Isolation and Proliferation of Spermatogonial Cells from Ghezel Sheep

BACKGROUND: Sheep industry has taken steps toward transforming itself into a more efficient and competitive field. There are many varieties of sheep breeds in the world that each of them serves a useful purpose in the economies of different civilizations. Ghezel sheep is one of the Iranian important breeds that are raised for meat, milk and wool. Field of spermatogonial cell technologies provides tools for genetic improvement of sheep herd and multiple opportunities for research. Spermatogonial cells are the only stem cells capable of transmitting genetic information to future generations. METHODS: This study was designed to extend the technique of isolation and in vitro proliferation of spermatogonial cells in Ghezel sheep. RESULTS: Isolated cells were characterized further by using specific markers for type A spermatogonia, including PLZF. Also, sertoli cells were characterized by vimentin which is a specific marker for sertoli cells. After 10 days of co-culture, viability rates of the cells was above 94.7%, but after the freezing process the viability rates were 74 percent. CONCLUSION: In this study, a standard method for isolation and in vitro proliferation of spermatogonial stem cells in Ghezel sheep was developed.