Effects of Glutathione on the Motility of Frozen-thawed Boar Spermatozoa

The effects of glutathione (GSH) on the motility of frozen-thawed boar spermatozoa were studied. Treatment of boar spermatozoa with 5mM GSH before the process of freezing improved the motility of frozen-thawed spermatozoa and prevented the production of malondialdehyde. Treatment with GSH increased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD). The activity of the malate-aspartate shuttle, an indicator of the damage to mitochondrial membranes, was significantly higher in spermatozoa treated with GSH than in those without treatment. This increase, due to treatment with GSH, caused an increase in both the ratio of ATP to ADP and the motility of the spermatozoa. Treatment with GSH also increased the conception rate and the litter size. These results suggest that GSH prevents peroxidation of lipids via an increase in SOD activity and improves the motility of frozen-thawed spermatozoa. As a result, the conception rate and the litter size are increased.