• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.5 no.3
• /
• pp.439-447
• /
• 1992

Eight healthy Holstein bulls, 4-6 years old were used to study the effect of season of the year on the biophysical characteristics of semen. Semen was collected twice a week by AV (artificial vagina) over one-year period. The analyses revealed that all the basic seminal traits studied were differed significantly due to season, except the ejaculate volume and consistency and the percentage of swollen spermatozoa in a hypo-osmotic fructose-citrate solution. Ejaculates collected during hot summer season had significantly lower sperm motility, concentration and total counts, and higher percentage of dead spermatozoa than those collected during winter time. Warm spring had moderate semen quality. The temperature-humidity index was calculated and it was associated (p < 0.01) negatively with the ejaculate pH, sperm concentration and total counts, and positively with the % of dead sperms. Ejaculate volume, percentage of swollen spermatozoa, individual motilities did not correlate significantly with the change in temperature-humidity index values. The total live, motile spermatozoa per ejaculate during both the winter and spring seasons showed significant increase of about 37% and 32% respectively over the summer season. Also, rectal temperatures of the bulls were elevated during the hot summer season, while the values of blood hemoglobin and packed-cell volume were decreased.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
• /
• v.3 no.1
• /
• pp.41-47
• /
• 1979

This experiment was carried out to clarify the methods of the F-body test in human and the B-body test in buil and hog. The effect of pH and albumin concentration on the migration of X- and Y- sperm was also investigated. The results obtained were summarized as follows: 1. In the human semen, the frequency of sperm in which an F-body is visible was different by the fluorochrome. Namely, in case of quinacrine mustard, the F-body frequency was 48.8∼43.4 percent (average 49.6%), and in case of quinacrine dihydrochloride, that was 40.7∼50.8 percent (average 42.0%). 2. The frequency of a, pp.rance of B-body was 43.4${\pm}$1.3 percent in bull semen, and 45.5${\pm}$0.7 percent in hog semen. 3. A, pp.arance of B-body in bovine semen was increased due to duration of time after washing till 12 hours. 4. Separation of X- and Y- spermatozoa using diluents with different hydrogen ion concentration was impossible. 5. A, pp.arance of B-body separated in medium with 6, 10 and 20% ovalbumin was 51.1${\pm}$2.4, 50.6${\pm}$2.5 and 58.2${\pm}$3.0 percent, respectively, and those values were significiantly higher (p<0.01) than corresponding control values.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
• /
• v.34 no.3
• /
• pp.253-256
• /
• 2010

This study was performed to investigate the characteristics within ages and freezing tolerance of spermatozoa in Jindo Dog. Experimental animals were selected 12 herds within 1~8 year's old and collected semen for 2 times in a week. Collected semen was evaluated whole volume and sperm number with CASA system (SIAS, Medical Supply, Korea). Then seminal plasma were separated and diluted with modified Tris-egg yolk extender and added 4, 6 and 8% glycerol for 4 times to final concentration and equilibrated for 1.5 hrs. Before and after freezing, equilibrated semen were evaluated the survival rates. Total volume of sperm at 1~2 year old group is as $5.2{\times}10^8\;cells/ml$ largest and there were no significance among groups. The motility of 1~2 year old group is highest as 90.9% and there were significance among groups. Abnormal sperm showed similar among groups. The survival rate in terms of pre-freezing and post-freezing were decreased all levels of glycerol and reveled 87.0% to 64.5% in 4%, 87.5% to 51.9% in 6% and 73.4% to 29.7% in 8%, there were significant difference among the groups (p<0.05). These results suggest that the optimal sperm-freezing methods in Jindo Dog are utilized with modified Tris egg-yolk extender with 4% glycerol and were improve the reproductive activity by these methods.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.57-65
• /
• 2005

Effects of five polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) constituents (naphthalene, fluorine, fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, pyrene) on fertilization and early development of sea urchin egg, sperm and fertilized egg were investigated. The eggs, sperm and fertilized eggs were exposed to several concentrations of PAHs (1, 10, 100, 1000 and 10000㎍/L). The rate of fertilization and hatching decreased when the eggs and sperm were exposed to aqueous solution of PAHs. Also, Exposure of fertilized eggs with each PAHs did decrease survival and hatching rate. Concentration-dependent toxic effects on the rate of fertilization, hatching, survival and abnormality in A. crassispina were observed following exposure to PAHs (1, 10, 100, 1000 and 10000㎍/L). These data show that PAHs exposure decreased in fertilization success of sea urchin egg and sperm and producted abnormal embryo. It is plausible to suggest that PAHs had the potential to significantly reduce coastal recruitment of sea urchin.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.47 no.1
• /
• pp.20-33
• /
• 2020

Objective: The differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM and T2DM) in terms of their adverse effects on male reproductive parameters have never been elucidated. This study aimed to distinguish between the effects of the DM types in mice treated with multiple low doses of streptozotocin (STZ) to mimic human T1DM and coadministered a high-fat diet (HFD) to mimic human T2DM. Methods: The T1DM mice were intraperitoneally injected with STZ (40 mg/kg body weight) for 5 days. The T2DM mice received an HFD for 14 days prior to STZ injection (85 mg/kg body weight), followed by continuous feeding of an HFD. Male reproductive parameters were evaluated. Results: The reproductive organs of the DM mice weighed significantly less than those of controls, and the seminal vesicles plus prostates of the T1DM mice weighed less than those of the T2DM mice. Increased sperm abnormalities and incomplete DNA packaging were observed in the DM groups. Sperm concentration and the proportion of normal sperm were significantly lower in the T1DM group. The seminiferous histopathology of DM mice was classified into seven types. The penises of the DM mice were smaller than those of the controls; however, tunica albuginea thickness and the amount of penile collagen fibers were increased in these mice. Round germ cells were abundant in the epididymal lumens of the mice with DM. Conclusion: T1DM adversely affected reproductive parameters to a greater extent than T2DM.

• Animal Bioscience
• /
• v.35 no.11
• /
• pp.1666-1674
• /
• 2022

Objective: Letrozole, a potent aromatase inhibitor, is known to have the potential to modify male reproductive function by altering sex hormone levels. This study aimed to evaluate the semen and testicular characteristics and hormonal profile of aged Mrakhoz bucks (Capra hircus) treated with letrozole. Methods: Twelve Markhoz male goats, aged between 4.5 to 5.5 years with an average body weight (BW) of 61.05±4.97 kg were used for the study. Animals were randomly divided into two equal groups and subcutaneously received either 0.25 mg/kg BW of letrozole or a control every week for 2 months. The semen collections were performed every 10 days, and blood samples and testicular biometric records were collected at 20 days intervals. Results: Letrozole causes increased testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels, testosterone to estradiol ratio, semen index and reaction time during the period from 20th to 60th days (p<0.05). Furthermore, letrozole-treated bucks had higher semen volume, sperm concentration, and total sperm per ejaculate from 30th to 60th days (p<0.05). However, no differences occurred between the groups in scrotal circumference, relative testicular volume, semen pH, abnormality, acrosome integrity, and membrane integrity of sperm during the study (p>0.05). The serum luteinizing hormone levels, sperm viability, motility, and progressive motility increased, and estradiol levels decreased after 40th to 60th days of letrozole treatment (p<0.05). Conclusion: Letrozole application to aged Markhoz bucks provokes reproductive hormonal axis which, in turn, induces enhancement of semen production and quality.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.49 no.4
• /
• pp.277-284
• /
• 2022

Objective: Oxidative stress is a key player in the development of idiopathic male infertility (IMI), and various antioxidants have been used for the treatment of IMI with inconsistent results. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a cofactor and an antioxidant that may improve semen parameters and reduce oxidative stress in patients with idiopathic oligoasthenospermia (OA). Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effect of CoQ10 on semen parameters and antioxidant markers in patients with idiopathic OA. Methods: Fifty patients with idiopathic OA and 35 fertile controls were enrolled in this prospective controlled study. All participants underwent a comprehensive fertility assessment. All patients received CoQ10 (300 mg/day) orally once daily for 3 months. Semen parameters, seminal CoQ10 levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured in patients and controls at the start of the study and after 3 months. Results: Treatment with CoQ10 resulted in increased sperm progressive motility (p<0.05), total motility (p<0.01), seminal TAC (p<0.01), SOD (p<0.05), GPx (p<0.001), and seminal CoQ10 (p<0.001) levels and reduced ROS (p<0.01) in patients as compared to baseline. Sperm concentration and motility were also significantly correlated with antioxidant measures and seminal CoQ10 levels (r=0.38-0.57). Conclusion: CoQ10 therapy (300 mg/day for 3 months) improved sperm motility and seminal antioxidant markers in patients with idiopathic OA. Therefore, CoQ10 could be a promising treatment for patients with idiopathic infertility and may improve their fertility potential.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
• /
• v.48 no.4
• /
• pp.935-944
• /
• 2021

It has been suggested that bisphenol A (BPA), a known endocrine disruptor, interferes with the endocrine system, causing reproductive dysfunction. Recently, BPA has been found in waste water due to incomplete sewage purification, possibly threatening health through its ingestion via tap water. In this study, young male mice (6 - 7 weeks old) were administered water containing BPA (50 mg·kg^-1) for four weeks, while control mice consumed water without BPA. Serum, epididymal spermatozoa and testicular sections were assessed after sacrificing the mice on day 28. No significant differences were obtained between the groups in the body, testis and seminal vesicle weights. However, the epididymal sperm motility and count levels were significantly reduced in BPA-fed mice. Significantly higher hepatotoxicity levels were also observed in mice ingesting BPA as compared to the control mice. The level of serum testosterone was reduced, and testicular sections revealed incomplete and irregular spermatogenesis in BPA-ingested mice. The sperm proteasomal-proteolytic activity level has been implicated in sperm function and is measured in motile spermatozoa using fluorometric substrates. High ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase activity levels were observed in the control mice without BPA. During a mating trial, a low pregnancy rate (71.4%) was observed in females mated with males who had consumed BPA (100% in the control mice). Overall, BPA adversely affected spermatogenesis and quality, as indicated by decreased sperm motility, concentration and serum testosterone levels, resulting in reduced fertility competence.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.51 no.2
• /
• pp.102-111
• /
• 2024

Objective: Given the noteworthy implications of alcohol consumption and its association with male infertility, there has been a notable focus on investigating natural alternatives to mitigate its adverse effects. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the potential protective effect of phycocyanin extract derived from the blue algae Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis against ethanol-induced oxidative stress, disturbances in testicular morphology, and alterations in sperm production. Methods: Male rats were divided into four groups (five rats each): the control group received a saline solution, the ethanol exposed group (EtOH) was subjected to intraperitoneal injections of 10 mL/kg of ethanol solution at a concentration of 38% (v/v), the phycocyanin alone treated group (P) received oral administration of phycocyanin at a dosage of 50 mg/kg, and the phycocyanin-cotreated group (PE) was given oral phycocyanin followed by ethanol injections. All treatments were administered over a period of 14 days. Results: Our findings demonstrated that ethanol exposure induced reproductive toxicity, characterized by reduced sperm production and viability, alterations in testicular weight and morphology, increased lipid peroxidation levels, and elevated oxidative enzyme activity. In addition, the ethanol-intoxicated group showed perturbations in serum biochemical parameters. However, the simultaneous exposure to ethanol and phycocyanin exhibited a counteractive effect against ethanol toxicity. Conclusion: The results showed that supplementation of phycocyanin prevented oxidative and testicular morphological damage-induced by ethanol and maintained normal sperm production, and viability.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
• /
• v.6 no.1
• /
• pp.41-45
• /
• 1991

소와 견에 있어서 Unopette가 정자의 형태학적 검사 및 정자농도의 검사를 위하여 사용될 수 있는가를 알아 보기 위하여본 연구를 수행하였다. 소정액 및 견정액을 Unopette에 희석한 후 3-5$^{\circ}C$에 보존하면서 시간경과에 따라서 위상차현미경하에서 관찰하여 다음과 같은 결과를 얻었다. 1. Unopette를 사용하여 관찰한 정자는 48시간까지는 hematoxylin-eosin을 사용하여 정자보다는 높은 정상정자율을 나타내넜다. 2. Unopette를 사용한 정자는 정자농도에 있어서 대조군 정자에 비하여 24시간까지는 큰 차이를 나타내지 않았다. 3. 따라서 Unopette는 정자의 형태학적 검사 및 정자농도의 검사를 위하여 유용하게 사용될 수 있다는 사실을 알 수 있었다.