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Media viscosity affects post-thaw ram sperm rheotactic behaviour.

A Martín-Maestro1, L Abril-Parreño2,3, A J Soler1

  • 1SaBio IREC (UCLM-CSIC-JCCM), ETSIAMB, Albacete, Spain.

Reproduction in Domestic Animals = Zuchthygiene
|October 13, 2024
PubMed
Summary

Increased media viscosity negatively impacts ram sperm motility and movement towards flow (rheotaxis). Higher methylcellulose concentrations significantly reduced sperm

Keywords:
methylcelluloseram spermrheotaxisviscosity

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Sperm Physiology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Sperm motility and rheotaxis are crucial for natural fertilization.
  • Understanding factors affecting sperm function is vital for artificial insemination and reproductive technologies.
  • Media viscosity is a potential environmental factor influencing sperm behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of varying media viscosity on ram sperm motility, kinematics, and rheotaxis.
  • To determine the optimal methylcellulose concentration for preserving ram sperm function in vitro.
  • To elucidate the relationship between fluid dynamics and sperm behavior in a controlled setting.

Main Methods:

  • Ram semen was cryopreserved and thawed.
  • Sperm were diluted in Tyrode's albumin lactate pyruvate (TALP) media with methylcellulose (0-0.7%).
  • Sperm motility and kinematics were analyzed using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA).
  • Rheotaxis was assessed in a microfluidic channel against a controlled flow rate.

Main Results:

  • Higher methylcellulose concentrations significantly decreased sperm motility and kinematic parameters (p < .05).
  • Increased viscosity led to a significant reduction in positive rheotaxis (p < .05).
  • Methylcellulose concentration directly correlated with reduced sperm performance.

Conclusions:

  • Media viscosity significantly influences ram sperm motility, kinematics, and rheotactic behavior.
  • Higher viscosity negatively affects the ability of ram sperm to navigate against fluid flow.
  • These findings have implications for optimizing semen handling and artificial reproductive techniques in rams.