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Research article2011Peer reviewed

The effects of antioxidants on semen traits and in vitro fertilizing ability of sperm from the flat-headed cat (Prionailurus planiceps)

Thuwanut, Paweena; Chatdarong, Kaywalee; Bergqvist, Ann-Sofi; Söderquist, Lennart; Thiangtum, Khongsak; Tongthainan, Daraka; Axner, Eva

Abstract

Since antioxidants can overcome the negative effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during sperm cryopreservation, post-thaw sperm quality in flat-headed cats (Prionailurus planiceps), an endangered species, might benefit from the addition of antioxidants to semen extender. The objectives of this study were to: 1) investigate semen traits; and 2) evaluate effects of the vitamin E analogue Trolox (vitamin E) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) on the quality of frozen sperm from captive flat-headed cats in Thailand. Eight ejaculates were collected by electroejaculation from four flat-headed cats. Each semen sample was divided into three aliquots and re-suspended in a semen extender as follows: I) without antioxidant supplementation (control); 2) supplemented with 5 mM vitamin E; or 3) supplemented with 10 U/mL GPx. All samples were cryopreserved and thawed. Subjective sperm motility, progressive motility, and the integrity of the sperm membrane, acrosome and DNA were evaluated at semen collection, after 1 h cold storage, and at 0 and 6 h after thawing. Mitochondrial membrane potential, early apoptotic cells, and embryo development by heterologous in vitro fertilization were evaluated after thawing. Captive flat-headed cats were affected by teratozoospermia. After 1 h cold storage, sperm membrane integrity in samples supplemented with GPx was higher than the control group (54.5 +/- 13.7 vs 51.3 +/- 13.9; P < 0.05; mean +/- SD). Sperm frozen in extender with GPx had higher motility at 6 h and greater mitochondrial membrane potential at 0 and 6 h post-thaw incubation than the other groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, GPx improved the quality of frozen-thawed sperm in flat-headed cats. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Keywords

Wild felids; Flat-headed cat; Sperm cryopreservation; Semen; Oxidative stress

Published in

Theriogenology
2011, Volume: 76, number: 1, pages: 115-125
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC