Detailed morphological analysis of axolotl sperm

Abstract

The axolotl has extraordinary regeneration capacity compared to other vertebrates. This remarkable potential has been attributed to its life-long neoteny, characterized by the exhibition of embryonic characteristics at the adult stage. A recent study provided a detailed morphological analysis of the sperm morphology of the Ambystoma mexicanum using routine and detailed histological techniques. The primary purpose of the present study is to describe a simple and inexpensive method for evaluating the morphology of axolotl sperm. In this study, spermatophore structures were collected and spread on slides and air-dried. The slides were stained with periodic acid Schiff, toluidine blue, Masson’s trichrome, Giemsa, Spermac, and Diff-Quik dye for a morphological examination. The slides were coated with gold/palladium for a scanning electron microscopy examination. The sperm of the axolotl consisted of an elongated head, a neck, and a flagellum covered with an undulating membrane. The lengths of the midpiece, tail, and head were 8.575 µm, 356.544 µm, and 103.661 µm, respectively. In the flagellum part, the wavy membrane structure, whose function has not been explained, surrounds the tail. The data obtained from this study will constitute an important step in designing future research on the reproductive and regeneration capacity of the axolotl.

Establishment of a Practical Sperm Cryopreservation Pathway for the Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum): A Community-Level Approach to Germplasm Repository Development

“…The two common methods of noninvasive sperm collection for salamander species are the collection of spermatophores [13,14] and the collection of sperm fluid by stripping [9,15]. The collection of spermatophores and stripping have each been used in axolotls [7,9,14] and other Ambystoma species [15,16].…”

“…The two common methods of noninvasive sperm collection for salamander species are the collection of spermatophores [13,14] and the collection of sperm fluid by stripping [9,15]. The collection of spermatophores and stripping have each been used in axolotls [7,9,14] and other Ambystoma species [15,16]. Each provides unique benefits and constraints that may affect the potential for medium-or high-throughput processing necessary for repository production and management.…”

Advanced sperm preservation techniques for yellow-spotted mountain newts (Neurergus derjugini): implications for genetic management and conservation

“…Sperm morphology post-thawing morphological examination, fresh thawed sperm samples from days 1, 3, 7, 15, 21, and 30 were spread on slides (3 repeats per method) and air-dried. Slides were stained with Diff-Quik 50,51 . A total of 100 sperm cells were examined for regular (normal structure) and abnormal (malformed or broken)…”