Ameliorative Effect of Ascorbic Acid and Glutathione in Combating the Cryoinjuries During Cryopreservation of Exotic Jack Semen.

The research explores the negative effects of cryopreservation on exotic jack semen and investigates the potential protective effect of ascorbic acid (AA) and reduced glutathione (GSH). The findings suggest that the damage from cryopreservation can be significantly reduced with the use of these antioxidants.

Research Design and Methodology

• The researchers collected 24 semen samples from four adult and fertile jacks, using an artificial vagina and a female jack in heat as a stimulant.
• The semen samples were then evaluated for various parameters in their fresh, cooled, and frozen-thawed states.
• The semen was extended with a freezing extender containing either ascorbic acid (AA), reduced glutathione (GSH), or a combination of both. A separate sample was kept as control without the addition of antioxidants.

Observations and Findings

• The semen sample underwent cryodamage, as proofed by a significant decline in the seminal quantitative parameters at different stages of the cryopreservation process.
• The pre-freeze and post-thaw evaluation of the semen showed that plasma membrane, acrosome integrity, and chromatin integrity were significantly higher in the samples that were supplemented with a combination of AA and GSH than in the AA- and GSH-alone or control groups.
• The inclusion of antioxidants in the freezing extender improved the prefreeze and post-thaw quality of the exotic jack semen, with GSH showing more effectiveness than AA when used alone.

Conclusion

• The research concluded that exotic jack spermatozoa are vulnerable to damage because of cryopreservation. However, this cryo-induced damage can be considerably alleviated with the application of antioxidants such as ascorbic acid and reduced glutathione.
• This study’s findings contribute to the enhancement of semen cryopreservation procedures, providing valuable insights and potential improvements.