Effects of Trehalose Supplementation on Lipid Composition of Rooster Spermatozoa Membranes in a Freeze/Thaw Protocol

Simple Summary Sperm cryopreservation is an important part of maintaining the genetic diversity of chicken breeds. However; a significant percentage of spermatozoa lose their viability and motility when frozen/thawed. Cell membranes are the most vulnerable in this process; and their cryoresistance largely depends on their lipid composition. Based on the study of the lipid composition of the plasma membranes of the spermatozoa of roosters of two breeds; a cryoprotective diluent was developed containing biocryoprotective trehalose with a concentration of 9.5 mM; which allows the optimal ratio of cell lipids and the kinetic ability of frozen/thawed spermatozoa (motility) to be maintained at a high level-52.4%. The plasma membrane of spermatozoa plays an important role in the formation and maintenance of many functions of spermatozoa, including during cryopreservation. As a result of chromatographic analysis, the content of lipids and fatty acids in the membranes of spermatozoa of roosters of two breeds was determined under the influence of cryoprotective media containing trehalose LCM-control (0 mM), Treh20 (9.5 mM), and Treh30 (13.4 mM). The use of the cryoprotective diluent Treh20 made it possible to maintain a dynamic balance between the synthesis and degradation of phospholipids and sterols in the plasma membranes of frozen/thawed spermatozoa, close to that of native spermatozoa. This contributed to an increase in the preservation of frozen/thawed spermatozoa membranes from 48.3% to 52.2% in the egg breed and from 30.0% to 35.1% in the meat- and-egg breed. It was also noted that their kinetic apparatus (mobility indicators) remained at the level of 45.6% (egg breed) and 52.4% (meat-and-egg breed). An increase in the concentration of trehalose to 13.4 mM in a cryoprotective diluent for rooster sperm resulted in a decrease in the morphofunctional parameters of frozen/thawed spermatozoa.

Automated summary

Sperm cryopreservation is important for maintaining genetic diversity in chicken breeds, but many sperm lose their viability and motility during the freezing/thawing process. Cell membranes, especially the lipid composition, play a crucial role in cryoresistance. By studying the lipid composition of spermatozoa membranes in two breeds of roosters, a cryoprotective diluent with a concentration of 9.5 mM trehalose was developed. This diluent helps maintain a high level of cell lipids and the kinetic ability of frozen/thawed spermatozoa at 52.4%.