Seminal plasma affects the survival rate and motility pattern of raw llama spermatozoa

• Published in: Animal reproduction science Vol. 192; pp. 99 - 106
• Main Authors: Fumuso, F.G., Giuliano, S.M., Chaves, M.G., Neild, D.M., Miragaya, M.H., Gambarotta, M.C., Carretero, M.I.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01-05-2018
• Subjects: Llama; Seminal plasma; Spermatozoa; Llama; Spermatozoa; Seminal plasma
• ISSN: 0378-4320; 1873-2232
• DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.02.019

•Llama sperm motility pattern is influenced by the percentage of seminal plasma.•Presence of seminal plasma is necessary to avoid spontaneous acrosome reactions.•Seminal plasma as the only media decreases motility, viability and membrane function.•Sperm viability was positively correlated using FITC-PNA/PI and CFDA/PI.•Acrosome status was moderately correlated using FITC-PNA/PI and CB.
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect over time of different percentages of seminal plasma (SP) on llama sperm characteristics in raw semen and correlate the techniques routinely used to evaluate sperm viability and acrosome status with the Fluorescein Isothiocyanate –Arachis hypogea agglutinin/Propidium Iodide (FITC-PNA/PI). Eighteen ejaculates, obtained from 6 male llamas using electroejaculation, were incubated in 0.1% collagenase in HEPES-TALP (HT), centrifuged and resuspended with SP and HT: 0, 10, 50 and 100% SP. Samples were incubated (37 °C) until evaluation at 0; 1.5 and 3 h. Split plot and factorial designs were used to analyze sperm motility, viability, membrane function and acrosome status and Spearman’s test was used for correlation. At 0 h, samples with 100% SP showed oscillatory motility; whereas in samples with 0 and 10% SP, progressive motility was predominant. Viability, membrane function and total motility decreased significantly at 3 h of incubation in samples with 100% SP. Sperm with intact acrosomes were fewer in 0% SP media at all times. FITC-PNA/PI correlated with 6-Carboxyfluorescein Diacetate and Propidium Iodide (CFDA/PI) and with Coomassie Blue (CB) stains (r = 0.8; p = 0.0 and r = 0.5; p = 0.0 respectively). Conclusions: the motility pattern of llama sperm is influenced by the concentration of SP. The use of SP as the only medium is not able to maintain sperm motility, viability and membrane function for 3 h. A certain percentage of SP is necessary in the medium to avoid spontaneous acrosome reactions. The correlations observed could help to shorten evaluation times and reduce costs in sperm laboratories.