• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.190-197
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• 2020

The effects of the number of frozen-thawed ram sperm per single and double intra-cervical artificial insemination (AI) on fertility in ewes were studied. A total of 89 non-pregnant ewes were synchronized for oestrus with two doses of 100 ㎍ PGF_2α (Cloprostenol) 9 days apart. The ewes were randomly assigned to one of four groups; D200 (n = 23; double AI with 200 × 10⁶ sperm), S200 (n = 24; single AI with 200 × 10⁶ sperm), D100 (n = 24; double AI with 100 × 10⁶ sperm) and S100 (n = 18; single AI with 100 × 10⁶ sperm). Ewes were inseminated within 12 to 18 h for single AI and, within 10 to 12 h and 16 to 18 h for double AI after the onset of oestrus. The onset of oestrus ranged from 28 to 76 h (54.33 ± 1.28 h). The high percentage (29.2%) of ewes showed oestrus between 51 to 60 h. The non-return rates were highest in group D200 (56.5%) and differed significantly (p < 0.05) from group S100 (11.1%). No ewes were pregnant in group S100, and the pregnancy rates among the remaining groups did not differ. The mean gestation period was 152.8 ± 0.5 days and no difference was observed among the groups. The lambing and multiple birth rates were 100% in group D200. The single and twin lambing was highest in group D100 (33.3%) and group D200 (83.3%), respectively. Only one triplet lambing and the highest lambing size (2.2 ± 0.2) was recorded in group D200. In conclusion, double AI with 200 × 10⁶ sperm showed comparatively most practical for achieving high pregnancy rates and lambing performances in Bangladeshi ewes under field conditions.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.137-139
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• 2014

The effect of artificial oocyte activation (AOA) with a calcium ionophore on intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI) was examined in patients with histories of repeated failed implantation attempts. Four singleton pregnancies and one twin pregnancy were obtained after embryos transfer (5/14, 35.7%). Therefore, AOA combined with IMSI can be considered an option for cycles with a fertilization defect and recurrent implantation failures.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.113-118
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• 1998

These experiments were conducted to develope the artificial insemination methods of wild duct (Anas platyhychis platylyachos) . The characteristics of erect phallus and semen collected by the abdominal massage method were investigated in wild duck. The erection and withdrawal time of phallus were 50.70${\pm}$18.66 and 92.58${\pm}$51.95 sec. , respectively, in wild duck. The length, long and short diameter of erect phallus were 3.98${\pm}$0.49crn, 1.53${\pm}$0.15cm and 1.05${\pm}$0.04 cm, respectively, and the spiral grooves of erect phallus were 4 in wild duck. The volume of semen, concentration of spermatozoa and total sperm of an ejaculate were 0.18${\pm}$0.06 ml, 2.84${\pm}$0.03 x 10 9 /ml and 0.52${\pm}$0.21 x 10 cells, respectively, in wild duck. The motility of sperm and pH of semen were 49.06${\pm}$14. 35 and 7.6${\pm}$0.14 in wild duck.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.420-430
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• 2000

These studies were preformed to investigate the freezing conditions to achieve good post-thaw viability of spend and the practical methods of artificial insemination frozen canine semen. Semen were collected from nine male dogs which had been proved to be fertile in the past and the semen were treated for freezing procedure. Post-thaw motility and viability of canine sperm were evaluated to investigate individual tolerance of freezing, difference among freezing extenders, dif-ference among freezing equipments and freezing conditions, difference between fast and slow cooling rate, difference according to different glycerol concentration, effect of seeding on post-thaw viability, difference according to cutting part of straw, difference according to thawing temperatures, and dif-ference according to media added to thawed semen. Thawed semen for insemination were added with equal volnme of canine capacitation medium (CCM) and the volume of semen and the number per insemination were adjusted as 2-3 ml and $20-30 {\times}10^7,$ respectively. The semen were inseminated in vagina using balloon catheter and en17ryos were cellected from 9 to 11 days after the second Al to d determine fertilization.

• BMB Reports
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• v.52 no.8
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• pp.482-489
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• 2019

Reproductive biotechnology has developed rapidly and is now able to overcome many birth difficulties due to infertility or the transmission of genetic diseases. Here we introduce the next generation of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as mitochondrial replacement technique (MRT) or genetic correction in eggs with micromanipulation. Further, we suggest that the transmission of genetic information from somatic cells to subsequent generations without gametes should be useful for people who suffer from infertility or genetic diseases. Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) can be converted into germ cells such as sperm or oocytes in the laboratory. Notably, germ cells derived from nuclear transfer embryonic stem cells (NT-ESCs) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) inherit the full parental genome. The most important issue in this technique is the generation of a haploid chromosome from diploid somatic cells. We hereby examine current science and limitations underpinning these important developments and provide recommendations for moving forward.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Developmental Biology Conference
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• 2003.10a
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• pp.74-74
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• 2003

In present study, attempts were made to preserve abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) sperm in liquid form at low temperature, to evaluate the effect of various diluents in short-term storage on sperm, and cryopreservation procedures were optimized for the cryoprotectants as well as freezing rates, in terms of the motility and survival rate, and the ultrastructural changes of sperm after short-term storage and cryopreservation were observed. The abalone sperm reached maximum motility until about 4min after activation. The motility was constant for about 16min, after which it dropped gradually, and about 50min later all motility ceased. Threshold activation of sperm was found in 40% artificial seawater (ASW), and motility increased as the concentration of ASW increased. In Hanks balanced salt solution without calcium (Ca-Free HBSS, 300 and 400 mOsmol/kg) and 10%, 20%, and 30% ASW the sperm was immotile, and motility once again restored incompletely only in HBSS of 300 and 400 mOsmol/kg, 20% and 30% ASW after 100% ASW was added. Sperm motility was extended following 20 days of cold storage only in 70% and 100% ASW. A high motility index of 3.5-4.5 was observed for the first 8 days in 70% and 80% ASW. In other diluents sperm motility was constant less than 10 days, and the motility index was obviously lower than that of sperm in 70% and 100% ASW. After 20 days of cold storage survival rates of 10.2%-20.7% were obtained in ASW and 300 mOsmol/kg HBSS, and that in 400 HBSS (65.3%) was significantly higher than others. The constant period of sperm motility stored in 70% ASW was longer obviously than that in 100% ASW after 6 days of storage, and the time to maximum motility of sperm stored in 70% increased gradually, while the difference in which of sperm in 100% ASW was not significant. The sperm plunged into liquid nitrogen all died except that sperm using 15% glycerol as cryoprotectant restored 10.4% of motility. The highest motility index (3.4) was obtained with 5% glycerol and freezing procedure: $50^{\circ}C$/min from $20^{\circ}C$ to $-80^{\circ}C$.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.122-125
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• 2016

Phelligridin D (Phe D) is a compound isolated from Phellinus baumii, which is known for various biological activities. In this study, the authors examined the effect of Phe D on boar spermatozoa for its potential application in assisted reproductive technology for mammals. Sperm motility and deubiquitinylating activity significantly decreased when boar spermatozoa were incubated with Phe D (>$0.5{\mu}M$). The fluorescence intensities of dead sperm, and reactive oxygen species production increased after sperm incubation in the presence of Phe D. Although Phe D is associated with antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity, sperm viability deteriorated after its addition. This could lead to fertilization failure, including that following artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization. Phe D might have other biological functions in spermatozoa, and therefore requires additional studies in the future.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.163-166
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• 2012

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between elapsed time after semen preservation on the changes of bacteria and semen quality. Semen was diluted with BTS(Beltsville Thawing Solution) extender without antibiotic for 7 days and sperm parameter and fertility were measured. Sperm motility was measured by CASA and total bacteria number was counted after 22~24 hr incubation from counting agar plate in which sperm dilute to $10{\sim}10^6$ in 0.9% saline solution and inoculate to agar. Acrosomal integrity was measured by Chlortetracycline (CTC) staining. CTC patterns were uniform fluorescence over the whole head (pattern F), characteristic of incapacitated acrosome-intact spermatozoa; fluorescence-free band in the post-acrosomal region (pattern B), characteristic of capacitated acrosome-intact spermatozoa; and almost no fluorescence over the whole head except for a thin band in the equatorial segment (pattern AR), characteristic of acrosome reacted spermatozoa. Total number of bacteria was significantly increased (p<0.0001) 3 days after preservation. Sperm motility, viability, and morphological abnormality on elapsed time after preservation were lower from 5 ($77.24{\pm}6.47$, p<0.001) and 7 days ($77.24{\pm}6.47$, p<0.001) after preservation compared to 1 ($15.71{\pm}7.18$) and 3 days($18.39{\pm}7.22$) after preservation, respectively. Sperm viability was significantly lower ($53.25{\pm}35.03$, p<0.0001) at 7 days after preservation. Morphological abnormality of sperm was lower (p<0.001) at 1 ($15.71{\pm}7.18$) and 3 ($18.39{\pm}7.22$) days compared to 5 ($21.84{\pm}7.91$) and 7 ($22.59{\pm}9.93$) days after preservation. Acrosomal integrity and capacitation rate (pattern F) were significantly lower (p<0.001) from 5 days after preservation. Based on the data we obtained from this study suggested that semen preserved more than 5 days without antibiotic would not recommend use for artificial insemination.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.238-241
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• 1999

Experiments were performed to find out the physico-chemical properties of milt and the sperm motilities in various conditions using the grey mullet, Mugil cephalus. The average concentration of sperm in the milt was $1,11 \pm0.36\times10^{10}/ml$. Spermatocrit was 96.7$\pm$2.6. pH and osmolality of seminal fluid were 7.8$\pm$0.1, 370$\pm$6 mOsm/kg, respectively, Total protein concentration of sperm was higher than that of seminal fluid, but total lipid concentration of seminal fluid was higher than that of sperm. The sperm motility was high in the diluent of milt : artificial seawater (1:10, by volume) and in 822 mOsm/kg and 983 mOsm/kg similar to seawater osmolality, but it decreased after 20 minutes. But activity of sperm was highly maintained in 482 mOsm/kg which was a little higher than osmolality of seminal fluid, and was high in pH 7$\~$9.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.119-128
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• 2024

Glucocorticoids play a physiologic role in the adult male reproductive functions, modulating gonadal steroid synthesis and spermatogenesis, through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). The expression of GR has been described in several key testicular cell types, including somatic cells and early germ cell populations. Nothing is known on GR in human spermatozoa. Herein, we explored the GR expression and its possible role in normal and testicular varicocele semen samples from volunteer donors. After semen parameter evaluation by macro- and microscopic analysis, samples were centrifuged; then spermatozoa and culture media were recovered for further investigations. By western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses we evidenced for the first time in spermatozoa the presence of GR-D3 isoform which was reduced in sperm from varicocele patients. By treating sperm with the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEXA), we found that survival, motility, capacitation, and acrosome reaction were increased in both healthy and varicocele samples. GR involvement in mediating DEXA effects, was confirmed by using the GR inhibitor mifepristone (M2F). Worthy, we also discovered that sperm secretes different cortisol amounts depending on its physio-pathological status, suggesting a defence mechanism to escape the immune system attach in the female genital tract thus maintaining the immune-privilege as in the testis. Collectively, our data suggests a role for glucocorticoids in determining semen quality and function, as well as in participating on sperm immune defensive mechanisms. The novelty of this study may be beneficial and needs to take into account in artificial insemination/drug discovery aimed to enhancing sperm quality.