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Journal Article Ppublish 8 citations

PubMed: 34609666 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02337-4

Desiccated cat spermatozoa retain DNA integrity and developmental potential after prolonged storage and shipping at non-cryogenic temperatures.

J Assist Reprod Genet 39(1):141-151

Authors: Pei-Chih Lee, Jennifer Zahmel, Katarina Jewgenow, Pierre Comizzoli

Affiliations

  • Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C. USA.
  • Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany.
  • Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C. USA.

Abstract

PURPOSE

To evaluate the DNA integrity and developmental potential of microwave-dehydrated cat spermatozoa after storage at - 20 °C for different time periods and/or overnight shipping on dry ice.

METHODS

Epididymal spermatozoa from domestic cats were microwave-dehydrated on coverslips after trehalose exposure. Dried samples were either assessed immediately, stored for various duration at - 20 °C, or shipped internationally on dry ice before continued storage. Dry-stored spermatozoa were rehydrated before assessing DNA integrity (TUNEL assays) or developmental potential (injection into in vitro matured oocytes followed by in vitro embryo culture for up to 7 days).

RESULTS

Percentages of dried-rehydrated spermatozoa with intact DNA was not significantly affected (P > 0.05) by desiccation and short-term storage (range, 78.9 to 80.0%) but decreased (P < 0.05) with storage over 5 months (range, 71.0 to 75.2%) compared to fresh controls (92.6 ± 2.2%). After oocyte injection with fresh or dried-rehydrated spermatozoa (regardless of storage time), percentages of activation, pronuclear formation, and embryo development were similar (P > 0.05). Importantly, spermatozoa shipped internationally also retained the ability to support embryo development up to the morula stage.

CONCLUSION

Results demonstrated the possibility to sustain DNA integrity and developmental potential of spermatozoa by dry-preservation, even after long-term storage and long-distance shipment at non-cryogenic temperatures. While further studies are warranted, present results demonstrate that dry preservation can be a reliable approach for simple and cost-effective sperm biobanking or shipment.

MeSH

Reproductive Techniques, Injections, Genetics, Ice, Dna, Fertilization In Vitro, Embryonic Development, Temperature, Spermatozoa, Oocytes, Embryo Transfer

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