Hypoosmotic Test in Rabbit Spermatozoa

Abstract

The study was conducted to investigate plasma membran integrity in rabbit spermatozoa, using hypo­ osmotic swelling test (HOS test). Six sexually mature rabbit consist of three Lop and three Rex breed used as sperm donor. Semen was collected by using artificial vagina and evaluated macro and microscopically. Semen evaluation included semen volume, pH, consistency, color, mass movement, motility, individual scores, concentration, and viability. Hypo-Osmotic solution was modified by mixing fructose and sodium citrate into three different osmotic pressure: 50, 100, and 150 mOsm/L. Sample of semen (50 µL) in 1 ml HOS solution incubated at 37°C for one hour. Typical tail abnormalities indicative of swelling evaluate every 15 minutes. Data were analyzed statistically using completely randomized design (CRD) with three factors. The result showed that mass movement, motility, and individual scores of Rex’s sperm was superior compare than Lop’s, but there were no difference in other parameters. The response of plasma membrane integrity showed that Rex’s sperm was faster (15 minute) compare to Lop’s (30 minute). This fact may relate do the different of plasma membrane composition. In conclution, to conduct the HOS test in rabbit sperm shoud consider the type of breed.