Optimal concentration of Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK) inhibitor improved sperm membrane functionality and fertilizing ability of cryopreserved-thawed feline sperm

摘要

Sperm cryopreservation induces irreversible loss of viability and fertilizing ability. This study aimed at examining the effects of Rho-associated, coiled-coil kinase (ROCK) inhibitor on quality of frozen-thawed feline sperm. Ejaculated semen from individual cats (n = 6) was examined for the expression of LIMK1 and LIMK2 mediated ROCK cascade. The effects of ROCK inhibitor during cooling and cryopreservation on sperm quality and fertilizing ability were also examined. Feline sperm were treated with different concentrations of ROCK inhibitor (10, 20 and 40 mu M) during cooling at 4 degrees C and cryopreservation. Sperm cooled and conventionally cryopreserved without ROCK inhibitor (0 mu M) served as a control group.