Abstract
A spermiogramme is an analysis performed to assess the quality of semen. Motility parameters are primarily obtained by subjectively observing samples or by using complex systems, such as computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Here, we describe an easy and low-cost analysis system for obtaining quantifiable kinetic observations using Salmo salar semen model. In this work, we observed and captured video images of both fresh and stored Atlantic salmon semen to describe the possibility of analysis using the ImageJ CASA plug-in application for the kinetic parameters obtained from the videos. The semen is exposed to “powermilt”, a commercial activating solution, and the curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight line velocity (VSL), average path velocity (VAP) values are described. When the samples were activated after having been stored, differences were detected in sperm quality, using the low-cost plug-in application. However, this system was not able to detect small variations in the same recorded sample, suggesting limits in sample observation. The results indicate that it is possible to quantify the kinetic parameters of semen samples using a low-cost video system and free software.
Highlights
Sperm cells are complex models, and the study of their motility is necessary in order to describe the quality ofHow to cite this paper: Parodi, J., Ramírez-Reveco, A. and Guerra, G. (2015) Example Use of Low-Cost System for Capturing the Kinetic Parameters of Sperm Cells in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
Systems based on software programs (CASA, Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis) have allowed the quantification of kinetic parameters and have enhanced the evaluation of semen quality [11] [12], yet these systems have increased the cost of semen evaluation and reduced the availability of fast, low-cost and easy ways to conduct a preliminary study of sperm cell quality
We compared the values of the kinetic parameters obtained with ImageJ and the computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) plug-in with those from a commercial CASA system (SCA, Microptic S.L.)
Summary
Sperm cells are complex models, and the study of their motility is necessary in order to describe the quality ofHow to cite this paper: Parodi, J., Ramírez-Reveco, A. and Guerra, G. (2015) Example Use of Low-Cost System for Capturing the Kinetic Parameters of Sperm Cells in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar). The parameters most commonly observed by these free systems are VCL (curvilinear velocity), VAP (average path velocity) and VSL (straight-line velocity), but it is possible to analyze other parameters, including the percentage of motile forms and the linearity of the sample [22] This open source and commercial system enables the determination of all these parameters, thereby generating quantifiable measures of semen sample quality [19]. This work used a Salmo salar model, because we can induce motility in laboratory condition for capture videos This marks an interesting discussion of the applicability of freely available software and low-cost microscopy tools for this type of study and for observing the kinetics of sperm cells in several models
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