Antioxidants in Fish Sperm and the Potential Role of Melatonin.

In recent years, the effects of novel antioxidants have played an important role in the research focusing on fish cell protection. As food demand grows, aquaculture production becomes more intensive, and fish are more exposed to oxidative stress conditions, like high densities, temperature shifting, frequent fish handling and samplings, and prophylactic or disease treatments, which expose fish to a different environment. Particularly in reproduction, germ cells lose antioxidant capacity with spermatogenesis, as spermatozoa are more prone to oxidative stress.

First study in cryopreserved Crassostrea angulata sperm.

Sperm cryopreservation is a widely employed technique that promotes alternative techniques to contribute to broodstock management or restoration programs for species of commercial interest, endangered species or species with an interesting genotype. The preservation of genetic material from improved stocks or from the original population is extremely important for the oyster aquaculture industry to prevent the potential impacts of epidemic diseases and natural disasters. The Portuguese oyster, Crassostrea angulata, was the most important species commercialized by the shellfish industry.