Figure 1.

Concentration-dependent effects of DMSO or quercetin on the fertility of cold-stored sperm. Cauda epididymides were taken from sacrificed male mice and stored in Lifor containing various concentrations of DMSO (1%, 5%, or 10%) or quercetin (10, 50, or 100 μg/mL) at 4°C for 7 days. After storage, sperm were isolated and incubated in BSA-free Toyoda Yokoyama Hoshi medium containing 0.75 mM MBCD and 1.0 mg/mL polyvinyl alcohol for 60 min. Oocytes were incubated in IVF medium (modified human tubal fluid containing 1.0 mM GSH) for 30–60 min. Subsequently, incubated sperm were introduced into the IVF medium. The fertilization rate was calculated as the number of two-cell embryos divided by the number of inseminated oocytes ×100. Values are given as the mean ±SD (n = 4). ^aP < 0.05 compared between Lifor and Lifor-DMSO or Lifor-DMSO-Q. DMSO, dimethyl sulfoxide. Q, quercetin.