into two parts (part I and II). Part I was extended in Tris–egg yolk–citrate extender (20% egg yolk:7% glycerol), equilibrated (4 h at 5°C) and cryopreserved in 0.5‐ml French straws and stored in liquid nitrogen. The other part was utilized for fresh semen studies. The sperm in fresh, equilibrated and frozen–thawed semen was separated by centrifugation (1500 g ; 15 min) and were washed with sperm TALP. The sperm cells were re‐suspended in incubation TALP at the rate of 10⁸ sperm cells per millilitre and incubated with 0, 10, 25, and 50 μm H₂O₂ per ml at 37°C. Sperm motility, viability and intact acrosome percentages were assessed at 15‐min intervals up to 60 min of incubation. Lipid peroxidation levels of sperm were assessed at 0 and 60 min of incubation. The results of the experiment revealed that sperm motility decreased drastically during incubation with H₂O₂. Among the different levels of H₂O₂, the 50‐μm H₂O₂‐incorporated group had significantly (p < 0.05) higher malonaldehyde (MDA) level than the other groups. In the 50‐μm H₂O₂‐incorporated group, the MDA levels in fresh, equilibrated and frozen–thawed semen after incubation for 60 min were 961.6 ± 12.7, 991.8 ± 10.3 and 1234.9 ± 9.6 nm per 10⁹ spermatozoa respectively. An inverse relationship was observed between sperm motility, viability, intact acrosome percentages and concentration of H₂O₂ and duration of incubation. The decrease in sperm functions with duration of incubation and concentration of H₂O₂ was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in frozen–thawed than fresh and equilibrated spermatozoa.     

Effects of Thawing Temperature and Post‐thaw Dilution on the Quality of Cat Spermatozoa

The present study aimed to compare cat sperm quality after thawing using two different temperatures (37 and 70°C) and to investigate the effects of post‐thaw dilution on the sperm quality and longevity of ejaculated cat spermatozoa. Six ejaculates of each of six male cats were collected using an electroejaculator (total 36 ejaculates). The semen was frozen in 0.25‐ml straws using a Tris egg yolk extender containing Equex STM paste. Four straws prepared from each ejaculate were thawed at four different occasions; (i) at 37°C for 15 s, (ii) at 37°C for 15 s and diluted 1 : 2 with Tris buffer (v/v), (iii) at 70°C for 6 s, (iv) at 70°C for 6 s and diluted 1 : 2 with Tris buffer (v/v). The percentages of motile spermatozoa, the scores of progressive motility, the percentages of spermatozoa with intact plasma membrane (using SYBR‐14/EthD‐1 stains) and intact acrosome (using fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugated peanut agglutinin/propidium iodide stains) were evaluated in fresh semen at 0, 2, 4 and 6 h after thawing. The thawing temperature had no effect on any sperm parameters throughout the incubation period (p > 0.05). The dilution after thawing improved sperm motility, progressive motility and acrosome integrity (p < 0.05). The thawing of cat spermatozoa and subsequently diluting with Tris buffer resulted in an immediate (at 0 h) overall (combined over temperature) percentage of motile sperm of 64.8 ± 10.7 (mean ± SD), a score of progressive motility of 4.0 ± 0.5, a percentage of spermatozoa with intact plasma membrane of 64.4 ± 12.1 and intact acrosome of 44.8 ± 20.2. In conclusion, frozen cat semen can be thawed either at 37 or 70°C and post‐thaw dilution is recommended to reduce the toxic effect of some ingredients in the extender during post‐thaw incubation.     

Differential proteins associated with plasma membrane in X- and/or Y-chromosome bearing spermatozoa in indicus cattle

The differential proteins associated with plasma membrane of spermatozoa are less known, identification of which shall help overcome limitations of currently used methods of sperm sexing, considered as a high priority for livestock sector of many countries. This study has reported plasma membrane proteomics of unsorted spermatozoa and differential expression of plasma membrane-associated proteins between X- and Y-chromosome bearing spermatozoa of indicus cattle (Bos indicus). Isolation of plasma membrane fraction using percoll gradient, relatively a rapid method, from bovine spermatozoa has been reported to enrich isolation of plasma membrane proteins. Significant enrichment for plasma membrane-associated proteins was observed in plasma membrane fraction (p < .05) as compared to the total cell lysate using LC-MS/MS. Furthermore, these experiments were conducted in flow cytometry sorted, sexed-semen samples. Thirteen proteins were identified as differentially abundant between X- and Y-sorted spermatozoa. Among these, two proteins were downregulated in Y-sorted spermatozoa compared to the X-sorted spermatozoa (p < .05), while four and seven proteins could be noted in X- and Y-sorted spermatozoa, respectively. Proteins that are presumed to support sperm capacitation and sperm migration velocity were found to be abundant in Y-sorted spermatozoa while those associated with structural molecule activity were identified as abundant in X-sorted spermatozoa in the present study. Our study provides better insight into the plasma membrane proteomics of spermatozoa of indicus cattle and furnishes data that might aid in design and development of alternate and open technology for sex-sorting of semen.     

Reproductive Development of Santa Inês Rams During the First Year of Life: Body and Testis Growth,Testosterone Concentrations,Sperm Parameters,Age at Puberty and Seminal Plasma Proteins

We have investigated the reproductive development of the tropically adapted Santa Inês ram, the most common hair sheep in Brazil. From 8 to 48 weeks of age, 16 animals were evaluated for body and testis growth, semen parameters, testosterone concentrations and seminal plasma proteins, using two‐dimensional SDS‐PAGE. Animals were weaned at 30 days and kept in feedlots thereafter, receiving hay, concentrate (18% of crude protein) and mineral supplement. Body weight increased from 12.3 ± 0.7 to 54.3 ± 1.6 kg between 8 and 48 weeks (p < 0.05), but changes in thoracic perimeter and scrotal circumference were non‐significant after 36 weeks (p > 0.05). The percentage of motile sperm increased slowly until 23 weeks and more rapidly after that age, but significant changes in progressive motility occurred after 25 weeks. Presence of abnormal sperm related inversely to age. Most significant changes in sperm concentration occurred between 38 and 44 weeks (0.38 ± 0.05 to 1.14 ± 0.24 × 10⁹ cells/ml, p < 0.05) and testosterone reached its highest concentrations at 42 weeks, decreasing afterwards. Rams reached puberty at 28.2 ± 0.8 weeks. The number of protein spots on seminal plasma gels was similar from 15 to 18 weeks (45 and 47 spots; p > 0.05), increased until 24 weeks (141 spots) and 28 weeks (170 spots; p < 0.05) and remained without significant (p > 0.05) changes from 28 to 48 weeks (186 ± 10 spots). Furthermore, the intensity of selected spots on 2D maps increased (p < 0.05) between 15 and 28 weeks, which preceded or coincided with the main developmental changes in sperm motility and percentage of defective sperm in the ejaculates. These results will support future studies designed to characterize specific seminal plasma proteins whose expression relate to the development of testis, epididymis and accessory sex glands.     

Hysteroscopic insemination of low numbers of flow sorted fresh and frozen/thawed stallion spermatozoa

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of flow cytometric sorting and freezing on stallion sperm fertility. A 2 x 2 factorial design was used to delineate effects of flow sorting and freezing spermatozoa. Oestrus was synchronised (July-August) in 41 mares by administering 10 ml altrenogest (2.2 mg/ml) per os for 10 consecutive days, followed by 250 microg cloprostenol i.m. on Day 11. Ovulation was induced by administering 3,000 iu hCG i.v. either 6 h (fresh spermatozoa) or 30 h (frozen/thawed spermatozoa) prior to insemination. Mares were assigned randomly to one of 4 sperm treatment groups. Semen was collected from 2 stallions with an artificial vagina and processed for each treatment. Treatment 1 (n = 10 mare cycles) consisted of fresh, nonsorted spermatozoa and Treatment 2 (n = 16 mare cycles) of fresh, flow sorted spermatozoa. Spermatozoa to be sorted were stained with Hoechst 33342 and sorted into X- and Y-chromosome-bearing populations based on DNA content using an SX MoFlo sperm sorter. Treatment 3 (n = 16 mare cycles) consisted of frozen/thawed nonsorted spermatozoa (frozen at 33.5 x 106 sperm/ml in 0.25 ml straws) and Treatment 4 (n = 15 mare cycles) of flow sorted frozen/thawed spermatozoa (frozen at 64.4 x 10(6) sperm/ml). Concentrations of sperm in both cryopreserved treatments were adjusted, based on predetermined average post-thaw motilities, so that each insemination contained approximately 5 x 10(6) motile spermatozoa. Hysteroscopic insemination of 5 x 10(6) motile spermatozoa in a volume of 230 microd was used for all treatments. Pregnancy was determined ultrasonographically 16 days postovulation. No differences were found (P>0.1) in the pregnancy rates for mares inseminated with fresh nonsorted (4/10 = 40.0%), fresh flow sorted (6/16 = 37.5%), frozen/thawed nonsorted (6/16 = 37.5%) and flow sorted frozen/thawed spermatozoa (2/15 = 133%). Pregnancy rates tended (P = 0.12) to be lower following insemination of frozen/thawed flow sorted spermatozoa. Further studies are needed with a larger number of mares to determine if fertility of flow sorted frozen/thawed spermatozoa can be improved.     

Effects of lycopene on in vitro quality and lipid peroxidation in refrigerated and cryopreserved turkey spermatozoa

1. The effects of lycopene-enriched extenders on the in vitro quality of turkey semen including lipid peroxidation were examined after chilled and frozen storage.

2. Five pools of semen diluted in extenders containing 0, 0·05 or 0·1?mg/ml of lycopene were stored at 5°C for 48?h or cryopreserved as pellets and the following variables determined in fresh samples and samples stored chilled or frozen: sperm motility, viability, osmotic resistance, DNA integrity and lipid peroxidation (as malonaldehyde production).

3. Semen quality was generally compromised after storage, especially post-freezing. However, in the presence of the highest dose of lycopene, both the viability and osmotic-resistance of chilled spermatozoa and the DNA integrity of frozen spermatozoa were similar to those of fresh spermatozoa.

4. Greater lipid peroxidation was detected in refrigerated compared to fresh or cryopreserved spermatozoa. However, spermatozoa chilled in lycopene-enriched extenders showed significantly lower malonaldehyde levels than those chilled without lycopene, while the addition of lycopene to the freezing medium served to maintain the lipid peroxidation levels observed in fresh semen.

5. In conclusion, the presence of lycopene in the extender improved the survival of turkey spermatozoa after liquid-storage and protected DNA integrity against cryodamage. The beneficial effects of lycopene observed could be related to its capacity to diminish sperm lipid peroxidation during refrigeration or cryopreservation.