Heiner Bollwein

Identifying non-sperm particles during flow cytometric physiological assessment: a simple approach

Flow cytometry is now being used more frequently to determine sperm functional characteristics during semen assessment for artificial insemination. With this methodology, viable and potentially functional cells are detected as unstained events differentiated from non-sperm events through their light-scattering characteristics. However, it can be shown mathematically that identification of sperm on the basis of light scatter leads to significant overestimation of unstained viable cells and underestimation of responding cells in tests of sperm function (subpopulations expressing different fluorescence patterns). We have developed a simple and cost-efficient flow cytometric approach for identifying non-sperm particles that can be carried out in parallel with functional assessments. Our method is based on the sperms osmotic intolerance. Diluted in water, lethal osmotic shock causes major damage to the cell membranes, and all sperm will stain with propidium iodide (PI). Particulate material which is not PI-positive can then be quantitatively evaluated by FACS analysis and the results substituted in mathematical equations to provide true values for sperm counts and subpopulations. In practical tests, the percentage of non-sperm particles determined by this technique was closely comparable to the figure obtained either by SYBR14/PI staining or by PI/CFDA staining. As well as being valuable with respect to tests of sperm function, the procedure is also suitable for obtaining accurate sperm counts during routine semen evaluation.

Liposomes for cryopreservation of bovine sperm

In this study, the effect of various unilamellar liposomes on cryopreservation of bovine spermatozoa has been investigated. Liposomes were composed of saturated lipids with various acyl chain lengths: DSPC (18:0), DPPC (16:0), DMPC (14:0), or DLPC (12:0). Alternatively, liposomes were prepared using unsaturated egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC) or DOPC (18:1, neutral), alone or in combination with lipids with various head groups: DOPS (negatively charged), DOPG (negatively charged), and DOPE (neutral). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies showed that bovine sperm membranes display a gradual phase transition from 10 to 24 (o)C. Phase transition temperatures of the liposomes varied from -20 to +53 (o)C. Sperm was incubated in the presence of liposomes for either 6 or 24 h at 4 °C prior to freezing. Postfreeze survival rates were determined based on the percentage of progressively motile cells as well as the percentage of acrosome- and plasma membrane-intact cells. With DOPC liposomes a postthaw progressive motility of 43% was obtained compared with 59% using standard egg yolk freezing extender. Postthaw progressive motility increased up to 52% using DOPC:DOPG (9:1) liposomes, whereas DOPC:DOPS or DOPC:DOPE liposomes did not increase survival compared with DOPC liposomes. Among the saturated lipids, only DMPC was found to increase cryosurvival, up to 44% based on progressive motility. DLPC liposomes caused a complete loss in cell viability, already prior to freezing, whereas DPPC and DSPC liposomes neither positively nor negatively affected cryosurvival. Taken together, the higher postthaw survival obtained with DOPC:DOPG liposomes as compared with DOPC liposomes can likely be attributed to increased liposome-sperm interactions between the charged phosphatidylglycerol groups and charged regions in the sperm membranes. Interestingly, the lipid phase state of the liposomes during preincubation is not the decisive factor for their cryoprotective action.

Effects of cryopreservation on sperm viability, synthesis of reactive oxygen species, and DNA damage of bovine sperm

The objective was to examine if there are relationships between alterations in sperm viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) synthesis, and DNA integrity induced by cryopreservation of bovine sperm. Four ejaculates were collected from each of six bulls. Each ejaculate was diluted and divided into two aliquots; one was incubated for 24xa0hours at 37xa0°C, and the other frozen, thawed, and incubated for 24xa0hours at 37xa0°C. Analyses of quality of sperm were performed after 0, 3, 6, 12, and 24xa0hours of incubation. Progressive motile sperm was determined with computer assisted sperm analysis. Percentages of plasma membrane- and acrosome-intact sperm, sperm with a high mitochondrial membrane potential, sperm showing a high degree of DNA fragmentation (%DFI), and their reactive oxygen species content were assessed with dichlorofluorescein-diacetate, dihydrorhodamine, diaminofluorescein diacetate, and mitochondrial superoxide indicator using flow cytometry. Although all other sperm parameters showed alterations (Pxa0<xa00.05) during the 24-hour incubation time, %DFI stayed constant (Pxa0>xa00.05, 0.91xa0±xa00.23) in nonfrozen sperm. Cryopreservation induced changes of all sperm parameters (Pxa0<xa00.05). In contrast to all other sperm parameters, dichlorofluorescein-diacetate-fluoroescence indicating the synthesis of H2O2 showed a similar exponential rise (Pxa0<xa00.05) like the %DFI values in frozen sperm. In conclusion, changes of DNA integrity in frozen sperm seem to be related to synthesis of H2O2 but not to sperm viability and synthesis of other reactive oxygen species.

Standardization of computer-assisted semen analysis using an e-learning application.

Computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) is primarily used to obtain accurate and objective kinetic sperm measurements. Additionally, AI centers use computer-assessed sperm concentration in the sample as a basis for calculating the number of insemination doses available from a given ejaculate. The reliability of data is often limited and results can vary even when the same CASA systems with identical settings are used. The objective of the present study was to develop a computer-based training module for standardized measurements with a CASA system and to evaluate its training effect on the quality of the assessment of sperm motility and concentration. A digital versatile disc (DVD) has been produced showing the standardization of sample preparation and analysis with the CASA system SpermVision™ version 3.0 (Minitube, Verona, WI, USA) in words, pictures, and videos, as well as the most probable sources of error. Eight test persons educated in spermatology, but with different levels of experience with the CASA system, prepared and assessed 10 aliquots from one prediluted bull ejaculate using the same CASA system and laboratory equipment before and after electronic learning (e-learning). After using the e-learning application, the coefficient of variation was reduced on average for the sperm concentration from 26.1% to 11.3% (P ≤ 0.01), and for motility from 5.8% to 3.1% (P ≤ 0.05). For five test persons, the difference in the coefficient of variation before and after use of the e-learning application was significant (P ≤ 0.05). Individual deviations of means from the group mean before e-learning were reduced compared with individual deviations from the group mean after e-learning. According to a survey, the e-learning application was highly accepted by users. In conclusion, e-learning presents an effective, efficient, and accepted tool for improvement of the precision of CASA measurements. This study provides a model for the standardization of other laboratory procedures using e-learning.

Chromatin integrity of ram spermatozoa. Relationships to annual fluctuations of scrotal surface temperature and temperature-humidity index

The objective of the present study was to explore the potential relationships of ovine sperm chromatin integrity, quantified using the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), to the heat load of the scrotum and the discomfort felt by the animals because of fluctuations of microclimatic factors at different time periods before ejaculation. Ejaculates were collected once per week from five Chios rams and four East Friesian rams for 12 months and stored in liquid nitrogen. Frozen-thawed semen samples were analyzed using the SCSA, to determine the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and the percentage of cells outside the main sperm population (%DFI) in each one of the samples. Scrotal surface temperature (SST) of each ram was measured using an infrared thermometer on a daily basis. Ambient air temperature and relative humidity were recorded at hourly intervals throughout the experimental period and temperature-humidity index (THI) was used to assess the discomfort felt by the rams. Mean values of SST (SST mean) and THI (THI mean) were computed for eight different time periods (up to 61 days) preceding each ejaculation day (Day 0). A linear mixed-effect model analysis was performed to describe the relation of SCSA parameters to collection month, SST mean, and THI mean of different time periods before ejaculation. The results of the statistical analysis revealed a relation of %DFI to the SST mean of the last 12 days preceding ejaculation, namely the period that resembled the phase of epididymal maturation. On the contrary, the variation of DFI was most adequately described by the linear mixed-effect model applied for Days 54 to 48 before ejaculation, which resembled the phase of spermatogonial mitoses. The effect of collection month was significant for DFI and %DFI, with semen samples collected in September and February exhibiting the lowest DFI values; a less profound seasonal pattern was detected for %DFI. The effect of THI mean on DFI and %DFI was proven nonsignificant in regard to all time periods. In conclusion, a relation of SCSA parameters to SST mean of different periods before ejaculation was shown in the present study, implying an effect of scrotal microenvironment on intratesticular and epididymal sperm population. In contrast, we failed to detect any effect of microclimate-induced discomfort felt by the animals on the chromatin integrity of frozen-thawed ram spermatozoa.

Short communication: Prepartum plasma insulin-like growth factor-I concentrations based on day of insemination are lower in cows developing postpartum diseases

Because peripartal production diseases are prevalent in dairy cows, early recognition is crucial. Several studies reported metabolic variables as risk predictors for subsequent diseases. To improve on-farm testing and application of those methods, the sampling procedure should take into account variation in gestation length. Furthermore, additional variables indicating cows at risk of any production disease should be sought. Therefore, the objective was to characterize differences between cows with and without postpartum production disease (retained fetal membranes, ketosis, hypocalcemia, abomasal displacement, metritis, mastitis) by prepartum measurement of serum nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) and plasma insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I concentrations relative to the artificial insemination (AI) that established pregnancy. Blood was collected from 41 Holstein Friesian cows on 235 to 241, 242 to 248, 249 to 255, 256 to 262, 263 to 269, 270 to 276, 277 to 283, and 284 to 290 d after AI. Health status was assessed daily for 3 wk after calving; 25 cows (66%) had at least one production disease. Cows developing postpartum diseases had higher mean serum NEFA concentrations (450 ± 26 μmol/L; mean ± SE) and lower plasma IGF-I concentrations (78 ± 6 ng/mL) prepartum compared with healthy cows (259 ± 19 μmol/L and 117 ± 8 ng/mL, respectively). In conclusion, because of substantial variation among cows in gestation length, blood samples should be collected and studies performed on risk prediction relative to AI rather than expected date of calving. As the somatotropic axis is one of the key regulators of metabolic adaption for onset of lactation, IGF-I might be a useful variable to differentiate between cows susceptible to production diseases and cows that are able to adapt adequately within the transition period and remain healthy.

Hepatic mRNA expression of acid labile subunit and deiodinase 1 differs between cows selected for high versus low concentrations of insulin-like growth factor 1 in late pregnancy

The somatotropic axis is a key metabolic pathway during transition from late pregnancy to early lactation in dairy cows. The first objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of selecting cows with persistent differences in total insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) concentration by taking only a single antepartum blood sample. The second objective was to elucidate the underlying causes of differences in peripheral IGF-1 concentrations throughout late pregnancy and whether hormonal axes also differed in dairy cows with low versus high IGF-1. Twenty clinically healthy Holstein Friesian cows were chosen based on their plasma IGF-1 concentration at 244 to 254 d after artificial insemination (AI) and other selection criteria (health status, body condition score, number of lactations). These cows were selected from a large-scale farm, transported to the clinic, and monitored daily from 261 to 275 d after AI. The concentrations of IGF-1, growth hormone, IGF binding proteins 2, 3, and 4, insulin, cortisol, thyroid hormones, progesterone, and estradiol were measured. Ultimately, 7 IGF-1-low and 7 IGF-1-high cows were statistically analyzed. Additionally, a liver biopsy was taken on d 270 ± 1 after AI for analysis of gene expression of somatotropic family members, liver deiodinase 1, and suppressor of cytokine signaling-2. It was possible to select cows with different IGF-1 concentrations based upon only 1 blood sample collected in late pregnancy. Concentrations of IGF-1 in IGF-1-low versus IGF-1-high animals (n=7 each) remained significantly different between groups from the day of selection of the animals until d 275 after AI. Second, the differences in total plasma IGF-1 concentration between experimental groups may be attributed to differences in hepatic production of acid labile subunit. The ability of IGFBP-3 to bind IGF-1 declined before calving in all cows. Furthermore, in addition to decreased mRNA expression of growth hormone receptor 1A and IGF-1 relative to calving, serum binding capacities for IGF-1 also decreased. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4 mRNA expression was higher in cows with low IGF-1 concentrations; this binding protein inhibits IGF-1 action at the tissue level and therefore may reduce IGF-1 bioavailability. Finally, other endocrine end points (e.g., insulin and thyroid hormones) differed between the 2 groups.

Repeated intrauterine infusions of lipopolysaccharide alter gene expression and lifespan of the bovine corpus luteum

Inflammation of the uterus is associated with disturbed ovarian function and reduced reproductive performance in dairy cows. To investigate the influence of endometritis on the bovine corpus luteum, 8 heifers received intrauterine infusions with either phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; 9mL) or Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 3µg/kg of body weight diluted in 9mL of PBS) at 6-h intervals from 12h before and until 9d after ovulation during 2 cycles in a random order (ovulation=d 1). An untreated cycle was examined before and after PBS and LPS cycles, and the mean values from both untreated cycles were used as control. In all cycles, blood sampling and ultrasonography of the ovaries were performed on d 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 18, and then every 2d until ovulation. Endometrial cells were collected for cytology and quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR on d 0, 6, and 9, and on d 0 and 6, respectively, and luteal tissue was collected for quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR on d 6 and 9. Both, PBS and LPS infusions induced subclinical endometritis, which was accompanied by increased endometrial mRNA abundance of proinflammatory cytokines IL1β, IL8, and tumor necrosis factor α. Additionally, LPS challenge induced premature luteolysis, which was characterized by increased plasma concentrations of PGF2α metabolite, decreased plasma progesterone concentrations, and reduced luteal size and blood flow compared with the control. The luteal mRNA expression of the LPS receptor TLR4, PGE synthase, and the apoptosis-related factor CASP3 were higher, and those of steroidogenic factors STAR and HSD3B, the PGF receptor, and the angiogenic factor VEGFA121 were lower after LPS challenge compared with the control. In conclusion, repeated intrauterine LPS infusions during the first 9d of the estrous cycle alter gene expression and shorten the lifespan of the bovine corpus luteum.

Antepartal insulin-like growth factor 1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 concentrations are indicative of ketosis in dairy cows.

A study involving a small number of cows found that the concentrations of insulin-like growth hormone 1 (IGF1) may be a useful predictor of metabolic disease. Further, IGF1 may provide also a pathophysiological link to metabolic diseases such as ketosis. The objective of the current study was to test whether the low antepartal total IGF1 or IGF1 binding protein (IGFBP) concentrations might predict ketosis under field conditions. Clinical examinations and blood sampling were performed antepartum (262-270 d after artificial insemination) on 377 pluriparous pregnant Holstein Friesian cows. The presence of postpartum diseases were recorded (ketosis, fatty liver, displacement of the abomasum, hypocalcemia, mastitis, retention of fetal membranes, and clinical metritis or endometritis), and the concentrations of IGF1, IGFBP2, IGFBP3, and nonesterified fatty acids were measured. Cows with postpartum clinical ketosis had lower IGF1 concentrations antepartum than healthy cows. The sensitivity of antepartal IGF1 as a marker for postpartum ketosis was 0.87, and the specificity was 0.43; a positive predictive value of 0.91 and a negative predictive value of 0.35 were calculated. The cows with ketosis and retained fetal membranes had lower IGFBP2 concentrations compared with the healthy cows. It can be speculated that lower IGF1 production in the liver during late pregnancy may increase growth hormone secretions and lipolysis, thereby increasing the risk of ketosis. Lower IGFBP2 concentrations may reflect the suppression of IGFBP2 levels through higher growth hormone secretion. In conclusion, compared with nonesterified fatty acids as a predictive parameter, IGF1 and IGFBP2 may represent earlier biomarkers of inadequate metabolic adaptation to the high energy demand required postpartum.

Application of computed tomography for the evaluation of obstetrically relevant measurements in German Holstein-Friesian calves

The aim of this study was to measure obstetrically relevant dimensions in calves manually and via computed tomography and to investigate their relationship with the dimensions of fetal body parts that are accessible to the obstetrician during early stages of vaginal delivery. Twenty Holstein-Friesian stillborn calves (Bos taurus) weighing 41.1 ± 3.7 kg (33.6-46.5 kg) were examined and the maximum height (H), width (W), circumference (C) and cross-sectional area (A) of their body was determined. The largest (P < 0.05) one-dimensional variable was the height of the thorax in the region of cranial sternum (H-Thorax; 29.3 ± 1.3 cm), and the largest (P < 0.05) two-dimensional variables were the cross-sectional area of the shoulder region at greater tubercles of the humeri (A-Shoulder; 307 ± 27 cm²) and of the thorax in the region of cranial sternum (A-Thorax; 306 ± 25 cm²). The dimensions of the front legs, which included the circumference of the canon bone and width of the fetlock joint, did not correlate (P > 0.05) with H-Thorax, A-Shoulder and A-Thorax. There were moderate significant correlations between the perpendicular height of the head (H-Head) and A-Thorax (r = 0.65, P < 0.05) and between the circumference of the head (C-Head) and A-Shoulder (r = 0.64, P < 0.05) and A-Thorax (r = 0.52, P < 0.05), but other relationships (P > 0.05) between the dimensions at the level of the head and H-Thorax, A-Shoulder and A-Thorax were not significant (P > 0.05). The results of this study show that the shoulders and thorax are the obstetrically most relevant calf dimensions, but the size of these variables cannot be reliably predicted by evaluating the dimensions of the forelimbs and head of calves during delivery.