Comparison of the effects of Percoll and PureSperm on the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) semen

Density gradient centrifugation is a widely used technique for the separation of motile from non-motile sperm, for the removal of contaminating agents such as bacteria and viruses, and for the removal of seminal plasma or cryoprotectant. In the choice of a density gradient medium for a new species, it is important to perform toxicity tests. The present study was carried out to evaluate the potential toxic effects of two silica-based density gradient products (Percoll and PureSperm), on the sperm of the common marmoset. We assessed two different batches of Percoll (polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-coated colloidal silica particles) and one of PureSperm (saline-coated colloidal silica suspension) by means of a computer-aided sperm analysis on semen collected by vibrostimulation. The results showed that although some of the sperm patterns of movement and viability changed significantly over time, and provide a first description of marmoset sperm motility changes under capacitating conditions, there was no significant difference in the sperm treated with Percoll or PureSperm in comparison with the control. We conclude that simple exposure to either of these products does not have a negative effect on viability or motility of marmoset sperm.