Variation of existence and location of aquaporin 3 in relation to cryoresistance of ram spermatozoa

Osmotic changes during the process of freeze-thawing involve changes in the location of aquaporins (AQPs) in membrane domains of spermatozoa. Some AQPs, like aquaporin 3 (AQP3), are linked to sperm cryotolerance in the porcine species. Conspicuous individual variability exists between rams and their ejaculates, which may be classified as displaying good freezability (GFE) or poor freezability (PFE), depending on several endogenous and environmental factors. The present work aimed to examine whether differences in freezability could even involve changes in location and expression of AQP3 in ram spermatozoa.