The effect of L-glutamine and trehalose on dog sperm cryopreservation

Abstract

This study aimed to test different doses of L-glutamine and trehalose in the canine semen diluent while determining their protective effects on spermatological and biochemical indices of the thawed samples. Semen samples were collected from three fertile dogs using the digital manipulation method. The mixed ejaculates were divided into five portions at 37 °C and diluted with additives. Five study groups were formed with L-glutamine (10 and 20 mM), trehalose (25 and 50 mM), and no additives (control). After the dilution, the semen samples were cooled for 1.5 h at 5 °C and frozen (-110 to -120 °C) in liquid nitrogen vapor. Then, they were stored at -196 °C. For spermatological evaluations, samples were thawed at 38 °C for 30 s. L-glutamine (20 mM) was found to be significantly different (P < 0.05) and led to higher percentages of motility, membrane integrity, and acrosome integrity compared to the control group. Considering the total oxidant status (TOS) assay, the lower values were determined in all the antioxidant groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Supplementing the semen extender with L-glutamine showed a higher total antioxidant status (TAS) concentration compared to the control group (P < 0.05). As a result of this study, a higher protective effect was found in all the spermatological evaluations after thawing the frozen semen samples, especially in the group containing L-glutamine (20 mM).