Vitrification of Common Carp (Cyprinus Carpio) Spermatozoa, Post-Thaw Sperm Quality, and Fertility

Abstract

The aim of this investigation was to test a new technology, vitrification, or ultra-rapid freezing of the spermatozoa of common carp, and to study the ability of glucose, BSA, and other cryoprotectants to protect these cells from cryo-injuries. Spermatozoa were isolated and vitrified using 10 different cryoprotectant solutions: (1) Glucose based medium (GBM) + 1% bovine serum albumin (BSA); (2) GBM + 1% BSA + 10% DMSO; (3) GBM + 1% BSA + 20% DMSO; (4) GBM + 1% BSA + 30% DMSO; (5) GBM + 1% BSA + 10% DMA; (6) GBM + 1% BSA + 20% DMA; (7) GBM + 1% BSA + 30% DMA; (8) GBM + 1% BSA + 10% methanol; (9) GBM + 1% BSA + 20% methanol; (10) GBM + 1% BSA + 30% methanol. Fertilization rates for vitrification experiments were low and the use of low concentrations of cryoprotectants yielded lower fertilization rates than the vitrification solutions containing high cryoprotectant concentrations. In conclusion, this study reported successful vitrification of common carp spermatozoa by direct transfer into liquid nitrogen.