Chapter 15 Sperm Cryopreservation of Aquatic Species

Horváth, Ákos; Urbányi, Béla

doi:10.1007/978-981-15-2290-1_16

Cited by 3 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 81 publications

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“…It must be noted that sperm cryopreservation results in a reduction of sperm quality because of the effects induced in the cell by the freezing conditions and the potential toxicity effects of the cryoprotectants (Horváth and Urbányi, 2020). To avoid these problems and improve sperm quality, the researchers studying cryobiology have been working for years with various procedures, technologies, cryoprotectants and specific supplements, adapted to different species (Martínez-Páramo et al, 2017;Horváth and Urbányi, 2020). But in the case of elasmobranchs research is still in its initial steps (Penfold and Wyffels, 2019).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development of Sperm Cryopreservation Protocols for Sharks and Rays: New Tools for Elasmobranch Conservation

2021

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Elasmobranchs are one of the most endangered vertebrate groups on the planet, but despite this situation the use of reproductive techniques in elasmobranch conservation strategies has been scarce. Among these techniques, sperm preservation is a potential tool for ex situ conservation and aquaria sustainability. However, there are no widespread preservation protocols for elasmobranch sperm, and shark sperm cryopreservation has never been achieved before. Here we present the establishment of successful cryopreservation protocols for elasmobranch sperm, tested in several species. We have formulated a sperm extender that can be used for different elasmobranch species, capable of maintaining sperm motility for several weeks. Additionally, we achieved the cryopreservation of sperm by previously diluting it in our extender and supplementing it with different combinations of cryoprotectants. The effects of methanol and dimethyl sulfoxide as permeating cryoprotectants were evaluated, as well egg yolk as a non-permeating cryoprotectant. Sperm quality was assessed by studying the motility and membrane integrity post-thawing, demonstrating its effectiveness in the 10 species tested, including two which are considered Critically Endangered. This is the first time that shark sperm cryopreservation has been reported, broadening our knowledge of the reproductive techniques that can be applied to elasmobranchs and laying the foundations for the first cryobanks for shark and ray sperm. Outcomes from this study will be useful for ex situ conservation efforts developed by public aquaria. A regular supply of frozen sperm will reduce the problems that result from the transport of specimens, inbreeding or lack of synchronized reproductive cycles in captivity.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development of Sperm Cryopreservation Protocols for Sharks and Rays: New Tools for Elasmobranch Conservation

2021

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“…This damage caused during cryopreservation is called cryodamage, which can fully or partially compromise cellular functionality. Thus, cryopreserved sperm generally showed lower kinetic parameters than fresh sperm due to the damage caused during the cryopreservation process (Horváth and Urbányi, 2020). Sperm motility is the main biomarker of sperm quality (Gallego and Asturiano, 2019).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The first published work showing successful cryopreservation of fish sperm was carried out by Blaxter in 1953. After this study, over the last few decades, fish sperm cryopreservation methodologies have evolved, increasing the number of protocols and their applications (Horváth and Urbányi, 2020).…”

Section: Historymentioning

confidence: 99%

Development and application of low-cost and environment-friendly techniques for fish sperm cryopreservation

de Souza França

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Fish sperm cryopreservation is a technique that can increase the reproduction in captive efficiency of freshwater and marine fishes. The technique is applied in environmental conservation programs and aquaculture. Over the last few decades, protocols for sperm cryopreservation from many fishes have been established. However, the researchers' main focus was successfully freezing and thawing sperm, neglecting the period in which the gametes remain in contact with the cryoprotective solution until fertilization. Exposure of sperm to cryoprotectant solutions after thawing can be harmful to the quality of the gametes since they can be toxic.The vast majority of the established protocols use ultra-resistant plastic containers to store sperm during the cryopreservation process. These containers usually are not reused, generating highly polluting waste for the environment. Furthermore, in some countries, the containers usually used are sold by a few industries, which makes acquisition difficult and increases the product's price. Thus, the main objective of the thesis was to create and test low-cost methodologies that enhance the use of fish post-thaw sperm and make the sperm cryopreservation process more environmentally friendly.The experiments in the Chapters 1 and 2 were developed in Brazil. We used the South American silver catfish Rhamdia quelen, a species considered an experimental model for native South American fishes. In vitro fertilization and sperm cryopreservation protocols for the species were already established; thus, we based our work on these protocols to apply innovations.In Chapter 1, we tested the use of post-thawing dilution to reduce the toxicity of the cryoprotectant solution. This technique is commonly used in mammalian sperm cryopreservation protocols but has never before been applied to post-thaw sperm of South American fishes. South American silver catfish post-thaw sperm samples were diluted in a saline extender (1.1% NaCl -325 mOsm kg -1 ; pH 7.6). The post-thaw sperm diluted samples showed higher velocities, straightness, progression, and flagellar beat frequency than SUMMARY 2 the cells of undiluted samples (control). The post-thawing dilution also provided higher fertilization and hatching rates than the control group. Thus, the post-thawing sperm dilution proved to be a simple, cheap, and efficient methodology that should be included in the silver catfish sperm cryopreservation protocol.

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“…A reliable supply of sperm is crucial for successful artificial insemination, and freezing sperm stored in cryobanks is the common method used to ensure this supply (Asturiano et al, 2017;Martínez-Páramo et al, 2017). Cryobanks store sperm samples in containers surrounded by liquid nitrogen, preserving them at ultra-low temperatures (-196 °C) to minimize physiological activity (Horváth and Urbányi, 2020). However, freezing can cause damage to the sample, either through ice crystal formation or abrupt changes in pH and osmolality.…”

Section: Sperm Managementmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, these substances may be toxic or harmful to the biological material. Therefore, cryoprotectant concentration, exposure time of the samples to cryoprotectants (equilibration time), and the speed of the freezing and thawing processes are critical in the overall success (Daly and Jones, 2017;Martínez-Páramo et al, 2017;Horváth and Urbányi, 2020).…”

Section: Sperm Managementmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development and Application of Techniques for the Control of Captive Breeding in Elasmobranchs

García Salinas

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Appearing 420 million years ago, sharks and rays constitute an ancient and ecologically diverse group of aquatic vertebrates known as elasmobranchs. This diverse group possesses life strategies that make them highly vulnerable to rapid environmental changes, such as those resulting from anthropogenic actions. Despite being key elements in regulating the ecosystems in which they live, they are currently one of the most threatened vertebrate groups on the planet.In parallel with in situ conservation, ex situ conservation programs can be used to improve the situation of some sensitive species. Among these programs, captive breeding plans would increase the sustainability of public aquariums and research centres, as well as allow the development of conservation strategies in the wild. However, to be effective, these plans should include the use of assisted reproductive control techniques. Unfortunately, these techniques have been scarcely developed in the past, so their usefulness has not been adequately proven.

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Chapter 15 Sperm Cryopreservation of Aquatic Species

Cited by 3 publications

References 81 publications

Development of Sperm Cryopreservation Protocols for Sharks and Rays: New Tools for Elasmobranch Conservation

Development of Sperm Cryopreservation Protocols for Sharks and Rays: New Tools for Elasmobranch Conservation

Development and application of low-cost and environment-friendly techniques for fish sperm cryopreservation

Development and Application of Techniques for the Control of Captive Breeding in Elasmobranchs

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