RESUMO

Abstract This study investigates the toxic effects of ethanol (Eth) on the reproductive system of male rats and the possible protective role of Silybum marianum seeds-infused solution (SMI) over six consecutive weeks of administration. Animals were divided into the following groups: control, SMI positive control (200 mg/kg/day), Eth1 (1 g/kg/day), Eth2 (2 g/kg/day), Eth1+SMI, and Eth2+SMI. Plasma testosterone concentration, epididymal spermatozoa biology, and testicular and epididymal MDA, GSH and GPx levels were evaluated. The results indicated a significant decrease in testis and epididymis weight, testosterone level, sperm concentration, sperm vitality and sperm motility (total motility, progressive motility, curvilinear velocity, straight-line velocity, velocity average path, beat cross frequency, and lateral head displacement) in both Eth1 and Eth2 compared to the control groups and the combined-treatment groups (Eth1+SMI and Eth2+SMI). Furthermore, results showed a significant elevation in MDA concentration with a significant decrease of testicular and epididymal GSH concentration and GPx activity in theEth1 and Eth2 groups compared to the combined-treatment groups. The administration of SMI succeeded in improving the parameters cited above in the combined-treatment groups compared to the Eth1 and Eth2 groups, and bring them to the levels seen in the control groups. To conclude, SMI has clearly protected reproductive indices against ethanol-induced reprotoxicity in male rats

Assuntos

RESUMO

Morfologia e morfometria espermática, este é um importante determinante da capacidade reprodutiva masculina. Dados morfométricos podem fornecer informações relevantes em estudos focados em biologia evolutiva, avaliação da qualidade do esperma, incluindo previsão do potencial de fertilidade, criopreservação de sêmen ou efeito de reprotóxicos. O artigo apresenta a análise morfométrica de espermatozóides de dois morfos coloridos de raposa do Ártico (Vulpes lagopus), e tenta determinar a relação entre indicadores de qualidade selecionados e dimensões e forma dos espermatozóides. O material de pesquisa consistiu em ejaculados coletados uma única vez por estimulação manual de 20 raposas do Ártico de um ano de idade (10 indivíduos do morfo azul e 10 do morfo branco). Ejaculados foram analisados ​​para parâmetros padrão (volume, concentração de esperma, número total de espermatozóides no ejaculado) e utilizado para a preparação de espécimes microscópicos. Verificou-se que as dimensões dos espermatozóides das raposas do Ártico dependem dos morfos da cor masculina. Os espermatozóides das raposas brancas do Ártico foram significativamente mais longos (1,82 µm) e tinham cabeças maiores (0,32 µm mais longas e 0,15 µm mais largas) em comparação com os espermatozóides das raposas azuis do Ártico (P <0,05). As interações entre as dimensões particulares dos espermatozoides indicaram a ocorrência de gametas com formas diferentes. Todos os coeficientes de correlação entre as características morfométricas dos espermatozoides foram estatisticamente significantes. Nossa pesquisa provou que nas raposas azuis do Ártico, as dimensões dos espermatozóides (comprimento da cauda e comprimento total do espermatozóide) podem estar relacionadas com a porcentagem de espermatozóides com alterações primárias (respectivamente: r = -0,68 er = -0,75; em P <0,05).(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

A gota citoplasmática é uma protuberância de citoplasma geralmente posicionada na peça intermediária dos espermatozoides. É considerada uma organela transitória, uma vez que migra pelo espermatozoide durante o trânsito epididimário, quando é removida dessas células na maioria dos mamíferos. Dúvidas sobre se a presença desta gota está relacionada de forma positiva ou negativa com a função e fertilidade espermática são frequentes, já que sua presença no ejaculado pode afetar a fertilidade espermática e o uso do sêmen em biotécnicas da reprodução. Porém, mesmo não sendo totalmente compreendida a nível molecular e funcional, sabe-se que a gota citoplasmática é necessária ao espermatozoide durante seu processo de maturação no epidídimo. Por isso, o objetivo desta revisão foi abordar pontos sobre a fisiologia e funções das gotas citoplasmáticas, bem como relacionar sua presença com a maturação e fertilidade dos espermatozoides.

The cytoplasmic droplet is a protuberance of cytoplasm usually positioned in the sperm midpiece. It is considered a transient organelle that migrates through the sperm cell during its epididymal transit when it is finally removed from the cell in most mammals. Doubts over whether the presence of cytoplasmic droplets is positively or negatively related to sperm functions and fertility are common, as its presence in the ejaculate may affect sperm fertility and the use of semen in assisted reproductive technology. Although the understanding of cytoplasmic droplets function is not fully clarified at molecular and functional levels, it is known that cytoplasmic droplet is necessary for spermatozoa, especially during their maturation in the epididymal duct. Therefore, the aim of this review was to discuss aspects of the physiology and function of cytoplasmic droplets, as well as to relate their presence to sperm maturation and their consequent fertility.

Assuntos

RESUMO

A gota citoplasmática é uma protuberância de citoplasma geralmente posicionada na peça intermediária dos espermatozoides. É considerada uma organela transitória, uma vez que migra pelo espermatozoide durante o trânsito epididimário, quando é removida dessas células na maioria dos mamíferos. Dúvidas sobre se a presença desta gota está relacionada de forma positiva ou negativa com a função e fertilidade espermática são frequentes, já que sua presença no ejaculado pode afetar a fertilidade espermática e o uso do sêmen em biotécnicas da reprodução. Porém, mesmo não sendo totalmente compreendida a nível molecular e funcional, sabe-se que a gota citoplasmática é necessária ao espermatozoide durante seu processo de maturação no epidídimo. Por isso, o objetivo desta revisão foi abordar pontos sobre a fisiologia e funções das gotas citoplasmáticas, bem como relacionar sua presença com a maturação e fertilidade dos espermatozoides.(AU)

The cytoplasmic droplet is a protuberance of cytoplasm usually positioned in the sperm midpiece. It is considered a transient organelle that migrates through the sperm cell during its epididymal transit when it is finally removed from the cell in most mammals. Doubts over whether the presence of cytoplasmic droplets is positively or negatively related to sperm functions and fertility are common, as its presence in the ejaculate may affect sperm fertility and the use of semen in assisted reproductive technology. Although the understanding of cytoplasmic droplets function is not fully clarified at molecular and functional levels, it is known that cytoplasmic droplet is necessary for spermatozoa, especially during their maturation in the epididymal duct. Therefore, the aim of this review was to discuss aspects of the physiology and function of cytoplasmic droplets, as well as to relate their presence to sperm maturation and their consequent fertility.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of green tea extract (GTE) on the spermatic parameters of Wistar rats, submitted or not to testicular heat shock (HS). For this, 48 animals were treated according to the experimental groups (G1: not exposed to HS and untreated; G2: exposed to HS and untreated; G3: not exposed to HS and treated with GTE; G4: exposed to HS and treated with GTE). Subgroups of rats were euthanized on days 15, 30, and 60 to recover the spermatozoa. The total motility (TM), vigor, spermatic morphology and concentration, mitochondrial membrane potential, plasma membrane integrity, and acrosome integrity (ACi) were analyzed. The TM was higher in G1 and G3 than in G2 and G4 on day 30, and higher in G4 on day 60. The overall means of TM and vigor were higher in G1 and G3 than in G2 and G4, as well as TM on day 60. For the morphology, G2 and G4 were lower than G1 and G3 on day 15, and G4 was lower than G1 and G3 on day 30. Moreover, in G1 and G3 morphology was higher on days 15 and 30, and in G4 it was lower on day 30, with the overall means being higher in G1 and G3 than in G2 and G4, as well as on days 15 and 60 compared to day 30. The overall mean of ACi, on day 30, was lower than on days 15 and 60 for all the groups. Therefore, HS is shown to be widely deleterious to the gametes, and the daily administration of 100 mg/kg green tea extract does not improve the spermatic parameters of Wistar rats, submitted or not to testicular HS, although it leads to better recovery of spermatic motility and morphology at 60 days.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of green tea extract (GTE) on the spermatic parameters of Wistar rats, submitted or not to testicular heat shock (HS). For this, 48 animals were treated according to the experimental groups (G1: not exposed to HS and untreated; G2: exposed to HS and untreated; G3: not exposed to HS and treated with GTE; G4: exposed to HS and treated with GTE). Subgroups of rats were euthanized on days 15, 30, and 60 to recover the spermatozoa. The total motility (TM), vigor, spermatic morphology and concentration, mitochondrial membrane potential, plasma membrane integrity, and acrosome integrity (ACi) were analyzed. The TM was higher in G1 and G3 than in G2 and G4 on day 30, and higher in G4 on day 60. The overall means of TM and vigor were higher in G1 and G3 than in G2 and G4, as well as TM on day 60. For the morphology, G2 and G4 were lower than G1 and G3 on day 15, and G4 was lower than G1 and G3 on day 30. Moreover, in G1 and G3 morphology was higher on days 15 and 30, and in G4 it was lower on day 30, with the overall means being higher in G1 and G3 than in G2 and G4, as well as on days 15 and 60 compared to day 30. The overall mean of ACi, on day 30, was lower than on days 15 and 60 for all the groups. Therefore, HS is shown to be widely deleterious to the gametes, and the daily administration of 100 mg/kg green tea extract does not improve the spermatic parameters of Wistar rats, submitted or not to testicular HS, although it leads to better recovery of spermatic motility and morphology at 60 days.

Assuntos

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: To identify the effect of apoptotic sperm elimination with MACS in patients that require IVF. METHODS: An experimental, cross-sectional, descriptive, prospective and non-blinded study of diagnostic tests performed in patients who required IVF and ICSI from July 2011 to July 2012. Ninety-two couples participated according to the treatment administered to the semen sample; in the control group: the samples were subjected only to density gradients before ICSI, in the study group: the same procedure was performed plus the addition of the MACS technique. Comparing the groups, we assessed the fertilization, division, viable embryos and clinical pregnancy rates in all cases. RESULTS: We found significant differences when using MACS technique in sperm parameters. We found no differences between the total samples of the control and study groups. When separating the own and donated eggs in each group, we found an improvement in the fertilization rates (p<0.001) of the own eggs. In both groups, the handling of donated eggs lead to a significant improvement in the immunological pregnancy test (IPT) and fetal heart rate (FHR) results. Only in the donated eggs group, where MACS was applied, could we see that all cases with positive IPT had a fetal heart rate, which shows a significant difference (p<0.002) when compared with the control group, where the percentage decreased abruptly. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the use of annexins (MACS) in eliminating apoptotic sperm, and when the obtained sperm is applied to good-quality eggs.

Assuntos

RESUMO

A sexagem de espermatozoides tem relevante aplicação na produção animal. Várias publicações demonstram a eficiência do processo de sexagem por citometria de fluxo que separa os espermatozoides X e Y em função da mensuração do conteúdo de DNA. Importantes modificações no processo de sexagem por citometria de fluxo, tais como pressão, intensidade do laser, diluidores tem levado à diminuição dos danos nos espermatozoides e aumentado a viabilidade dos mesmos.

Spermatozoa sexing has an important application for livestock production. Results have been published worldwide that demonstrate effectiveness of the flow cytometer sexing process based on sorting sperm with differential DNA content as the X and Y sperm marker. Major improvements in the sexing sorting process as pressure, laser power, extenders had led to the decrease of sperm damage and increase of sperm viability

Assuntos

RESUMO

The objectives of this twelve-week feeding trial were to determine the effects of dietary Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or zinc oxide on epididymal sperm characteristics, testicular morphometric traits, and growth parameters of bucks. 16 (New Zealand White) bucks 16-wk-old, weighing 2.8kg were randomly allotted to one of 4 treatment groups. Each treatment was replicated four times, with 1 buck per replicate, in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each treatment group was randomly assigned to one of the four commercial experimental diets designated thus: TA = control diet with no additives, TB = 0.12g/kg Saccharomyces cerevisiae, TC = 150mg/kg zinc oxide and TD = 0.12g/kg Saccharomyces cerevisiae +150 mg/kg zinc oxide. Although treatment had no effect (p>0.05) on final body weight, average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio, epididymal sperm characteristics and testicular morphometric traits differed significantly (p 0.05). Bucks on TB(Saccharomyces cerevisiae-based diet) had improved (p 0.05) sperm concentration, motility and live sperm, tubule diameter, epididymal volume, volume fraction of duct, and total duct volume, but decreased testicular volume. Bucks fed TA (control diet) had improved volume fraction of tubule but recorded the highest incidence of head and tail sperm abnormality. Though, TC(zinc oxide-based diet) enhanced (p 0.05) seminal vesicle volume, sperm pH was better among bucks fed TD (Saccharomyces cerevisiae + zinc oxide-based diet). It can be concluded that dietary inclusion of Saccharomyces cerevisiae at 0.12g/kg of feed improved epididymal sperm characteristics and testicular morphometric traits of rabbit bucks.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

A sexagem de espermatozoides tem relevante aplicação na produção animal. Várias publicações demonstram a eficiência do processo de sexagem por citometria de fluxo que separa os espermatozoides X e Y em função da mensuração do conteúdo de DNA. Importantes modificações no processo de sexagem por citometria de fluxo, tais como pressão, intensidade do laser, diluidores tem levado à diminuição dos danos nos espermatozoides e aumentado a viabilidade dos mesmos.(AU)

Spermatozoa sexing has an important application for livestock production. Results have been published worldwide that demonstrate effectiveness of the flow cytometer sexing process based on sorting sperm with differential DNA content as the X and Y sperm marker. Major improvements in the sexing sorting process as pressure, laser power, extenders had led to the decrease of sperm damage and increase of sperm viability(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

The objectives of this twelve-week feeding trial were to determine the effects of dietary Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or zinc oxide on epididymal sperm characteristics, testicular morphometric traits, and growth parameters of bucks. 16 (New Zealand White) bucks 16-wk-old, weighing 2.8kg were randomly allotted to one of 4 treatment groups. Each treatment was replicated four times, with 1 buck per replicate, in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each treatment group was randomly assigned to one of the four commercial experimental diets designated thus: TA = control diet with no additives, TB = 0.12g/kg Saccharomyces cerevisiae, TC = 150mg/kg zinc oxide and TD = 0.12g/kg Saccharomyces cerevisiae +150 mg/kg zinc oxide. Although treatment had no effect (p>0.05) on final body weight, average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio, epididymal sperm characteristics and testicular morphometric traits differed significantly (p 0.05). Bucks on TB(Saccharomyces cerevisiae-based diet) had improved (p 0.05) sperm concentration, motility and live sperm, tubule diameter, epididymal volume, volume fraction of duct, and total duct volume, but decreased testicular volume. Bucks fed TA (control diet) had improved volume fraction of tubule but recorded the highest incidence of head and tail sperm abnormality. Though, TC(zinc oxide-based diet) enhanced (p 0.05) seminal vesicle volume, sperm pH was better among bucks fed TD (Saccharomyces cerevisiae + zinc oxide-based diet). It can be concluded that dietary inclusion of Saccharomyces cerevisiae at 0.12g/kg of feed improved epididymal sperm characteristics and testicular morphometric traits of rabbit bucks.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Protocols for cooling or freezing goat semen usually recommend centrifugation for seminal plasma removal. However, little is known about the effect of this process on goat sperm viability and functionality. The present study evaluated the effects of centrifugation force on the plasma membrane, acrosomes, and DNA integrity of goat semen. Four ejaculates from each of the four different Anglo Nubian male goats were used. Semen samples were obtained using artificial vagina, and immediately after collection, ejaculates were diluted using Ringer's sodium lactate solution and split into three groups: Control (CG, without centrifugation), G1 (centrifugation 600 x g/10 min), G2 (centrifugation 1200 x g/10 min). After centrifugation, seminal plasma was removed, the sperm pellets were resuspended using Tris-egg yolk extender (80 x 106 spermatozoa/mL) and the sperm morphology was analyzed. Samples were cooled at 5°C for 5, 24, 36, and 48 h and then sperm plasma membrane and acrosome integrity (PMAI, %) and sperm DNA fragmentation index (SDF, %) were evaluated at each time-point, using a flow cytometer. Additionally, sperm movement was determined using computer semen analysis (CASA) after 5, 24, and 48 h of refrigeration period. The semen centrifugation did not induce additional sperm morphology defect or reduction in sperm kinetics in the experimental groups. Differences were not observed (p > 0.05) in PMAI and SDF among different groups, in any of each time-point of the cooling process. In conclusion, centrifugation, even at high speeds, did not affect goat sperm integrity and functionality when submitted to refrigeration process. (AU)

A maior parte dos protocolos de refrigeração e criopreservação do sêmen caprino recomenda o uso de centrifugação para remoção do plasma seminal. No entanto, não existe consenso sobre o risco que esse tipo de processamento pode ocasionar à viabilidade espermática. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho investigou os possíveis efeitos deletérios da centrifugação sobre a integridade estrutural e DNA de espermatozoides caprinos. Para a pesquisa foram selecionados quatro reprodutores para colheita de sêmen (n = 4 ejaculados/bode). Cada ejaculado foi fracionado em três alíquotas iguais, diluídas em ringer e divididas em três grupos: Controle (GC, não centrifugado), G1 (centrifugação a 600 g/10 minutos) e G2 (centrifugação a 1200 g/10 minutos). As amostras seminais por grupo foram diluídas em meio Tris gema respeitando-se a concentração final de 80 milhões de espermatozoides/mL e foram submetidas à avaliação de morfologia espermática. Todas as amostras foram acondicionadas a 5°C, sendo analisadas nos momentos 5, 24, 36 e 48 horas do processo de refrigeração por meio da avaliação da integridade de membrana plasmática e acrossomal (MPAI, %) e índice de fragmentação de DNA (IDF, %). Adicionalmente, a cinética espermática foi avaliada com o emprego de um sistema computadorizado de análise (CASA) nos momentos 5, 24 e 48 horas da refrigeração. A centrifugação não induziu a manifestação de defeitos morfológicos ou redução significativa da cinética de espermatozoides caprinos. Não foram observadas diferenças para a integridade de membrana plasmática e para o índice de fragmentação de DNA quando comparados, respectivamente, GC, G1 e G2 em cada um dos quatro momentos experimentais. Conclui-se que mesmo quando empregadas altas forças de rotação não ocorre lesão à ultraestrutura dos espermatozoides caprinos submetidos ao processo de refrigeração.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

Protocols for cooling or freezing goat semen usually recommend centrifugation for seminal plasma removal. However, little is known about the effect of this process on goat sperm viability and functionality. The present study evaluated the effects of centrifugation force on the plasma membrane, acrosomes, and DNA integrity of goat semen. Four ejaculates from each of the four different Anglo Nubian male goats were used. Semen samples were obtained using artificial vagina, and immediately after collection, ejaculates were diluted using Ringer's sodium lactate solution and split into three groups: Control (CG, without centrifugation), G1 (centrifugation 600 x g/10 min), G2 (centrifugation 1200 x g/10 min). After centrifugation, seminal plasma was removed, the sperm pellets were resuspended using Tris-egg yolk extender (80 x 106 spermatozoa/mL) and the sperm morphology was analyzed. Samples were cooled at 5°C for 5, 24, 36, and 48 h and then sperm plasma membrane and acrosome integrity (PMAI, %) and sperm DNA fragmentation index (SDF, %) were evaluated at each time-point, using a flow cytometer. Additionally, sperm movement was determined using computer semen analysis (CASA) after 5, 24, and 48 h of refrigeration period. The semen centrifugation did not induce additional sperm morphology defect or reduction in sperm kinetics in the experimental groups. Differences were not observed (p > 0.05) in PMAI and SDF among different groups, in any of each time-point of the cooling process. In conclusion, centrifugation, even at high speeds, did not affect goat sperm integrity and functionality when submitted to refrigeration process. (AU)

A maior parte dos protocolos de refrigeração e criopreservação do sêmen caprino recomenda o uso de centrifugação para remoção do plasma seminal. No entanto, não existe consenso sobre o risco que esse tipo de processamento pode ocasionar à viabilidade espermática. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho investigou os possíveis efeitos deletérios da centrifugação sobre a integridade estrutural e DNA de espermatozoides caprinos. Para a pesquisa foram selecionados quatro reprodutores para colheita de sêmen (n = 4 ejaculados/bode). Cada ejaculado foi fracionado em três alíquotas iguais, diluídas em ringer e divididas em três grupos: Controle (GC, não centrifugado), G1 (centrifugação a 600 g/10 minutos) e G2 (centrifugação a 1200 g/10 minutos). As amostras seminais por grupo foram diluídas em meio Tris gema respeitando-se a concentração final de 80 milhões de espermatozoides/mL e foram submetidas à avaliação de morfologia espermática. Todas as amostras foram acondicionadas a 5°C, sendo analisadas nos momentos 5, 24, 36 e 48 horas do processo de refrigeração por meio da avaliação da integridade de membrana plasmática e acrossomal (MPAI, %) e índice de fragmentação de DNA (IDF, %). Adicionalmente, a cinética espermática foi avaliada com o emprego de um sistema computadorizado de análise (CASA) nos momentos 5, 24 e 48 horas da refrigeração. A centrifugação não induziu a manifestação de defeitos morfológicos ou redução significativa da cinética de espermatozoides caprinos. Não foram observadas diferenças para a integridade de membrana plasmática e para o índice de fragmentação de DNA quando comparados, respectivamente, GC, G1 e G2 em cada um dos quatro momentos experimentais. Conclui-se que mesmo quando empregadas altas forças de rotação não ocorre lesão à ultraestrutura dos espermatozoides caprinos submetidos ao processo de refrigeração.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

Any physiological mechanism involved in sperm selection and semen improvement has effects on heterogeneous sperm populations. This is mainly due to the fact that sperm populations within a single ejaculate have considerable heterogeneity for many variables, such as motility which is meaningful in terms of understanding how some sperm cells possess fertility advantages as compared with other cells. In the present research, initially there was a multivariate and clustering analysis used to assess sperm motility data from cryopreserved ram semen to identify subpopulations and compare the distribution of these clusters between rams with lesser and greater fertility. There were four classifications made of sperm subpopulations (clusters): CL1 fast/linear/progressive sperm; CL2 fast/non-linear sperm; CL3 very fast/linear sperm with vigorous beating and CL4 slow/non-linear sperm. Rams with greater fertility had a lesser proportion of sperm considered as "hyperactivated" (CL2) and a greater proportion of slow and non-linear sperm (CL4) than sperm of rams with lesser fertility. In addition, the effects were assessed for the capacity of seminal plasma (SP) and interacting SP proteins (iSPP) that were present during different seasons of the year to improve the distribution of sperm within subpopulations of semen from rams with lesser fertility. The iSPP and SP were obtained by artificial vagina (AV) and electroejaculation (EE) during breeding and non-breeding seasons and added to thawed semen. All the aggregates had a significant effect on the distribution of sperm subpopulations and effects differed among seasons of the year and depending on collection method used. Even though, future studies are needed to assess the contribution of each subpopulation on ram sperm fertility, it is important that a multivariate analysis be used to evaluate the effect of a treatment on sperm quality variables.

Assuntos

RESUMO

A pesquisa teve por objetivos avaliar a biometria testicular, coletar o sêmen e analisar as características morfológicas dos espermatozoides de cachorros-do-mato Cerdocyon thous Linnaeus, 1766. Foram utilizados cinco animais, maiores de três anos de idade e com peso superior a 6 kg. Os animais foram anestesiados com xilazina 2%, cloridrato de ketamina 10% e atropina 1%. Foi determinado o volume testicular (testículos medidos com paquímetro). O sêmen foi coletado pelo método de eletroejaculação e a morfologia espermática analisada pelo método de preparação em câmara úmida, sendo realizado também o teste supravital (corante eosina/ nigrosina). O volume médio dos testículos foi 2,96 ± 0,56 cm3. A análise da morfologia espermática teve média de 54,2 % de defeitos no formato da cabeça. No teste supravital obteve-se 77,4 ± 5,17 % de células vivas.  Conclui-se que os cachorros-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous) possuem volume testicular menor que outros canídeos selvagens; que a técnica de coleta de sêmen foi eficiente para a espécie e que o sêmen apresenta elevada patologia espermática, talvez devido à pequena variabilidade genética da população.(AU)

This research aimed to evaluate the testicular biometry, collect semen and analyze the morphological characteristics of the spermof crab-eating fox Cerdocyon thous Linnaeus, 1766. Five animals older than three years-old and weighing more than 6 kg wereused. The animals were anaesthetized with 2% of xylazine, 10% of ketamine hydrochloride, and 1% of atropine. The testicularvolume was determined (testicles measured with caliper ruler). The semen was collected by the electroejaculation method, andthe spermatozoa morphology was analyzed by the preparation in a humidified chamber method. The supravitally test was alsoperformed (eosin /nigrosine pigment). The average volume of the testicles was 2,96 ± 0,56 cm3. Analysis of the morphology hada mean of 54.2% of total defects and high incidence of bent and rolled tails, cytoplasmic droplets and head shape defects. Insupravitally tests were obtained 77.4 ± 5.17% of alive cells. We conclude that the crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) have lowertesticular volume than other wild canids, that the semen collection technique was efficient for the species, and that the semen hashigh sperm pathology, perhaps due to the low genetic variability of the population.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

Fish tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) is the native Brazilian fish with the highest agricultural production under intensive aquaculture in South America. However, the decrease in the genetic variability in fish farms has become necessary the improvement of cryopreservation process through new statistical studies of spermatozoa (like subpopulation studies). The evaluation of the kinetic data obtained with a computer-assisted sperm analysis system, applying a two-step cluster analysis, yielded in tambaqui three different subpopulations in fresh sperm: SP1, considered as a slow nonlinear subpopulation; SP2, considered as a fast nonlinear subpopulation, and finally; SP3, considered as a fast linear subpopulation. For cryopreserved sperm, the cluster analysis yielded only two sperm subpopulations: SP1', considered as a slow nonlinear subpopulation and SP2', which seemed to be an intermediate subpopulation (showing medium motility and velocity values) merged from SP2 and SP3 obtained from fresh sperm. Coefficients of correlation (r) and determination (r2) between the sperm subpopulations from fresh sperm and the fertilization rates were calculated, and SP2 and SP3 (the fast-spermatozoa subpopulations) showed a high-positive correlation with the fertilization rates (r = 0.93 and 0.79, respectively). In addition, the positive significant correlations found in curvilinear velocity (r = 0.78), straight line velocity (r = 0.57), and average velocity (r = 0.75) indicate that sperm kinetic features seem to be a key factor in the fertilization process in tambaqui, as occur in other fish species.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Callichthyidae comprises a well-corroborated monophyletic group divided into two subfamilies: Corydoradinae and Callichthyinae. A recent proposal, based on molecular data, suggests that Corydoradinae is composed by nine monophyletic lineages, possibly genera. The species pertaining to those lineages have extensive modification in the size of genome, including diploid, tetraploid and octoploid species. Considering the occurrence of these monophyletic lineages and that the variations in DNA content may imply in significant alterations on the structure of spermatozoa, this study analyzed the morphology of the male reproductive system and the morphometry of the head of the spermatozoa of representatives of the nine lineages of Corydoradinae, seeking for particular characteristics of each lineage. Morphological data revealed a high intra-lineage variation, larger than that observed among species of different lineages. In contrast, morphometric data obtained for eight out of the nine lineages, revealed large congruency with the hypothesis that Corydoradinae is composed by different lineages. These results demonstrate that there is a correlation among variations in DNA content and the size of the spermatozoon head, thus providing additional subsides for the definition of the Corydoradinae lineages.(AU)

A família Callichthyidae compreende um grupo monofilético bem corroborado, dividida em duas subfamílias: Corydoradinae e Callichthyinae. Uma proposta recente, baseada em dados moleculares, sugeriu que a subfamília Corydoradinae é composta por nove linhagens, possivelmente gêneros. As espécies pertencentes a cada uma destas linhagens possuem extensivas modificações no tamanho do genoma, incluindo espécies diplóides, tetraplóides e octaplóides. Considerando a ocorrência dessas diferentes linhagens e que as extremas variações em conteúdo de DNA podem implicar em alterações significativas na estrutura dos espermatozoides, o presente estudo analisou a morfologia do sistema reprodutor masculino e a morfometria da cabeça dos espermatozoides de representantes das nove linhagens de Corydoradinae, procurando características particulares em cada uma. Os dados morfológicos revelaram a ocorrência de grande variação dentro das linhagens, maior que aquela observada entre espécies de diferentes linhagens. Diferentemente, os dados morfométricos obtidos para oito das nove linhagens revelaram grande congruência com a atual proposta para Corydoradinae. Estes resultados demonstram que há correlação entre as variações em conteúdo de DNA e o tamanho da cabeça dos espermatozoides, fornecendo, assim, subsídio adicional para a definição das nove linhagens de Corydoradinae.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

Callichthyidae comprises a well-corroborated monophyletic group divided into two subfamilies: Corydoradinae and Callichthyinae. A recent proposal, based on molecular data, suggests that Corydoradinae is composed by nine monophyletic lineages, possibly genera. The species pertaining to those lineages have extensive modification in the size of genome, including diploid, tetraploid and octoploid species. Considering the occurrence of these monophyletic lineages and that the variations in DNA content may imply in significant alterations on the structure of spermatozoa, this study analyzed the morphology of the male reproductive system and the morphometry of the head of the spermatozoa of representatives of the nine lineages of Corydoradinae, seeking for particular characteristics of each lineage. Morphological data revealed a high intra-lineage variation, larger than that observed among species of different lineages. In contrast, morphometric data obtained for eight out of the nine lineages, revealed large congruency with the hypothesis that Corydoradinae is composed by different lineages. These results demonstrate that there is a correlation among variations in DNA content and the size of the spermatozoon head, thus providing additional subsides for the definition of the Corydoradinae lineages.(AU)

A família Callichthyidae compreende um grupo monofilético bem corroborado, dividida em duas subfamílias: Corydoradinae e Callichthyinae. Uma proposta recente, baseada em dados moleculares, sugeriu que a subfamília Corydoradinae é composta por nove linhagens, possivelmente gêneros. As espécies pertencentes a cada uma destas linhagens possuem extensivas modificações no tamanho do genoma, incluindo espécies diplóides, tetraplóides e octaplóides. Considerando a ocorrência dessas diferentes linhagens e que as extremas variações em conteúdo de DNA podem implicar em alterações significativas na estrutura dos espermatozoides, o presente estudo analisou a morfologia do sistema reprodutor masculino e a morfometria da cabeça dos espermatozoides de representantes das nove linhagens de Corydoradinae, procurando características particulares em cada uma. Os dados morfológicos revelaram a ocorrência de grande variação dentro das linhagens, maior que aquela observada entre espécies de diferentes linhagens. Diferentemente, os dados morfométricos obtidos para oito das nove linhagens revelaram grande congruência com a atual proposta para Corydoradinae. Estes resultados demonstram que há correlação entre as variações em conteúdo de DNA e o tamanho da cabeça dos espermatozoides, fornecendo, assim, subsídio adicional para a definição das nove linhagens de Corydoradinae.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

tThe present study investigated the effect of two different mediums (IVF-TALP and BO) and spermconcentrations (16  106 and 20  106), during the short-in vitro fertilization (IVF) on bovine embryoproduction. Thus, after in vitro maturation (IVM), oocytes were randomly distributed into three groups:traditional IVF (control), IVF-TALP and Brackett-Oliphant (BO). The groups IVF-TALP and BO weresubdivided according sperm concentration (16  106 and 20  106) used for short-IVF (6 h). For the controlgroup, the IVF was performed for 18 h. Concerning the cleavage rate, the BO-20 group showed the best results(77,1%). On the other hand, for the blastocyst yield, the highest results were obtained in control and BO-20groups: 20.8% and 24.6%, respectively. In conclusion, it seems that BO medium with 20  106 sptz/mL positivelyinfluence the bovine embryo in vitro production. However, further studies should be performed.

Assuntos

RESUMO

This study aimed to evaluate physically and structurally ejaculates from locally adapted goats in therainy season. Semen pool formed by the four goats of each breed was evaluated for physical, diluted in Tris-eggyolk and frozen. After thawing, it was diluted in Tris and incubated with carboxyfluorescein diacetate andpropidium iodide, to evaluate the integrity of the plasma membrane and JC1 to assess mitochondrial activity.The percentage of cells with damaged membrane and mitochondrial activity in spermatozoa between breed werecompared, every hour for three hours. There was no significant difference (P > 0,05) in relation to thepercentage of cells with damaged plasma membrane, as well as between the incubation times. The Azul breedhad lower mitochondrial activity (P < 0,05). The evaluated semen of all breeds showed no significant damage tothe plasma membrane in the rainy season, but the Azul breed had lower mitochondrial activity in sperm cells.

Assuntos