ISSN:
0148-7280
Keywords:
human
;
spermatozoa
;
cryopreservation
;
freezing-thawing
;
chromatin
;
acridine orange
;
Feulgen-DNA
;
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Cryopreservation and freezing-thawing effects on the fertilizing ability of human spermatozoa commonly are evaluated by post-thaw motility. Various studies have depicted the ultrastructural changes caused by freezing-thawing, yet the chromatin alterations have been studied very limitedly. Our aim was to determine the extent to which freezing-thawing alters the chromatin of human spermatozoa, using two analytical methods: acridine orange staining and Feulgen-DNA cytophotometric studies. Both methods revealed a dramatic effect of freezing-thawing on sperm chromatin: the native DNA content decreased as did the Feulgen-DNA content, and sperm surface area was reduced. These results indicate an effect on DNA, diminished accessibility for Feulgen, and a decrease in nuclear surface area and prompt us to hypothesize a relationship between an “overcondensation” state for sperm chromatin after freezing-thawing and a lower conception rate for human semen after cryostorage.
Additional Material:
2 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mrd.1120210107
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