Endoplasmic reticulum stress genes and apoptosis-related genes effect cryotolerance: Two comparisons of balb/c and cd-1 mice.

BACKGROUND

The inbred C57BL/6 and BALB/c mouse strains are widely recognized and used as foundational models for mutagenesis studies globally. Analyzing molecular damage at cellular and genetic levels from freeze-thaw processes in different mouse strains is crucial for understanding how to preserve sperm function and reproductive efficiency.

OBJECTIVE

To examine intraspecific variations in fresh and frozen-thawed sperm from outbred (CD-1) and inbred (BALB/c) mouse strains.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Sperm cryopreservation utilized 3 % (w/v) skim milk powder and 18 % (w/v) raffinose as cryoprotectants.

RESULTS

Post-thaw analysis showed significantly higher progressive sperm motility (p < 0.05), intact plasma membrane integrity (p < 0.01), and viability (p < 0.05) in CD-1 frozen-thawed sperm than in BALB/c. The mRNA expression of XBP1, GRP78, and IRE1 was significantly higher in BALB/c frozen-thawed sperm (p < 0.001). CHOP mRNA levels showed no significant variation (p > 0.05). BAX mRNA was significantly upregulated in both strains after freezing (p < 0.001). While TCP11 mRNA showed no significant differences (p > 0.05), PDIA3 mRNA increased significantly post-thaw (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Cryopreservation quality was superior in outbred CD-1 sperm compared to inbred BALB/c sperm, evidenced by better post-thaw parameters and elevated endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes (XBP1, GRP78, and IRE1) and PDIA3. https://doi.org/10.54680/fr25410110512.