Cryopreservation of domestic cat (Felis catus) epididymal spermatozoa in the presence of antioxidants

Cryopreservation of epididymal spermatozoa has the potential to become a valuable tool for the conservation of endangered species. The domestic cat can be used as a model for endangered felids. Spermatozoa survive cryopreservation inconsistently due to osmotic stress, cryoinjury and oxidative stress. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced and damage the spermatozoa. Antioxidants are needed to protect spermatozoa from ROS. In the present study, the antioxidants catalase (CAT) and/or superoxide dismutase (SOD) were added to domestic cat epididymal spermatozoa prior to freezing. Morphology, sperm motility, forward progressive status, and acrosome integrity were evaluated. The addition of CAT significantly improved post thaw sperm motility and forward progressive status. The addition of SOD significantly improved post thaw sperm motility, forward progression status, and acrosome integrity. The addition of SOD and CAT in combination significantly improved post thaw sperm forward progressive status.