Evaluation of l-glutamine for cryopreservation of boar spermatozoa

• Published in: Animal reproduction science 2009-10, Vol.115 (1), p.149-157
• Main Authors: de Mercado, E., Hernandez, M., Sanz, E., Rodriguez, A., Gomez, E., Vazquez, J.M., Martinez, E.A., Roca, J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: acrosome; Acrosome - drug effects; additives; Animals; assisted reproductive technologies; boars; Cell Membrane - drug effects; Cell Membrane - physiology; Cryopreservation; Cryopreservation - methods; Cryopreservation - veterinary; cryoprotectants; Egg yolk; Ejaculation; Flow Cytometry; freeze-thaw cycles; germplasm conservation; glutamine; Glutamine - pharmacology; Glycerol; L-glutamine; Male; male fertility; male reproductive system; Pig; plasma membrane; semen; semen extenders; Semen Preservation - methods; Semen Preservation - veterinary; Specimen Handling - methods; Specimen Handling - veterinary; Sperm; sperm motility; Sperm Motility - drug effects; spermatozoa; Spermatozoa - cytology; Spermatozoa - drug effects; Spermatozoa - physiology; Swine
• ISSN: 0378-4320; 1873-2232
• DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2008.11.014

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of l-glutamine ( l-Gln) against cryopreservation injuries on boar sperm. In Experiment 1, l-Gln from 20 to 80 mM was evaluated as a supplement for a standard freezing extender (egg yolk – EY – 20%, and glycerol 3%). No significant improvement ( P > 0.05) was obtained for any post-thaw sperm parameter assessed (objective sperm motility – CASA system – and flow cytometric analysis of plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity −SYBR14/PI/PE-PNA− and plasma membrane stability −M540/YoPro1−). In Experiment 2, l-Gln was evaluated as a partial glycerol substitute in the freezing extender. Significant ( P < 0.05) enhancement of post-thaw sperm motion parameters was achieved in sperm frozen in the presence of 2% glycerol and 80 mM l-Gln compared to control (3% glycerol). In Experiment 3, l-Gln was evaluated as an EY substitute in the freezing extender, and no functional sperm were recovered after thawing sperm frozen in the presence of l-Gln and the absence of EY. In conclusion, l-Gln has the ability to cryoprotect boar sperm when it is used as a partial glycerol substitute in the freezing extender.