Chitosan–dextran sulphate nanoparticles for GnRH release in rabbit insemination extenders

• Published in: Reproduction in domestic animals 2017-10, Vol.52 (S4), p.72-74
• Main Authors: Fernández‐Serrano, P, Casares‐Crespo, L, Viudes‐de‐Castro, MP
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acrosome Reaction; Animal reproduction; Animals; Buserelin - administration & dosage; Chitosan; Citric acid; Dextran; Dextran Sulfate; dextran sulphate; GnRH release; Gonadotropin-releasing hormone; Male; Nanoparticles; rabbit seminal quality; Rabbits; Semen; Semen Analysis - veterinary; Semen Preservation - methods; Semen Preservation - veterinary; Sperm Motility; Spermatozoa - physiology; Sulfates; Viability
• ISSN: 0936-6768; 1439-0531
• DOI: 10.1111/rda.13062

Contents This study was designed to develop chitosan (CS)–dextran sulphate (DS) nanoparticles containing a GnRH analogue and to study their effect on rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) semen quality. Six experimental extenders were tested as follows: (control) Tris‐citric acid‐glucose (TCG), (1) 0.05% CS‐0.05% DS (4:1), (2) 0.1% CS‐0.05% DS (4:1), (3) 0.05% CS‐0.05% DS (3:1), (4) 0.1% CS‐0.05% DS (3:1), (5) 0.1% CS‐0.05% DS (2:1). CS and DS were dissolved in TCG medium, and nanoparticles were obtained through magnetic stirring. Rabbit seminal samples were incubated up to 5 hr at 37°C in the extenders, and seminal quality was evaluated. The entrapment efficiency was 40%–50%. After 5 hr at 37°C, a 20% of the hormone was released. Results showed that the presence of CS‐DS nanoparticles did not affect rabbit semen motility, viability and membrane functionality; however, acrosome integrity was significantly higher versus control (p