Pig sperm membrane integrity evaluated by lectin labeling

Sperm integrity is one of the most carefully examined characteristics for artificial insemination in humans and mammals. Techniques have been developed to assess the sperm plasma membrane integrity. Some of them need a well-trained evaluation for correctness, as is the case of the triple stain technique; others are time-consuming and need special equipment, varying from specially adapted microscopes to computer-based analyzers. The authors report the use of fluorescein-labeled peanut agglutinin plus a fluorescein extender that permits an easy evaluation for pig spermatozoa membrane integrity. Sperm integrity in pigs was evaluated before and after zona pellucida-induced acrosome reaction in capacitated sperm. The sperm acrosome reaction was affected when the zona pellucida was reduced.