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Development and Growth Regulation

Improvement of Longevity and Viability of Sperm Cells Isolated from Pollen of Zea mays L. ¹

Department of Botany, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9 Canada, Department of Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9 Canada

Our previous studies showed that the common maize (Zea mays L.) sperm isolation medium (Brewbaker and Kwack salts in 0.44 M sucrose without buffering) caused cell lysis in vitro. In an attempt to remedy this situation, 6 sugars, 10 buffers, 5 pH values, and 3 membrane protective agents were screened to improve longevity and viability of isolated Zea mays sperm cells as estimated by hemacytometry and flow cytometry. Use of 0.55 M galactose in the isolation solution increased sperm yield by 2.5-fold compared with sucrose, and suspension of isolated sperm cells in the galactose solution gave the best longevity among the six sugars. Buffering the galactose solution with 2 mM 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid significantly improved longevity, whereas other buffers had no effect or decreased the longevity and/or viability. Among the five pH values tested (5.0, 6.0, 6.7, 7.0, and 8.0), pH 6.7 appeared to be optimal for maintenance of both longevity and viability. Screening of membrane protectants showed that cysteine caused a rapid decrease in cell viability and increased lysis, whereas dithiothreitol increased the cell numbers but lowered their viability. Addition of 0.1% bovine serum albumin increased cell numbers and viability, and about 70% of the cells remained viable after 72 h of suspension. Cell longevity and viability were also improved in 0.44 M sucrose when the solution was conditioned with 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid and bovine serum albumin. Use of 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid and bovine serum albumin inthe isolation and suspension medium significantly improved the viability and longevity of sperm cells isolated from Zea mays pollen.

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