DiluentBy

Dr.Sulake Fadhil Abbas

Importance and properties of semen diluters Semen diluter = Semen extender; Diluted semen = Extended semen -Importance of semen dilution: a. To increase volume of an ejaculate semen b. To protect sperm during cooling and extend sperm life

The most important characteristics of the diluents are the

following

1) A diluents must be isotonic with semen (have the same free

ion concentration) e.g.: by the sodium citrate or Tris solution.

2) Buffering capacity must be provided (prevent pH change by

neutralizing acid produced by sperm metabolism) e.g.: isotonic

sodium citrate, Tris solution, and milk.

3) The diluent must have the ability to protect sperm from cold

shock during the cooling from body temperature to 5°C,

Lecithin and lipoproteins in the egg yolk can provide this

function.

4) Diluent must provide nutrients to the sperm

like: simple sugars, amino acids.

5) The diluent must contain antibiotics to avoid

microbial contamination and propagation such

as :Penicillin:1000IU/ml

Streptomycin:1000µg/ml

Polymixin B : 1000 µg/ ml .

6) The diluter must prolong the life of the sperm

with a minimum drop in fertility.

Effective diluters for semen:

1- Tris Buffer Solution.

2- Milk diluent.

3- Citrate Buffer Solution.