Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-08T16:24:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 PGCA14MA122.pdf: 692452 bytes, checksum: e25e927c8d8beb4236a0bb259e17524a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-02-21 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Oxidative stress and premature sperm capacitation, generated during cryopreservation of ram semen, reduces their viability, especially after cervical insemination. The use of seminal plasma (SP) and negative pressure have produced protection and the reversion of such damages. Two experiments evaluated these potential enhancers of cryotolerance, and a third experiment compared 2 methods of cervical AI. In experiment 1 ram semen was subjected to the treatments: (TC) control or negative pressure of 200mBar (P200); 500mBar (P500) and 800mBar (P800). In experiment 2, the PS from rams, stallions and bulls was lyophilized (L) and its protein measured. From each SP 600μg of protein per mL was aded to the freezing diluent used, compounding the experimental groups: control (TC), ovine PS (PSLO), bovine PS (PSLB) and equine PS (PSLE). Experiment 3 evaluated 2 methods of AI, the superficial cervical AI (G1), and deep intrauterine or cervical AI with clamping the vaginal fornix (G2). The in vitro data were subjected to ANOVA and test T, and the pregnancy rate to the chi square test, all with 5% significance level. In the experiment 1 higher progressive motility (PM) was observed in TC (49%) compared to P200 (40.9%), P500 (38.9%) and P800 (38.9%) treatments. In PM during the test the thermal resistance (TTR), MP after percoll (PP), acrosome integrity (IAC), IAPP and membrane integrity (MI), there was no difference between the groups. In cleavage rate P800 (34.5%) was less than P200 (51.2%) and P500 (50.9%) did not differ from the control (44.3%). In conclusion the P500 is the most appropriate for use in ram semen cryopreservation, enabling high rates of cleavage after heterologous IVF, maintain membrane integrity. Experiment 2 evaluated MP, MPPP and cleavage rate after heterologous IVF in all groups, with the best group compared with the control in: CASA system; acrossoma integrity (FITC-PSA), membrane stability (M540), chromatin integrity (acridine orange), apoptosis (annexin) and potential of mitochondria (Mitotracker). Also the PSLE showed higher cleavage rate (71.37%), indicating a greater ability to oocyte penetration. The PSLE showed higher VCL (PC-163.5μm/s, PSLE-186.2μm/s) and ALH (PC9μm PSLE-8.2μm) in CASA evaluation, compared to control. In flow cytometry the annexin test revealed a greater amount of non-apoptotic viable cells in PSLE (38.9%), compared to TC (32.1%). In experiment 3 there was no difference in pregnancy rates after superficial (33.3%) or deep and intrauterine (52.2%) IA, possibly due to the reduced number of animals used / O estresse oxidativo e a precoce capacitação espermática, gerados na criopreservação do sêmen ovino, reduzem sua viabilidade, principalmente na inseminação cervical. O uso de plasma seminal (PS) e a pressão negativa têm produzido a proteção e reversão desses danos. Dois experimentos avaliaram esses potenciais melhoradores da criotolerância, e um terceiro avaliou dois métodos de IA cervical. No experimento 1 o sêmen ovino foi submetido aos tratamentos: controle (TC), pressão de 200mBar (P200); 500mBar (P500) e 800mBar (P800). No experimento 2 o PS de carneiros, garanhões e touros foi liofilizado (L) e sua proteína dosada. De cada PS, o equivalente a 600μg de proteína por mL, foi adicionado ao diluente de congelamento, compondo os grupos experimentais: controle (TC), PS ovino (PSLO), PS bovino (PSLB) e PS equino (PSLE). O experimento 3 avaliou 2 métodos de IA, a cervical superficial (G1) e a cervical profunda com pinçamento do fundo de saco vaginal (G2). Os dados in vitro foram submetidos a análise de variância e teste T, e a taxa de prenhez ao chi-quadrado, todos com significância de 5%. No experimento 1, maior motilidade progressiva (MP) foi observada no TC (49%) frente aos tratamentos P200 (40,9%), P500 (38,9%) e P800 (38,9%). Na MP durante o teste de termo resistência (TTR), MP após percoll (PP), integridade de acrossoma (IAC), IACPP, integridade de membrana (IM) e IMPP, não houve diferença entre os grupos. Na clivagem P800 (34,5%) foi inferior a P200 (51,2%) e P500 (50,9%), não diferindo do controle (44,3%). Conclui-se que a P500 é a mais adequada para uso com sêmen ovino, não reduzindo a viabilidade após o congelamento e proporcionando elevada taxa de clivagem após FIV heteróloga. O experimento 2 avaliou MP, MPPP e clivagem após FIV heteróloga de todos os grupos, sendo o melhor grupo comparado ao controle através de: sistema CASA, integridade de acrossoma (FITC-PSA), estabilidade de membrana (M540); integridade de cromatina (acridina orange); apoptose (anexina) e potencial de mitocôndria (mitotracker). O PSLE apresentou a maior taxa de clivagem (71,37%), evidenciando sua maior capacidade de penetração nos oócitos. Observou-se superioridade do PSLE nosparâmetros VCL (PC-163,5μm/s, PSLE-186,2μm/s) e ALH (PC-9μm, PSLE- 8,2μm) do CASA, em relação ao controle. Na citometria de fluxo, o teste da anexina revelou maior quantidade de células viáveis não apoptóticas com o PSLE (38,9%) em relação ao TC (32,1%). No experimento 3 não houve diferença na prenhez após IA superficial (33,3%) e profunda (G2 52,2%), possivelmente devido ao número reduzido de animais

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / Seminal plasma is the fluid portion of semen and its presence positively affects the survival and parameters of sperm motility in rabbits. This study aimed (i) to verify the seminal concentrations of sodium, chloride and citric acid as a function of collection month, the color and aspect of the ejaculate, and to find the frequency of ejaculations with the presence of gel fraction, color and aspect of the semen of rabbits on tropical climate, (ii) to meet monthly protein spots and their possible correlation with seminal and biochemical parameters in rabbits. 20 rabbits of New Zealand White, raised in the flat-deck, fed commercial feed were used. The samples were collected twice a week, and then evaluated for volume, color, aspect, vigor, motility and sperm concentration. After the evaluations, the samples were centrifuged to obtain seminal plasma, which was stored in eppendorfs tubes at -18 oC. A monthly seminal plasma pool of each animal was made to evaluate the concentrations of sodium, chloride, citric acid and proteins. Significant monthly variations were found (p <0.05) in the concentrations of sodium, chloride and citric acid in the seminal plasma of rabbits. All mineral constituents analyzed suffered significant influence (p <0.05) by the color of the ejaculate, and the highest concentrations were found in the white-yellowish ejaculates. Correlation studies found a high and significant association between concentrations of sodium and vigor (r = 0.80, p <0.001), and between sperm concentration and citric acid (r = -0.64, p <0.02). Most of the ejaculates of rabbits showed no gel fraction. The results also showed that the white and milky ejaculate are the most common for the species. It was also observed an average concentration of 2.73  0.31 mg / dl total protein in samples of seminal plasma. From the quantification of total protein were prepared two-dimensional electrophoresis gels stained SDS-PAGE with silver nitrate, with a pH gradient between 3 â 10, mesh 15% and a concentration of 100 mg of protein per sample for each month. Gels were analyzed with the Image Master 2D Platinum 6.0.  software. The gel containing the most spots (555 spots) was the gel of the month of May, and the gel with fewer spots (71 spots) was observed in January, but no effect of month on the amount of spots was detected. The majority of spots present in seminal plasma of rabbits have pI below 8, and these spots, about 40% have pI acid, the distribution of the spots as a function of pI was homogeneous throughout the year. The distribution of spots depending on the molecular weight widely varied between the months. Except of a few months, most of the protein had a molecular weight above 100 kDa. The number of protein spot positively and moderately correlated with total protein (r = 0.57, p <0.05) and citric acid (r = 0.59, p <0.05). In silico analysis of 1411 protein spots found compatible proteins with the Swiss-Prote database and TrEMBL (UniProtKB). It is concluded that the composition of the seminal plasma of rabbits showed a broad monthly variation and ejaculated with high concentrations of citric acid are undesirable. In addition, the protein profile of rabbits has great affinity of the proteins to acidic and high molecular weight, no influence of the months of the year on the amount of protein spots identified were found and bioinformatics analysis tool does not provide consistent results with those obtained gel electrophoresis, but it allows an estimate of the probable proteins that can be found. / O plasma seminal representa a porÃÃo fluida do sÃmen e sua presenÃa afeta positivamente a sobrevivÃncia e os parÃmetros de motilidade espermÃtica em coelhos. Este trabalho teve como objetivos (i) verificar as concentraÃÃes seminais de sÃdio, cloretos e Ãcido cÃtrico em funÃÃo do mÃs de coleta, da cor e do aspecto do ejaculado, e encontrar a frequÃncia de ejaculados com presenÃa de fraÃÃo gel, cor e aspecto do sÃmen de coelhos criados em clima tropical; (ii) conhecer os spots proteicos mensais e suas possÃveis correlaÃÃes com parÃmetros seminais e bioquÃmicos de coelhos. Foram utilizados 20 coelhos da raÃa Nova ZelÃndia Branca, criados em sistema flat-deck, alimentados com raÃÃo comercial. Os ejaculados foram coletados duas vezes por semana, e logo avaliados quanto ao volume, cor, aspecto, vigor, motilidade e concentraÃÃo espermÃtica. ApÃs as avaliaÃÃes os ejaculados foram centrifugados para obtenÃÃo do plasma seminal, que foi acondicionado em tubos eppendorfs a -18 oC. Um pool mensal de PS de cada animal foi feito para avaliaÃÃo das concentraÃÃes de sÃdio, cloretos, Ãcido cÃtrico e proteÃnas totais. Foram constatadas variaÃÃes mensais significativas (p<0,05) nas concentraÃÃes de sÃdio, cloretos e Ãcido cÃtrico no plasma seminal de coelhos. Todos os constituintes minerais analisados sofreram influencia significativa (p<0,05) da cor do ejaculado, e as concentraÃÃes mais elevadas foram constatadas nos ejaculados de cor branco-amarelada. O estudo de correlaÃÃes encontrou associaÃÃo alta e significativa entre as concentraÃÃes de sÃdio e vigor (r=0,80; p<0,001), bem como entre a concentraÃÃo espermÃtica e o Ãcido cÃtrico (r=-0,64; p<0,02). A maior parte dos ejaculados de coelhos nÃo apresentaram a fraÃÃo gel. Os resultados tambÃm mostraram que o ejaculado de cor branca e de aspecto leitoso sÃo os mais comuns nessa espÃcie. TambÃm foi verificado uma concentraÃÃo mÃdia de 2,73 Â0,31 &#956;g/dl de proteÃnas totais nas amostras de plasma seminal. A partir da quantificaÃÃo das proteÃnas totais foram confeccionados dois gÃis de eletroforese bidimensional SDS-PAGE corados com nitrato de prata, com gradiente de pH entre 3 â 10, malha de 15% e uma concentraÃÃo de 100 &#956;g de proteÃnas por amostra, para cada mÃs. Os gÃis foram analisados no software Image Master 2D Platinum 6.0. Â. O gel que continha o maior nÃmero de spots (555 spots) foi o do mÃs de maio, e o gel com menor nÃmero spots (71 spots) foi verificado em janeiro, mas nÃo houve efeito do mÃs sobre a quantidade de spots detectados. A maioria dos spots presentes no plasma seminal de coelhos tem pI abaixo de 8 e, destes spots, cerca de 40% tem pI Ãcido, a distribuiÃÃo dos spots em funÃÃo do pI foi homogÃnea ao longo do ano. A distribuiÃÃo dos spots em funÃÃo do peso molecular variou amplamente entre os meses. Com exceÃÃo de alguns os meses, a maioria das proteÃnas apresentaram peso molecular acima de 100 kDa. O nÃmero de spot proteicos correlacionaram-se moderada e positivamente com as proteÃnas totais (r=0,57; p<0,05) e com o Ãcido cÃtrico (r=0,59; p<0,05). A anÃlise in silico dos spots encontrou 1.411 proteÃnas compatÃveis com os bancos de dados Swiss-Prote e TrEMBL (UniProtKB). Concluiu-se que a composiÃÃo do plasma seminal de coelhos apresentou ampla variaÃÃo mensal e que ejaculados com alta concentraÃÃo de Ãcido cÃtrico sÃo indesejÃveis. AlÃm disso, o perfil proteico de coelhos apresenta grande parte das proteÃnas com afinidade a meio Ãcido e com alto peso molecular, nÃo houve influencia de meses do ano sobre a quantidade de spots proteicos detectados, e devido à ausÃncia de dados sobre coelhos, a ferramenta de anÃlise bioinformÃtica nÃo ofereceu resultados coerentes, mas permite uma estimativa das provÃveis proteÃnas que podem ser encontradas.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-20T13:32:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 dissertacao_kaue_rodriguez_martins.pdf: 452926 bytes, checksum: ae46017afbe7b23ca7e1d34a015987fa (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-03-19 / There is a growing interest in using artificial insemination (AI) in sheep due to the potential for genetic improvement. However, cryopreservation damages spermatozoa, decreasing their fertilizing potential when frozen semen is deposited in the cervix. Sperm damages attributed to cryopreservation may be minimized by the addition of seminal plasma (SP), which contains several factors produced by the testis, epididhymis and accessory glands with potential to prevent premature capacitation. Supplementation of SP prior to freezing would be beneficial for various processes of periods of the selection and freezing process, reported before freezing would be beneficial for the processes of selection and freezing. The supplementation of extenders with SP from ram and boars is associated with increased sperm motility after incubation in vitro, as well as when used for cooling, freezing and thawing. The objectives of this study were to test the addition of 20% boar SP to the extender to freeze ram sperm and to evaluate parameters of sperm quality after thawing. Ejaculates from four rams and three boars were collected to form pooled SP samples. A fraction of each pooled sample was used for protein quantification. Six samples from four rams were collected and diluted in Tris-egg yolk - glycerol for freezing, forming three treatments: control (no SP); inclusion of 20% ram SP; and inclusion of 20% boar SP. After thawing, the samples were subjected to a thermal stress test for five hours. Sperm quality was assessed every two hours. Analyses by flow cytometry were done to evaluate the integrity of acrosome and membrane integrity. For the control, ram SP and boar SP treatments, the evaluated parameters of sperm quality were: motility (30.4 ± 2.0, 24.6 ± 2.0 and 30.0 ± 2.0, respectively); membrane integrity (37.5 ± 2.6; 40.9 ± 2.6 and 31.4 ± 2.6 respectively); mitochondrial functionality (70.0 ± 1.7; 61.8 ± 1.7 and 63.6 ± 1.7); and DNA integrity (91.2 ± 3.1; 96 5 ± 3.1 and 93.6 ± 3.1 respectively). For those parameters, no significant differences were observed across treataments (P > 0.05). However, addition of boar SP to the extenders was related to greater acrosome integrity (59, 3 ± 3.5) than that of the control (46.7 ± 3.5) (P < 0.05), although both means were similar (P > 0.05) to that observed for the treatment with ram SP (56.7 ± 3.5). Despite of the benefit on acrosome integrity related to addition of boar SP, no other positive effects were observed for post-thawing ram sperm viability. / O interesse pelo uso da inseminação artificial (IA) em ovinos vem crescendo, em função do avanço no melhoramento genético. Entretanto, a criopreservação causa danos aos espermatozóides, diminuindo seu potencial fertilizante, quando a IA é feita com sêmen congelado, pela via cervical. Uma alternativa para proteger ou recuperar a célula dos danos da criopreservação é a adição de plasma seminal (PS), que contém vários fatores produzidos pelos testículos, epidídimos e glândulas acessórias do macho, com potencial de prevenir a capacitação prematura e danos gerados pelo congelamento. A adição de PS antes do congelamento seria benéfica para os processos de seleção e congelamento. A suplementação do diluente com PS ovino e suíno foi associada com aumento na motilidade espermática, após a segunda hora de incubação sob condições in vitro, assim como quando usado na refrigeração, congelamento e descongelamento. Este estudo teve como objetivo testar a adição de PS suíno (20%) ao diluente para congelamento do sêmen ovino e avaliar os parâmetros seminais in vitro pós-descongelamento. Ejaculados de quatro machos ovinos e três machos suínos foram coletados para formação de amostras combinando PS de vários machos (pools). Uma fração das amostras de PS foi destinada a quantificação de proteínas. Seis coletas dos quatro machos ovinos foram colhidas e diluídas em Tris-gema de ovo-glicerol, para congelamento, compondo três tratamentos: controle (sem PS); inclusão de 20% de PS ovino; e inclusão de 20% PS suíno. Após o descongelamento, as amostras foram submetidas a um teste de termo resistência durante cinco horas. Avaliações de qualidade espermática foram realizadas a cada duas horas. Também foram realizadas análises por citometria de fluxo para as avaliações de integridade de acrossoma e integridade de membrana. Para os tratamentos controle, PS ovino e PS suíno, não foram observadas diferenças (P > 0.05) quanto a motilidade (30,0 ± 2,0; 30,4 ± 2,0 e 24,6 ± 2,0 respectivamente), integridade de membrana (37,5 ± 2,6; 40,9 ± 2,6 e 31,4 ± 2,6, respectivamente), função mitocondrial (70,0 ± 1,7; 61,8 ± 1,7 e 63,6 ± 1,7, respectivamente) e integridade de DNA (91,2 ± 3,1; 96,5 ± 3,1 e 93,6 ± 3,1, respectivamente). A integridade do acrossoma foi maior (P < 0.05) com inclusão de PS suíno (59,3 ± 3,5) em comparação com o controle (46,7 ± 3,5), mas ambas as médias foram similares (P > 0.05) à observada para o PS ovino (56,7 ± 3,5). Conclui-se que apesar do beneficio do PS suíno a 20% para a integridade de acrossoma, não se obteve resultados positivos nas demais avaliações de qualidade seminal.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-01-26T18:55:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Ellyn.pdf: 424817 bytes, checksum: 14bf73c93a8a550f72aac6b4afc87223 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-09-20 / The objective of this study was to evaluate the framework sperm and protein seminal plasma and endocrine profile in deer bred in captivity. Four males aged between 12 and 36 months were evaluated. In four times at intervals of seven days, gave the weight (60.5 to 89.0 kg) and body mass index (93.07 kg/m2 to 126.56 kg/m2). There were four semen samples per animal, with an interval of seven days, by electroejaculation. Gave the fallowing values: ejaculate volume (0.50 ± 0.35 ml to 0.75 ± 0.28 ml), motility (87.75 ± 4.78% to 90.00 ± 7.07%) total defects (17.25 ± 5.81% and 47.72 ± 17.55%) and plasma testosterone (6.43 ± 4.33 ng/dL at 166.00 ± 64.48 ng/dL). Electrophoresis on SDS-PAGE revealed protein bands between 7.6 kDa and 142 kDa. Seminal plasma showed a wide range of proteins between 7.6 kDa and 142 kDa. Age influences the testosterone concentration, being higher in the range of 36 months. / O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o quadro espermático e protéico do plasma seminal e o perfil endócrino, em cervos criados em cativeiro. Quatro machos com idades entre 12 e 36 meses foram avaliados. Em quatro momentos com intervalos de sete dias, obteve-se o peso (60,5 a 89,0 kg) e o índice de massa corporal (93,07 kg/m2 a 126,56 kg/m2). Foram realizadas quatro colheitas de sêmen por animal, com intervalo de sete dias, por meio de eletroejaculador. Obteve-se os seguintes valores: volume do ejaculado (0,50±0,35 mL a 0,75±0,28 mL), motilidade espermática (87,75±4,78% a 90,00±7,07%), defeitos totais (17,25±5,81% a 47,72±17,55%) e testosterona plasmática (6,43±4,33 ng/dL a 166,00±64,48 ng/dL). A eletroforese em SDS-PAGE revelou bandas proteicas entre 7,6 kDa e 142 kDa. O plasma seminal apresentou uma grande gama de proteínas entre 7,6 kDa e 142 kDa. A idade influi na concentração de testosterona, sendo essa maior na faixa dos 36 meses.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-18T17:53:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Ellyn.pdf: 424817 bytes, checksum: 14bf73c93a8a550f72aac6b4afc87223 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-09-20 / The objective of this study was to evaluate the framework sperm and protein seminal plasma and endocrine profile in deer bred in captivity. Four males aged between 12 and 36 months were evaluated. In four times at intervals of seven days, gave the weight (60.5 to 89.0 kg) and body mass index (93.07 kg/m2 to 126.56 kg/m2). There were four semen samples per animal, with an interval of seven days, by electroejaculation. Gave the fallowing values: ejaculate volume (0.50 ± 0.35 ml to 0.75 ± 0.28 ml), motility (87.75 ± 4.78% to 90.00 ± 7.07%) total defects (17.25 ± 5.81% and 47.72 ± 17.55%) and plasma testosterone (6.43 ± 4.33 ng/dL at 166.00 ± 64.48 ng/dL). Electrophoresis on SDS-PAGE revealed protein bands between 7.6 kDa and 142 kDa. Seminal plasma showed a wide range of proteins between 7.6 kDa and 142 kDa. Age influences the testosterone concentration, being higher in the range of 36 months. / O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o quadro espermático e protéico do plasma seminal e o perfil endócrino, em cervos criados em cativeiro. Quatro machos com idades entre 12 e 36 meses foram avaliados. Em quatro momentos com intervalos de sete dias, obteve-se o peso (60,5 a 89,0 kg) e o índice de massa corporal (93,07 kg/m2 a 126,56 kg/m2). Foram realizadas quatro colheitas de sêmen por animal, com intervalo de sete dias, por meio de eletroejaculador. Obteve-se os seguintes valores: volume do ejaculado (0,50±0,35 mL a 0,75±0,28 mL), motilidade espermática (87,75±4,78% a 90,00±7,07%), defeitos totais (17,25±5,81% a 47,72±17,55%) e testosterona plasmática (6,43±4,33 ng/dL a 166,00±64,48 ng/dL). A eletroforese em SDS-PAGE revelou bandas proteicas entre 7,6 kDa e 142 kDa. O plasma seminal apresentou uma grande gama de proteínas entre 7,6 kDa e 142 kDa. A idade influi na concentração de testosterona, sendo essa maior na faixa dos 36 meses.

Submitted by Adriana Martinez (amartinez@unoeste.br) on 2017-08-31T20:12:04Z No. of bitstreams: 1 João Marcelo Martins Coluna.pdf: 316916 bytes, checksum: e3ff1f0c4795f8a26f2d99c916a84f41 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-08-31T20:12:04Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 João Marcelo Martins Coluna.pdf: 316916 bytes, checksum: e3ff1f0c4795f8a26f2d99c916a84f41 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-03-24 / The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of probiotics on the toxicity of increasing doses of potassium dichromate on the reproductive tract and adrenal glands of rats . Material and Methods: During a trial period of 90 days , we used 80 Wistar rats were divided randomly into 8 groups of 10 animals : GC (control ) , G1 (12 mg.kg - 1 K2Cr2O7 ) ; G24 ( 24 mg.kg - 1 K2Cr2O7 ) ; G36 ( 36 mg.kg - 1 K2Cr2O7 ) ; GP Control ( 0.2% probiotic ); G12P ( 12 mg.kg - 1 K2Cr2O7 + Probiotic 0.2 % ) ; G24P ( 24 mg.kg - 1 K2Cr2O7 + Probiotic 0.2 % ) ; G36P ( 36 mg.kg - 1 K2Cr2O7 Probiotic + 0.2% ) . Subsequently , weighing and histological evaluation of the reproductive organs and adrenal glands was performed , and plasma testosterone dosage . Results: Testes were heavier in group 7 There were statistical differences between the weights of the seminal vesicles only in groups 2:07 Histologically observed development of atypical hyperplasia and squamous metaplasia in the testes and seminal vesicles and degeneration of the germinal epithelium and tubular contraction testes despite the use of probiotics. Conclusion : The use of probiotics has not protected the epithelium of the reproductive system in this study . / O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do probiótico sobre a toxicidade de doses crescentes de dicromato de potássio sobre o trato reprodutivo e glândulas adrenais de ratos Wistar. Material e Métodos: Durante um período experimental de 90 dia, utilizou-se 80 ratos Wistar distribuídos aleatoriamente em 8 grupos de 10 animais: GC (controle), G12 (12 mg.kg-1 K2Cr2O7); G24 (24 mg.kg-1 K2Cr2O7); G36 (36 mg.kg-1 K2Cr2O7); GP (Controle, 0,2% probiótico); G12P (12 mg.kg-1 K2Cr2O7 + 0,2% Probiótico); G24P (24 mg.kg-1 K2Cr2O7 + 0,2% Probiótico); G36P (36 mg.kg-1 K2Cr2O7 + 0,2% Probiótico). Posteriormente foi realizada, pesagem e avaliação histológica dos órgãos reprodutivos e das glândulas adrenais, bem como dosagem de testosterona plasmática. Resultados: Os testículos pesaram mais no grupo 7. Houve diferença estatística entre os pesos das vesículas seminais somente nos grupos 2 e 7. Histologicamente observou-se desenvolvimento de hiperplasia atípica e metaplasia escamosa nos testículos e vesículas seminais e degeneração do epitélio germinativo e contração tubular nos testículos apesar do uso de probióticos. Conclusão: O uso de probiótico não protegeu o epitélio do sistema reprodutivo nesse estudo.

Sperm competition is a widely-recognized and powerful selective force. Male accessory glands are organs found across animal taxa that can influence sperm performance, and thus may be selected for in competitive contexts. In fishes, these organs are in fact rare, but display great diversity in form and function across species. Although the accessory gland is known to play a role in mate attraction, parental care, fertilization, or post-copulatory competition in a few select species, the role of this organ remains a mystery in most species. Many fishes with accessory glands also exhibit alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs), which add an extra layer of complexity to how species respond to sperm competition. Because males of different ARTs typically experience different levels of sperm competition risk, it’s possible they may differentially invest in accessory glands to overcome this competition. In this thesis, I used the plainfin midshipman fish (Porichthys notatus), a species with both ARTs and an accessory gland, to experimentally investigate the role of the accessory gland in sperm competition and uncover how this organ may differ between ARTs. Over a two-year period, I studied tactic-specific investment in the accessory gland in fish from the beaches of British Columbia. I also examined the effects of seminal fluid, produced in part by the accessory gland, on sperm performance and morphology. I found that males adopting the ‘guarder’ male tactic invested more in one region (the lobules) of this organ, while males adopting the smaller ‘sneaker’ male tactic invested more the other region of the gland (the nodes). Using data collected over five years, I found that guarder males also invested more in their whole accessory glands. Additionally, I report that sperm swam faster in the presence of seminal fluid, and seminal fluid increased sperm head size in both male tactics and increased midpiece size in guarder males. These results suggest that the plainfin midshipman accessory gland may have dual functions, one of which may be to aid sperm competitive ability through enhancements in swimming speed and potentially more successful sperm morphology. Taken together, the results of my thesis improve our knowledge of the role of non-sperm components like seminal fluid and the accessory gland in sperm competition, and demonstrate how species with ARTs can have varying physiological responses to such competition. Only a handful of studies have considered the effects of seminal fluid on sperm performance. By examining sperm competition in a more biologically relevant way and incorporating the effects of a little-studied organ that impacts sperm competition, we should be able to more generally and accurately appreciate the dynamics of post-copulatory competition and fertilization. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

Mammalian fertilization is a sequence of unique and fascinating events, during which seminal proteins are of crucial role. In case of bull (Bos taurus), proteins of seminal plasma (BSP), especially its major component PDC-109, are known to be in aggregated forms, but little is known about mechanism of forming aggregates and their biological function. In present thesis we discovered some interesting properties of PDC-109 and BSP proteins. We found that concentration of these proteins influences their aggregation state significantly, which can be of great biological importance. Separation of seminal proteins by size exclusion chromatography revealed three main fractions denoted I, II and III, with apparent molecular weights of Mr > 150 000, Mr = 30 000 and Mr = 13 000, respectively. In case of PDC-109, molecular weights of theese fractions were retained even after purification procedure, which implies very stable interactions in forming of aggregates. In addition, there was a difference in distribution of PDC-109 glycoforms among fractions, which can be related to the fact, that theese fractions have different sperm membrane binding patterns as we determined by fluorescence microscopy. However, further experiments are needed for better understanding this issue.

No Brasil, assim como em outros países tropicais, a criação de bovinos é feita de maneira extensiva e, portanto é suscetível às intempéries climáticas. Esse tipo de criação pode levar ao estresse térmico, mesmo em animais zebuínos. Sob condições de estresse térmico é possível a ocorrência de degeneração testicular, e por isso, há a procura por animais tolerantes ao calor. Desta maneira, este trabalho objetivou a avaliação da tolerância ao calor de touros da raça Brahman utilizando o teste de tolerância ao calor, e também a análise da qualidade seminal relacionada à disponibilidade de sombra nos pastos. Para tal, foram utilizados 10 touros da raça Brahman com idades entre 24 e 30 meses. Duas semanas antes do início das análises, três amostras de sêmen foram colhidas de cada animal para o nivelamento biológico do sêmen, e então os touros foram separados em dois grupos: 5 touros foram alocados em pasto com disponibilidade de sombra enquanto 5 touros foram alocados em pasto sem qualquer tipo de sombra. O teste de tolerância ao calor foi realizado em três dias consecutivos típicos de verão, e as colheitas de sêmen foram realizadas em 14 dias durante 2 meses, totalizando 4 colheitas. Anteriormente a todas as colheitas foram avaliadas a consistência testicular e o perímetro escrotal. As características seminais avaliadas foram volume, aspecto, turbilhonamento, motilidade, vigor e concentração e morfologia espermáticas. Os dados obtidos foram analisados com o pacote estatístico Statistical Analysis System (SAS Institute Inc., 2004). Não houve diferenças estatísticas entre os dois grupos de animais. O resultado do teste de tolerância ao calor mostrou que os animais testados são tolerantes ao calor e apresentam boa capacidade termolítica. / In Brazil, similarly to others tropical countries, bovines are bred under environmental conditions of extensive system. This breed system type may lead to heat stress even on zebu animals. Under heat stress conditions, testicular degeneration can occur and, therefore, there is a search for animals that are heat tolerant. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the heat tolerance of Brahman bulls using the heat tolerance test and to verify the occurrence of any possible effect of shadow availability on pasture on semen quality. Ten Brahman bulls aging between 24 and 30 months were used in this work. For biological semen evaluation, three semen samples were collected from each animal two weeks before beginning. The bulls were then separated into two groups: 5 animals were allocated on pasture with shadow availability and 5 bulls were allocated on pasture without any kind of shadow. The heat tolerance test were performed in three consecutive typical summer days and the semen samples were collected each 14 days during 2 months, in a total of 4 semen samples per animal. Testicular consistence and scrotal circumference were measured just before every semen collection. The semen\'s characteristics evaluated were volume, aspect, mass movement, motility, straight movement, sperm concentration and morphological exam. Data obtained from experimental proceedings were analyzed by Statistical Analysis System program (SAS Institute Inc., 2004). No difference was observed (P>0.05) in any of the characteristics analyzed when Brahman bulls were maintained on pastures with or without shadow availability. The performance of tested animals on the heat tolerance test shows that these animals are heat tolerant and present good thermolitic ability.

A produção in vitro de embriões (PIVE) bovinos é uma ferramenta importante na reprodução animal, com aplicações acadêmicas e comerciais, e com grande relevância econômica. Apesar da sua aplicabilidade, a eficiência da PIVE ainda pode ser aumentada. Efeitos espermáticos podem ser evidenciados no desenvolvimento embrionário durante a PIVE apresentando grandes variações nas taxas de produção. Devido ao aspecto multifatorial da fertilidade, as avaliações espermáticas apresentam resultados inconstantes, mesmo com o uso de métodos mais precisos de análise como a citometria de fluxo, combinada às sondas fluorescentes, que permitem avaliar maior número de espermatozoides e de atributos simultaneamente. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de atributos espermáticos (motilidade antes e após gradiente de Percoll&reg;, integridade de membranas plasmática e acrossomal, alto potencial de membrana mitocondrial e resistência da cromatina) de maneira individual, (diferença para apenas para um atributo espermático) e de maneira combinada em perfis espermáticos (diferença para todos os atributos espermáticos simultaneamente). O efeito foi avaliado por meio das taxas de clivagem, blastocisto e eficiência de desenvolvimento embrionário (taxa de blastocisto/taxa de clivagem). Os resultados demonstraram que os atributos motilidade prévia ao Percoll&reg;, a integridade da membrana acrossomal e o potencial de membrana mitocondrial, individuais, apresentam efeito negativo sobre as taxas de desenvolvimento embrionário e de blastocisto. A motilidade após o gradiente de Percoll&reg;, a integridade da membrana plasmática e a resistência da cromatina, bem como a combinação de todos os atributos espermáticos analisados, sob mesmas condições, não apresentaram efeito sobre a PIVE. Deste modo, conclui-se que controversamente alguns atributos espermáticos podem apresentar efeitos negativos sobre as taxas da PIVE e que a função e interação de atributos espermáticos com o processo in vitro devem ser mais bem compreendidas, a fim de permitir o aprimoramento deste processo podendo aumentar as taxas de produção, maximizando a eficiência da PIVE. / In vitro production (IVP) of bovine embryos is an important technology of animal reproduction. This technology is applied on research and livestock, with economic highlights, however IVP efficiency could be higher, and can be influenced by male effects. Until now, sperm evaluations had failed to determine these male effects, even using advanced technologies such as large mix of fluorescent probes by flow cytometry analysis, which evaluates a large number of sperm cells and traits simultaneously. Then, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of sperm traits (motility before and after Percoll&reg; selection, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity, high mitochondrial membrane potential, and chromatin structure) on IVP rates. Effect of each trait was enriched to evaluate the individual trait effect (differences between groups of bulls exclusively for the enriched trait, while others traits was homogenous). Combined effect of traits was also evaluated (differences between groups of bulls, and groups of batches from same bulls, for all traits simultaneously, generating a sperm profile). Enriched and combined effects were evaluated on cleavage, blastocyst and embryo development (blastocyst/cleavage) rates. Results showed that motility before Percoll&reg; selection, acrosome integrity, and high mitochondrial membrane enriched effects had negative impact on blastocyst and embryo development rates. Motility after Percoll&reg; selection, plasma membrane integrity, chromatin structure, and combined effects were not significant on IVP rates. We can conclude that controversially, some sperm traits could have a negative effect on IVP outcomes, thereafter sperm traits physiology and interactions with in vitro systems must be better understood to enhance in vitro fertilization conditions, increasing IVP yields.