Pre~Seed^EQ FAQs - pg 2

Q. What is arabinogalactan and why is it in Pre-Seed EQ?

A. Arabinogalactan (AG) is a large plant sugar from the larch or tamarack tree with unique properties in supporting cell function. In fact, the whole journey to start INGfertility and develop Pre-Seed started around Dr. E’s discovery that AG supported sperm function in the laboratory. Sperm are very susceptible to oxygen free radical damage or oxidative stress that can occur in the laboratory or in the vagina from a hostile environment. This can interfere with their motility and can actually damage their chromatin. Arabinogalactan has been shown in numerous laboratory studies to protect sperm from free radical damage, promoting superior sperm motility, survival and chromatin integrity, during in vitro handling – including cold storage.

Q. Why is Pre-Seed less irritating than traditional lubricants?

A. A new paper accepted for publication in Sexually Transmitted Diseases, done at Ghent University, found that the osmolality (solute concentration) of lubricants was very highly correlated with ability of the lubricant to cause irritation. Specifically, five commercial lubricants with a range of osmolality were evaluated using the previously validated Slug Mucosal Irritation assay, to quantify mucus production and tissue damage, allowing assignment of each product into an irritation potency category (none, mild, moderate or severe).

Mucus production and irritation potency of the lubricants was significantly related (P<0.0016) with product osmolality (R²=0.97). A hypo-osmotic lubricant (FemGlide at 32 mOsmo/kg) caused negative mucus production. An iso-osmotic lubricant (the Pre~Seed formulation at 316 mOsmo/kg) caused no changes. Two moderately hyper-osmotic lubricants (Replens at 2143 and KY at 2463 mOsmo/kg) induced mild and moderate irritation, respectively. The highly hyper-osmotic lubricant (Astroglide at 5848 mOsmo/kg) resulted in severe irritation and tissue damage.

The investigators concluded that commonly used personal lubricants show a full range of mucosal irritation potential, which is related to product osmolality. Such information is critical for choosing lubricants to use in procedures with mucosal or tissue contact, such as vaginal exams in sensitive mares, or lubricant use in wound cleaning, as well as procedures with gamete contact.

Q. Why isn’t Pre-Seed Sterile?

A.  Pre-Seed is made up of a cellulose backbone. This provides the lubricity and viscosity desired for the product. Irradiation breaks down the cellulose chain. Pre-Seed EQ can be sterilized by heat autoclave, if desired. Contact us at info@preseedvet.com for a copy of validated sterilization instructions.

Other lubricants gain their lubricity through the use of glycerol or propylene glycol. These small molecules can be easily sterilized by irradiation, but of course they cause damage to sperm, both through causing osmotic shock if their concentrations are high, but also by directly altering membrane and motility function of the sperm (even if iso-osmotic).
Pre-Seed EQ is produced with zero pathogens present, and a very low bio burden (<100 cfu/ml).

Q. Do I need to worry about storage temperature for Pre-Seed EQ?

A. We do recommend that Pre-Seed EQ be stored at room temperature. However, we have done studies exposing the product to very high temperatures (such as in a vehicle in the summer time) and also to freezing and thawing. In no case has temperature extremes caused the product to change to be harmful to gametes. Repeated bouts of freezing and thawing may make the product a little bit runnier, but its functionality remains intact.