Optimal storage conditions of sperms in processed semen

Abstract

Objective To investigate the optimal storage conditions for processed sperms. Methods A total of 124 semen samples were collected after 2 to 7 d of abstinence. All samples were processed with density gradient centrifugation. After this, the processed sperms were placed in room temperature (around 20 ℃, 18~25 ℃) , 35 ℃ water bath and 37 ℃ 6% CO2 incubation, respectively. At 4 h and 24 h later, computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) system was used to determine the percentage of sperms with forward movement as well as the percentage of sperm motility according to different grades. Results At 4 h, sperms placed in 35 ℃ incubator showed significantly higher percentages of forward movement and grade A sperm motility compared with sperms in room temperature and 37 ℃ 6% CO2 incubator [forward movement: (75.34±6.87)% vs (66.69±16.11)%, (71.46±11.89)%; Grade a sperm motility: (44.80±12.76)% vs (31.08±11.51)%, (34.42±9.90)%, all P 0.05). At 4 h, the percentage of Grade C sperm motility in room temperature group was higher than that in the 35 ℃ incubator group or the 37 ℃ 6% CO2 incubator group [(14.02±6.44)% vs (7.33±1.82)%, (8.58±4.52)%, all P 0.05). At 4 h, the three groups did not show statistically significant differences in Grade B or D sperm motility (all P>0.05). At 24 h, all groups of sperms did not differ in percentage of forward movement and sperm motility by any grades (all P>0.05). Conclusion Processed semen placed in 35 ℃ incubator shows comparatively better performance of sperm motility. Key words: Semen; Sperm; Semen storage; Sperm motility; Ccomputer-assisted