Storage temperature and sucrose concentrations affect ram sperm quality after vitrification

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Cryopreservation Science
• Animal Science

Background:

• Ram spermatozoa cryopreservation is crucial for artificial insemination and genetic preservation.
• Optimizing cryoprotective agents and pre-vitrification storage conditions is essential for maintaining sperm quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the characteristics of ram spermatozoa exposed to varying sucrose concentrations.
• To evaluate the influence of pre-vitrification storage temperature (22°C vs. 5°C) on sperm quality.

Main Methods:

• Sperm samples were diluted in extenders with varying sucrose concentrations (0.4M, 0.6M, 0.8M).
• Toxicity and vitrification effects were assessed using motility, morphology, membrane functionality (HOST), viability, acrosome integrity, and DNA fragmentation assays.
• Sperm were stored at 22°C or 5°C before vitrification.

Main Results:

• Higher sucrose concentrations negatively impacted sperm motility, morphology, and membrane functionality.
• Pre-vitrification storage at room temperature resulted in higher sperm viability than storage at 5°C.
• Despite overall quality decrease post-vitrification, sucrose improved motility, viability, and membrane function, especially when sperm were stored at 5°C.

Conclusions:

• Sucrose demonstrates promising cryoprotective properties for ram spermatozoa.
• Pre-vitrification storage at 5°C is associated with improved ram sperm quality after cryopreservation.