Author(s)

Fernando H. G. Furtado¹, Fábio J. C. Faria¹, Elisvânia F. Santos², Ricardo G. Almeida¹, Deiler S. Costa^1*

¹Lab of Assisted Reproduction—FAMEZ, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil.
²Institute of Biology—INBIO, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to characterize the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in Gir semen before and after cryopreservation. The ejaculate of five sexually mature bulls was used. After collection, one 1-mL aliquot of fresh semen was analyzed immediately, and the rest of the semen was cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen for subsequent analysis. Freshly collected semen and thawed cryopreserved semen were centrifuged twice with Tyrode’s albumin lactate pyruvate medium (TALP) to remove plasma and extender, respectively. Samples were then subjected to western blotting, immunocytochemistry, and enzymatic activity techniques. At least one 100 kDa band was observed in every bull analyzed using western blotting with an anti-ACE monoclonal antibody, and band intensity decreased by 70% (p < 0.05) after cryopreservation. Immunocytochemistry showed periacrosomal ACE localization, and the area stained by the fluorescent antibody significantly decreased (p < 0.05) after cryopreservation. Enzyme activity was evaluated using FAPGG substrate hydrolysis, which was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in cryopreserved semen than in fresh semen. Therefore, the process of cryopreservation decreases ACE band intensity and enzyme activity in Gir bull semen, and reduces the stained area in immunocytochemistry.

Bovine, Spermatozoid, Seminal Proteomics

Furtado, F. , Faria, F. , Santos, E. , Almeida, R. and Costa, D. (2019) Characterization of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme before and after Cryopreservation of Gir Semen. Agricultural Sciences, 10, 638-650. doi: 10.4236/as.2019.105049.