Effect of L-Tryptophan on Sperm Quality of Tigris Scraper (Capoeta umbla) (Pisces: Cyprinidae) after Cryopreservation.

BACKGROUND

The aromatic amino acid L-tryptophan is a versatile molecule and needed for the biosynthesis of proteins. Due to metabolic functions, it has been widely used in research and clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to test the usefulness of L-tryptophan as an extender of Tigris scraper (Capoeta umbla) sperm during cryopreservation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Semen samples were diluted with a ratio of 1:3 (sperm: extender) and base extenders were supplemented with L-tryptophan (0 mM, 0.5 mM, 1 mM, 2 mM and 4 mM). Sperm motility and duration of post-thawed samples were assessed after the cryopreservation process.

RESULTS

Our results revealed that motility rate and duration of sperm increased when the cryomedia was supplemented with L-tryptophan. On the other hand, an increase in the concentration of L-tryptophan in the extender caused a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the motility rate of Tigris scraper (C. umbla) sperm. The ideal results were obtained at 1 mM L-tryptophan; however, no motile sperm were shown in any samples when a concentration of 2 mM was used.

CONCLUSION

The current study shows the importance of conducting further studies related to long-term storage and reproduction management.