Freezing and storage effects on enzyme, electrolyte, and mineral compositions in canine prostatic fluid.

Abstract

There is a paucity of information about the storage stability of seminal plasma components in literature. This study investigates the potential effects of storage at -18.0°C on the enzyme activities and concentrations of selected electrolytes and minerals in canine prostatic fluid. Semen was obtained in fractions from ten male dogs, and the third ejaculate fraction was analyzed immediately after sampling and after storage at -18.0°C for 7days. The following analytes were assessed: gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), sodium, potassium, total calcium, inorganic phosphate, magnesium, zinc, and copper. Whereas electrolyte and mineral concentrations were not affected by freezing and 7 days of storage, effects on the enzyme activities were variable. ALP, AST, and LDH activities were significantly decreased (P<.05) in the post-thaw samples compared with the freshly prepared samples. Because freezing and storage of seminal plasma at -18°C had an impact on the activity of some enzymes, analyses should be performed in fresh, not frozen samples.