Biomedical subjects

Marco Cunto

Publications and source records attributed to Marco Cunto.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Semen collection in cats: techniques and analysis.

Sperm collection permits to obtain material for artificial insemination, diagnostic purposes, and use in research. Collections via artificial vagina (AV) and electroejaculation (EE) are the most commonly used in the cat and permit to obtain ejaculates with good quality, but EE seems to be the method of choice. Other methods of semen collection, such as epididymal squeezing or slicing, to achieve material for research have been reported. Semen analysis is essential for the fertility evaluation of male felids, but some of the diagnostic procedures used in other species are difficult or impossible to duplicate, due to the small volume of the cat ejaculate. In practice, sperm motility and viability (using eosin-nigrosin staining), morphology and sperm concentration should be evaluated, even if determination of sperm membrane and acrosomal integrity (using transmission electromicroscopy or fluorescence microscopy), semen chemistries and other parameters can be important for testing both fresh and frozen-thawed sperm. This manuscript reviews the techniques for semen collection and analysis.

Acrosome Reaction↗

PubMed2005

Vaginal and cervical modifications during the estrus cycle in the domestic cat.

A thorough knowledge of the genital tract anatomy and vaginal and cervical modifications during the phases of estrus cycle of the female cat is necessary to enhance success of assisted feline reproductive technologies or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. There are few studies of the gross anatomy of the genital tract in the queen. The vestibule is large in comparison to the vagina; the latter has a narrow lumen, which is further constricted by the prominent dorsal median fold. The cervix is oriented obliquely between the uterine body and vagina. Vaginal and cervical changes in association with the estrous cycle have been reported in some species and two recent studies investigated this aspect in the cat. This paper reviews the relevant literature, with particular emphasis on recent studies.

Anestrus↗

PubMed2005

Transcervical artificial insemination in the cat.

Many studies have reported new reproductive techniques for reproduction in endangered non-domestic felids. Artificial insemination is an important tool for developing breeding programs. This manuscript reviews recent progress in feline artificial insemination, with particular emphasis on intrauterine sperm deposition. Intrauterine insemination of felids results in higher fertilization rates than intravaginal insemination, despite insemination with fewer sperm. Although surgical insemination was utilized historically, there are some reports of catheterization of the cervix of the queen. Recently, a new technique and catheter were proposed for transcervical insemination of fresh or frozen-thawed semen.

Animals↗