Seminal plasma applied post-thawing affects boar sperm physiology: a flow cytometry study

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Cryobiology
• Animal Science

Background:

• Cryopreservation significantly alters sperm biophysical and biochemical properties.
• Understanding post-thaw sperm function is crucial for successful artificial insemination in swine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of seminal plasma on frozen-thawed boar sperm quality.
• To investigate the relationship between seminal plasma concentration and sperm capacitation-like status, intracellular calcium, membrane fluidity, thiol groups, reactive oxygen species (ROS), viability, acrosomal status, and mitochondrial activity.

Main Methods:

• Flow cytometry was used to analyze frozen-thawed boar spermatozoa.
• Semen was supplemented with varying concentrations of seminal plasma (0%, 10%, 50%) and incubated for 0-4 hours.
• Key sperm parameters including viability, membrane integrity, acrosomal status, ROS, and mitochondrial activity were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Incubation decreased membrane integrity and increased acrosomal damage.
• 50% seminal plasma significantly increased membrane fluidity, ROS, and free thiols.
• Viability decreased and acrosomal damage increased with 50% seminal plasma by 4 hours, while 10% showed minimal effects.

Conclusions:

• Seminal plasma, particularly at 50%, modifies thawed boar sperm physiology, potentially via membrane changes and ROS induction.
• Despite some detrimental effects, the addition of 50% seminal plasma may enhance post-thawed boar semen performance and fertility.