Automated analysis of rabbit sperm motility and the effect of chemicals on sperm motion parameters

Abstract

Appropriate software settings and optimum procedures were determined for the measurement of the motion parameters of rabbit spermatozoa by the CellSoft (Cryo Resources Ltd., Montgomery, NY) computer-assisted digital image analysis system. The system was used to follow motion parameter changes occurring in spermatozoa incubated for 6 hr with or without exposure to chemicals. Mean amplitude of lateral head displacement (AALH) increased over the 6 hr period, while curvilinear velocity (Vc) first increased and then decreased. Values for linearity (Lin), or beat cross frequency (BCF), were unchanged. The majority of spermatozoa progressed linearly, with rapid rotation of the sperm head, but subpopulations of spermatozoa with different swimming patterns appeared after 1-3 hr of incubation. Percentage motile sperm and Vc were most sensitive to the action of the compounds (pyrogallol, hydroquinone, ammonium oxalate, triethyl phosphite, and pinocolyl alcohol), while BCF was least affected. The decline in percentage of motile sperm was dependent on duration of exposure and chemical concentration. Mean Vc of the sperm population decreased rapidly upon chemical exposure and remained at a low value until motility ceased. The initial decrease in Vc was dependent on the concentration of the added compound. Motion-based indices--motility concentration (MCI50), motility time (MTI50), and velocity (VI)--were defined and used as toxicological endpoints. The rank order of these indices, the end point of the neutral red in vitro assay for cytotoxicity, and LD50 values for the five compounds were the same, suggesting that chemical inhibition of sperm motility may be useful as a method for the in vitro assessment of chemical cytotoxicity.

Is Sperm Motility Maturation Affected by Static Magnetic Fields?

“…3) (32,33) and humans (34). Other studies have confirmed that the determination of sperm kinematics by CASA systems is a useful tool in the evaluation of toxicological effects in studies using animal models (29,31). The kinematics of flagellar bending are not constant throughout the lifespan of the sperm cells.…”

“…For this reason, simple evaluation of sperm motility by Computer Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) systems (28,29) or together with other tests (30,31) is today a widely used practice for the assessment of the effects of toxicants on sperm function because it allows objective data to be obtained and permits the detection of small but significant changes induced in sperm motion (29,30).…”

Reprotoxicity of intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer disposables and products: a 4-year survey

“…Table 1 summarizes the range of in vitro and in vivo bioassays currently available for reprotoxicity testing of ART products. These reprotoxicity bioassays test the possible negative influence on the reproductive mechanisms and processes like maturation, motility, and fertilization of mammalian spermatozoa and oocytes of mice, hamsters, rabbits, and bovine (10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22). Exposed mouse embryos are being cultured in vitro or transplanted in vivo to test their developmental potential (14,18).…”

Action of metallic ions on the precocious development by rabbit sperm of motion patterns that are characteristic of hyperactivated motility

“…Ejaculates were collected from rabbits with an artificial vagina and seminal contaminants removed by centrifugation (500 x g , 10 min) through a discontinuous Percoll gradient (90%:65%:50%) as previously described (Young et al, 1992). Sperm, free of seminal plasma contaminants, were resuspended in medium M. A suspension of washed sperm in medium M (0.5-1 x 107/ml) alone, or together with the chlorides of either lead, zinc, cadmium, and mercury, or potassium dichromate, was incubated in a 13 x 75 mm glass culture tube (final volume 1 ml) at 37°C in air.…”