IMPROVING CRYOPRESERVATION METHODS USING CHOLESTEROL TO MODIFY CELL MEMBRANES
Abstract
Genomic testing has shifted the typical age distribution of bulls used for artificial
insemination to younger bulls (1). However, younger bulls produce less sperm than mature bulls,
creating a lack in supply to satisfy the demand (8). In response to this deficit, it is critical to
increase bull semen quantity without compromising genetic quality. A potential way to
accomplish this is to decrease the cryopreservation cell death rate. Incorporating cholesterol into
the cell membranes attempts to maintain plasma membrane fluidity by minimizing intracellular
ice formation, the primary source of cell death (5). Here we report the addition of cholesterol to
sperm cell membranes increases post-thaw motility (p=0.039) and sperm bound to oviduct
epithelial cells (p=0.036). This provides incentives for further study for application in optimizing
cattle breeding.