Artificial fertilisation in a terrestrial toadlet (Pseudophryne guentheri): effect of medium osmolality, sperm concentration and gamete storage

Reprod Fertil Dev. 2013;25(8):1134-41. doi: 10.1071/RD12223.

Abstract

Anurans exhibit a greater reproductive diversity than any other vertebrate order. However, studies investigating the effects of the external fertilisation environment on fertilisation success are limited to aquatic-breeding species. This study investigated the effects of fertilisation medium osmolality, sperm concentration and short-term oocyte storage on fertilisation success in a terrestrial-breeding anuran, Pseudophryne guentheri. Split-clutch experimental designs were used to determine optimal fertilisation conditions. To determine the effect of short-term sperm storage, sperm viability was assessed using fluorescence microscopy and percentage sperm motility and velocity quantified with a computer-assisted sperm analysis system. Fertilisation success was highest in media ranging in osmolality from 25 mOsm kg⁻¹ to 100 mOsm kg⁻¹, representing a broader range and higher optimal osmolality than previously reported for aquatic breeders. High rates of fertilisation (>75%) were achieved in relatively low sperm concentrations (2.5×10⁴ mL⁻¹). Oocytes stored in isotonic solutions (200 mOsm kg⁻¹) retained fertilisation capacity (32%) after 8h of storage, while sperm suspensions maintained motility (≥26%) for 13 days. Additional studies on terrestrial-breeding anurans will be required to ascertain whether the optimal fertilisation conditions reported reflect adaptations to achieve fertilisation in a terrestrial environment.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Wild / growth & development
  • Animals, Wild / physiology*
  • Anura / growth & development
  • Anura / physiology*
  • Cell Survival
  • Culture Media / metabolism
  • Female
  • Fertilization in Vitro / veterinary*
  • Lakes
  • Male
  • Oocytes / physiology*
  • Osmolar Concentration
  • Refrigeration / adverse effects
  • Refrigeration / veterinary
  • Semen Preservation / adverse effects
  • Semen Preservation / veterinary
  • Sperm Count / veterinary
  • Sperm Motility
  • Sperm-Ovum Interactions*
  • Spermatozoa / physiology*
  • Tissue Preservation / veterinary*
  • Western Australia

Substances

  • Culture Media