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Ahlam Z, Souraya S, Bouchra EK, Moudou MM, Uxia YR, Luis Angel QA, Juan JBG, Pedro GH, Abdelaziz S. The impact of Origanum Vulgare essential oil supplementation on sperm motility and subpopulation alterations in bulls, dogs, and rabbits. Res Vet Sci 2024; 170:105200. [PMID: 38428368 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Artificial insemination is a widely adopted method in livestock production for various reasons such as health security and genetic improvement. Although sperm motility is of paramount importance in this technique as it directly influences the sperm's ability to fertilize the oocyte. In previous research on human sperm, we observed that in vitro supplementation with Origanum Vulgare essential oil significantly improved sperm motility and antioxidant activities, all without negatively affecting the integrity of their DNA. Based on these promising results, we considered it crucial to explore the potential effects of supplementation with this essential oil on sperm of other species. In this study, we studied the effects of oregano essential oil supplementation on sperm motility of (bulls = 15) (dogs = 15) and (rabbits = 9) and the changes that in vitro incubation with this oil could induce on sub-motile sperm populations of different species. The results of the study showed that in vitro oregano essential oil supplementation had a significant impact on sperm motility in the three species studied. This improvement in sperm motility was accompanied by an increase in the proportion of subpopulations with high velocity and progressivity: an increase of (2.16%, 10% and 4.84%) for subpopulation 1, (6.50%, 5.5% and 3.17%) for subpopulation 4 in bulls, dogs and rabbits respectively. While the subpopulations representing low motile and non-progressive sperm have decreased. These results suggest that the use of oregano essential oil can be a beneficial approach to improve sperm motility in different species, which can have important implications for the success of artificial insemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zarhouti Ahlam
- Laboratory of Physiopathology, Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Health and Biotechnology Research Center, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Maarif B.P 5366, Casablanca 20000, Morocco
| | - Sakoui Souraya
- Laboratory of Physiopathology, Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Health and Biotechnology Research Center, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Maarif B.P 5366, Casablanca 20000, Morocco
| | - El Khalfi Bouchra
- Laboratory of Physiopathology, Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Health and Biotechnology Research Center, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Maarif B.P 5366, Casablanca 20000, Morocco
| | - Mbaye M Moudou
- Laboratory of Physiopathology, Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Health and Biotechnology Research Center, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Maarif B.P 5366, Casablanca 20000, Morocco; Laboratory of Medical Analysis, Andrology, LABOMAC, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Yañez Ramil Uxia
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Universitario Campus, 27002 Lugo, Spain
| | - Quintela Arias Luis Angel
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Universitario Campus, 27002 Lugo, Spain
| | - José Becerra González Juan
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Universitario Campus, 27002 Lugo, Spain
| | - García Herradón Pedro
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Universitario Campus, 27002 Lugo, Spain
| | - Soukri Abdelaziz
- Laboratory of Physiopathology, Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Health and Biotechnology Research Center, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Maarif B.P 5366, Casablanca 20000, Morocco.
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Zuo J, Cao M, Han H, Zhan T, Xu Y, Hao Y, Li X, Zang C. Optimization of Annealing and Metal Films Radiofrequency Heating Procedures for Vitrified Umbilical Arteries. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:1164-1176. [PMID: 38164064 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c02125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Vitrification is well known for its application in the cryopreservation of blood vessels, which will address the supply-demand imbalance in vascular grafts for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Thermal stress damage and devitrification injury in umbilical arteries (UAs) require attention and resolution during the vitrification and rewarming process. In this study, we validated several cooling annealing protocols with temperatures (-130 to -100 °C) and annealing duration durations (10-20 s). Among these, the umbilical artery subjected to annealing at -110 °C for 10 s exhibited the most favorable glass transition and retained 93% of its elastic modulus (0.625 ± 0.030 MPa) compared to the fresh group. Extended annealing temperatures and durations can effectively reduce thermal stress damage, leading to improved mechanical properties by minimizing temperature gradients during cooling. Furthermore, three metal radiofrequency methods were utilized for rewarming, including the use of additional metal films and different magnetic field strengths (20, 25 kA/m). Metal radiofrequency (adding an extra metal film for cryoprotectants rewarming, 20 kA/m) achieved faster and more uniform rewarming, preserving the extracellular matrix (ECM), collagen fibers, and elastic fibers without significant differences compared to the fresh group (P < 0.05). Moreover, its preservation of the biomechanical properties of blood vessels was better than that of water bath heating. Theoretical analysis supports these findings, indicating that radiofrequency heating (RFH) with metal films reduces temperature gradients and thermal stresses during arterial rewarming. RFH contributes to the cryopreservation and clinical application of large-lumen biomaterials, overcoming challenges associated with vascular vitrification and rewarming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglong Zuo
- Institute of Biothermal Science & Technology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
- Shanghai Co-Innovation Center for Energy Therapy of Tumors, Shanghai 200093, China
- Shanghai Technical Service Platform for Cryopreservation of Biological Resources, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Mengyuan Cao
- Institute of Biothermal Science & Technology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
- Shanghai Co-Innovation Center for Energy Therapy of Tumors, Shanghai 200093, China
- Shanghai Technical Service Platform for Cryopreservation of Biological Resources, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Hengxin Han
- Institute of Biothermal Science & Technology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
- Shanghai Co-Innovation Center for Energy Therapy of Tumors, Shanghai 200093, China
- Shanghai Technical Service Platform for Cryopreservation of Biological Resources, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Taijie Zhan
- Institute of Biothermal Science & Technology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
- Shanghai Co-Innovation Center for Energy Therapy of Tumors, Shanghai 200093, China
- Shanghai Technical Service Platform for Cryopreservation of Biological Resources, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Institute of Biothermal Science & Technology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
- Shanghai Co-Innovation Center for Energy Therapy of Tumors, Shanghai 200093, China
- Shanghai Technical Service Platform for Cryopreservation of Biological Resources, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Yan Hao
- Yinfeng Cryomedicine Technology Co., Ltd., Jinan 250002, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Yinfeng Cryomedicine Technology Co., Ltd., Jinan 250002, China
| | - Chuanbao Zang
- Yinfeng Cryomedicine Technology Co., Ltd., Jinan 250002, China
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Cerdeira Lozano J, Castaño C, Sánchez-Calabuig MJ, Santiago-Moreno J. Epididymal Spermatozoa Show Higher Cryoresistance to Vitrification Process Than Ejaculated Spermatozoa in Dogs. Biopreserv Biobank 2023; 21:527-532. [PMID: 36374957 PMCID: PMC10616935 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2022.0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate differences in the sperm response to a vitrification-warming process between ejaculated and epididymal dog spermatozoa, and to evaluate the efficacy of an animal protein-free extender for vitrification of both types of sperm cells. Vitrified-warmed spermatozoa from the epididymis showed greater (p < 0.001) progressive motility and total motility values than ejaculated spermatozoa, regardless of the diluent. The vitrification procedure returned better results for viability and intact acrosome when human tubal fluid (HTF®) was used (25.10 ± 7.90 and 56.50 ± 6.7, respectively) compared with Tris-Citric acid-Glucose (TCG) (15.20 ± 4.70 and 43.70 ± 7.9, respectively) in ejaculated samples. Similarly, higher total motility (34.5 ± 4.5) was observed in HTF postwarmed samples compared with TCG-treated samples (19.52 ± 5.1). The interaction source (epididymis, ejaculated) × extender had a significant effect (p < 0.001) on the values of total motile spermatozoa after warming. HTF-based extender improved (p < 0.001) total motility values in epididymal samples, but not in ejaculated samples. In conclusion, epididymal spermatozoa show higher cryoresistance to the vitrification process than ejaculated spermatozoa in dogs. The use of HTF is adequate for both ejaculated and epididymal canine sperm vitrification.
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Barbosa BB, Evangelista ITA, Soares ARB, Leão DL, Pereira RJG, Domingues SFS. Kinetic vitrification: concepts and perspectives in animal sperm cryopreservation. Anim Reprod 2023; 20:e20220096. [PMID: 37228692 PMCID: PMC10205064 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2022-0096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation is an important tool for genetic diversity management programs and the conservation of endangered breeds and species. The most widely used method of sperm conservation is slow freezing, however, during the process, sperm cells suffer from cryoinjury, which reduces their viability and fertility rates. One of the alternatives to slow freezing is vitrification, that consist on rapid freezing, in which viable cells undergo glass-like solidification. This technology requires large concentrations of permeable cryoprotectants (P- CPA's) which increase the viscosity of the medium to prevent intracellular ice formation during cooling and warming, obtaining successful results in vitrification of oocytes and embryos. Unfortunately, this technology failed when applied to vitrification of sperm due to its higher sensitivity to increasing concentrations of P-CPAs. Alternatively, a technique termed 'kinetic sperm vitrification' has been used and consists in a technique of permeant cryoprotectant-free cryopreservation by direct plunging of a sperm suspension into liquid nitrogen. Some of the advantages of kinetic vitrification are the speed of execution and no rate-controlled equipment required. This technique has been used successfully and with better results for motility in human (50-70% motility recovery), dog (42%), fish (82%) and donkey (21.7%). However, more studies are required to improve sperm viability after devitrification, especially when it comes to motility recovery. The objective of this review is to present the principles of kinetic vitrification, the main findings in the literature, and the perspectives for the utilization of this technique as a cryopreservation method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Barreto Barbosa
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Medicina de Animais da Amazônia, Universidade Federal do Pará, Castanhal, PA, Brasil.
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Produção Animal na Amazônia, Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, Belém, PA, Brasil.
| | - Inara Tayná Alves Evangelista
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Medicina de Animais da Amazônia, Universidade Federal do Pará, Castanhal, PA, Brasil.
| | - Airton Renan Bastos Soares
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Medicina de Animais da Amazônia, Universidade Federal do Pará, Castanhal, PA, Brasil.
| | - Danuza Leite Leão
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Medicina de Animais da Amazônia, Universidade Federal do Pará, Castanhal, PA, Brasil.
- Instituto de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Mamirauá, Tefé, AM, Brasil.
| | - Ricardo José Garcia Pereira
- Departamento de Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
| | - Sheyla Farhayldes Souza Domingues
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Medicina de Animais da Amazônia, Universidade Federal do Pará, Castanhal, PA, Brasil.
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde e Produção Animal na Amazônia, Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, Belém, PA, Brasil.
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Motility Assessment of Ram Spermatozoa. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11121715. [PMID: 36552225 PMCID: PMC9774426 DOI: 10.3390/biology11121715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
For successful fertilisation to occur, spermatozoa need to successfully migrate through the female reproductive tract and penetrate the oocyte. Predictably, poor sperm motility has been associated with low rates of fertilisation in many mammalian species, including the ram. As such, motility is one of the most important parameters used for in vitro evaluation of ram sperm quality and function. This review aims to outline the mechanical and energetic processes which underpin sperm motility, describe changes in motility which occur as a result of differences in sperm structure and the surrounding microenvironment, and assess the effectiveness of the various methods used to assess sperm motility in rams. Methods of subjective motility estimation are convenient, inexpensive methods widely used in the livestock industries, however, the subjective nature of these methods can make them unreliable. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) technology accurately and objectively measures sperm motility via two-dimensional tracing of sperm head motion, making it a popular method for sperm quality assurance in domesticated animal production laboratories. Newly developed methods of motility assessment including flagellar tracing, three-dimensional sperm tracing, in vivo motility assessment, and molecular assays which quantify motility-associated biomarkers, enable analysis of a new range of sperm motion parameters with the potential to reveal new mechanistic insights and improve ram semen assessment. Experimental application of these technologies is required to fully understand their potential to improve semen quality assessment and prediction of reproductive success in ovine artificial breeding programs.
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Teixeira DO, Silva HVR, Brito BF, Barbosa BDS, Tabosa BEDA, da Silva LDM. Sperm quality and morphometry characterization of cryopreserved canine sperm in ACP-106c or TRIS. Anim Reprod 2022; 19:e20210069. [PMID: 36156885 PMCID: PMC9484261 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2021-0069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphological sperm evaluation supported by the morphometry can be used in the determination of the seminal quality and in the investigation of potential extenders. Although there are studies comparing TRIS and ACP extenders, there are no comparative studies between them for the computerized assisted semen analysis (CASA), sperm viability, membrane functionality and sperm morphometry parameters of cryopreserved canine semen. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the effects of ACP-106c and TRIS on post-freezing canine sperm quality. Five dogs were submitted to semen collection twice with one-week interval. The semen was evaluated within the parameters: total motility, vigor, concentration, viability, plasma membrane functionality, morphology and morphometry. In the morphometric evaluation, the morphologically normal sperm was measured as: length, width, area and perimeter of the head and the midpiece, tail length and total length. The parameters of ellipticity, elongation, regularity and roughness were determined. Then, the semen was divided into two aliquots that were diluted in TRIS or ACP-106c, with the addition of egg yolk and glycerol. The diluted semen was refrigerated and frozen. The thawed samples were evaluated. Total motility, viability, sperm membrane functionality and normal morphology reduced after thawing in both extenders (morphology reduced from 89.60 ± 1.3% to 84.40 ± 1.8 and 84.60 ± 1.1% in TRIS and ACP-106c, respectively). However, it did not differ between TRIS and ACP-106c. In the ACP-106c the sperm head defects in cryopreserved semen were higher compared to fresh semen (P < 0.05). For all the morphometric parameters evaluated, there were no differences between fresh and cryopreserved samples (3.70 ± 0.4% vs. 2.30 ± 0.5%). In kinetics, with an interval of one week statistical differences between the extenders were found only in the parameters ALH and LIN (P < 0.05). Regardless of the extender, there were no changes in the morphometric parameters of sperm after thawing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bruna Farias Brito
- Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Faculdade de Veterinária, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
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Galarza, Jara D, Paredes E, Samaniego J, Méndez M, Soria M, Perea F, Muñoz-León E, Santiago-Moreno J. BoviPure® Density-gradient Centrifugation Procedure Enhances the Quality of Fresh and Cryopreserved Dog Epididymal Spermatozoa. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 242:107003. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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Cerdeira J, Castaño C, Pérez JF, Marcos-Beltrán JL, Guerra R, López-Fernández M, Torija E, Rodríguez A, Martínez-Nevado E, Toledano-Díaz A, Sánchez-Calabuig MJ, Santiago-Moreno J. Vitrification of Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) sperm: A possible alternative to conventional cryopreservation. Anim Reprod Sci 2021; 235:106887. [PMID: 34798241 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Sperm vitrification is a simple, inexpensive method that allows the cryopreservation of sperm in the field and for endangered species is a useful alternative to conventional freezing. The study, therefore, is focused on the suitability of vitrification for cryopreserving Iberian wolf sperm and utilizing plasma testosterone concentration as a marker for procedure efficacy. Sperm and blood samples were collected from 17 wolves. There were 14 samples suitable for cryopreservation (12 ejaculated and two epididymal). Immediately after collection, these samples were proportioned into two aliquots for conventional freezing using a Tris-citric acid-glucose based extender (TCG) or vitrification utilizing an animal protein free extender (HTF®). Vitrification occurred by directly plunging a sperm suspension into liquid nitrogen. Sperm were assessed for motility, membrane integrity, acrosomal status and DNA integrity before and after cryopreservation. With both techniques, there were similar post-thaw/warming results (P > 0.05) with respect to progressive motility, kinetic variables VCL, VSL, VAP and BCF, DNA fragmentation, sperm membrane functionality and morphological abnormalities. Total motile sperm, progression ratios LIN, STR, and WOB, the ALH, sperm viability and sperm with intact membrane and acrosome were greater (P < 0.05) in the conventional frozen-thawed sperm than vitrified-warmed sperm. Plasma testosterone concentrations varied from 0.0 ng/mL to 7.7 ng/mL. For epididymal sperm, sperm motility and viability following thawing were greater in vitrified-warmed samples than conventionally-frozen samples; however, small sample numbers precluded statistical analysis. When considered together, these results indicate vitrification may be a possible alternative for wolf sperm cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Cerdeira
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, UCM, Madrid, Spain
| | - C Castaño
- Department of Animal Reproduction, INIA-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - J F Pérez
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, UCM, Madrid, Spain
| | - J L Marcos-Beltrán
- Consejería de Desarrollo Rural y Recursos Naturales Principado de Asturias, Spain
| | | | | | | | - A Rodríguez
- Centro de Fauna Irrecuperable Kuna Ibérica, Navas del Rey, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - M J Sánchez-Calabuig
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, UCM, Madrid, Spain.
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Galarza DA, Landi G, Mejía E, Samaniego JX, Méndez S, Soria ME, Taboada J, Sánchez-Calabuig MJ, Castaño C, Santiago-Moreno J. Cryopreservation of dog epididymal spermatozoa by conventional freezing or ultra-rapid freezing with nonpermeable cryoprotectant. Cryobiology 2021; 103:15-21. [PMID: 34715114 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This study was aimed to assess the effectiveness of two methods for cryopreservation of dog epididymal spermatozoa, one by conventional freezing (CF) with shortening both equilibration and cooling times, and the other by ultra-rapid freezing (URF) with nonpermeable cryoprotectant. Sixty epididymides were recovered from thirty orchiectomized adult dogs and the sperm samples were retrieved by retrograde flushing using TCG-EY (tris, citric acid, glucose + 20% egg yolk) extender and then 20 pools were conformed. Each pool was divided into 2 aliquots and then cryopreserved by CF and URF methods respectively. The CF method maintained the cooled-pool samples for 2h (1h without and 1h with 5% glycerol) and then were frozen by liquid nitrogen (LN2) vapors for 2 min. The URF method cryopreserved the cooled-pool samples using TCG-EY+250 mM sucrose, equilibrating during 30 min (5 °C) and submerging 30-μL drops directly in LN2. The results showed that the URF method produced a lower percentage of total and progressive motilities and acrosome integrity (P < 0.05) than the CF method. However, the kinetic variables (curvilinear and straight-line velocities, straightness, linearity, wobble, amplitude of lateral head displacement, and beat-cross frequency) and plasma membrane integrity did not differ (P > 0.05) between both cryopreservation methods. Unlike the URF method, the width, area and perimeter of sperm head were reduced after the CF method (P < 0.05). In conclusion, despite the low motility achieved after the ultra-rapid freezing method, the similar values of kinetic, viability and head morphometric dimensions to those obtained after conventional freezing, suggest that ultra-rapid freezing with sucrose may be a useful alternative for the cryopreservation of canine epididymal sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego A Galarza
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología de La Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Cuenca, EC010205, Cuenca, Ecuador.
| | - Gabriela Landi
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología de La Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Cuenca, EC010205, Cuenca, Ecuador.
| | - Edisson Mejía
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología de La Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Cuenca, EC010205, Cuenca, Ecuador.
| | - Jorge X Samaniego
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología de La Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Cuenca, EC010205, Cuenca, Ecuador.
| | - Silvana Méndez
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología de La Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Cuenca, EC010205, Cuenca, Ecuador.
| | - Manuel E Soria
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología de La Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Cuenca, EC010205, Cuenca, Ecuador.
| | - Juan Taboada
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología de La Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Cuenca, EC010205, Cuenca, Ecuador.
| | | | - Cristina Castaño
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA-CSIC, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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Cryoprotective Effects of Ergothioneine and Isoespintanol on Canine Semen. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11102757. [PMID: 34679779 PMCID: PMC8532791 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cryopreserving dog semen allows the long-term availability of male gametes for future artificial insemination and other assisted reproductive techniques. However, freezing causes irreversible damage to sperm that can affect its ability to fertilize and generate a viable pregnancy. Sperm alterations are partly attributed to oxidation produced by reactive oxygen species (ROS); therefore, antioxidants have been included as extenders for seminal cryopreservation. The unconventional natural antioxidants might reduce deleterious changes in cryopreserved dog sperm; therefore, we evaluated the effects of cryopreservation with the antioxidants ergothioneine and isoespintanol on thawed canine sperm. Various concentrations of both antioxidants improved the movement capacity and structure of thawed spermatozoa, possibly by reducing ROS production. The unconventional antioxidants isoespintanol and ergothioneine improved the quality of cryopreserved canine semen and hence improved assisted canine reproduction. Abstract Sperm undergo oxidative stress due to excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during cryopreservation. Some unconventional natural antioxidants can reduce ROS-induced changes in cryopreserved canine sperm. This study aimed to identify the cryoprotective effects of ergothioneine and isoespintanol on the quality of thawed canine semen. Twelve ejaculates from six dogs were cryopreserved in a tris-yolk extender without (control) or with 50 (E50), 100 (E100), or 150 (E150) µM ergothioneine or 20 (I20), 40 (I40), or 60 (I60) µM isoespintanol. We evaluated the motility and kinetics of thawed sperm using computerized analysis; determined morphology by eosin-nigrosin staining; functional membrane integrity using hypoosmotic tests, and structural membrane and acrosome integrity; mitochondrial membrane potential by fluorescence microscopy; and ROS production by spectrophotometry. Data were statistically analyzed using mixed models and Tukey tests. E100 increased total (60.6% vs. 49.6%) and progressive (26.4% vs. 20.1%) motility, straight line velocity (41.3 vs. 35.9 µm/s), and rapid sperm (17.6% vs. 12.3%) compared with controls. However, E150 reduced the numbers of hyperactive sperm. E100, I40, and I60 reduced the abnormal morphology and ROS production, and all concentrations of both antioxidants increased acrosomal integrity. We concluded that ergothioneine and isoespintanol reduce deleterious sperm alterations and oxidative stress in thawed canine semen.
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Characterization of Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Sperm Based on Morphometric Traits. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10050355. [PMID: 33922110 PMCID: PMC8143526 DOI: 10.3390/biology10050355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Dolphins are one of the best adapted aquatic mammalians in captivity. While these animals can reproduce naturally in aquaria, many aspects related to their reproduction are still unknown. Their behavior, sociability with humans and ability to learn make dolphins ideal subjects for investigating their reproduction features for conservation programs aimed at this aquatic species and others. It is known that dolphins use a multi-male mating strategy, in which sperm competition could play a fundamental role. This study aims to characterize the shape and dimensions of dolphin sperm from two mature males and putatively classifies them into subpopulations. Moreover, the influence of sex hormone levels (testosterone) and refrigeration (temperature and storage period) with sperm dimension was evaluated. The results indicated that sperm dimensions and shape differed between the two males studied and that the sperm of both males could be classified into two subpopulations depending on their dimensions. Moreover, both testosterone levels and refrigeration were seen to influence sperm dimensions. This investigation provides new insights into sperm competition in dolphin species, and the results could be extrapolated to other endangered aquatic mammalian species. Abstract Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) males follow many reproductive strategies to ensure their paternity. However, little is known about the sperm traits, including morphometric features, that contribute to their reproductive success. Our aim was to study dolphin sperm morphometry (a total of 13 parameters) in two adult males to evaluate (i) presumptive sperm subpopulations, (ii) the correlation of sperm morphometry with testosterone levels and (iii) the effect of refrigerated storage on the sperm morphometry. Sperm populations were classified into four principal components (PCs) based on morphometry (>94% of cumulative variance). The PCs clustered into two different sperm subpopulations, which differed between males. Furthermore, the levels of serum testosterone were positively correlated with the length of the midpiece but negatively correlated with head width and the principal piece, flagellum and total sperm lengths. Most of the sperm morphometric parameters changed during the storage period (day 1 vs. day 7), but only the principal piece length was affected by the storage temperature (5 °C vs. 15 °C). This is the first study to identify dolphin sperm subpopulations based on morphometry and the influence of serum testosterone and refrigeration on sperm morphometry.
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Ciani F, Maruccio L, Cocchia N, d’Angelo D, Carotenuto D, Avallone L, Namagerdi AA, Tafuri S. Antioxidants in assisted reproductive technologies: An overview on dog, cat, and horse. J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8:173-184. [PMID: 33860028 PMCID: PMC8043350 DOI: 10.5455/javar.2021.h500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are widely used as a tool to improve reproductive performance in both humans and animals. In particular, in the veterinary field, ARTs are used to improve animal genetics, recover endangered animals, and produce offspring in the event of subfertility or infertility in males or females. However, the use of ARTs did not improve the fertilization rate in some animals due to various factors such as the difficulty in reproducing an anatomical and humoral substrate typical of the natural condition or due to the increase in catabolites and their difficult elimination. The in vitro environment allows the production and increase in the concentration of substances, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), which could be harmful to gametes. If produced in high concentration, the ROS becomes deleterious, both in vitro and in vivo systems. It has been seen that the use of antioxidants can help neutralize or counteract the production of ROS. The present study aims to report the latest findings regarding the use of antioxidants in ARTs of some domestic species, such as dogs, cats, and horses, compared to other animal species, such as cattle, in which ARTs have instead developed more widely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ciani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Lucianna Maruccio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Natascia Cocchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Danila d’Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Avallone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Simona Tafuri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Du C, Zheng X, Jiang J, Meng J, Wu Y, Gao X, Zhu J. The effects of extenders, cryoprotectants and conditions in two-step cooling method on Varicorhinus barbatulus sperm. Cryobiology 2021; 100:133-141. [PMID: 33640316 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2021.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we developed an optimal cryopreservation procedure for Varicorhinus barbatulus sperm. To this end, we optimized (1) the types and dilution ratios of extenders; (2) types and final concentration of cryoprotectants; and (3) freezing conditions, including equilibration time, height above the surface of liquid nitrogen (LN), and the cooling times in the two-step cooling method. The optimum result was obtained when the sperm was diluted at a 1:9 ratio in D-17 with 10% methanol, equilibrated at 4 °C for 10 min, held at 7 cm above LN for 2 min, and finally stored in LN. After storage for 12 h in LN, the sperm was thawed in a water bath at 40 °C for 6s, the post-thaw sperm motility was 66.10 ± 7.12%, while the corresponding rate for fresh sperm was 87.08 ± 2.38%. Using computer-assisted sperm analysis, we found a significant decrease in the motility parameters of post-thaw sperm, especially the parameters related to velocity. To evaluate the effects of cryopreservation on the structural integrity of sperm, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were employed, which showed the defects in frozen sperm, including: abnormal heads, damaged plasma membranes, broken tails, and the disappearance of the mitochondrial internal crest. In addition, we determined the mitochondrial membrane potential to assess the functional integrity of frozen sperm. Our results showed a decrease in the mitochondrial function of frozen sperm. This procedure could be used alongside cryopreservation of V. barbatulus and supports its commercial-scale production and species conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Du
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology By the Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xuebin Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology By the Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianhu Jiang
- Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou, Zhejiang, 313001, China.
| | - Jiajie Meng
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology By the Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuanjie Wu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology By the Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xinming Gao
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology By the Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, People's Republic of China.
| | - Junquan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology By the Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, People's Republic of China.
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Zampini R, Castro-González XA, Sari LM, Martin A, Diaz AV, Argañaraz ME, Apichela SA. Effect of Cooling and Freezing on Llama ( Lama glama) Sperm Ultrastructure. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:587596. [PMID: 33195617 PMCID: PMC7655875 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.587596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Semen cryopreservation in South American camelids has a low efficiency. Post-thaw viability of sperm is low, and poor results are obtained when artificial insemination is performed with cryopreserved semen, impeding advances both in accelerated genetic progress and selection. This study aimed to describe the effect of a conventional method of camelid semen cryopreservation on the llama sperm ultrastructure during cooling and freezing, using transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM, SEM). Sperm motility, vigor, viability, and DNA integrity during those steps were also examined. Ejaculates from five fertile adult llama males were obtained by electroejaculation. For cooling, semen samples were washed with Hepes-balanced salt solution (HBSS), diluted in Tris-citric acid-fructose egg yolk extender (TCF-EY), and then cooled until 5°C for 24 h. For freezing, sperm samples were washed with HBSS, diluted in TCF-EY and cooled until 5°C for 2.5 h. Samples were equilibrated with TCF-EY, supplemented with 6% glycerol at 5°C for 20 min, and then stored in liquid nitrogen for a month before thawing. TEM and SEM analyses were carried out on sperm samples prior to cryopreservation, after cooling down until 5°C for 2.5 and 24 h, and after the freeze-thaw process. Ultrastructural injury was noticed during cooling, even though sperm motility, vigor, viability, and DNA integrity were not significantly affected. Analysis revealed plasma membrane and acrosome damage, loss of mitochondria, and axoneme and periaxonemal structure disorganization after 2.5 h of cooling. During freezing, a significant decrease in sperm motility and viability was observed after thawing. TEM and SEM revealed prominent signs of post-thawing damage. The plasma membrane was lost or exhibited various degrees of swelling, undulation, and perforations. Besides, the sperm presented vacuoles in the nucleus and broken acrosomes. Mitochondria in the midpiece showed vacuolization and structural disorganization. In conclusion, SEM and TEM revealed that cryopreservation induced ultrastructural damages in llama sperm that initiated during cooling and intensified during freezing. These details provide valuable data for further studies to minimize cryodamage in camelid sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Zampini
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas-Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (CONICET-UNT), Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (UNT), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina.,Cátedra de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (UNT), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Ximena A Castro-González
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas-Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (CONICET-UNT), Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (UNT), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Luciana M Sari
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas-Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (CONICET-UNT), Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (UNT), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Alfredo Martin
- Cátedra de Técnicas Quirúrgicas, Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (UNT), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigación Animal del Chaco Semiárido (IIACS), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Leales, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Ana V Diaz
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas-Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (CONICET-UNT), Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (UNT), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Martin E Argañaraz
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas-Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (CONICET-UNT), Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (UNT), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina.,Cátedra de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (UNT), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Silvana A Apichela
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas-Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (CONICET-UNT), Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (UNT), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina.,Cátedra de Zootecnia General I, Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (UNT), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
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Bovine sperm-oviduct interactions are characterized by specific sperm behaviour, ultrastructure and tubal reactions which are impacted by sex sorting. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16522. [PMID: 33020549 PMCID: PMC7536416 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73592-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To date sperm-oviduct interactions have largely been investigated under in vitro conditions. Therefore we set out to characterize the behaviour of bovine spermatozoa within the sperm reservoir under near in vivo conditions and in real-time using a novel live cell imaging technology and a newly established fluorescent sperm binding assay. Sperm structure and tubal reactions after sperm binding were analysed using scanning and transmission electron microscopy and histochemistry. As a model to specify the impact of stress on sperm-oviduct interactions, frozen-thawed conventional and sex-sorted spermatozoa from the same bulls (n = 7) were co-incubated with oviducts obtained from cows immediately after slaughter. Our studies revealed that within the oviductal sperm reservoir agile (bound at a tangential angle of about 30°, actively beating undulating tail), lagging (bound at a lower angle, reduced tail movement), immotile (absence of tail movement) and hyperactivated (whip-like movement of tail) spermatozoa occur, the prevalence of which changes in a time-dependent pattern. After formation of the sperm reservoir, tubal ciliary beat frequency is significantly increased (p = 0.022) and the epithelial cells show increased activity of endoplasmic reticula. After sex sorting, spermatozoa occasionally display abnormal movement patterns characterized by a 360° rotating head and tail. Sperm binding in the oviduct is significantly reduced (p = 0.008) following sexing. Sex-sorted spermatozoa reveal deformations in the head, sharp bends in the tail and a significantly increased prevalence of damaged mitochondria (p < 0.001). Our results imply that the oviductal cells specifically react to the binding of spermatozoa, maintaining sperm survival within the tubal reservoir. The sex-sorting process, which is associated with mechanical, chemical and time stress, impacts sperm binding to the oviduct and mitochondrial integrity affecting sperm motility and function.
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Keskin N, Erdogan C, Bucak MN, Ozturk AE, Bodu M, Ili P, Baspinar N, Dursun S. Cryopreservation Effects on Ram Sperm Ultrastructure. Biopreserv Biobank 2020; 18:441-448. [PMID: 32816526 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2020.0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryoprotectants are known to have protective effects against cryodamage to spermatozoa. In this study, the cryoprotective effects of two cryoprotectants (glycerol, ethylene glycol) and cryoprotectants/trehalose combinations on frozen-thawed ram spermatozoa were investigated at the ultrastructural level. For this purpose, ejaculates collected from Konya Merino rams were pooled and diluted with a tris-based extender containing additives, including 5% glycerol, 3% glycerol +60 mM trehalose, 1.5% glycerol +100 mM trehalose, 5% ethylene glycol, 3% ethylene glycol +60 mM trehalose, and 1.5% ethylene glycol +100 mM trehalose. They were all cooled to 5°C and then frozen in 0.25 mL French straws in liquid nitrogen. The samples were thawed at 37°C and centrifuged to remove the diluents. Then, they were processed using a scanning transmission electron microscope. In the statistical analysis, the number of ultrastructurally cryodamaged and intact spermatozoa were counted in longitudinal and transverse ultrathin sections in all groups by electron microscopic examination. The amount of intact spermatozoa in the groups containing 5% ethylene glycol and 1.5% ethylene glycol +100 mM trehalose was found to be higher than other groups (p < 0.05). As a result, it was suggested that the groups of 5% ethylene glycol and 1.5% ethylene glycol +100 mM trehalose provided the highest protection for the ultrastructural morphology of frozen-thawed Konya Merino ram spermatozoa among the groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazan Keskin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Cennet Erdogan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Pamukkale University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Numan Bucak
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Selcuk University, Veterinary Faculty, Konya, Turkey
| | - Ali Erdem Ozturk
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Selcuk University, Veterinary Faculty, Konya, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Bodu
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Selcuk University, Veterinary Faculty, Konya, Turkey
| | - Pınar Ili
- Denizli Health Services Vocational High School, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Nuri Baspinar
- Department of Biochemistry, Selcuk University, Veterinary Faculty, Konya, Turkey
| | - Sukru Dursun
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Aksaray University, Veterinary Faculty, Aksaray, Turkey
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