Chitosan-dextran sulphate nanoparticles for GnRH release in rabbit insemination extenders.

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to develop chitosan (CS)-dextran sulphate (DS) nanoparticles containing a GnRH analogue and to study their effect on rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) semen quality. Six experimental extenders were tested as follows (control) Tris-citric acid-glucose (TCG), (1) 0.05% CS-0.05% DS (41), (2) 0.1% CS-0.05% DS (41), (3) 0.05% CS-0.05% DS (31), (4) 0.1% CS-0.05% DS (31), (5) 0.1% CS-0.05% DS (21). CS and DS were dissolved in TCG medium, and nanoparticles were obtained through magnetic stirring. Rabbit seminal samples were incubated up to 5 hr at 37°C in the extenders, and seminal quality was evaluated. The entrapment efficiency was 40%-50%. After 5 hr at 37°C, a 20% of the hormone was released. Results showed that the presence of CS-DS nanoparticles did not affect rabbit semen motility, viability and membrane functionality; however, acrosome integrity was significantly higher versus control (p < .001).