Evaluation of sperm quality in successive regular collections from captive black-and-gold howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya)

The black-and-gold howler monkey serves as a suitable model for development of assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs), which may later be applied in threatened species of the same genus. The objectives of this study were to evaluate semen characteristics of black-and-gold howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya), with emphasis on mitochondrial activity and acrosome integrity, using staining methods that are suitable for use under field conditions. Twenty six semen samples were collected by rectal probe electroejaculation from six adult captive males from the National Primate Center (CENP), Ananindeua, PA, Brazil. The following parameters were evaluated in each semen sample: volume, pH, concentration, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, and mitochondrial activity. Both Spermac stain and the Simple Staining Method were suitable for acrosome evaluation. Diaminobenzidine needs further investigation to improve its application for this species. Overall semen quality improved from the first collection to the fifth collection. This highlights the importance of repeating semen collections when evaluating a male for use in ARTs. This research brought novel information on semen characteristics of Alouatta caraya which will aid further studies on the application of ARTs in this and other primate species.

Evaluation of sperm quality in successive regular collections from captive black-and-gold howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya)

The black-and-gold howler monkey serves as a suitable model for development of assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs), which may later be applied in threatened species of the same genus. The objectives of this study were to evaluate semen characteristics of black-and-gold howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya), with emphasis on mitochondrial activity and acrosome integrity, using staining methods that are suitable for use under field conditions. Twenty six semen samples were collected by rectal probe electroejaculation from six adult captive males from the National Primate Center (CENP), Ananindeua, PA, Brazil. The following parameters were evaluated in each semen sample: volume, pH, concentration, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, and mitochondrial activity. Both Spermac stain and the Simple Staining Method were suitable for acrosome evaluation. Diaminobenzidine needs further investigation to improve its application for this species. Overall semen quality improved from the first collection to the fifth collection. This highlights the importance of repeating semen collections when evaluating a male for use in ARTs. This research brought novel information on semen characteristics of Alouatta caraya which will aid further studies on the application of ARTs in this and other primate species.(AU)

Mechanical isolation of capuchin monkey (Cebus apella) preantral ovarian follicles / Isolamento mecânico de folículos ovarianos pré-antrais de macaca-prego (Cebus apella)

The aim of this study was to adapt a mechanical procedure for the isolation of intact preantral follicles from Cebus apella ovaries. The interval effect of serial sections of the tissue chopper was tested on a number of preantral follicles isolated from ovaries (n=6) of three C. apella females, two prepubertal and one adult. Ovaries were divided into four equal parts and fragmented with a tissue chopper, adjusted for serial sections at intervals of 250, 500, 750 and 1,000µm, respectively. Isolated follicles were counted in a Neubauer's chamber and classified as primordial, primary or secondary. The number (mean±SE) of preantral follicles isolated from 1/4 ovary varied from 68,330+17,590 (at the 1,000'm cut interval) to 300,830+111,460 (at the 500µm cut interval. The mean diameter of the isolated preantral follicles varied from 11.6µm to 27.8µm.(AU)

O presente trabalho objetivou adaptar um procedimento mecânico para o isolamento de folículos pré-antrais a partir de ovários de Cebus apella. Para isso, foi testado o efeito do intervalo de cortes seriados do tissue chopper sobre o número de folículos pré-antrais isolados a partir de ovários (n=6) de três fêmeas de C. apella, duas pré-púberes e uma adulta. Os ovários foram divididos em quatro partes iguais e fragmentados com auxílio de um tissue chopper, ajustado para a realização de secções seriadas a intervalos de 250, 500, 750 e 1000µm, respectivamente. Os folículos isolados foram contados em câmara de Neubauer e classificados em primordiais, primários e secundários. O número (média ± EP) de folículos pré-antrais isolados de 1/4 de ovário variou de 68.330+17.590, no intervalo de corte de 1.000µm, a 300.830+111.460, no intervalo de corte de 500µm, o de melhores resultados. O diâmetro médio dos folículos pré-antrais isolados variou de 11,6µm a 27, 8µm.(AU)