PSV-A-7 Quality Assessments of Sperm from Gnrh-II Receptor Knockdown (KD) Boars

Abstract Pigs are the only livestock species encoding functional proteins for both second form of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH-II) and its receptor (GnRHR-II). Previously, we determined that GnRHR-II localizes to connecting piece ejaculated sperm, whereas GnRH-II is present within seminal plasma, suggesting an autocrine/paracrine interaction influencing porcine sperm function. To examine GnRH-II/GnRHR-II system further, produced a swine line with reduced endogenous expression (GnRHR-II KD). Therefore, our objective was assess quality ejaculates collected from KD (n = 3) littermate control boars. Semen extended (37.5 x 106 sperm/mL) in Androstar Plus subjected flow cytometry (Kuster Research Consulting, Inc.; Atkinson, IL). Assays measured DNA compaction, membrane fluidity viability, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial depolarization, morphology. Data were analyzed using MIXED procedure SAS; model included ejaculate as experimental unit fixed effect. fluidity, morphology not statistically different between lines (P > 0.05). However, percentage viable (intact) plasma boars (87.4 ± 0.8%) compared controls (89.6 0.8%; P < Although differences did reach significance, compaction (a measure chromatin integrity when undergoing acid stress) doubled depolarization (reflective function) 11% greater transgenic males relative controls, indicating more susceptible environmental stressors have altered energy production. Thus, these initial data suggest disruptions function fertilizing capacity implying may represent potential biomarker boar fertility. Supported by USDA/NIFA AFRI (2017-67015-26508) Hatch Multistate (NEB-26-244) funds. USDA equal opportunity provider employer.