Effect of different glycerol concentrations on phosphatidylserine translocation and mitochondrial membrane potential in chilled boar spermatozoa

Boar spermatozoa are extremely sensitive to low temperatures and the cryopreservation causes dramatic changes in sperm survivability, but it is not clear which part of the cryopreservation process affects the most. The aim of this work was to assess early events of apoptotic changes as damage indicators in boar sperm cooled to 5 degrees C and exposed to different glycerol (GLY) concentrations. For this purpose, progressive sperm motility (CASA), plasmatic and acrosome membranes integrity (CFDA/PI; phase contrast), plasma membrane functionality (HOS), phosphatidylserine translocation (Annexin-V/FITC) and reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential (Psi m) (JC-10) were carried out at 37 degrees C, 17 degrees C and 5 degrees C in eight boar sperm pools. Afterwards, three aliquots were diluted in different freezing extenders (control: 0% GLY; A: 2% GLY and B: 3% GLY); sperm quality and early apoptotic changes were assessed. Motility was negatively affected during cooling to 5 degrees C. Furthermore, plasma membrane functionality was the most affected by cooling. The number of necrotic cells was higher at 5 degrees C. However, no differences were observed in phosphatidylserine translocation. The extender with 3% GLY at 5 degrees C presented better Psi m than 0 and 2% GLY. Based on this analysis, boar sperm cooling to 5 degrees C does not modify the rate of early apoptotic changes, although alterations in the Psi m were evident.