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Related Experiment Videos

Sperm storage in turtles: A male perspective.

Daniel H Gist1, Sue M Dawes, Terry W Turner

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0006, USA. Daniel.Gist@uc.edu

The Journal of Experimental Zoology
|December 26, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Turtle epididymal sperm remain viable for over 40 days and exhibit low motility, which can be enhanced with isobutyl methyl xanthine (IBMX). This longevity and motility pattern facilitates sperm storage and wide dissemination in emydid turtles.

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Excurrent duct system of the male turtle Chrysemys picta.

Journal of morphology·2004

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Herpetology
  • Sperm physiology

Background:

  • The epididymis stores sperm, but its seasonal dynamics and sperm characteristics in turtles remain understudied.
  • Understanding sperm storage is crucial for reptile reproductive success and conservation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the seasonal storage and behavioral characteristics of epididymal sperm in two emydid turtle species.
  • To assess factors influencing sperm motility and viability in vitro.

Main Methods:

  • Sperm were collected from the epididymis of Chrysemys picta and Trachemys scripta throughout the year.
  • Sperm motility, velocity, and viability were assessed in vitro.
  • The effect of isobutyl methyl xanthine (IBMX) on sperm motility was evaluated.

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Main Results:

  • Epididymides contained sperm year-round in both species, with no significant seasonal changes in epididymal weight in C. picta.
  • Sperm exhibited consistently low motility and velocity across seasons.
  • Motility and velocity were significantly enhanced by the addition of IBMX.
  • Epididymal sperm remained viable in vitro for over 40 days in F-10 buffer.

Conclusions:

  • Emydid turtle epididymal sperm possess inherent longevity and low motility, facilitating extended storage.
  • The ability to enhance motility with IBMX suggests potential for cryopreservation or assisted reproduction strategies.
  • These sperm characteristics support temporal dissemination of gametes produced within a limited breeding season.