Analysis of sperm chromatin structure in blue foxes (Alopex lagopus) and silver foxes (Vulpes vulpes)

摘要

The latest reports indicate that sperm function is significantly influenced by the chromatin structure of the sperm and the integrity of its DNA. The aim of the study was to determine the level of condensation in the chromatin structure of fresh semen and the degree of damage to the DNA chain in fresh and chilled semen of farmed blue and silver foxes. The sperm of 15 blue foxes and 18 silver foxes at the age of one year was used in the study. The chromatin structure was evaluated by three staining techniques: aniline blue, chromomycin A3 and acridine orange. A comet assay was used to assess sperm DNA integrity in fresh and chilled semen. The average percentage of head DNA changed over time: in blue foxes from 99.12% to 97.83%, and in silver foxes from 99.37% to 98.05%. Highly significant differences (P < 0.01) in head DNA were found between species. Within each species, highly significant differences (P < P < 0.01) were found in the chilled semen (0 h/24 h/48 h/72 h). After staining with aniline blue (AB), chromomycin A3 (CMA3) and acridine orange (AO), most sperm had normal histone retention and a stable, native DNA structure. In blue foxes, the average percentage of sperm with elevated, abnormal histone content, sperm with impaired protamination, and sperm with DNA fragmentation was 1-13%; 1-16% and 0%, respectively. The percentages for silver foxes were similar (3-17%, 5-17% and 2%).