Spermatozoa in the sperm-peak-fraction of the boar ejaculate show a lower flow of Ca(2+) under capacitation conditions post-thaw which might account for their higher membrane stability after cryopreservation.

Boar spermatozoa collected in the ejaculate sperm peak-portion (P1, first 10 mL of the sperm-rich fraction, SRF), had shown a higher resilience to freezing and thawing compared to spermatozoa from the rest of the ejaculate (2nd portion of the SRF plus the post-sperm-rich fraction, PSRF), even when using a simplified freezing technique, as long as spermatozoa were incubated in their own seminal plasma (SP). This experiment studied the stability of P1- and SRF-P1 boar spermatozoa frozen in MiniFlatPacks (MFP), post-thaw, using flow cytometry. Since spermatozoa from either portion showed similar cryosurvival and low proportions of unstable membranes (<3%, annexin-V/propidium iodide staining), and only a tendency for SRF-P1 live spermatozoa to depict acrosome exocytosis (FITC-PNA/PI/H33342); they were explored for Ca(2+) contents using a Fluo-4 probe under in vitro capacitating conditions (mBO+ medium), as well they were tested for their ability to sustain a short Ca(2+)-ionophore (A23187) in vitro challenge.

Flow cytometry for the assessment of animal sperm integrity and functionality: state of the art.

Flow cytometry is now a recognized methodology within animal spermatology, and has moved from being a research tool to become routine in the assessment of animal semen destined to breeding. The availability of 'bench-top' flow cytometers and of newer and versatile markers for cell structure and function had allowed the instrumentation to measure more sperm parameters, from viability to reactiveness when exposed to exogenous stimuli, and to increase our capabilities to sort spermatozoa for potential fertilizing capacity, or chromosomal sex. The present review summarizes the state of the art regarding flow cytometry applied to animal andrology, albeit keeping an open comparative intent.

Dietary Karaya Saponin and Rhodobacter capsulatus Exert Hypocholesterolemic Effects by Suppression of Hepatic Cholesterol Synthesis and Promotion of Bile Acid Synthesis in Laying Hens.

This study was conducted to elucidate the mechanism underlying the hypolipidemic action of karaya saponin or Rhodobacter (R.) capsulatus. A total of 40 laying hens (20-week-old) were assigned into four dietary treatment groups and fed a basal diet (as a control) or basal diets supplemented with either karaya saponin, R.

Metabolism of exogenous fatty acids, fatty acid-mediated cholesterol efflux, PKA and PKC pathways in boar sperm acrosome reaction.

Purpose: For understanding the roles of fatty acids on the induction of acrosome reaction which occurs under association of cholesterol efflux and PKA or PKC pathways in boar spermatozoa, metabolic fate of alone and combined radiolabeled C-oleic acid and H-linoleic acid incorporated in the sperm was compared, and behavior of cholesterol and effects of PKA and PKC inhibitors upon fatty acid-induced acrosome reaction were examined.

Methods: Semen was collected from a Duroc boar, and the metabolic activities of fatty acids in the spermatozoa were measured using radioactive compounds and thin layer chromatography. Cholesterol efflux was measured with a cholesterol determination assay kit.

Effect of amino acids and dipeptides on the acrosome reaction and accumulation of ammonia in porcine spermatozoa.

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of amino acids and their dipeptides in the medium related to the urea cycle on the motility, viability, acrosome reaction (AR) and accumulation of ammonia in the medium over different incubation periods in porcine spermatozoa and to assess the utilization of glucose. Porcine spermatozoa were washed, swim-up and incubated at 37°C for 0-4 h in mTALP medium supplemented with 75-600 µmol/L ammonia. Amino acids (1.

Effect of fatty acids on boar sperm motility, viability and acrosome reaction.

The present study was undertaken to determine which fatty acids improve motility, viability, and increase acrosome reaction (AR) in boar spermatozoa. Boar spermatozoa were washed, swum-up and incubated at 37°C for 4 h in TALP medium supplemented with myristic, palmitic, stearic, lignoceric, oleic, linoleic, arachidonic, docosahexaenoic and palmitoleic acid. Sperm motility, viability and AR were evaluated during 4 h of incubation.

Effect of fatty acids bound to bovine serum albumin-V on acrosome reaction and utilization of glucose in boar spermatozoa.

The present study has been designed with the objective of determining if fatty acids bound to bovine serum albumin-V (BSA-V) can improve motility, viability, and increase acrosome reaction (AR) and utilization of glucose in boar spermatozoa. Boar spermatozoa were washed, swum-up and incubated at 37°C for 6 h in TALP medium supplemented with fatty acids bound to bovine serum albumin fraction V (BSA-V), fatty acid free BSA (BSA-FAF), polyvinyl alcohol + main fatty acids bound to BSA-V (PVA + FA) and PVA. Sperm motility, viability, AR, and the incorporation and oxidation of C-glucose were evaluated during 6 h of incubation.

Effect of relaxin on motility, acrosome reaction and viability of cryopreserved boar spermatozoa.

Relaxin has an important role in stimulating motility and the acrosome reaction (AR) of fresh boar spermatozoa. The objective of the present study was to determine whether relaxin can improve the motility, AR and viability of cryopreserved boar spermatozoa.  Cryopreserved boar spermatozoa were thawed, washed and incubated at 37°C for 4 h in modified Beltsville thawing solution supplemented with 0, 20 or 40 ng/mL relaxin.