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REVIVAL OF MAMMALIAN SPERM AFTER IMMERSION IN LIQUID NITROGEN
1Physiological Laboratories, Clark University, Worcester.
The Journal of General Physiology
|October 30, 2009
Summary
This study investigated sperm motility after cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen. Optimal conditions for human sperm vitrification yielded up to 50% motility, preserving 67% of viable sperm.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cryobiology
Background:
- Sperm cryopreservation is crucial for assisted reproduction.
- Optimizing techniques to maintain sperm motility post-vitrification is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate mammalian sperm motility following ultra-low temperature cryopreservation.
- To identify optimal conditions for maximizing sperm survival rates after liquid nitrogen exposure.
Main Methods:
- Mammalian sperm (human and rabbit) were subjected to vitrification in liquid nitrogen (-195°C) and rapid warming (35°C).
- Various pre-treatment conditions were tested, including sample freshness, plasmolysis, and form of refrigerant immersion (foam).
Main Results:
- For human sperm, maximal motility was achieved with very fresh, untreated samples plunged as foam, yielding 50% recovery (67% of viable sperm).
- Rabbit sperm recovery varied: 0.5% with air-dried, untreated suspension on cellophane; 0.1% with hypertonic Ringer solution or hypertonic Ringer and butyric acid pre-treatment.
Conclusions:
- Vitrification protocols significantly impact sperm motility and survival rates.
- Specific pre-treatment methods are critical for successful cryopreservation of mammalian sperm.
