Effect of low potency laser on sperm viability and in vitro production of bovine embryos

Author(s)

Adriano Felipe Perez Siqueira

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ/SBD)
• Defense date: 2011-11-30

Examining board members

Mayra Elena Ortiz D\'Avila Assumpção; Ricardo Pimenta Bertolla; Mario Binelli

• Advisor: Mayra Elena Ortiz D\'Avila Assumpção

Abstract

Success of fertilization and the maintenance of subsequent embryo development rely on sperm attributes related to seminal quality. The in vitro production of bovine embryos is an essential tool for genetic gain in the herd. However, its commercial use directly depends on improvement of the production system at a low cost. Inexpensive techniques which provide an increase of seminal quality, allowing the increment of in vitro production of embryos are of great interest to cattle breeding. Low-power laser emits electromagnetic waves with biological effects. These effects are dependent of irradiation parameters and target cell type. Studies with seminal samples irradiated by low potency laser suggest its use to improve several sperm features and, therefore, in vitro production of embryos. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of low potency laser on sperm viability and fertilization ability of irradiated sperm. Briefly, in Experiment 1, samples of frozen/thawed commercial semen were subjected to He-NE laser irradiation. Laser potencies of 0, 5, 7.5 or 10mW were tested for 5 or 10 min of treatment. Samples were evaluated immediately and 30 min after irradiation. Double (Potency*Treatment length, Potency*Time and Treatment length*Time) and triple interactions (Potency*Treatment length*Time) were assessed. Afterwards, in Experiment 2, the effect of the best combination of potency and exposure length on in vitro production of embryos was verified. Low potency laser affected several semen attributes related to sperm viability. This effect was dependent on laser potency and the length of treatment. In the experimental conditions tested in this study, 5mW potency combined to 10 min of exposure had appeared to have positive effect of increasing sperm viability. However, 5mW potency laser for 10 min sperm irradiation did not improve in vitro embryo production rates and bovine embryo quality. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/04770-0 - Low potency laser effect on sperm viability and bovine embryo in vitro production
• Grantee: Adriano Felipe Perez Siqueira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master