Anti-apoptotic effect of melatonin in sperm of mithun

The present study was designed to measure the effect of melatonin (MT) on apoptosis of sperm in mithun. Ejaculates (20) were collected from mithun bulls and were split into five equal aliquots, diluted with the TEYC extender. (Gr 1: semen without additives (control), Gr 2 to Gr 6: semen was diluted with 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mM of MT respectively). Apoptotic sperm percentage was estimated using commercially available apoptotic assessment kit at immediately after dilution, equilibration and post-thaw. Inclusion of MT into diluent resulted in a significant decrease in apoptotic sperm percentage at different stage of semen preservation as compared to untreated control group. Moreover, MT at 3 mM had significantly lower apoptotic sperm percentage than MT at 1 mM, 2 mM or 4 mM or 5 mM stored sperm at different stage. It was concluded that MT at 3 mM is suitable to minimize apoptosis in mithun sperm to pursuit future sperm preservation protocols.