Motility, mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP content of rabbit spermatozoa stored in extender supplemented with GnRH analogue [des-Gly10, D-Ala6]-LH-RH ethylamide

Pol J Vet Sci. 2014;17(4):571-5. doi: 10.2478/pjvs-2014-0085.

Abstract

The present study was aimed to determine the effect of GnRH analogue [des-Gly10, D-Ala6]-LH-RH ethylamide on the quality of rabbit spermatozoa stored at 17°C for 3 days. Semen from 5 bucks (13 ejaculates) was used in the experiment. Ejaculates were divided and diluted at a 1:10 ratio with rabbit semen extender Galap (IMV, France) (Control) or with Galap extender supplemented with GnRH analogue [des-Gly10, D-Ala6]-LH-RH ethylamide (50 μg/ml) and stored for 3 days. Sperm motility parameters, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and ATP content were as- sessed on each day of the experiment. Motility analysis was performed using a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. The following sperm motility parameters were recorded: total motile spermatozoa, progressively motile spermatozoa, curvilinear velocity, straight-line velocity, average path velocity, linearity, straightness and amplitude of lateral head displacement. MMP was evaluated using JC-1 fluorescent dye. ATP content was assessed using a bioluminescence method. The addition of GnRH analogue [des-Gly10, D-Ala6]-LH-RH ethylamide to Galap extender did not affect any of the quality parameters studied. However, in both groups (Control and GnRH), significant changes in motility parameters (except straight-line velocity) and proportion of spermatozoa showing high MMP and ATP content were observed throughout 3 days of storage.

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphate / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / analogs & derivatives*
  • Male
  • Membrane Potentials / drug effects
  • Mitochondrial Membranes / drug effects*
  • Mitochondrial Membranes / physiology
  • Rabbits
  • Semen Preservation / methods
  • Semen Preservation / veterinary*
  • Sperm Motility / drug effects*
  • Spermatozoa / drug effects*
  • Spermatozoa / physiology

Substances

  • (des-Gly10,D-Ala6)-LHRH ethylamide
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Adenosine Triphosphate