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Nguyen QT, Wallner U, Schmicke M, Waberski D, Henning H. Energy metabolic state in hypothermically stored boar spermatozoa using a revised protocol for efficient ATP extraction. Biol Open 2016; 5:1743-1751. [PMID: 27612509 PMCID: PMC5155523 DOI: 10.1242/bio.017954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa utilize ATP as the energy source for key functions on the route to fertilization. ATP and its precursor nucleotides ADP and AMP are regularly investigated in sperm physiology studies, mostly by bioluminescence assays. Assay results vary widely, mainly due to different efficiencies in nucleotide extraction and prevention of their enzymatic degradation. Here, we describe a revised, validated protocol for efficient phosphatase inhibition and adenine nucleotide extraction resulting in consistently high ATP concentrations exceeding previously reported values for boar spermatozoa up to 20-fold. The revised assay is applicable for determining ATP concentrations and adenylate energy charge in extracts from fresh and frozen samples, thereby allowing simultaneous assessment of semen samples from long-term storage experiments. After validation, the assay was applied to liquid-preserved boar spermatozoa stored at 17°C and 5°C for 24 and 72 h. Cooling to 5°C, but not storage duration, reduced ATP concentration in spermatozoa (P<0.05), which was accompanied by the appearance of AMP and ADP in the preservation medium. ATP and energy charge were highly correlated to the proportion of membrane-intact spermatozoa, supporting the idea of nucleotides leaking through disrupted membranes in cold-shocked cells. The present assay allows highly standardized studies of energy metabolism in spermatozoa. Summary: A revised protocol for efficient extraction of ATP from boar spermatozoa is presented that consistently yields high ATP contents and energy charge values from fresh and frozen samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quynh Thu Nguyen
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 15, Hannover 30559, Germany.,Department of Animal Sciences, University of Göttingen, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, Göttingen 37075, Germany
| | - Ulrike Wallner
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 15, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | - Marion Schmicke
- Clinic for Cattle, Endocrinology Laboratory, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, Hannover 30173, Germany
| | - Dagmar Waberski
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 15, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | - Heiko Henning
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 15, Hannover 30559, Germany .,Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, Utrecht 3584 CM, The Netherlands
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Llama (Lama glama) semen collection via thermo-electric artificial vagina: Effect of seasonality and collection interval on ejaculate characteristics. Small Rumin Res 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2015.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Abstract
Selection of boars by visual appraisal is the simplest and oldest method used by the swine industry. However, individual performance testing, and later use of computers to incorporate relatives' data and account for environmental variation, resulted in greater rate of improvement for economically important traits. Examples of molecular genetic tools that have increased improvement for some traits are also discussed. Accurate identification of genetic merit is increasingly important with widespread use of AI and resultant greater progeny number per sire. Historically, selection was to produce desirable progeny; however, with the majority of boars now housed in dedicated boar facilities, and the efficiency of sperm production being recorded, boar stud personnel are increasingly interested in selection of boars for fertility traits. Selecting boars that are lean and heavily muscled and have good semen parameters may be problematic, given the genetic relationships among the traits. Whereas conventional animal breeding methods will remain important, use of molecular tools will increase, and identification of a boar's fertility potential at birth will allow earlier and more efficient selection of high-fertility boars. Ability to achieve acceptable female reproduction with frozen semen would facilitate selection for longevity. However, this would lengthen the generation interval and could dilute selection intensity for other traits, as it requires indirect selection for semen freezability.
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Affiliation(s)
- T J Safranski
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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Murase T, Imaeda N, Yamada H, Miyazawa K. Seasonal changes in semen characteristics, composition of seminal plasma and frequency of acrosome reaction induced by calcium and calcium ionophore A23187 in Large White boars. J Reprod Dev 2007; 53:853-65. [PMID: 17519520 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.19026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study attempted to explain the mechanisms regulating boar fertility by examining seasonal changes in semen characteristics, the composition of seminal plasma and responsiveness of sperm acrosomes to Ca(2+) and the Ca(2+) ionophore A23187 (Ca(2+)/A23187). Sperm-rich and sperm-poor fractions were separately collected from 3 mature fertile Large White boars once a month over a one-year period. During the period of study, ambient temperature and relative humidity were recorded for within the stall in which the boars were kept and the semen characteristics, composition of the seminal plasma of sperm-rich fractions, and occurrence of the acrosome reaction in response to Ca(2+) (3 mM)/A23187 (0.3 microM) were examined. The highest mean maximum and minimum ambient temperatures were recorded in August-September, whereas the lowest mean maximum and minimum ambient temperatures were recorded in December and January, respectively. There was a moderate peak in relative humidity from July to October. The lowest percentages of motile spermatozoa and of spermatozoa with intact acrosomes and highest percentage of spermatozoa with abnormal morphology and strongest agglutination were seen in August-September. The total protein and albumin concentrations were lowest in August-September. Testosterone levels increased gradually as day length decreased after the summer solstice (June) and peaked in October-November. The percentage of acrosome reactions in response to Ca(2+)/A23187 was highest with the quickest response in August-September, as shown by the shortest time required for 50% of relative acrosome reactions. The farrowing rates were lowest in these same 2 months. These results suggest that seasonal infertility in Large White boars may be due, at least in part, to a combination of low motility, abnormal morphology including acrosomal abnormality, and early occurrence of the acrosome reaction in response to stimulus, possibly resulting from a decrease in acrosomal stabilizing proteins in the seminal plasma during summer. These changes may be modulated by heat/humidity stress and/or photoperiod-regulated testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuma Murase
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Division of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.
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Pruneda A, Pinart E, Dolors Briz M, Sancho S, Garcia-Gil N, Badia E, Kádár E, Bassols J, Bussalleu E, Yeste M, Bonet S. Effects of a high semen-collection frequency on the quality of sperm from ejaculates and from six epididymal regions in boars. Theriogenology 2005; 63:2219-32. [PMID: 15826685 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2004.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2004] [Revised: 09/24/2004] [Accepted: 10/07/2004] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This study examines the effect of semen-collection rhythm on the sperm maturation process in boar epididymis. Three post-pubertal boars were submitted to a high semen-collection frequency (stressed boars) during 4 days, and three males were kept as a control group (control boars). Semen samples coming from six epididymal regions and from the ejaculate of each male were evaluated for sperm concentration, sperm vitality, sperm motility and sperm morphology. In each epididymal region, either fluid resorption or fluid secretion was determined from the variation in sperm concentration. The pattern of fluid resorption-secretion along the epididymal duct differed significantly between the stressed and control boars. A high semen-collection frequency also affected the development of sperm motility and the sperm cytoplasmic droplet displacement along the epididymal duct. The incidence of some sperm abnormalities was also found to be higher in some epididymal regions and ejaculates of stressed boars. From the results of this study, it can be concluded that a high semen-collection frequency brings about an altered resorption and secretion pattern of the epididymal fluid, which results in defective sperm maturation and abnormal development of sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pruneda
- Biotechnology of Porcine Reproduction, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi s/n, 17071 Girona, Spain.
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Kozdrowski R, Dubiel A. The effect of season on the properties of wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) semen. Anim Reprod Sci 2004; 80:281-9. [PMID: 15036504 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2003.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2003] [Revised: 07/14/2003] [Accepted: 08/13/2003] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to determine the properties of wild boar semen and their changes in annual cycle. During a 14-month study period, 167 ejaculates were sampled from 3 mature boars. In each ejaculate the volume of liquid fraction, percentage of spermatozoa motility, spermatozoa concentration and the total number of spermatozoa were determined. The activity of acid and alkaline phosphatase, and aspartate aminotransferase in the fresh semen plasma was also measured. It was shown that wild boar ejaculates did not differ from those of domestic boars, and the semen of the highest volume, concentration and number of spermatozoa was produced in late autumn. The spermatozoa motility was the lowest in summer. The activity of aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase in the semen plasma increased with shortening of the light period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Kozdrowski
- Department and Clinic of Reproduction, Ruminants Diseases and Animal Health Protection, Agricultural University of Wrocław, Plac Grunwaldzki 49, 50-366 Wrocław, Poland.
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Strzezek J, Fraser L, Demianowicz W, Kordan W, Wysocki P, Hołody D. Effect of depletion tests (DT) on the composition of boar semen. Theriogenology 2000; 54:949-63. [PMID: 11097047 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(00)00404-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We conducted two depletion tests during the summer (DT 1) and winter (DT 2) to study their effect on selected biochemical parameters of boar semen. We subjected three boars to DT for 10 consecutive days. The first 3 days (Period 1) of ejaculate collections represented the reserves of the extragonadal spermatozoa and accessory sex gland secretions, whereas the other seven days (Period 2) represented the daily spermatozoa output and the secretory capacity of the accessory sex glands. We observed noticeable changes in the quantity and quality of the semen in DT 1 and 2. There was an increase in the number of spermatozoa with morphological defects, particularly coiled tails and detached acrosomes. The secretory activity of the accessory sex glands, particularly the vesicular glands, was slightly influenced by season. Depletion tests caused disturbances in the qualitative relations of secretions of the accessory sex glands, which were related to changes in the sperm plasmalemma integrity. These tests can be used to determine the total spermatozoa output, and to assess the secretory capacity of the accessory sex glands of boars.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Strzezek
- Warmia and Mazury University, Department of Animal Biochemistry, Olsztyn, Poland
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Strzezek J, Fraser L, Hołody D, Wysocki P. Biochemical properties and usefulness of boar semen for liquid preservation following atropine administration. ZENTRALBLATT FUR VETERINARMEDIZIN. REIHE A 1998; 45:459-70. [PMID: 9838858 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0442.1998.tb00849.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Four sexually mature boars were used in two different experiments. In Experiment I, two boars were injected once subcutaneously with atropine and, ejaculates were collected after 30, 60 and 90 min. In Experiment II, each boar was injected weekly with 25, 37.5 and 50 mg of atropine, and ejaculates were collected after 30 min. Ejaculates obtained in Exp. II were diluted with Kortowo-3 extender (Olsztyn, Poland), with and without the addition of low density lipoprotein fraction (LDF) isolated from hen egg yolk,and stored at 5 degrees C and 16 degrees C for 5-6 days. Atropine caused a decrease in semen volume and an increase in sperm concentration with fewer agglutinated spermatozoa. Changes in sperm motility were not significant. There was a significant increase in the content of fructose, zinc, citric acid and protein in the seminal plasma of atropine-injected boars. Furthermore, increased antiproteolytic and antiperoxidant activity as well as seminal phosphatases were also observed. No significant changes were observed in the content of free sialic acid, whereas bound sialic acid was significantly increased in Exp. II. A decrease in osmolality and pH of seminal plasma was observed. Electrophoretic studies revealed that there were alterations in the molecular forms of seminal phosphatases and proteinase inhibitors. There were no significant changes in the percentage of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa, osmotic plasmalemma resistance at the acrosomal region (ORT) and malondialdehyde production in the spermatozoa. AspAT activity recovered from cold shocked spermatozoa was significantly reduced, whereas disturbances in plasma membrane permeability to fluorochrome HO 258 were observed in Exp. I. Semen of atropine-injected boars had increased sperm viability during liquid preservation at 5 and 16 degrees C.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Strzezek
- Olsztyn University of Agriculture and Technology, Department of Animal Biochemistry, Poland
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Catt SL, O'Brien JK, Maxwell WMC, Evans G. Assessment of Ram and Boar Spermatozoa during Cell-sorting by Flow Cytometry. Reprod Domest Anim 1997. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.1997.tb01290.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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