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Updated: Sep 2, 2025
Mouse Sperm Cryopreservation and Recovery using the I·Cryo Kit
Published on: December 12, 2011
Influence of sperm cryopreservation on sperm motility and proAKAP4 concentration in mice
Auke Boersma1, Jasmin Primus1, Bettina Wagner1
1Institute of in vivo and in vitro Models University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Vienna Austria.
Background:
The protein proAKAP4 is crucial for sperm motility and has been suggested as an indicator of male fertility. We determined the relationship between proAKAP4 concentration and sperm motility parameters in mice, and investigated the effects of cryopreservation on these variables.
Methods:
Computer-assisted sperm analysis and ELISA were applied to determine sperm motility and proAKAP4 concentration in fresh and frozen-thawed epididymal sperm of SWISS, B6D2F1, C57BL/6N, and BALB/c mice.
Results:
ProAKAP4 levels ranged between 12 and 89 ng/ml and did not differ between fresh and frozen-thawed samples, or between strains. We found a negative relationship between proAKAP4 levels and some sperm motility parameters. Sperm traits differed between strains, and cryopreservation negatively affected sperm velocity but not sperm direction parameters.
Conclusion:
ProAKAP4 levels in epididymal mouse spermatozoa were unaffected by cryopreservation, highlighting the robustness of this parameter as a potentially time-independent marker for sperm motility and fertility. The high individual variation in proAKAP4 levels supports the potential role of proAKAP4 as a marker for sperm quality, though we found no positive, and even negative relationships between proAKAP4 levels and some sperm motility parameters. Future studies have to investigate the significance of proAKAP4 as an indicator for fertility in mice.
Insights
ProAKAP4 levels in mouse sperm are unaffected by cryopreservation, showing potential as a fertility marker. However, relationships with sperm motility varied, requiring further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Spermatozoa Research
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- ProAKAP4 protein is vital for sperm motility and a potential indicator of male fertility.
- This study investigates the link between proAKAP4 concentration and sperm motility in mice.
- The impact of cryopreservation on these factors was also examined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the relationship between proAKAP4 concentration and sperm motility parameters in mice.
- To assess the effects of cryopreservation on proAKAP4 levels and sperm motility.
- To evaluate proAKAP4 as a potential biomarker for male fertility and sperm quality.
Main Methods:
- Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) was used to assess sperm motility.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measured proAKAP4 concentrations.
- Analysis was performed on fresh and cryopreserved epididymal sperm from four mouse strains.
Main Results:
- ProAKAP4 levels (12-89 ng/ml) were consistent across fresh and frozen samples and mouse strains.
- A negative correlation was observed between proAKAP4 levels and some sperm motility parameters.
- Cryopreservation reduced sperm velocity but did not affect sperm directionality.
Conclusions:
- ProAKAP4 levels in mouse sperm are robust to cryopreservation, suggesting potential as a time-independent fertility marker.
- High individual variation in proAKAP4 supports its role in sperm quality assessment.
- Further research is needed to clarify the significance of proAKAP4 in predicting male fertility.
