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Vertebrate reproductive science and technology
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Melatonin regulates ATP content and fertilising capacity of Onychostoma macrolepis spermatozoa by inhibiting ROS accumulation during semen storage in vitro

Jinmeng Yang A * , Daqian Dong A * , Guofan Peng A , Qingfang Sun A , Chenhao Yang A , Yao Gao B , Hong Ji A and Wuzi Dong https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4363-8456 A C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.

B Nutrigenomics and Growth Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, USA.

C Corresponding author. Email: dongwuzi@126.com

Reproduction, Fertility and Development 32(14) 1212-1222 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD20153
Submitted: 11 June 2020  Accepted: 5 September 2020   Published: 6 October 2020

Abstract

Melatonin (MLT) is an efficient antioxidant that protects spermatozoa against damages caused by oxidative stress. In this study, to maintain good function of Onychostoma macrolepis spermatozoa during semen preservation in vitro at 4°C, different concentrations of MLT (0.5, 1 and 2 μM) were added to the semen. After storage (0, 24, 48 and 72 h), 1 μM MLT in semen markedly improved sperm quality, as reflected by better plasma membrane integrity, the relative steady level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and slower rate of decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential. Activated spermatozoa in semen with 1 μM MLT had higher kinematic performance (i.e. percentage of motile and progressive spermatozoa and the beat cross frequency; P < 0.05) and longer duration of sperm motility (P < 0.05) compared with spermatozoa in semen withother MLT concentrations. Furthermore, 1 μM MLT maintained higher ATP concentrations in spermatozoa during semen storage and significantly improved the fertilising capacity of spermatozoa after 72 h semen storage compared with the other MLT concentrations. To expand wild resources of O. macrolepis, 1 μM MLT can be used as a semen additive to maintain better sperm function and enhance sperm fertilising capacity in artificial insemination (AI).

Graphical Abstract Image

Keywords: computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA), largescale shoveljaw fish, sperm quality.


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