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Home / Equine Research Bank / Anim Reprod Sci / Factors affecting the plasma membrane function of cooled-sto...
Animal reproduction science2005; 89(1-4); 65-75; doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2005.06.025

Factors affecting the plasma membrane function of cooled-stored stallion spermatozoa.

Abstract: The spermatozoon is a highly specified cell that has the abilities of active motility and fertilization of the ovum. Damage to the sperm plasma membrane results in the irreversible loss of its functions. Because of the high content of unsaturated fatty acids in the plasma membrane, mammalian sperm are sensitive to oxidative stress. While mild peroxidation appears to promote capacitation of the sperm cell, excessive peroxidation will damage the plasma membrane and results in loss of motility and fertility. The functional integrity of the sperm plasma membrane can be determined by functional tests (determination of motility, resistance against hypoosmotic media) or different staining methods. Today, fluorescent dyes that allow the evaluation of membrane-intact cells are preferred. Computer-assisted evaluation or the use of flow cytometry has improved the precision of these methods. The use of cooled-shipped semen has become a routine method in the equine industry and semen stored at 5 degrees C for about 24 h maintains fertility close to that of fresh semen. According to the suitability of their ejaculates for cooled-storage, stallions may be classified as "good coolers" or "poor coolers". Semen processing involves a number of factors that may damage the sperm plasma membrane. This includes addition of semen extender, centrifugation, cooling and storage at a temperature of 4-6 degrees C. Extender media and their ingredients protect the sperm plasma membrane against environmental influences, but unsuitable composition of the extender can also promote membrane damage. Recent advantages in extender composition are based on the substitution of undefined factors such as milk or egg yolk by more defined and stable components.
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Publication Date: 2005-08-06 PubMed ID: 16081230DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2005.06.025Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research focuses on the factors impacting the functioning of the plasma membrane of cooled-stored stallion sperm cells. The study looks at the processes and materials used in semen processing, and how they can either protect or damage the sperm cell membrane, thereby affecting motility and fertility.

Understanding the Spermatozoon

  • The spermatozoon is a specialized cell that performs two important functions – active movement and fertilization of the ovum.
  • These functions rest heavily on the integrity of the sperm plasma membrane; any damage to this membrane results in the loss of these functions.
  • Due to the prevalence of unsaturated fats in the sperm cell membrane, it is particularly susceptible to oxidative stress. A small amount of peroxidation might facilitate sperm cell capacitation (the process that enables fertilization), but too much may injure the membrane and subsequent motility and fertility.

Testing the Plasma Membrane Integrity

  • The integrity of the sperm plasma membrane is assessed using functional tests like determining motility or resistance against a hypoosmotic environment. Staining methods are also used.
  • Fluorescent dyes that allow evaluation of membrane-intact cells are currently preferred.
  • These methods’ accuracy has been improved by the use of computer-assisted evaluation or flow cytometry.

The Process of Semen Cooling and Storage

  • The practice of cooled-shipped semen has become common in the equine industry, and semen preserved at around 5 degrees Celsius for approximately 24 hours retains fertility nearly as well as fresh semen.
  • Bearing in mind their ejaculates’ suitability for cooled storage, stallions might be classified as either “good coolers” or “poor coolers”.

Factors Impacting Sperm Membrane in Semen Processing

  • Semen processing encompasses steps that can harm the sperm plasma membrane, including the addition of semen extender, centrifugation, cooling, and storage at temperatures between 4-6 degrees Celsius.
  • However, extender media and their constituents can shield the sperm plasma membrane from environmental factors — even though inappropriate composition of extenders can also induce membrane damage.
  • Recent advancements in extender composition focus on replacing undefined factors like milk or egg yolk with more defined and stable components.

Cite This Article

APA
Aurich C. (2005). Factors affecting the plasma membrane function of cooled-stored stallion spermatozoa. Anim Reprod Sci, 89(1-4), 65-75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2005.06.025

Publication

Animal reproduction science
ISSN: 0378-4320
NlmUniqueID: 7807205
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 89
Issue: 1-4
Pages: 65-75

Researcher Affiliations

Aurich, Christine
  • Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Animal Breeding and Reproduction, University for Veterinary Sciences, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria. christine.aurich@vu-wien.ac.at

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Cell Membrane / physiology
  • Cold Temperature
  • Horses
  • Male
  • Semen Preservation / methods
  • Semen Preservation / veterinary
  • Sperm Motility
  • Spermatozoa / physiology
  • Spermatozoa / ultrastructure
  • Time Factors

References

This article includes 64 references

Citations

This article has been cited 16 times.
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