猪精液冷冻技术的研究

以解冻后的精子活率、活力、质膜完整率、顶体完整率和人工授精结果为判定指标 ,比较了几种冷冻稀释液、解冻液及冷冻 -解冻程序对猪精液冷冻的效果 ,并对所筛选出的最佳稀释液和冷冻程序做了改进。结果如下 :(1) 号稀释液冷冻解冻后的精子活力 (32 .4± 7.3) %、活率 (4 2 .2± 3.2 ) %、顶体完整率 (6 2 .3± 0 .8) %和弯尾率 (4 2 .6± 7.5 ) %均显著高于 、 、 号稀释液 (P<0 .0 5 )。 (2 )在 号稀释液中添加 0 .5 %、1%和 2 %的 O.E.P(氨基 -钠 -十二烷硫酸酯 )使精子活率提高 5 %、弯尾率提高 6 %、顶体完整率提高近 10 % ,与对照组相比差异显著 (P<0 .0 5 )。 (3)应用改进的稀释液 ( 液加 1% O.E.P) ,细管法比颗粒法冷冻精子活率提高近 7个百分点 ,活力提高 6个百分点 (P<0 .0 5 )。(4 )室温预平衡 4h的精子活力和活率都比对照组 (0 h)有显著提高 (P<0 .0 5 ) ,而预平衡 2、6 h的精子活力和活率与对照组差异不显著 (P>0 .0 5 )。 (5 ) 号解冻液解冻后精子活力 (4 2 .9± 2 .6 ) %显著高于 、 、 号解冻液 (P<0 .0 5 )。 (6 )用 5 0℃水浴解冻精子的活力 (4 6 .3± 2 .6 ) %显著高于 39℃ (4 2 .9± 2 .6 ) %和 70℃水浴 (4 1.1± 5 .7) %解冻的精子活力 (P<0 .0 5 )。 (7)精清和 号解冻液     

顶体反应的结构变化及影响顶体完整率因素初探

综述了不同动物的精子发生顶体反应时顶体的结构变化，研究者对此不同的观点，影响顶体完整的四种因素：冷冻，抗精子抗血清，培养液，磁场。     

不同稀释剂对猪冷冻精液精子活率的影响

手握法采集12月龄大约克种公猪精液，在37℃下离心，弃去精清，收集浓缩段富含精子部分，用7种不同的稀释液进行稀释，应用液氮熏蒸法制作颗粒冻精。结果表明，在7种稀释液中，7号稀释液优于其他6种稀释液（P〈0．05）：与其他的冷冻保护剂相比，甘油的冷冻保护性能较好（P〈0．01），其适宜浓度为2～4mL／L：干解冻（40℃～45℃）效果优于湿解冻，解冻后精于活率达0．6～0．49（P〈0．05）；稀释液中添加安钠咖可有效地延长精于的冻后存活时间（P〈0．01）。     

低密度脂蛋白对冻融后猪精子生物学功能的影响

用3种不同的离心速度提取蛋黄中的低密度脂蛋白(LDL),然后在猪精液冷冻稀释液中添加不同含量的LDL;冻融后的猪精液进行体外受精,观测其体外受精的卵裂率,以探索不同离心速度离心获得的LDL对冻融后猪精子生物学功能的影响。结果表明:以10000 r/min离心速度离心的LDL,其解冻后猪精子的活率、顶体的完整率和质膜完整性显著高于8000 r/min和12000 r/min的(P<0.05),LDL的最佳添加量为9%(P<0.05)。冻融后体外受精的卵裂率达到46.35%,与对照组相比差异显著(P<0.05)。     

顶体反应的结构变化及影响顶体完整率因素初探

综述了不同动物的精子发生顶体反应时顶体的结构变化,研究者对此不同的观点,影响顶体完整率的四种因素:冷冻,抗精子抗血清,培养液,磁场.     

公牛冻精顶体完整率检测方法比较

本试验采用二种方法进行牛冻精顶体完整率的检测。结果表明,二种方法观察顶体效果均较好;方法１（常规方法）固定和染色时间为１０５ｍｉｎ,而方法２仅为３５ｍｉｎ。     

近交五指山小型猪精液冷冻保存技术的研究

用液氮熏蒸法在氟板上制作冻精颗粒,以解冻后的精子活率、活力和质膜完整性为判定指标,比较4种冷冻稀释液及不同冷冻-解冻程序对五指山小型猪精液冷冻的效果。结果表明:①Ⅳ号冷冻稀释液冷冻解冻后精子的活率(0.610±0.036)、活力(0.427±0.025)和质膜完整性(0.503±0.015)均显著高于Ⅰ、Ⅱ和Ⅲ号冷冻稀释液(P<0.05)。②实验中精液在4℃冰箱中平衡降温2 h的精液精子活力、质膜完整性均好于在17℃平衡3 h再放入4℃冰箱中平衡2 h的解冻效果,而且精子活率差异显著(P<0.05)。③湿解法的效果优于干解法。     

不同保存条件对猪精子质膜、顶体及线粒体损伤的研究

探明体外保存过程中精子的损伤机制对精液体外保存效果的提高具有重要意义。因此,通过研究旨在探讨不同温度及稀释液对保存过程中精子结构及功能的影响。采用联合荧光染色方法,用流式细胞仪分别对Ⅰ液(葡萄糖-卵黄-蔗糖-柠檬酸钠)(17℃和4℃)和Ⅱ液(葡萄糖-卵黄-蔗糖)(17℃)保存条件下的猪精子的质膜、顶体及线粒体的功能进行检测。结果表明,Ⅰ液保存条件下,17℃保存组的精子质膜完整率[5 d,(83.07±1.64)%]、活精子质膜磷脂酰丝氨酸(PS)未外翻比率[5 d,(84.00±2.64)%]、活精子顶体完整率[5 d,(76.72±1.07)%]和活精子高能线粒体比率[5 d,(52.01±0.37)%]显著高于4℃保存组[5 d,(21.84±0.49)%;5 d,(16.53±1.67)%;5 d,(15.44±1.25)%;5 d,(12.02±0.36)%](P0.01);17℃保存条件下,Ⅱ液保存的精子质膜完整率[5 d,(85.24±2.66)%]、活精子高能线粒体比率[(5 d,(58.93±0.65)%]和活精子PS未外翻的比率[5 d,(87.86±0.88)%]显著优于Ⅰ液[5 d,(83.07±1.64)%;5 d,(52.01±0.37)%;5 d,(84.00±2.64)%],但在活精子顶体完整率方面[Ⅱ液,5 d,(80.57±0.52)%;Ⅰ液,5 d,(76.72±1.07)%]两者差异不显著(P﹥0.05)。可得出结论:精液体外保存过程中,精子的质膜、顶体和线粒体功能随保存时间的增加而降低;4℃比17℃保存对精子质膜、顶体和线粒体结构损伤更大;在精子质膜、顶体和线粒体方面,Ⅱ液比Ⅰ液具有更好的体外保护效果。     

添加褪黑素对牛精液品质的影响

为探讨褪黑素(melatonin,MLT)在牛精液保存中的抗氧化作用,本研究利用目测法、低渗膨胀法和考马斯亮兰染色法分析了不同MLT浓度(0、10^-3、10^-4和10^-5 mol/L)和不同孵育时间(1、4和8 h)对精子活力、质膜和顶体完整性的影响。结果发现,与对照组相比,在稀释液中分别添加10^-3和10^-4 mol/L MLT均可显著提高精子活力、质膜完整率和顶体完整率(P＜0.05),且10^-3 mol/L MLT添加效果最佳;MLT(10^-3 mol/L)组在27 ℃孵育1、4 h后,其精子的活力、质膜完整率和顶体完整率均显著高于对照组(P＜0.05)。因此,添加10^-3 mol/L MLT可明显改善牛精液品质,提高牛精液的保存时间和保存质量。     

Cryodamage of plasma membrane and acrosome region in chicken sperm

Sperm plasma membrane is an essential structure of sperm resistance to freezing. Signs of cryodamage can be visible on the sperm plasma membrane. The aim of our study was to evaluate the appearance of plasma membrane and acrosome in fresh and frozen‐thawed chicken sperm using electron and fluorescence microscopy. Semen was collected from 12 sexually mature roosters of Ross PM3 heavy line, diluted with Kobidil⁺ extender with 16% of ethylene glycol (KEG; control) or with KEG in combination with one of following non‐permeating cryoprotectants: trehalose (KEG‐TRE) or glycine (KEG‐GLY). Fluorescence staining was used for detection of the membrane integrity, apoptotic changes and viability (Annexin V, Yo‐PRO‐1, PI, respectively). Ultrathin sections (70 nm) from samples were prepared to examine sperm head ultrastructure. Freezing process significantly worsened the status of the sperm plasma membranes. In all frozen groups, only about a quarter of the evaluated sperm were graded as class I quality. In the KEG and KEG‐GLY groups, about half of sperm had severe plasma membrane damages (III class). In sperm with extensively damaged membranes (III class), the acrosome–sperm head junction was mostly disturbed. The use of trehalose was more beneficial (p < 0.05) for sperm plasma membrane than the use of glycine. In contrast, a decrease (p < 0.05) in the apoptotic sperm ratio (Yo‐PRO‐1) was noted in the KEG‐GLY group when compared to other treatments. In conclusion, we identified different plasma membrane and acrosome damages in cryopreserved chicken sperm. The loss of acrosomes can contribute to diminishing of fertilization ability of cryopreserved chicken sperm.     

Effect of Foetal Bovine Serum on sperm motility,acrosome reaction and spermatic interaction to zona pellucida in alpacas (Vicugna pacos)

The use of foetal bovine serum (FBS) in cell culture media is quite common. However, little is known about the effect of FBS on sperm. The severe difficulties in alpaca reproduction demand the search of new methods for in vitro reproductive management. In the present study, we use for the first time FBS as a supplement in the culture medium for sperm in alpaca, and the effect of FBS on motility, acrosome reaction and sperm binding to the zona pellucida in this species was evaluated. A concentration of 10% v/v FBS was used. The sperm motility with FBS at the first hour was 32.8% (vs. control = 30.0%), whereas at the second hour sperm motility with FBS was 30.2% (vs. control = 28.8%). The acrosome reaction reached an average of 44.0% for treatment with FBS (vs. control = 30.1%). The sperm‐zona pellucida binding assay showed that the samples incubated with FBS had an average of 2.7 bound sperm (vs. control = 1.7). Only a significant difference was observed for sperm motility at the first hour and for the acrosome reaction. It is concluded that FBS favours the capacitation of sperm in alpaca.     

The relationship between acrosome reaction and polyunsaturated fatty acid composition in boar sperm

This study investigated the relationship between acrosome reactions and fatty acid composition with respect to fertility in boar sperm. The acrosome reaction was induced more than 85% by 60 mM methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MBCD), and plasma membrane integrity was significantly reduced dependent on the MBCD level in boar sperm (p < .05). The acrosome-reacted sperm exhibited significantly higher saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and lower polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) composition compared to the non-acrosome reaction group (p < .0001). In addition, the PUFAs, C22:5n-6 (docosapentaenoic acid [DPA]; p < .01) and C22:6n-3 (docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]; p < .0001) were significantly decreased, and cleavage and blastocyst formation of oocytes were significantly (p < .0001) decreased in acrosome-reacted sperm relative to non-acrosome-reacted sperm. Moreover, acrosome reaction was positively correlated with SFAs, whereas negatively correlated with PUFAs, of the PUFAs, the DPA (p = .0005) and DHA (p = <.0001) were negatively correlated with the acrosome reaction. Therefore, these results suggest that the PUFAs composition of sperm is closely involved in acrosome reaction in pigs.     

Follicular fluid stimulates capacitation and acrosome reaction in alpaca sperm (Vicugna pacos)

The follicular fluid exerts an effect on the sperm capacitation of several species; however, these effects vary according to species, both in the sperm motility and in the subsequent acrosome reaction. In this study, the effect of alpaca follicular fluid (aFF) on the motility and acrosome reaction of alpaca spermatozoa was observed, using follicular fluid of three follicle sizes: small (<3 mm), medium (3‐6 mm) and large (>6 mm), in a concentration of 30%. Sperm motility at the first hour of incubation with aFF of small follicles was 48.0%, with aFF of medium follicles it was 43.33% and with aFF of large follicles, it was 34.53%, while control averaged 26.00%. At the second hour, control achieved an average of 28.13%, treatment with aFF from small follicles showed an average of 46.53%, with aFF from medium follicles it was 40.00% and with aFF from large follicles it was 35.60%. The acrosome reaction after 4 hours of incubation was 30.06% for control, whereas for aFF of small follicles it was 66.3%, with aFF of medium follicles it was 58.86% and for aFF of large follicles, it was 67.63%. In the case of sperm motility, a significant difference is demonstrated for all treatments in relation to the control at the first hour, whereas only the treatments with aFF of small and medium follicles show a significant difference with respect to the control at the second hour. In the case of the acrosome reaction, all treatments with follicular fluid show a significant difference with respect to the control. It was concluded that alpaca follicular fluid favours sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction in alpaca spermatozoa.     

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.     

Spermatozoa DNA and plasma membrane integrity after pellet optimized processing for cryopreservation in meat type chicken breeders

1. Aim of this study was the development of an optimised cryopreservation pellet procedure for chicken semen and the assessment of DNA and membrane integrity in frozen/thawed spermatozoa in a Hubbard F15 meat type selected strain.

2. The following semen processing conditions were studied: spermatozoa working concentration (SWC), 1.5 vs 2 × 10⁹ cells/ml in pre-freezing extender; equilibration of diluted semen at 5°C, 20 vs 40 min; dimethylacetamide concentration, 6% vs 9%; dimethylacetamide equilibration time at 5°C, 1 vs 30 min; thawing at 60°C for 10 vs 50°C for 30 sec. Spermatozoa viability (EtBr exclusion procedure – stress test), mobility (Accudenz® swim-down test) and subjective motility were assessed in fresh and frozen-thawed semen.

3. The lower SWC (1.5 × 10⁹ cells/ml) and the higher dimethylacetamide concentration (9%) had positive significant effects on the recovery rate of motile (22% vs 16%) and viable spermatozoa (39 vs 34%), respectively.

4.Membrane (SYBR14-PI staining) and DNA integrity (comet assay) were assessed before and after freezing/thawing according to the optimised protocol.

5. Recovery rates of spermatozoa with undamaged plasma membrane and DNA were 41% and 76%, respectively. The distribution of spermatozoa in classes of DNA damage was also analysed and discussed.

6. It was concluded that pellet cryopreservation was a damaging process mainly for plasma membrane rather than nuclear DNA in chicken spermatozoa.     

Effect of pasteurized egg yolk on the quality of cryopreserved boar semen

Egg yolk (EY, control) is an essential ingredient of diluents for boar semen cryopreservation. Pasteurized egg yolk (PEY) reduces hygienic risks in processing and is easier to standardize. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of PEY (treatment) on frozen-thawed boar semen. In a split-sample approach (n = 13 boars), it could be shown that there is neither an influence (p > .05) on post-thawing motility (PTM: 5, 30 and 120 min) nor on morphologically intact sperm, percentage of acrosome defects and membrane fluidity using a PEY extender compared to the control. Mitochondrial activity (p = .043), membrane integrity (p = .015) and PTM 300 min (p = .023) were slightly affected in the treatment group. Overall, sperm quality was at a high level in both experimental groups. Further studies are needed to determine the impact of PEY on the fertilizing capacity of boar ejaculates.     

Effects of two freezing methods and two cryopreservation media on post‐thaw quality of stallion spermatozoa

Glycerol‐based extenders are widely utilized for freezing equine semen, but media combining methylformamide may better preserve sperm motility and mitochondrial function. Semen is cryopreserved utilizing either a Styrofoam box filled with liquid nitrogen or an automatic freezer. The objective of this experiment was to compare the post‐thaw characteristics of the same ejaculates cryopreserved in a Styrofoam box or in an automatic freezer, utilizing a glycerol‐based extender (Gent) and an extender that combines methylformamide and glycerol (BotuCrio^®). For that, one ejaculate from 30 stallions collected in two different centres was used. For data analysis, a mixed linear model with laboratory, medium and freezing method and respective interactions as fixed effects was used. Stallion was taken into account as a random effect. There was no influence (p > .05) of laboratory, while stallion effect was marked. Semen frozen in BotuCrio^® in the automatic freezer had higher (p < .001) VCL than semen cryopreserved in Gent using the Styrofoam box. VCL was also higher (p = .068) for semen frozen in BotuCrio^® in the Styrofoam box than for semen cryopreserved in Gent using the same method. The difference between percentage of sperm with intact plasma membrane frozen in Gent using the Styrofoam box (44.43% ± 2.44%) compared to spermatozoa cryopreserved in BotuCrio^® using the same method (40.78% ± 2.42%) approached significance (p = .0507). The percentage of sperm with intact acrosome membrane was higher (p < .05) in semen frozen in BotuCrio^® (79.08% ± 1.79%) than semen frozen in Gent (75.15% ± 1.80%). A higher (p = .0125) percentage (32.24% ± 2.18%) of semen extended in Gent and cryopreserved in the Styrofoam box had high mitochondrial membrane potential than semen frozen in BotuCrio^® using the same method (26.02% ± 2.15%). Fertility studies are warranted to assess whether differences found have any effect on the fertility of inseminated mares.