Evaluation of viability indicators of bovine spermatozoa after exposure to silicon dimethylglycerolate using flow cytofluorimetry

. Silicon and its dioxide (silica) demonstrate good biological compatibility and a wide range of physical and chemical properties, depending on the production and processing method. In particular, silicon dimethylglycerolate (SDMG) has transmucous and transcutaneous drug conductivity, and, as a hydrogel, may be of interest for the oocytes and embryos cultivation medium structuring and/or media for cryopreservation/thawing of gametes. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of SDMG at concentrations of 0.2 % and 0.02 % on the transmembrane potential of mitochondria and cell viability of bovine spermatozoa. Methods. Sperm subpopulations were assessed for (non)viability indicators (disrupted transmembrane potential of mitochondria, externalization of phosphatidylserine and plasma membrane integrity loss) by flow cytometry with two sets of fluorescent probes. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential was measured using 3,3'-dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide (DiOC6(3))/ethidium bromide, and externalization of phosphatidylserine – using Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide pair. The results of this work indicate that SDMG in concentrations of 0.2 % and 0.02 % does not affect the transmembrane mitochondrial potential, externalization of phosphatidylserine or necrotic processes in the population of bovine spermatozoa. The scientific novelty. The data is obtained for the first time on the absence of cytotoxicity of SDMG for male gametes. Together with the shown positive effect of this compound on the morphological parameters and the state of nuclear chromatin of porcine oocytes after intrafollicular vitrification, it should be concluded that silicon-containing glycerohydrogels are of interest as a component of sperm cryopreservation/thawing media.