Study of Bull Spermatozoa

Abstract

The electron microscope has been used to determine the characteristic dimensions and the distribution of the dry mass in bull spermatozoa. The most important result is that all characteristic data are occurring in logarithmic distributions. Furthermore, no correlation between such parameters as head weight and tail weight or head length and tail length was found. T h e occurrence in logarithmic distributions and the non-correlation of parts in the assembly of a spermatozoon are considered to reflect significant biologic principles. Methodologically, a new procedure is added to quantitative electron microscopy permitting the recording of the mass cross-section (total mass per unit length) of an object. This approach makes possible determinations of the distribution and the total mass of very long and narrow structures. I N T R O D U C T I O NPresently several major theories are under discussion attempting to explain the movement of spermatozoa. The quantitative physical data on the respective species of spermatozoa supporting the theories were obtained with the aid of a light microscope. In the majority of species, however, two dimensions of the propellant structure of spermatozoa are smaller or just slightly larger than one wave length of visible light. Astonishingly little quantitative information is available in the electron microscopy literature. The obvious need for more precise and, preferably, quantitative data on sperm structure and physiology was recently emphasized in a review article by Bishop (l). One of the methods of choice to provide these is electron microscopy, which is capable not merely of rendering morphologic facts but of furnishing quantitative physical information as well. This paper reports such data on the dry mass, geometry of sperm structures, and their correlation. Fawcett's nomenclature (2-4) of sperm structure is used in this article. M A T E R I A L SBull semen samples for quantitative study were obtained from two purebred Holstein bulls 1 (Nos. [43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54]. Samples were collected in centrifuge tubes with the aid of an artificial vagina, chilled on crushed ice, and so transferred to the laboratory. Portions of the semina were then diluted 1:5 with saline (0.9 per cent NaC1) and immediately centrifuged at low speed (~500 g) for 5 minutes. After the supernatant was decanted the sediments were resuspended in saline by gently inverting the centrifuge tube several times. Centrifugation was then repeated. Finally the sediment was resuspended in an equal volume of saline. Smears were prepared from this suspension by the procedure previously described for crythrocytes (5). This involved rapid heat fixation of the smear at 100°C and a 5 minute rinse in 95 per cent ethyl alcohol or distilled water.As in the quantitative study of erythrocytcs (5), Parlodion was used to support the specimens, since 1 We are obliged to Dr. Charles A. Kiddy and Mr.

Sperm head morphology in 36 species of artiodactylans, perissodactylans, and cetaceans (Mammalia)

“…Most studies provide descriptions of individual or a few closely related species (Bos taurus, Hancock, 1952; Sus scrofa, Nicander and Bane, 1962; Bos taurus, Bohr and Zeitler, 1964; Bos taurus, Saacke and Almquist, 1964a,b;Sus scrofa, Nicander and Bane, 1966;Sus scrofa, Jones, 1971; Bos taurus, Bernstein and Teichman, 1972; Alces alces, Andersen, 1973;Equus caballus, Dott, 1975; Bos bubalis, Heath and Gupta, 1976; Physeter catodon, Equus caballus, Sus scrofa, Bos taurus, Capra hircus, Matano et al, 1976; Equus caballus, Sharma, 1976; Tursiops truncatus, Fleming et al, 1981; Bos taurus, Parks et al, 1987;Syncerus caffer, Ackerman et al, 1994; Lama glama, Delhon and von Lawzewitsch, 1994; Aepyceros melampus, Ackerman et al, 1996aAckerman et al, ,b, 1997; Balaenoptera acutorostrata, Mogoe et al, 1998). Other studies provide general information on sperm dimensions without detailed descriptions of sperm morphology (Ovis aries, Bos taurus, Hathaway and Hartee, 1963;Rangifer trandus, Dott and Utsi, 1971; multiple species, Glover, 1973;Camelus bacitranus, Camleus dromedarius, Lama glama, Merilan et al, 1979; multiple species, Merilan et al, 1982;Cervus elaphus, Haigh et al, 1984; multiple species, Patterson et al, 1985;multiple species, Flaherty et al, 1986; multiple species, Dott and Skinner, 1989; Phocoena spinipinnis, Beilis et al, 2000).…”

Karyotyping of Single Human Chromosomes from Dry Mass Determined by Electron Microscopy

“…As matters stand, this situation is not changed in a three-parameter space where arm masses and total mass are used as coordinates. Our earlier studies (16,20) suggest that the variability of dry mass is a feature of cellular nucleoprotein. Only future evaluation of whole metaphases will allow judgment as to whether a single chromosome can be uniquely identified (by its number) from dry mass alone.…”

Assessing sperm motility using acoustic plate mode devices

“…This confirmed that a simplified model based on the Sauerbrey equation and a sperm effective mass could in practice be appropriate. Previous studies have estimated a dry head mass of 13pg [7] and up to 70% of the sperm mass to be made up of water [8]. Using the estimate for the number of sperm and the frequency change of the APM, the effective mass of pig sperm on a 52MHz APM device is 18.9±4.8pg.…”