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Browne RK, Venu G, Kaurova SA. The case for considering the term 'mitochondrial vesicle' as a misnomer in publications about assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for amphibians. Reprod Fertil Dev 2024; 36:RD24014. [PMID: 38412552 DOI: 10.1071/rd24014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The term 'mitochondrial vesicle' was first used in 2003 in a description of anuran sperm and persists to this day throughout the literature on assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for amphibians. In the present paper, we argue that the term is inappropriate because the widely accepted definition of a 'vesicle' refers to an integral structure with an enclosing lipid bilayer/membrane. Moreover, there are no electron micrographs that show a vesicular structure encapsulating mitochondria on amphibian sperm heads in the literature. In fact, in 1993, the mitochondria in the anuran sperm head had been described as positioned in 'mitochondrial collars' or 'mitochondrial sheaths' surrounded by the plasma membrane of the sperm head. On the other hand, mitochondrial-derived vesicles are defined as vesicles shed from mitochondria surfaces, potentially creating confusion. Therefore, our view is that the term 'mitochondrial vesicle' should be avoided in describing the positioning of mitochondria on sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert K Browne
- Sustainability America, La Isla Road, Sarteneja, Corozal District, Belize
| | - Govindappa Venu
- Department of Zoology, Centre for Applied Genetics, Jnana Bharathi Campus, Bangalore University, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560056, India
| | - Svetlana A Kaurova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia
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2
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Hobbs RJ, Upton R, Calatayud NE, Silla AJ, Daly J, McFadden MS, O’Brien JK. Cryopreservation Cooling Rate Impacts Post-Thaw Sperm Motility and Survival in Litoria booroolongensis. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3014. [PMID: 37835620 PMCID: PMC10571529 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The cryopreservation and storage of gametes (biobanking) can provide a long-term, low-cost option for the preservation of population genetic diversity and is particularly impactful when applied to manage selective breeding within conservation breeding programs (CBPs). This study aimed to develop a sperm cryopreservation protocol for the critically endangered Booroolong frog (Litoria booroolongensis) to capture founder genetics within the recently established (est. 2019) CBP for this species. Hormone-induced sperm release was achieved using established protocols, and spermic urine samples were collected over a 6-h period. Pooled spermic urine samples (n = 3 males) were divided equally between two cryoprotectant (CPA) treatments and diluted by 1:5 (sperm:CPA) with either 15% (v/v) dimethyl sulfoxide + 1% (w/v) sucrose in simplified amphibian Ringer's (SAR; CPAA) or 10% (v/v) dimethylformamide + 10% (w/v) trehalose dihydrate in SAR (CPAB). The samples were cryopreserved in 0.25 mL straws using either a programmable freezer (FrA) or an adapted dry shipper method (FrB). The thawed samples were activated via dilution in water and assessed for viability and motility using both manual assessment and computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA; 0 h, 0.5 h post-thaw). Upon activation, the survival and recovery of motility (total motility, forward progression and velocity) of cryopreserved sperm suspensions were higher for sperm preserved using FrB than FrA, regardless of CPA composition. This work supports our long-term goal to pioneer the integration of biobanked cryopreserved sperm with population genetic management to maximize restoration program outcomes for Australian amphibian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J. Hobbs
- Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia (J.K.O.)
| | - Rose Upton
- Conservation Biology Research Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Natalie E. Calatayud
- Beckman Center for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92025, USA
| | - Aimee J. Silla
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia;
| | - Jonathan Daly
- Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia (J.K.O.)
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Michael S. McFadden
- Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia (J.K.O.)
| | - Justine K. O’Brien
- Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia (J.K.O.)
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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3
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Otero Y, Calatayud NE, Arcia ID, Mariscal D, Samaniego D, Rodríguez D, Rodríguez K, Guerrel J, Ibáñez R, Della Togna G. Recovery and Characterization of Spermatozoa in a Neotropical, Terrestrial, Direct-Developing Riparian Frog ( Craugastor evanesco) through Hormonal Stimulation. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2689. [PMID: 37684953 PMCID: PMC10486684 DOI: 10.3390/ani13172689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The Vanishing Rainfrog (Craugastor evanesco) is an endemic and critically endangered frog species of Panama. It is suspected that 90% of the population has disappeared from the wild. Frogs were collected from the wild and brought to a Captive Breeding Program; however, accomplishing regular reproductive events for this species has been difficult. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of hormonal stimulation on the production and quality of C. evanesco spermatozoa, aiming to develop an efficient and safe sperm collection protocol as a tool to help reproduce this endangered species. Mature males received intra-peritoneal injections with one of six hormone treatments, including des-Gly10, D-Ala6, Pro-NHEt9-GnRH-A, Amphiplex or hCG. Urine samples were collected at 10 different time points post-injection. Quality assessments included sperm concentration, percentage motility, percentage forward progressive motility (FPM), osmolality, pH and morphology analysis. Our results indicate that the optimal treatment for the collection of highly concentrated sperm samples of C. evanesco is 4 µg/gbw GnRH, followed by Amphiplex and 2 µg/gbw GnRH as sub-optimal treatments and finally, 6 µg/gbw GnRH and 5 and 10 IU/gbw hCG as non-optimal treatments. GnRH-A at 4 μg/gbw and Amphiplex stimulated the production of samples with the highest sperm concentrations and quality, despite Amphiplex producing lower percentages of intact acrosome and tail. In contrast, hCG concentrations were not reliable inducers of sperm production, consistently showing lower concentrations, higher percentages of sperm abnormalities and more acidic spermic urine than that induced by Amphiplex and GnRH-A. Morphological assessments revealed that C. evanesco spermatozoa have a filiform shape with a large acrosome on the anterior part of an elongated head, a small midpiece and a long tail with two filaments joined together by an undulating membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yineska Otero
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Ancón, Apartado 0843-03092, Panama; (Y.O.); (I.D.A.); (D.M.); (D.S.); (D.R.); (K.R.); (J.G.); (R.I.)
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad de Panamá, Bella Vista, Apartado 3366, Panama
| | - Natalie E. Calatayud
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92025, USA;
| | - Igli D. Arcia
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Ancón, Apartado 0843-03092, Panama; (Y.O.); (I.D.A.); (D.M.); (D.S.); (D.R.); (K.R.); (J.G.); (R.I.)
| | - Denise Mariscal
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Ancón, Apartado 0843-03092, Panama; (Y.O.); (I.D.A.); (D.M.); (D.S.); (D.R.); (K.R.); (J.G.); (R.I.)
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad de Panamá, Bella Vista, Apartado 3366, Panama
| | - Diego Samaniego
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Ancón, Apartado 0843-03092, Panama; (Y.O.); (I.D.A.); (D.M.); (D.S.); (D.R.); (K.R.); (J.G.); (R.I.)
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad de Panamá, Bella Vista, Apartado 3366, Panama
| | - Dionel Rodríguez
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Ancón, Apartado 0843-03092, Panama; (Y.O.); (I.D.A.); (D.M.); (D.S.); (D.R.); (K.R.); (J.G.); (R.I.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y Tecnología, Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Panamá, Bella Vista, Apartado 3366, Panama
| | - Karina Rodríguez
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Ancón, Apartado 0843-03092, Panama; (Y.O.); (I.D.A.); (D.M.); (D.S.); (D.R.); (K.R.); (J.G.); (R.I.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y Tecnología, Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Panamá, Bella Vista, Apartado 3366, Panama
| | - Jorge Guerrel
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Ancón, Apartado 0843-03092, Panama; (Y.O.); (I.D.A.); (D.M.); (D.S.); (D.R.); (K.R.); (J.G.); (R.I.)
| | - Roberto Ibáñez
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Ancón, Apartado 0843-03092, Panama; (Y.O.); (I.D.A.); (D.M.); (D.S.); (D.R.); (K.R.); (J.G.); (R.I.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y Tecnología, Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Panamá, Bella Vista, Apartado 3366, Panama
| | - Gina Della Togna
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Ancón, Apartado 0843-03092, Panama; (Y.O.); (I.D.A.); (D.M.); (D.S.); (D.R.); (K.R.); (J.G.); (R.I.)
- The Amphibian Survival Alliance, Apartado 0830-00689, Panama
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4
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Chen DM, Moore MG, Willis EL, Kouba AJ, Kouba CK. The impact of time and environmental factors on the mitochondrial vesicle and subsequent motility of amphibian sperm. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2022; 268:111191. [PMID: 35321851 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.111191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
For amphibian species that display external fertilization in an aquatic environment, hypoosmotic shock to sperm cells can quickly result in damage to cellular structure and function. This study sought to determine how fertilization media osmolality, temperature, and time impact the stability of the mitochondrial vesicle's association with the sperm head and thus motility and quality of forward progression. The presence of the mitochondrial vesicle and its relationship with sperm motility and quality of forward progression were analyzed in sperm samples from the Fowler's toad (Anaxyrus fowleri) (n = 10) when held for six hours under two temperatures and four osmolalities. Results indicated that the presence of the mitochondrial vesicle is needed for sperm motility over time (p < 0.001), where higher osmolalities (p < 0.001) and lower temperatures (p < 0.001) correlated with maintaining the vesicle attachment to the spermatozoa. The higher osmolality of spermic urine was the most important factor for maintaining higher quality of forward progressive motility (p < 0.01) of spermatozoa. Sperm samples held at 4 °C and 40 mOsm/kg had the longest half-life for motility (540 min) and quality of forward progression (276 min), whereas sperm held at 22 °C and 2.5 mOsm/kg had the shortest half-life for motility (7 min) and quality of forward progression (18 min). Special attention should be given to the osmolality and temperature of fertilization solutions, or breeding tank water, when developing cold storage protocols for toad sperm or reproducing animals to ensure the retention of the mitochondrial vesicle for maximum fertilization capability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin M Chen
- Mississippi State University, Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, College of Forest Resources, 775 Stone Boulevard, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | - Marian G Moore
- Conservation and Research Department, Memphis Zoological Society, 2000 Prentiss Place, Memphis, TN 38112, USA
| | - Erin L Willis
- Conservation and Research Department, Memphis Zoological Society, 2000 Prentiss Place, Memphis, TN 38112, USA
| | - Andrew J Kouba
- Mississippi State University, Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, College of Forest Resources, 775 Stone Boulevard, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | - Carrie K Kouba
- Mississippi State University, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology Department, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 32 Creelman Street, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA.
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5
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Comizzoli P, Holt WV. Recent Progress in Spermatology Contributing to the Knowledge and Conservation of Rare and Endangered Species. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2021; 10:469-490. [PMID: 34758275 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-020420-040600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
There is a remarkable diversity in the animal kingdom regarding mechanisms underlying the production, maturation, structure, and function of sperm cells. Spermatology studies contribute to the knowledge of species diversity and also provide information about individual or population fitness. Furthermore, this fundamental research is required before collected spermatozoa can be used for conservation breeding, including assisted reproduction and cryobanking. This article aims to (a) review the most recent knowledge on sperm morphology and function in wild animal species, (b) analyze how this knowledge can be used to save species in their natural habitat or ex situ, and (c) propose future scientific directions in wildlife spermatology that could positively impact animal conservation. Variations in sperm structure and performance within and between species have multiple origins and significance. This collective body of knowledge enables the design and implementation of conservation strategies and action plans that integrate several disciplines. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, Volume 10 is February 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Comizzoli
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, USA;
| | - William V Holt
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom;
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6
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Arregui L, Kouba AJ, Germano JM, Barrios L, Moore M, Kouba CK. Fertilization potential of cold-stored Fowler's toad (Anaxyrus fowleri) spermatozoa: temporal changes in sperm motility based on temperature and osmolality. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:461-469. [PMID: 34717793 DOI: 10.1071/rd21037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Asynchrony of gamete release is problematic in amphibian captive breeding programs but can be overcome by short-term storage of spermatozoa. Hormonally induced sperm from the model species Anaxyrus fowleri were used to determine storage conditions for optimal fertilisation capacity. Sperm motility was measured over time, as a function of storage temperature (4°C or 22°C) and solution osmolality (7-40mOsm/kg). Sperm at 40mOsm/kg (spermic urine) stored at 4°C exhibited higher motility compared to 22°C. Also, sperm stored at 40mOsm/kg retained higher motility compared to sperm stored below 15mOsm/kg at both temperatures. Under optimal storage conditions (40mOsm and 4°C) a 30% decrease in sperm motility occurred within 24h, however, subsequent loss of sperm motility was lower (<10%/day) for days2-8 thereafter. Sperm samples stored for 1-8days under optimal conditions were tested for fertilising capacity by conducting in vitro fertilisation trials. Sperm stored for 8days yielded 48% neurula development, similar to sperm stored for 1day, which produced 60% neurula development. Overall, sperm stored for up to 8days at 4°C as spermic urine retained fertilising capacity and thus can be used to circumvent asynchronous gamete release in assisted breeding efforts for amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Arregui
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid 28049, Spain; and Conservation and Research Department, Memphis Zoological Society, Memphis, TN 38112, USA
| | - Andy J Kouba
- Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA; and Conservation and Research Department, Memphis Zoological Society, Memphis, TN 38112, USA
| | - Jennifer M Germano
- Conservation and Research Department, Memphis Zoological Society, Memphis, TN 38112, USA; and New Zealand Department of Conservation, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Laura Barrios
- Department of Statistics, CTI, Consejo Superior Investigaciones Científicas, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marian Moore
- Conservation and Research Department, Memphis Zoological Society, Memphis, TN 38112, USA
| | - Carrie K Kouba
- Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
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7
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Kaurova SA, Uteshev VK, Gapeyev AB, Shishova NV, Gakhova EN, Browne RK, Kramarova LI. Cryopreservation of spermatozoa obtained postmortem from the European common frog Rana temporaria. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:588-595. [PMID: 33966716 DOI: 10.1071/rd20336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryopreserved spermatozoa offers a reliable, efficient and cost-effective means to perpetuate the genetic variation of endangered amphibian species in concert with conservation breeding programs. Here we describe successful cryopreservation of testicular spermatozoa of the common frog Rana temporaria , preliminarily stored in the carcasses of decapitated animals at +4°C for 0, 1 and 4 days. The motility, membrane integrity and fertilisation capability of fresh testicular spermatozoa treated with cryoprotective medium supplemented with 15% dimethylformamide (DMF) or 15% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) were examined. DMSO had a significantly greater toxic effect on fresh frog spermatozoa than DMF. Low levels of DNA fragmentation were seen in spermatozoa stored in the testis for different times and then treated with DMF (mean (±s.e.m.) 8.2±0.7% and 18.2±1.8% after 0 and 4 days storage respectively). After 1 day of storage in frog carcasses, the quality of spermatozoa cryopreserved with DMF was not significantly different from that of control spermatozoa (0 days of storage). After 4 days of storage, the quality of frozen-thawed spermatozoa was significantly lower in the DMF-treated than control group: 35% of the spermatozoa cryopreserved with DMF retained motility, 25% maintained the ability to fertilise fresh oocytes and 80% of fertilised oocytes survived to hatch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana A Kaurova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142290, Russia
| | - Victor K Uteshev
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142290, Russia
| | - Andrew B Gapeyev
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142290, Russia; and Moscow Region State University, Mytishchi, Moscow Region, 141014, Russia
| | - Natalia V Shishova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142290, Russia
| | - Edith N Gakhova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142290, Russia
| | - Robert K Browne
- Sustainability America, La Isla Road, Sarteneja, Corozal District, Belise
| | - Ludmila I Kramarova
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142290, Russia; and Corresponding author
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Watt AM, Marcec-Greaves R, Hinkson KM, Poo S, Roberts B, Pitcher TE. Effects of age on sperm quality metrics in endangered Mississippi gopher frogs (Lithobates sevosus) from captive populations used for controlled propagation and reintroduction efforts. Zoo Biol 2021; 40:218-226. [PMID: 33606315 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21594] [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: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
A decline in sperm quality with age is a common prediction of senescence-based hypotheses and empirical studies. While widely studied across taxa, there is little known on the effect of ageing on sperm quality in amphibians, especially in captive populations used for controlled propagation and reintroduction efforts. Here, we investigated variation in sperm quality metrics (i.e., motility, concentration, and morphology) in the endangered Mississippi gopher frog (Lithobates sevosus) among males of three age categories using individuals from captive breeding populations housed at three different zoological institutions. Different aged males across the species expectant lifespan (1-9, 1-2, 3-4, and 8-9-year-old subcategories) were chosen in an attempt to identify an optimal breeding age relevant for captive breeding programs. Moreover, we explored and statistically controlled for potential differences in sperm quality which may be attributed to the type of induction hormones and source populations that differed among institutions. Results indicated that males of different ages did not differ in sperm motility or concentration. However, we did find that older males (8-9 years old) had significantly longer sperm than other age categories and younger males (1-2 years old) had significantly more atypical sperm than other age categories. Furthermore, we found no significant differences in any sperm quality metrics between the different induction hormones or source populations used at the different institutions. Within a captive breeding program, this information is especially valuable as our results indicate that males that have only recently sexually matured may not be ready to breed, while older males maintain sperm quality metrics presumably related to fertilization success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Watt
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ruth Marcec-Greaves
- National Amphibian Conservation Center, Detroit Zoological Society, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA
| | - Kristin M Hinkson
- Department of Conservation and Research, Memphis Zoological Society, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sinlan Poo
- Department of Conservation and Research, Memphis Zoological Society, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Beth Roberts
- Department of Conservation and Research, Memphis Zoological Society, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Trevor E Pitcher
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada.,Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
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9
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Gillis AB, Guy EL, Kouba AJ, Allen PJ, Marcec-Greaves RM, Kouba CK. Short-term storage of tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) spermatozoa: The effect of collection type, temperature and time. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245047. [PMID: 33428658 PMCID: PMC7799794 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The aims of this project were to characterize tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) spermatozoa motility over time, when excreted as either milt or spermic urine prior to packaging into a spermatophore, and to determine the effect of temperature on sperm motility. A split-plot design was utilized to assess the motility of the two pre-spermatophore sample types at two temperatures, 0°C and 20°C (n = 10 for each treatment). Spermiation was induced through exogenous hormone treatment of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone analog in order to collect both milt and spermic urine, which were evaluated for motility, divided into two separate aliquots, and subsequently stored in either an ice-bath (0°C) or on the benchtop (20°C). The decay rate of sperm motility was assessed by reevaluating subsamples at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 24 hours following the initial assessment. Results showed that sperm stored at 0°C had significantly higher progressive, non-progressive, and total motility for both sperm collection types over time. An interaction was found between collection type and time, with milt exhibiting lower initial motility that was more sustainable over time, compared to spermic urine. For both milt and spermic urine, motility decreased rapidly with storage duration, indicating samples should be used as soon as possible to maximize motility for in-vitro fertilization and cryopreservation. This is the first study to describe the differences in sperm motility between milt and spermic urine from an internally fertilizing caudate and demonstrates the benefits of near freezing temperatures on sperm longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda B. Gillis
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, United States of America
| | - Emmet L. Guy
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, United States of America
| | - Andrew J. Kouba
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, United States of America
| | - Peter J. Allen
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, United States of America
| | - Ruth M. Marcec-Greaves
- National Amphibian Conservation Center, Detroit Zoological Society, Royal Oak, MI, United States of America
| | - Carrie K. Kouba
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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10
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Comizzoli P, Holt WV. Breakthroughs and new horizons in reproductive biology of rare and endangered animal species. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:514-525. [PMID: 30772911 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Because of higher extinction rates due to human and natural factors, more basic and applied research in reproductive biology is required to preserve wild species and design proper strategies leading to sustainable populations. The objective of the review is to highlight recent, inspiring breakthroughs in wildlife reproduction science that will set directions for future research and lead to more successes in conservation biology. Despite new tools and approaches allowing a better and faster understanding of key mechanisms, we still know little about reproduction in endangered species. Recently, the most striking advances have been obtained in nonmammalian species (fish, birds, amphibians, or corals) with the development of alternative solutions to preserve fertility or new information about parental nutritional influence on embryo development. A novel way has also been explored to consider the impact of environmental changes on reproduction-the allostatic load-in a vast array of species (from primates to fish). On the horizon, genomic tools are expected to considerably change the way we study wildlife reproduction and develop a concept of "precision conservation breeding." When basic studies in organismal physiology are conducted in parallel, new approaches using stem cells to create artificial gametes and gonads, innovations in germplasm storage, and more research on reproductive microbiomes will help to make a difference. Lastly, multiple challenges (for instance, poor integration of new tools in conservation programs, limited access to study animals, or few publication options) will have to be addressed if we want reproductive biology to positively impact conservation of biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Comizzoli
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington DC, USA
| | - William V Holt
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Browne RK, Silla AJ, Upton R, Della-Togna G, Marcec-Greaves R, Shishova NV, Uteshev VK, Proaño B, Pérez OD, Mansour N, Kaurova SA, Gakhova EN, Cosson J, Dyzuba B, Kramarova LI, McGinnity D, Gonzalez M, Clulow J, Clulow S. Sperm collection and storage for the sustainable management of amphibian biodiversity. Theriogenology 2020; 133:187-200. [PMID: 31155034 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Current rates of biodiversity loss pose an unprecedented challenge to the conservation community, particularly with amphibians and freshwater fish as the most threatened vertebrates. An increasing number of environmental challenges, including habitat loss, pathogens, and global warming, demand a global response toward the sustainable management of ecosystems and their biodiversity. Conservation Breeding Programs (CBPs) are needed for the sustainable management of amphibian species threatened with extinction. CBPs support species survival while increasing public awareness and political influence. Current CBPs only cater for 10% of the almost 500 amphibian species in need. However, the use of sperm storage to increase efficiency and reliability, along with an increased number of CBPs, offer the potential to significantly reduce species loss. The establishment and refinement of techniques over the last two decades, for the collection and storage of amphibian spermatozoa, gives confidence for their use in CBPs and other biotechnical applications. Cryopreserved spermatozoa has produced breeding pairs of frogs and salamanders and the stage is set for Lifecycle Proof of Concept Programs that use cryopreserved sperm in CBPs along with repopulation, supplementation, and translocation programs. The application of cryopreserved sperm in CBPs, is complimentary to but separate from archival gene banking and general cell and tissue storage. However, where appropriate amphibian sperm banking should be integrated into other global biobanking projects, especially those for fish, and those that include the use of cryopreserved material for genomics and other research. Research over a broader range of amphibian species, and more uniformity in experimental methodology, is needed to inform both theory and application. Genomics is revolutionising our understanding of biological processes and increasingly guiding species conservation through the identification of evolutionary significant units as the conservation focus, and through revealing the intimate relationship between evolutionary history and sperm physiology that ultimately affects the amenability of sperm to refrigerated or frozen storage. In the present review we provide a nascent phylogenetic framework for integration with other research lines to further the potential of amphibian sperm banking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert K Browne
- Sustainability America, Sarteneja, Corozal District, Belize.
| | - Aimee J Silla
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Rose Upton
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Gina Della-Togna
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project, Panama City, Panama; Universidad Interamericana de Panamá, Dirección de Investigación, Sede Central, Panama
| | - Ruth Marcec-Greaves
- National Amphibian Conservation Center Detroit Zoological Society, Detroit, USA
| | - Natalia V Shishova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142290, Russia
| | - Victor K Uteshev
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142290, Russia
| | - Belin Proaño
- Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica Del Ecuador, Ecuador
| | - Oscar D Pérez
- Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica Del Ecuador, Ecuador
| | - Nabil Mansour
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Egypt
| | - Svetlana A Kaurova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142290, Russia
| | - Edith N Gakhova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142290, Russia
| | - Jacky Cosson
- University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, 38925, Vodnany, Czech Republic
| | - Borys Dyzuba
- University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, 38925, Vodnany, Czech Republic
| | - Ludmila I Kramarova
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142290, Russia
| | | | - Manuel Gonzalez
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - John Clulow
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Simon Clulow
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia; Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
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Poo S, Hinkson KM, Stege E. Sperm output and body condition are maintained independently of hibernation in an endangered temperate amphibian. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:796-804. [PMID: 30514432 DOI: 10.1071/rd18073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hibernation is an integral part of the life history of species living in seasonal environments. However, our knowledge about the link between hibernation and reproductive success in amphibians remains limited, which poses an obstacle for critical conservation efforts. To fill this gap, we quantified the effects of captive hibernation on sperm quality, sperm quantity and body condition in an endangered anuran, the Wyoming toad (Anaxyrus baxteri), and used naturally hibernated wild toads as a standard for comparison. We hypothesised that hibernation is essential for optimal sperm output but is detrimental to body condition. Sperm collection was performed using assisted reproductive technologies for both captive and wild toads. Contrary to our hypotheses, no differences were observed in sperm metrics (total number of cells, concentration, motility and viability) or in body condition across captive treatment groups (0, 30 or 60 days of hibernation). Moreover, no difference was found between sperm metrics of captive toads and wild toads. These unexpected findings suggest that hibernation may not be an essential process for spermiation in A. baxteri while using exogenous hormones, and illustrate the potential of temperate amphibians to adapt to varying environmental conditions during winter months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinlan Poo
- Department of Research and Conservation, Memphis Zoo, 2000 Prentiss Place, Memphis, TN 38112, USA
| | - Kristin M Hinkson
- Department of Research and Conservation, Memphis Zoo, 2000 Prentiss Place, Memphis, TN 38112, USA
| | - Edward Stege
- US Fish and Wildlife Services, Leadville National Fish Hatchery, 2846 Highway 300, Leadville, CO 80461, USA
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Amphibian Sperm Chromatin Structure and Function and Its Relevance to Sperm Preservation. J HERPETOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1670/17-163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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