Effects of different storage protocols on cat testis tissue potential for xenografting and recovery of spermatogenesis.

Mota PC, Ehmcke J, Westernströer B, Gassei K, Ramalho-Santos J, Schlatt S

Research article (journal) | Peer reviewed

Abstract

The loss of genetic diversity due to premature death of valuable individuals is a significant problem in animal conservation programs, including endangered felids. Testis tissue xenografting has emerged as a system to obtain spermatozoa from dead immature animals, however protocols to store this tissue before xenografting are still lacking. This study focused on testis tissue cryopreservation and storage from the domestic cat (Felis catus) classified as "pre-pubertal" and "pubertal" according to spermatogenesis development. Grafts from testis tissue cryopreserved with DMSO 1.4M, recovered after 10 weeks xenografting, presented seminiferous tubules with no germ cells. On the contrary, testis tissue from pre-pubertal animals preserved in ice-cold medium for 2 to 5 days presented no loss of viability or spermatogenic potential, while the number of grafts of pubertal cat testis tissue with germ cells after 10 weeks of xenografting decreased with increasing storage time. Nevertheless, even grafts from pre-pubertal cat testis tissue presented lower anti-DDX4 and anti-BOULE staining (proteins necessary for the meiosis completion), when compared with adult cat testis. Finally, a strong correlation found between testis weight and xenograft outcome may help choose good candidates for xenografting.

Details about the publication

JournalTheriogenology
Volume77
Issue2
Page range299-310
StatusPublished
Release year2012
Language in which the publication is writtenEnglish

Authors from the University of Münster

Ehmcke, Jens
Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology
Schlatt, Stefan
Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology
Westernströer, Birgit
Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology