Effects of prostasomes on functional parameters of fresh and cryopreserved-thawed spermatozoa of crossbred Karan Fries (KF) bulls

Abstract

Prostasomes are extracellular vesicles that fuse with sperms thereby improving its functional parameters. Present study aimed to isolate and characterise prostasomes from semen of KF bulls, and to investigate prostasomes effects on functional parameters of KF bull spermatozoa. Isolated prostasomes were characterized with respect to the binding of FITC-conjugated CD 26 antibodies, as well as protein, cholesterol and phospholipids content. Subsequently, effects of prostasomes supplementation (1mg/ml) were investigated on ROS production, Ca2+ signalling, mitochondrial membrane potential and acrosome integrity of fresh and cryopreserved-thawed spermatozoa. Isolated prostasomes were immunostained positively. Prostasomes showed higher proportion of both protein and cholesterol as compared to phospholipids. When sperm samples were supplemented with prostasomes, ROS production decreased, while all other functional parameters improved.