Collection and quality of rhesus monkey semen

Abstract

Electroejaculation is an accepted method of semen collection from nonhuman primates. Although both penile and rectal probe stimulation techniques have been used, there has been a general lack of consistency and detail regarding their application. This report describes the collection, processing, and evaluation of rhesus monkey semen contrasting two methods of penile electroejaculation: 1) a constant-voltage method where stimulus current is a variable and 2) a constant-current method where stimulus current is operator-controlled. The constant-current method was the more efficient procedure, requiring a lower stimulus current for successful electroejaculation. The influence on semen quality of potentially toxic agents used in the procedure, surgical glove powder and electrolyte cream, was tested; both were detrimental as measured by motility loss. No correlation was found between coagula volume and sperm numbers. The intra- and interanimal variability in semen samples from six monkeys was also evaluated. Penile electroejaculation, combined with control of stimulus current, provides a consistent, successful, and humane method for the collection of semen in the rhesus monkey.

In vitro fertilization‐embryo transfer in nonhuman primates: The technique and its applications

“…In the rhesus monkey, Hendrickx and associates (1978) reported semen volumes in the range from 0.2-5 ml with sperm densities from 100 to 1,500 millionlml. In our own experience, volumes range from 0.2-0.6 ml with sperm densities of 100-500 millionlml and motile cell percentages between 75 and 95% (Lanzendorf et al, 1990a).…”

“…Semen Collection Nonhuman primate semen is usually collected by penile or rectal electroejaculation, a procedure that, with the proviso that stimulus current is controlled, provides consistent and humane sample collection (Lanzendorf et al, 1990a). Semen can be collected from great apes by the use of a n artificial vagina or automasturbation (Gould, 1983).…”

Sperm head morphometry in ejaculates of adult marmosets (Callithrix jacchus): A model for studying sperm subpopulations and among-donor variations

“…However, the origin of this level of teratospermy is still unknown, because of the heterogenetic origin of the animals used in this study. Second, it is recognized that collection of semen from primates can produce variable results because of inconsistent stimulation conditions (e.g., related top robe position, which may have affected seminal collections [40]). However, this factor can be associated with electroejaculation method, that has not been used in this study.…”

Quantification of antiretroviral drugs for HIV-1 in the male genital tract: current data, limitations and implications for laboratory analysis

“…Moreover, unlike human ejaculate, which coagulates in minutes, non-human primate ejaculate coagulates within seconds , making analysis of seminal plasma impractical. Measuring ARV levels in the small amount of residual plasma is technically difficult (Lanzendorf 1990). Canine and feline models are unsuitable because there is no biological or virological analogy with the human system .…”