Effect of Extenders Including High Concentrations Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) on Post-Thaw Rabbit Sperm Parameters

Abstract

Cryoprotectants have critical roles to prevent cell damages during cryopreservation. However, the adjustment of cryoprotectant concentration is also very crucial to protect cells from cryoprotectant toxicity. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of extenders including high concentration dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on post-thaw rabbit sperm quality. Pooled rabbit sperm samples (n=7) were diluted and cryopreserved in extenders including 250 mmol/L Tris, 88 mmol/L citric acid, 47 mmol/L glucose, 1% sucrose and different concentrations of DMSO. The presence of high concentration DMSO (12 and 14%) in extender decreased sperm total and progressive motility (P