Cryopreservation modifies the distribution of the prostate-derived lectin SL15 on the llama (Lama glama) sperm.

Lectin-like molecules play a key role in mammalian sperm functionality. These multifunctional proteins have been proven to be involved in sperm capacitation, sperm motility, and viability, formation of the oviductal sperm reservoir, and in sperm-oocyte interaction. In a previous study, we reported the presence of a novel seminal plasma lectin, sperm lectin 15 kDa (SL15), adsorbed to the llama sperm.

Effect of Cooling and Freezing on Llama () Sperm Ultrastructure.

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).