Influence of Macrophages on the Rooster Spermatozoa Quality

Abstract

The goal of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of macrophages in rooster semen and to investigate their impact on the spermatozoa quality. Ross 308 breeder males (n = 30) with no evidence of genital tract infections were used to determine the concentration of macrophages using fluorescently conjugated acetylated low-density lipoprotein (AcLDL). Subsequently, the roosters were divided into two groups on the basis of semen macrophage concentration, and semen quality was compared in two heterospermic samples. We applied computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) system to determine motility parameters. Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry were used to evaluate occurrence of apoptotic and dead spermatozoa. Spermatozoa fertility potential was examined after intravaginal artificial insemination of hens. Eighteen roosters (control group) contained 0.2-3% of macrophages within spermatozoa population and ten roosters (macrophage group) had 10-15% of macrophages. Males from macrophage group had lower (p < 0.05) motility parameters (total and progressive movement, velocity curved line) and increased concentration of dead spermatozoa detected by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy (p < 0.001 and p ˂ 0.05, respectively). Differences (p < 0.05) between fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry in results on spermatozoa apoptosis and viability were observed. No significant difference was found between groups in fertility of spermatozoa. In conclusion, the higher presence of macrophages in rooster semen may have a negative effect on some parameters of rooster spermatozoa evaluated in vitro. Furthermore, our study suggests that flow cytometry allows more precise examination of spermatozoa viability and apoptosis in a very short time compared with the fluorescent microscopy.

Effect of cryoprotectants and thawing temperatures on chicken sperm quality

“…Even though other studies are needed to specify an optimal concentration of N‐CPA in a freezing extender, the present study showed only 20%–30% decrease in motility and 20% decrease in viability of frozen‐thawed semen when compared to its fresh counterpart. With regard to relatively low motility of fresh semen in this study (60.7%), which might be attributed to interbreed differences (Kuželová, Vašíček, & Chrenek, ), such decrease is not dramatic.…”

Effect of Macrophages in Semen on Sperm Quality

“…There was no signi cant difference in sperm concentration, semen volume, or other physicochemical parameters between the two groups, but there were signi cant differences in some kinetic parameters (PR%, IM%) between the two groups. The results were consistent with those of Kuzelova [12].We know that semen is mainly composed of sperm and seminal plasma. Seminal plasma (mainly prostatic uid and seminal vesicle uid) accounts for more than 90% of semen volume, while sperm accounts for only about 5% of semen.…”

“…When macrophages engulf sperm in the semen, it may be a sign that the immune response of the reproductive system is activated [10]. The increase of macrophages in semen lead to the decline of sperm quantity, sperm concentration, sperm motility, etc [10][11][12][13]. However, some people believe that an increase in macrophages will not reduce the quality of sperm, and the authors of some studies have shown that macrophages in semen are bene cial to improving male fertility [14,15].…”

Effect of macrophages in semen on sperm quality

“…There was no significant difference in sperm concentration, semen volume or other physical and chemical parameters between the two groups, but significant difference in the kinetic parameters (PR%, IM%) between the two, which is consistent with the conclusion from Kuzelova et al [12]. Semen is composed of sperm and seminal plasma, in which seminal plasma (mainly prostate fluid and seminal vesicle fluid) accounts for more than 90% of semen volume, while sperm accounts for only 5% of semen volume.…”

“…The phenomenon of macrophages engulfing sperm in semen may be a signal that the immune response of the reproductive system is activated [10]. The increase of macrophages in semen leads to a decrease in sperm count, concentration, and vitality [10][11][12][13]. Some studies showed that the increase of the number of macrophages in semen does not reduce the quality of the sperm; however, there are studies showing that macrophages in semen are beneficial for improving male fertility [14,15].…”