Optimizing Cryopreservation of Murine Sperm to Enhance Post-Thaw Survival
Class
Article
Department
Biology
Faculty Mentor
Ralph Meyer
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Freezing sperm from genetically modified mice allows for cryopreservation of valuable transgenic mouse lines because they can be regenerated through in-vitro fertilization or similar methods. This may benefit facilities and investigators by reducing operation costs, providing protection against disease outbreaks or disasters, and increase the ability to distribute mouse models. However, sperm cell survival rates after the freeze-thaw cycle are low using currently available protocols for preserving the sperm of the species Mus musculus. This project set out to test and optimize parameters on the post-thaw survival rate of cryopreserved sperm using a fluorescence-based live/dead assay. A pre-incubation step at 37°C step in combination with a precooling phase at -20°C prior to freezing in liquid nitrogen provided a synergistic benefit, resulting in sperm survival rates of up to 30%. We are currently testing the extent to which the protocol can be optimized by adding antioxidants to the sperm freezing medium.
Start Date
4-9-2015 1:30 PM
Optimizing Cryopreservation of Murine Sperm to Enhance Post-Thaw Survival
Freezing sperm from genetically modified mice allows for cryopreservation of valuable transgenic mouse lines because they can be regenerated through in-vitro fertilization or similar methods. This may benefit facilities and investigators by reducing operation costs, providing protection against disease outbreaks or disasters, and increase the ability to distribute mouse models. However, sperm cell survival rates after the freeze-thaw cycle are low using currently available protocols for preserving the sperm of the species Mus musculus. This project set out to test and optimize parameters on the post-thaw survival rate of cryopreserved sperm using a fluorescence-based live/dead assay. A pre-incubation step at 37°C step in combination with a precooling phase at -20°C prior to freezing in liquid nitrogen provided a synergistic benefit, resulting in sperm survival rates of up to 30%. We are currently testing the extent to which the protocol can be optimized by adding antioxidants to the sperm freezing medium.