title: Gamete cryopreservation in the domestic cat.
abstract: Cryopreservation of gametes is an important tool for the improvement of assisted reproductive technologies. In-depth studies of spermatozoon and oocyte characteristics are required in order to define efficient protocols for the maintenance of viability, including fertilizing and developmental ability, of gametes after thawing. In the domestic cat, semen cryopreservation techniques still produce variable results, the cryopreservation of oocytes is at an experimental level and there have been only a few attempts at cryopreserving gonadal tissue. However, each procedure has generated promising results and has important implications, both for improving reproductive performance of valuable breeds of domestic cats and for conservation of biodiversity in endangered felids by reclamation of valuable male and female germplasm.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy. cecilia.luvoni@unimi.it
authors.forename: Gaia Cecilia
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Luvoni
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats; D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000662:veterinary*; D003451:Cryoprotective Agents; D004822:Epididymis / Q000166:cytology; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000662:veterinary; D007315:Insemination, Artificial / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000166:cytology; D010053:Ovary / Q000502:physiology; D012662:Semen Preservation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000002:abnormalities; D013737:Testis / Q000502:physiology; D014021:Tissue Preservation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary
chemical_list: D003451:Cryoprotective Agents