Ana Luiza Gelpi Mattos

Comparação entre as características do sêmen humano preservado a +4ºC e -196ºC por 24 horas

PURPOSE: to compare the characteristics of human semen preserved at +4oC and at -196oC for 24 h and to determine which technique is indicated for use in specific procedures. METHODS: semen samples of 24 voluntaries were analyzed after collection and divided into two aliquots, one of them cooled (+4oC) and the other frozen (-196oC). Samples were kept at low temperatures for 24 h and then at room temperature for 30 minutes (T1), capacitated (T2) and kept at +37oC for 90 minutes (T3), being analyzed regarding count and progressive motility at T1, T2 and T3. The General Linear Model was used to analyze results obtained with different techniques, while Wilcoxons test was used to compare results obtained in two different moments using the same technique (a = 5% e p 0,05) between techniques in the three moments of observation. In cooled samples, there was no difference between variables after capacitation and after incubation, but, in frozen semen, count was significantly greater after capacitation. CONCLUSIONS: although there has been no significant difference between semen count and progressive motility in both techniques, the use of cooled semen is recommended for specific procedures within a short time period due to its simplicity and low cost. When frozen semen is necessary, we recommend its use soon after capacitation in order to avoid loss in quality.