IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO SEMEN PRESERVATION

摘要

The present invention provides a method for determining the suitability of a sample of mammalian semen for cooling and/or cryopreservation or storage, which comprises: (a) providing said sample of semen; (b) determining the lev el of a hydrophobic stimulator of 11.beta.-HSD activity in said sample; and (c) assessing, from the level of 11.beta.-HSD stimulator determined, the suitability of the semen sample for cooling and/or cryopreservation or storage. The present invention also provides a method of obtaining a hydrophobic product that improves the tolerance of mammalian semen to coolin g and/or cryopreservation or storage, a method of improving the survival rate of sperm intended for cooling and/or cryopreservation or storage and a method o f performing an assisted conception/reproductive procedure comprising contacti ng an oocyte with sperm obtained by a method according to the present invention .