EFFECT OF Α-TOCOPHEROL ON SPERMATOZOA OF RAT SEMEN AFTER THE FREEZE-THAWING PROCESS

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, induced by the cryopreservation
process, can be responsible for mammalian sperm damage. -tocopherol is known as an effective
antioxidant against oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant effects of -
tocopherol on count, motility, viability, TAC capacity, and DNA integrity rat spermatozoa during
semen freezing process.
Materials & Methods: Collected sperm from 10 adult rats were divided into 3 groups: fresh sperm,
control and -tocopherol (200 μM). After freezing-thawing, the number of spermatozoa, motility,
viability, TAC capacity of the sperm was analyzed. DNA integrity was assessed by nuclear staining
using acridine orange.
Results: After freezing-thawing, there was a significant increase in the motility, viability and sperm
DNA integrity in -tocopherol group compared to the control (p<0.05). Following cryopreservation,
no significant differences were found in morphology and sperm count between groups.
Conclusion: Based on our results, it is concluded that addition of -tocopherol during freezing
resulted in positive effects on sperm parameters after thawing in adult rats.