The birth of the clone animals is influencing the frontier of research of animal biotechnology. It has effects on research of animal biotechnology itself by necessitating setting of new research subjects, modifications of the strategy of ongoing research projects, and challenges to schemes formerly considered impossible. In my talk, such topics including mass production of fertile ova and oocyte maturation will be discussed. (1) Oocytes are needed for the production of a clone by nuclear transplantation. Mitochondrial DNA inherited via the oocyte are involved also in the morphogenesis. Therefore, oocytes from the same animal must be used as recipients to produce genuine clones by nuclear transplantation. Experimenting on the assumption that selective oogenesis can be avoided, and apoptosis of oocytes can be prevented, by using ovarian angiogenic factos will be introduced. (2) It is important to clarify the factors of oocytes involving in reprogramming of somatic cells. Such factors are thought to be expressed in oocytes during oogenesis and oocyte maturation. Therefore, molecular mechanisms of oogenesis and oocyte maturation must be clarified extensively. Topics in this field including our recent advances will be discussed. (중략)

Since it was first reported in 1997, somatic cell cloning has been demonstrated in several other mammalian species. On the mouse, it can be cloned from embryonic stem (ES) cells, fetus-derived cells, and adult-derived cells, both male and female. While cloning efficiencies range from 0 to 20%, rates of just 1-2% are typical (i.e. one or two live offspring per one hundred initial embryos). Recently, abnormalities in mice cloned from somatic cells have been reported, such as abnormal gene expression in embryo (Boiani et al., 2001, Bortvin et al., 2003), abnormal placenta (Wakayama and Yanagimachi 1999), obesity (Tamashiro et ai, 2000, 2002) or early death (Ogonuki et al., 2002). Such abnormalities notwithstanding, success in generating cloned offspring has opened new avenues of investigation and provides a valuable tool that basic research scientists have employed to study complex processes such as genomic reprogramming, imprinting and embryonic development. On the other hand, mouse ES cell lines can also be generated from adult somatic cells via nuclear transfer. These 'ntES cells' are capable of differentiation into an extensive variety of cell types in vitro, as well assperm and oocytes in vivo. Interestingly, the establish rate of ntES cell line from cloned blastocyst is much higher than the success rate of cloned mouse. It is also possible to make cloned mice from ntES cell nuclei as donor, but this serial nuclear transfer method could not improved the cloning efficiency. Might be ntES cell has both character between ES cell and somatic cell. A number of potential agricultural and clinical applications are also are being explored, including the reproductive cloning of farm animals and therapeutic cloning for human cell, tissue, and organ replacement. This talk seeks to describe both the relationship between nucleus donor cell type and cloning success rate, and methods for establishing ntES cell lines. (중략)

Pig organ is thought to be the most suitable nonhuman organ for xenotransplanstation. However, one of the major constraints to using pig organs for xenotransplantation is human natural antibody-mediated hyperacute rejection (HAR). Elimination of a(1,3) galactosyltransferase (GGTA1) from the pig is expected to be a solution to the problem of hyperacute rejection. Many efforts have made characterization of GGTA1 in structure and function, improvement in the technique of DNA transfection of somatic cells and advancement of the pig NT, a specific modification has been made to one copy of the GGTAl gene by Missouri group in 2002 To date because homozygousity of the genetic modification has been achieved in this gene, the role of gala(1,3) gal specific natural antibody in HAR and the efficacy of xenotransplantation in a nonhuman primate model will be addressed. Of other genes are found to be involved in rejection of pig donors by primates, the technology will be available to modify those genes so that rejection can be overcome.

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are mitogenic peptide hormones that regulate embryonic development, postnatal growth and cellular differentiation in vertebrates IGFs are initially translated as pre-pro-peptides and then proteolytically processed to yield the mature IGFs and E-peptides. Like the C-peptide of pro-insulin, the E-peptides of pro-IGFs are generally believed to possess little or no biological activity other than their potential roles in the biosynthesis of the mature IGFs. Like human IGF-1, previous studies in our laboratory showed that the recombinant trout Ea4-peptide of pro-IGF-1 exhibited a dose-dependent mitegenic activity in cultured BALB/3T3 fibroblasts and other non-oncogenic transformed cells (Tian et al., 1999) We have also shown by in vitro and in vivo studies that Ea4-peptide possessed novel anti-tumor activities (Chen et al., 2002, Kuo and Chen, 2002; Kuo and Chen 2003). Recent results of studies conducted in chorionicallantoic membrane of developing chicken embryos revealed that Ea4-peptide of trout pro-IGF-1 also possesses a dose-dependent antiangiogenic activity. Together these results raised the question whether Ea4-peptide of trout pro-IGF-1 may affect heart and blood vessel development and hematopoiesis in fish embryos. (중략)

Primordial germ cell (PGC) is the progenitor cell of the germ cell lineage and eventually give rise to gametes that are responsible for creating individual organisms via a fertilization process. This means that PGC is a unique cell that can be converted into individual fish. This advantage of PGCs would make it possible to develop various applications in the field of fish bioengineering. First, PGCs may make it easier to preserve the genetic resources of fish. Cryopreservation of fish eggs or embryos has not been successfully achieved so far. Therefore, the only possible method to preserve genetic resources of fishes is to raise fish as live individuals. If PGCs isolated from various fishes could be cryopresewed, these cells could be converted into live fishes via germ-line chimera production. This is particularly useful for preserving genetic materials of endangered species. Even if the species of interest were to become extinct, it could be recovered by the transplantation of cryopreserved PGCs into the embryos of a closely related species. Another application of this technology is in what could be termed "surrogate broodstock technology". (중략)

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is now the pre-eminent vertebrate model system for clarification of the roles of specific genes and signaling pathways in development. I will talk about positional cloning of two developmental mutants in zebrafish. The first mutant is headless: The vertebrate organizer can induce a complete body axis when transplanted to the ventral side of a host embryo by virtue of its distinct head and trunk inducing properties. Wingless/Wntantagonists secreted by the organizer have been identified as head inducers. Their ectopic expression can promote head formation, whereas ectopic activation of Wnt signalling during early gastrulation blocks head formation. These observations suggest that the ability of head inducers to inhibit Wntsignalling during formation of anterior structures is what distinguishes them from trunk inducers that permit the operation of posteriorizing Wnt signals. I describe the zebrafish headless (hdl) mutant and show that its severe head defects are due to a mutation in T-cell factor-3 (Tcf3), a member of the Tcf/Lef family. Loss of Tcf3 function in the hdl mutant reveals that hdl represses Wnt target genes. I provide genetic evidence that a component of the Wntsignalling pathway is essential in vertebrate head formation and patterning. Second mutant is mind bomb: Lateral inhibition, mediated by Notch signaling, leads to the selection of cells that are permitted to become neurons within domains defined by proneuralgene expression. Reduced lateral inhibition in zebrafish mib mutant embryos permits too many neural progenitors to differentiate as neurons. Positional cloning of mib revealed that it is a gene in the Notch pathway that encodes a RING ubiquitin ligase. Mib interacts with the intracellular domain of Delta to promote its ubiquitylation and internalization. Cell transplantation studies suggest that mib function is essential in the signaling cell for efficient activation of Notch in neighboring cells. (중략)

"Epigenetics" means the study of heritable changes in gene-activity without changes in DNA sequences. Methylation of the cytosine residue in a CpG dinucleotide sequence is a characteristic of the vertebrate genome. In vertebrates, methylation of DNA mainly occurs at the 5′-position of cytosine in a CpG dinucleotide forming 5-methylcytosine. Methylation of DNA plays a profound role in transcriptional repression of gene expression through several mechanisms. Generally, DNA of inactive genes is more heavily methylated than that of active ones; conversely demethylation of DNA reactivates gene expression in vivo and in vitro.

It is remarkable that nuclear transfer using differentiated donor cells can produce physiologically normal cloned animals, but the process is inefficient and highly prone to epigenetic errors. Aberrant patterns of gene expression in clones contribute to the cumulative losses and abnormal phenotypes observed throughout development. Any long lasting effects from cloning, as revealed in some mouse studies, need to be comprehensively evaluated in cloned livestock. These issues raise animal welfare concerns that currently limit the acceptability and applicability of the technology. It is expected that improved reprogramming of the donor genome will increase cloning efficiencies realising a wide range of new agricultural and medical opportunities. Efficient cloning potentially enables rapid dissemination of elite genotypes from nucleus herds to commercial producers. Initial commercialization will, however, focus on producing small numbers of high value animals for natural breeding especially clones of progeny-tested sires, The continual advances in animal genomics towards the identification of genes that influence livestock production traits and human health increase the ability to genetically modify animals to enhance agricultural efficiency and produce superior quality food and biomedical products for niche markets. The potential opportunities in animal agriculture are more challenging than those in biomedicine as they require greater biological efficiency at reduced cost to be economically viable and because of the more difficult consumer acceptance issues. Nevertheless, cloning and transgenesis are being used together to increase the genetic merit of livestock; however, the integration of this technology into farming systems remains some distance in the future.

ADAM은 metalloprotease/disintegrin domain을 가진 transmembrane glycoprotein으로서 지금까지 30종류 이상의 ADAM 및 10종류 이상의 ADAM-TS 단백질이 알려져 있다. 이들의 기능은 포유동물의 수정 시 sperm-egg binding과 fusion, myoblast fusion, integrin과의 결합 등에 직접 관여하거나, TNF-alpha 등의 생체신호전달물질이 세포로부터 분비될 때에 이들의 구조를 변화시켜 활성화시키는 효소로서의 작용, 그리고 dendritic cell differentiation 등에 관여하는 것으로 알려져 있다. 본 연구에서는 난소가 제거된 생쥐를 이용하여 자궁조직의 ADAM-8, -9, -10, -12, -15, -17 그리고 -TS1의 gene의 발현이 $17 \beta $-estradiol에 의하여 조절되는 지를 알아보았다. 생후 6 - 8주 된 암컷 생쥐의 난소를 제거하고, 2 주 후에 $17 \beta $-estradiol ($E_2$), progesterone ($P_4$) 혹은 이 둘 혼합액 ($E_2 + P_4$)을 sesame oil에 녹여 근육주사하였다. 2, 6, 12 시간 후 각각 자궁 조직을 얻고 유전자의 발현 양상을 알아보기 위하여 시료로부터 total RNA을 추출하여 역전사 중합효소반응 (RT-PCR)을 실시하였다. Densitometry를 이용, rpL7에 대한 ADAMS의 mRNA 발현 양을 상대적으로 분석하였다. 그 결과 ADAM-8과 -15는 6시간째에서, ADAM-10과 -TS1은 2시간째에서 sesame oil을 주사하거나 $P_4$만을 주사한 군보다 E$_2$를 주사한 군에서 mRNA의 양이 현저하게 증가하였고 ADAM-12는 2시간째에서 ADAM-17은 12시간째에서 sesame oil을 주사하거나 $P_$만을 주사한 군보다 E$_2$를 주사한 군에서 mRNA의 양이 현저하게 증가하였다. 이러한 결과로 미루어 ADAM-8, -10, -15 그리고 TS1은 progesterone에 의하여, ADAM-12와 17은 $17 \beta $-estradiol에 의하여 유전자의 발현이 upregulation 되는 것으로 생각되어진다.

Embryonic stem (ES) cells have property of self-renewal and can differentiate into the cells of all three primary germ layers. Recently, many growth factors, alteration of culture condition and gene modifications have been used to differentiate mouse and human ES cells into specific cell types. This study was performed to evaluate the differentiation protocol for human ES cells to the endodermal lineage cells. Human ES cells (Miz-hESl ) were cultured on STO feeder layer mitotically inactivated with mitemycin C, and embryoid bodies (EBs) were formed by suspension culture. Differentiation protocol of EBs consisted of three steps: stage I, culture of EBs for 6 days with ITSFn medium; stage II, culture of stage I cells for 8 days with N2 medium ; stage III, culture of stage II cells for 22 days with N2 medium. mRNA levels of the endodermal lineage differentiation genes were analyzed by semi- quantitative RT-PCR. The Oct-4 expression, a marker of the pluripotent state, was detected in undifferentiated human ES cells but progressively decreased after EBs formation. Differentiating human ES cells expressed marker genes of endodermal differentiation and pancreatic islet cells. GATA4, a-fetoprotein, Glut-2, and Ngn3 were expressed in all stages. However, albumin and insulin were expressed in only stage III cells. The human ES cells can be differentiated into endodermal lineage cells by multiple step culture system using various supplements. We are developing the more effective protocols for guided differentiation of human ES cells.

Aquaporins (AQPs)는 다양한 상피세포와 내피세포에 존재하며 다량의 물 수송을 촉진하는 막성단백질로 현재 11개의 AQP가 (AQP0-10) 발견되었으나, 아직 생리적, 기능적 분석은 불충분한 상태이다. 생쥐의 자궁내막은 발정주기 동안 호르몬의 자극에 따라 부풀어오르거나 수축하는 변화를 보이며 에스트로젠과 몇몇 혈관에 작용하는 매개체에 의해 자궁 혈관의 투수성이 증가한다는 보고는 있으나, 자궁액의 수송 메커니즘에 대해서는 뚜렷하게 밝혀진 바가 없다. 발정기의 생쥐 자궁은 자궁내막세포의 증식과 함께 수화되는 특징을 보이며 자궁내강으로 물이 수송되어 luminal fluid의 점성이 낮아지는 현상이 나타나는데, 이 때 AQP가 water channel로서 중요한 역할을 할 것으로 보고 본 실험에서는 면역조직화학법(immunohistochemistry)과 역전사중합효소연쇄반응(Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction)을 통해 발정기 자궁의 수화와 AQP 발현의 상관성에 대해 알아보고자 하였다. 면역조직화학법의 결과 발정주기의 다른 시기에 비해 발정기(estrus phase)에 자궁상피세포에 AQP4, 5, 8 protein이 다량 존재하는 것으로 밝혀졌고, 근육층(myometrium)에서의 발현은 발정주기 동안 차이가 없었다. Whole uterus로 RT-PCR을 수행한 결과 AQP4, 5, 8 mRNA는 luteal phase에 비해 follicular phase에 더 많이 발현하는 것으로 확인되었다. 또한 LCM(Laser Capture Microdissection) system을 이용하여 luminal epithelium과 stromal cell을 분리하여 RT-PCR을 수행한 결과 AQP4, 5, 8 mRNA는 stromal cell 보다는 luminal epithelium에 더 많이 발현하며, 이 역시 follicular phase에 발현량이 증가함을 확인하였다. 이러한 결과로 미루어 생쥐 자궁에서 AQP4, 5, 8은 발정주기 내막에 발현이 증가하며 이는 자궁내강 안으로 수분을 수송하는데 주요한 기작으로 사료되며 estrogen에 의한 조절 가능성을 암시한다.

Aquaporin (AQP) family protein은 일종의 수분 전달 통로 역할을 하는 단백질로 AQP를 통한 수분의 조절은 삼투압을 통한 물의 이동과 함께 조직내 정상적인 수분의 상성 유지에 필수적이다. 현재까지 11종의 AQP이 신장·뇌·정소·안구 등에서 발현이 확인되었다. AQP9은 물 뿐 아니라 carbamide, polyol, purine, pyrimidine, urea, glycerol 등의 이동에 관여한다. 본 연구에서는 생쥐에서 출생 후 성체에 이르는 동안 정소 내 AQP9의 발현, Leydig cell의 분화에 따른 AQP9의 발현을 조사하였다. 1, 2, 4, 8주령의 정소로부터 semiquantitative RT-PCR 및 real time PCR 법으로 AQP9의 발현을 분석한 결과 1주령에서는 발현되지 않았고 2주령에서는 미량이 발현되기 시작하였고, 4주령에서는 성체의 1/2수준으로 발현량이 급격히 증가하였고 성체에서는 다량으로 발현됨이 확인되었다. Semiquantitative RT-PCR 법과 real time PCR법을 비교할 때 주령별 발현 양상은 유사하였으나 4주령과 성체에서는 두 시험법 사이에 양적인 차이가 있었다. 면역조직화학염색 결과 주로 Leydig cell에서 AQP9의 발현이 확인되었다. 성체의 정소 균질액의 Western blot 상에서 분자량 80, 55, 35 및 23 kDa의 항원이 검출되어 dimer, trimer 형태로 존재할 가능성과 당쇄 결합에 의한 단백질의 변형이 있는 것으로 추정된다. 미성숙 개체의 정소에서는 23 form이 확인되는 반면 성체에서는 35 kDa form이 주로 발현되므로 정소에서 발현되는 AQP9의 경우 Post-translation 수준에서 AQP9의 변형이 수반되는 것으로 사료되며 AQP9의 기능과의 연관성은 추후 연구되어야 할 것이다. Leydig cell은 fetal 및 adult type 2종의 세포가 정소발달 과정에 출현, 사멸, 분화하며 이들은 각기 정소발달, 성숙과 정자형성에 필요한 steroidogenesis에 관여한다. 정소 내 AQP9의 발현은 17beta HSD의 발현 양상과 같게 나타나므로 성적 성숙에 따른 정소 내 AQP9의 발현의 증가는 adult type Leydig cell의 분화와 관련된 것으로 추측된다. 성체의 정소로부터 분리한 Leydig cell-enriched culture에 hCG를 처리한 결과 배양체의 AQP9의 발현이 증가하므로 AQP9은 LH 수용체 하위 신호전달과정을 통해 Leydig cell의 steroidogenesis 또는 생성된 steroids의 분비에 요구되는 수분 및 중성용질의 이동에 관여하는 것으로 사료된다.

In an effort to uncover the spermatogenic impairment by the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), the expression of tight junctions (TJs) genes important for the formation of the blood testis barrier (BTB) were examined following the 3,3',4,4',5-pentachloro biphenyl (PCB126) treatment in cultured neonatal testis in mice. At 4 days (D4) after 10 and 100 nM PCB126 treatment the expression of claudin-11 was significantly increased when compared with vehicle control. In contrast no difference in occludin and claudin-1 expression was found among the experimental group. On D8, 100 nM PCB126 significantly increased the expression of claudin-11 but not occludin and claudin-1. 1 uM PCB126 treatment significantly decreased expressions of occludin and ciaudin -1, suggesting the general toxic effect on the Sertoli cell. Because PCB126 does not alter the proliferative activity of spermatogenic cells and Sertoli cells in neonatal testis, it is likely that increase in the expression of claudin-11 by low dose of PCB126 may attribute to the alteration of the Sertoli cells differentiation in testis. It also emphasized that PCB126 might have differentially affected the transcription of TJ genes in Sertoli cells. In conclusion, this result suggests that the structure of TJ may be targeted by PCB126 in neonatal testis in mice and that co-PCB is potentially harmful to spermatogenesis by alteration of the development of BTB.

The sex differentiation of fishes occurs under the control of genetic and various environmental factors. DM-domain containing genes are novel zinc finger transcription factors and play key roles in sex determination. In order to isolate the wrasse DMRT (wDMRT) cDNA from the protogynous wrasse (Halichoeres tenuispinnis), the wrasse testis cDNA library was screened using the $^{32}$ P-labeled PCR products, which were amplified with the degenerate primers from conserved DM-domain regions of several DMRT genes. Among a few positives obtained through screening, the full length wDMRT cDNA of 2.9kb size encoding a predicted 300 amino acid residues was isolated. The sequence analysis exhibited 60%, 43% sequence identity with rainbow trout and tilapia DMRT1, respectively. RT-PCR assay showed that wDMRT was expressed specifically in male testis. Also, wDMRT gene was strongly expressed in May during reproductive season, when the reproductivity of wrasse is most active. This results suggested that wDMRT gene function in testis differentiation The conserved DM-domain regions were amplified using PCR from DMRT genes of several species among Labridae, and their sequences were determined. The sequence of DM-domain region of Halichoeres. tenuispinis was identical to those of Pseudolabrus japonicus, Pteragogus flagellifera, and showed 94% identity with that of Halichoeres poecioptrerus.

Serotonin(5-hydroxytriptamine, 5-HT)은 biogenic amlne류 신경전달물질로써, 다양한 생리조절활성을 갖고있다. 생식과 관련된 5-HT 기능으로 최근 사정 기능의 조절 가능성이 제시되었는데, 항우울제로 흔히 사용되는 selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor(SSRI) 계 약물을 장기 투여할 때 Premature ejaculation이 개선된다는 임상적인 증거들이 보고되었다. 본 연구는 수컷 흰쥐를 사용하여 생식기관, 특히 사정과 관계되는 기관들에서의 5-HT 수용체 아형들의 유전자 발현 여부와 그 조절 기작을 조사하였다. 흰쥐 수컷의 생식장기들인 고환, 부정소, 정관, 정낭에서 사정현상에 관여하리라 추정되는 세로토닌 수용체 아형들(type 1A, 1B, 2C)의 유전자 발현을 RT-PCR과 Southern blot으로 확인하였다. SSRI(sertraline)을 흰쥐에 매일 투여하는 모델(25mg/개체, 2주간)에서 1A 아형의 발현의 경우 정낭에서는 감소하였으나 정관에서는 증가하였고, 1B 아형의 발현은 두 장기에서 공히 증가하였다. 고환 제거후 testosterone(T) 보충 실험 모델을 사용한 실험에서, 정낭에서의 1A와 1B 발현은 T 보충에 의해 감소하였고, 정관에서는 큰 변화가 없었다. 한편 고환, 정낭과 정관에서의 세로토닌 수용체 아형 1A와 1B의 발현은 사춘기의 개시와 함께 증가하였다가 이후 점차 감소하는 경향을 보였다. 본 연구 결과는 사정 현상에 있어서 말초성 세로토닌 시스템이 중요한 역할을 담당할 가능성을 시사하는 것으로써, (i) 고등 포유동물에서의 사정 기작의 조절에 대한 과학적인 이해를 증진시키고, (ⅱ) 세로토닌 수용체 아형간의 특이한 발현과 작용에 대한 이해를 통해 보다 효과적인 사정 부전 치료법 개발을 시도할 수있고, (ⅲ) ontogeny와 sex steroid 의존성에 관련된 연구 시도는 노화와 관련된 사정능력의 변화와 같은 남성과학 분야로의 접목을 기할 수 있다고 사료된다.

Protein tyrosine kinases는 표적단백질의 tyrosine 잔기를 인산화하는 효소로서 다양한 종류의 성장인자, peptide 호르몬, cytokine 수용체 하위의 세포 내 신호전달에 관여한다. Non-receptor tyrosine kinase의 일종인 c-Src는 세포막에서 발생한 ligand-receptor 상호작용 하위의 신호전달에서 중요한 역할을 하며 C-terminal Src kinase (Csk)는 Src kinase의 C-terminal tyrosine 잔기를 인산화시켜 Src kinase의 활성을 저해한다. 이러한 Src-Csk loop를 통한 세포 내 신호전달과정은 세포의 증식과 분화, 사멸 조절에 중요한 기능을 갖지만 정소의 발생과 분화 과정에서 Src-Csk loop의 발현 및 정자형성 과정에서의 기능은 밝혀지지 않았다. 본 연구에서는 생쥐 정소에서 출생 후 성적 성숙과정에서 Csk의 발현과 Src kinase 활성의 변동을 조사하였다. Csk mRNA 발현은 생 후 2주령 이하의 미성숙 정소에서 다량으로 발현되었고 사춘기 정소 이후에는 오히려 감소하였다. Csk 단백질의 발현 양상은 mRNA 발현양상과 일치하였다. c-Src kinase 활성은 생 후 2주에 급격히 증가하고 이 후 4주령에서 감소하다가 성체 (8주령)에서 다시 증가하여 가장 높았다. 성체 조직의 Csk 단백질 현존량이 미성숙 개체보다 적은 반면 Src kinase 활성은 가장 높아 Csk 발현의 감소는 Src kinase 활성을 증가하는 것으로 사료된다. 면역조직화학방법으로 정소 조직 내 Csk의 발현양상을 조사한 결과 Leydig cell, Sertoli cell, germ cell 등 도처에서 발현되었으며 Sertoli cell 에서의 발현은 세정관 상피의 구성에 따른 차이가 확인되었다. 성체의 세정관 내에서는 감수분열 이후의 정세포(spermatid)를 감싸고 있는 Sertoli cell의 강소측에서 강한 Csk 활성이 검출되어 생식세포의 분화과정 동안 세정관 상피의 조직재구성에 관여하는 것으로 사료된다. Leydig cell에서의 발현은 생후 1주령까지는 미미하였으나 이후 2주령 이후에는 다량으로 발현함이 확인되어 adult type Leydig cell에서 진행되는 steroidogenesis와의 관련성을 추측할 수 있다. 미성숙 정소로부터 분리한 Sertoli cell-enriched culture에 200 nM testosterone을 처리하였을 때 Csk mRNA의 발현의 증가를 확인할 수 있었으므로 androgen에 의한 Sertoli cell의 분화과정에 Csk가 관여하고 있음을 알 수 있다. 결론적으로 성적 성숙에 따른 생쥐 정소 내 Src-Csk loop의 발현과 Src kinase 활성의 변동은 정소 내 간충조직, 세정관 상피의 증식 및 기능적 분화 과정을 매개하는 생리적 활성분자 수용체 하위의 신호전달 과정에 Src-Csk loop에 의한 조절가능성을 확인할 수 있었다.

Tributyltin chloride (TBTCI) is an organotin compounds that have been widely used as antifouling agents and bioaccumulated in the food chain. TBTCI has been known to induce imposex in female gastropods. There are several reports that TBTCI increased testosterone level and inhibited the conversion of testosterone to estradiol by the aromatase cytochrome P450 enzyme. In this studies, we investigated the effects of TBTCI on steroidogenesis in testes, We dosed to 4-week-old Spragus-Dawleys (SD) male rats with TSTCI (0, 1, 5, 10, and 20mg/kg/day) daily by gavage for 14 days. TBTCI significantly decreased the weights of seminal vesicle, prostate, cowper's gland and LABC at 10 and 20mg/kg/day but significantly Increased the weights of liver at 10 and 20mg/kg/day and adrenals at 20mg/kg/day. mRNA levels of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) and P450 aromatase were decreased and mRNA levels of cytochrome P450 17$\alpha$-hydroxylase/$C_{17-20}$ lyase (P450c17) were increased by TBTCI. TBTCI significantly increased serum testosterone level in dose-dependent manner. From above results, we found that TBTCI altered mRNA levels of enzymes related steroidogenesis, weights of organs and serum testosterone levels. This suggests that change of hormone levels may be due to alteration of mRNA levels of steroidogenic enzyme in testes, but further studies are necessary to investigate hormone levels in testis organ in order to find a relation of enzyme related to steroidogenesis with hormone levels. This work was supported by the Korea FDA Grant KFDA-03131-EDS-010.

Aquaporin은 막관통 통로 단백질(transmembrane channel protein)로서, 삼투압의 농도구배에 따라 세포막을 가로질러 물분자를 이동시키는 기능을 하고 있다. 포유류 초기배아에서 포배강 형성은 영양외배엽세포에서 $Na^+ / K^+$ATPase에 의한 이온 농도 구배가 형성되면 auqaporin에 의해 물이 포배강으로 유입되면서 이루어진다. 본 연구에서는 생쥐 초기배아에서 반정량적인 역전사 중합효소 연쇄반응 방법(semi-quantitative RT-PCR)과 실시간 역전사 중합효소 연쇄반응 방법(real-time RT-PCR)을 통하여 AQP8과 9의 mRNA발현을 조사하고 다중 면역형광현미경 방법(confocal immunofluorescence microscopy)을 통해 단백질 발현양상을 분석하였다. AQP8 mRNA는 상실기까지 발현되지 않다가 포배기에 이르러 발현되었고 AQP9 mRNA는 수정란에서부터 발현되어 포배기에는 유의할 정도로 증가하였다. 따라서 AQP8 mRNA는 배아유전자가 활성화되어 나타나는 것이고 AQP9 mRNA는 모계유전자 기원임을 알 수 있었다. AQP8 단백질은 상실배 단계까지 발현되지 않다가 포배시기에 영양외배엽세포사이의 접합면에 발현되었고 AQP9 단백질은 상실배 시기에 할구 사이의 인접 부위에서 강하게 발현되었다가 포배시기에는 세포간의 접합면에 약하게 발현하는 경향을 나타내었다. 실시간 역전사 중합효소 연쇄반응 방법으로 조사한 결과 포배에서 물과 글리세롤을 통과시키는 AQP9는 mRNA의 발현양이 AQP8보다 약 4배 정도 많았다. 또한 포배기에 이르러서야 물만을 통과시키는 AQP8의 발현이 나타나는 것을 보아 포배강 형성시 외부에서 영양외배엽을 통해 포배강으로 유입되는 물의 이동(trans- trophectodermal water movements)에 AQP9보다 AQP8이 더 중요하게 관여할 것으로 사료된다., K, Pb, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Ni)을 측정하였다. 실험 조건1의 결과로서 각 국의 유아용 일회용 기저귀의 중금속 함량은 거의 유사한 경향을 나타내었으며 Cr, Zn, Pb, Ni, Mn, Mg, Li, K는 detection limit(2 ppm) 이하였고, Cd, Fe, Co, Cu, Ca, Al, Sr는 검출되었지만 기준치 이하였다. 실험 조건2의 결과로서 측정 항목(Cr, Sb, Cd, Pb, Ni, Co, Cu)중 Cr, Cd, Ni, Cu는 detection limit(0.1 ppm) 이하였고, Sb, Pb, Co는 검출되었지만 기준치 이하였다.았다. 4%의 경우에는 8$0^{\circ}C$이하로 온도를 낮추는 것이 좋은 상태를 나타내었다. 이와 같은 결과는 일반적으로 화학적 레팅을 4%, 7%에서한 선행결과와 상당히 다른 결과이다.염 농도가 증가할수록 감소 현상을 보였다.X>, 75BG30은 8.6$\mu\textrm{m}$, 75BG40은 7.02$\mu\textrm{m}$로 나타났다. 따라서 경화제 양에 관계없이 10$\mu\textrm{m}$ 이하로 나타나, 경화제 10$m\ell$만으로 미세한 크기를 얻을 수 있음을 알 수 있다. 젤리 강도 변화에 따른 차이는 300BF는 78.09$\mu\textrm{m}$ 300BG는 56.32$\mu\textrm{m}$로, 75BF나 75BG에 비하여 현저히 증가하여, 젤라틴의 젤리 강도는 캡슐 제조 조건의 주요한 변수임을 알 수 있다.추출물 투여시 혈당강하 및 혈중콜레스테롤 강하가 나타났으며, 상엽복합추출물 투여와 운동을 병행시 이러한 감소 효과가 더 뚜렷하게 나타났다.교육의 적임자로 보는 시각이 비교적 높았고 약 1/2정도는 영양교육에 참여하겠다는 의지를 가지고 있을 뿐만 아니라 실제로 영양지도를

Neuroprotective strategies have been appeared to be effective in a variety of stroke models. One of the major focuses has been related to the activities of estrogen. $17\beta$-estradiol valerate(EV) has been reported to exert neuroprotective effects when administered before an ischemic insult. The purpose of this study was to determine whether EV can protect against brain injury via estrogen receptor. Chronic and acute pretreatment can reduce the ischemic damage of focal cerebral ischemia in OVX rat, indicating that EV may be a new therapeutic class of drugs to prevent neuronal damage associated with cerebral ischemia. RNAs were extracted from the hippocampus of ovariectomized female rat with or without EV. Differential gene expression profiles were revealed(Bone morphogenetic protein type 1A receptor, Protein disulphide isomerase, cytochrome bc-1 complex core P, thiol-specific antioxidant protein). RT-PCR and in situ hybridization were used to validate the relative expression pattern obtained by the cDNA array. This Study was supported by the Korea Science and Engineering Foundation(KOSEF) through the Biohealth Products Research Center(BPRC), Inje University, Korea

The uterus undergoes dynamic changes during the cycle and displays many features typical of developmental process. In order to be prepared for implantation, endometrium undergoes predictable, sequential phases of proliferation and secretory changes. The uterus during estrus cycle synthesize a complex of signaling molecules with specific spatial and temporal modes of expression and which are critical for cell proliferation and differentiation. The purpose of this investigation was to use cDNA microarrays to evaluate the expression of genes of rat uterus in estrus cycle. Animals were sacrificed on proestrus, estrus, metestrus, diestrus. Differential gene expression profiles were revealed(growth-related c-myc reponsive protein RCL, heat shock 47-kDa protein (HSP47), cytochrome c oxidase polypeptide Vlc2 (COX6C2), calreticulin (CALR)). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to validate the relative expression pattern. Using this approach, we found several genes whose expression in rat uterus was altered with estrus cycle. Our long-term goal is to determine the role of these differentially expressed genes during estrus cycle. This study was supported by through the Biohealth Products Research Center(BPRC), Inje University.

Human umbilical cord blood cells(HUCBC) are rich in mesenchymal progenitor cells, endothelial cell precursors and hematopoietic cells. HUCBC have been used as a source of transplantable stem and progenitor cells. However, little is known about survival and development of HUCBC transplantation in the CNS. Estrogen has a neuroprotective potential against oxidative stress-induced cell death so has an effect on reducing infarct size of ischemic brain. We investigated the potential use of HUCBC as donor cells and tested whether estrogen mediates intravenously infused HUCBC enter and survive in ischemic brain. PKH26 labeled mononuclear fraction of HUCBC were injected into the tail vein of ischemic OVX rat brain with or without $17\beta$-estradiol valerate(EV). Under fluorescence microscopy, labeled cells were observed in the brain section. Significantly more cells were found in the ischemic brain than in the non-ischemic brain. HUCBC transplanted into ischemic brain could migrate and survive. Some of cells have shown neuronal like cells in hippocampus, striatum and cortex tissues. These result suggest that estrogen reduces ischemic damage and increases the migration of human umbilical cord blood cells. This Study was supported by the Korea Science and Engineering Foundation(KOSEF) though the Biohealth Products Research Center(BPRC), Inje University, Korea.

The present study examined the possibility of cryopreservation of the D-shaped and umbo larvae of arkshell (Scapharca broughtonii), in terms of the survival rates after freezing and thawing. D-shaped and umbo larvae of arkshells were obtained from a shellfish farming on Yosu city. The average shell lengths were $93.3 \pm 10.1 \mu$m and $201.7 \pm 13.5 \mu$, respectively. Five cryoprotectants (CPAs), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), glycerol, ethylene glycol (EG), propylene glycol (PG), and methanol, were tested at the concentrations of 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 M. After larvae suspended in CPAs, cryoprotectants were loaded in 0.5 ml straws at a larval density of 50-100 larvae per straw, and epuilibrated for 10 and 20 minute at room temperature ($23^{\circ}C$), repectively. Straws were cooled at a rate of $1^{\circ}C$/min from $0^{\circ}C$ to $-12^{\circ}C$, held for 5 min at $-12^{\circ}C$, and then cooled at $2^{\circ}C$/min to $-35^{\circ}C$ and equilibrated for 5 min followed by plunging in liquid nitrogen. After storage in liquid nitrogen for 1 day, straws were thawed in a $30^{\circ}C$ water. As soon as straws were observed to melt, larvae were diluted with an equal volume of ASW and then washed twice with a large volume of ASW at an interval of 2 min to unload the CPAs. The results showed that after equilibration for 10 and 20 minute at room temperature, no larvae survived using methanol as CPAs, and it was observed that larval shells all open slightly, and larval flesh broke down and slopped over the shells. The highest survival rates (D-shaped larvae: 77.6%, umbo larvae: 59.3%) were obtained with 2M DMSO, and 1.5M glycerol yielded survival rates of 53.8% for D-shaped larvae and 37.5% for umbo larvae. The surviving D-shaped larvae showed active rotary motion and perfect membrane integrity and cytoplasmic normality, and the vigorous movement of veliger cilia was observed inside the closed shells. The breakdown of tissue occurred in the abnormal larvae, and the isolated cell often run out of shells.

The present study examined the possibility of long term storage, by cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen, of the sperm of Filefish (Thamnaconus septentrionalis), and the changes in motility, survival rate and ultrastructure of the sperm after freezing and thawing. The sperm was collected by stripping and stored on ice until experiments. For selection of the immobilizing solution, diluted artificial seawater (ASW) of 20, 30 and 40% were tested. The sperm motility was significantly inhibited in 30% ASW, and restored entirely after 100% ASW was added again. Two cryoprotectants, dimethyl sulfoxide ($Me_2$SO) and glycerol, were added to 30% ASW to formulate the extenders at the concentrations between 5 to 20% by volume for freezing. The sperm was diluted at the ratio of 1 :6 with the extenders, inserted into 0.5ml plastic straws and frozen at a freezing rate of $50^{\circ}C$/min to $-100^{\circ}C$ after equilibration for 10 min at room temperature, followed by plunging into liquid nitrogen. The straws were thawed in a $30^{\circ}C$ water bath for 15 sec. The highest post-thawed sperm motility and survival rate were obtained with 5% glycerol Afterward, the effect of different freezing rates was examined using 5% glycerol as a cryoprotectant, and the rate of $20^{circ}C/min to $-80^{\circ}C$ showed the best result Some ultrastructural changes of sperm, such as the detachment of plasmatic and nuclear membranes, destruction of mitochondria, were observed after cryopreservation. Morphological normality of the sperm in 5% glycerol frozen at the ratio of 1$0^{\circ}C$/min to $-80^{\circ}C$ was better than that of others.

In present study, attempts were made to preserve abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) sperm in liquid form at low temperature, to evaluate the effect of various diluents in short-term storage on sperm, and cryopreservation procedures were optimized for the cryoprotectants as well as freezing rates, in terms of the motility and survival rate, and the ultrastructural changes of sperm after short-term storage and cryopreservation were observed. The abalone sperm reached maximum motility until about 4min after activation. The motility was constant for about 16min, after which it dropped gradually, and about 50min later all motility ceased. Threshold activation of sperm was found in 40% artificial seawater (ASW), and motility increased as the concentration of ASW increased. In Hanks balanced salt solution without calcium (Ca-Free HBSS, 300 and 400 mOsmol/kg) and 10%, 20%, and 30% ASW the sperm was immotile, and motility once again restored incompletely only in HBSS of 300 and 400 mOsmol/kg, 20% and 30% ASW after 100% ASW was added. Sperm motility was extended following 20 days of cold storage only in 70% and 100% ASW. A high motility index of 3.5-4.5 was observed for the first 8 days in 70% and 80% ASW. In other diluents sperm motility was constant less than 10 days, and the motility index was obviously lower than that of sperm in 70% and 100% ASW. After 20 days of cold storage survival rates of 10.2%-20.7% were obtained in ASW and 300 mOsmol/kg HBSS, and that in 400 HBSS (65.3%) was significantly higher than others. The constant period of sperm motility stored in 70% ASW was longer obviously than that in 100% ASW after 6 days of storage, and the time to maximum motility of sperm stored in 70% increased gradually, while the difference in which of sperm in 100% ASW was not significant. The sperm plunged into liquid nitrogen all died except that sperm using 15% glycerol as cryoprotectant restored 10.4% of motility. The highest motility index (3.4) was obtained with 5% glycerol and freezing procedure: $50^{\circ}C$/min from $20^{\circ}C$ to $-80^{\circ}C$.

Transition of the resting primordial follicle to the growing primary follicle is a critical process for female reproduction, but its mechanism is poorly understood. The present study was conducted to investigate gene expression profile at the primordial-primary follicle transition process. We isolated total RNA of female mouse ovary at day1 (contains only primordial follicles) and day5 (contains primordial and primary follicles) and synthesized cDNA using annealing control primers (ACP; Seegene, Inc., Seoul, Korea). ACP provides annealing specificity and sensitivity to the template and allows to identify only authentic differentially expressed genes (DEGs). We used total 80 ACPs for PCR, observed PCR products on 2% agarose gel, cloned 42 DEGs using TOPO TA cloning vector, sequenced, and analyzed by BLAST search. Sequences of 34 clones significantly matched database entries while 4 clones were novel and 4 clones were EST. Two of 34 genes were specifically expressed only in day 5 ovaries (Sui1-rs1, Apg3p/Aut1p-like), and rest of 32 genes were expressed in both stages but were differential in amount. Differential expression was confirmed using semiquantitative RT-PCR, and there was no false positive. Anx11 and Pepp2-pending were highly expressed genes in day1-, while BPOZ, Ches1, Kcmf1, NHE3, Nid2, Ninj1, SENP3 and Survivin were highly expressed genes in day5-ovary. List of genes would provide insight for further study of mechanism regulating primordial-primary follicle transition.

Eleven wrasse species inhabit the coastal waters of Jeju Island, Korea. They are the target of leisure fishing and are considered good eating. We investigated the distribution of standard length (SL) by sex of wrasse in Jeju coastal waters for Halichores poecilopterus, H. tenuispinis, Pseudolabrus japonicus, and Pteragogus flagellifera. A cross-section of the ovary showed the ovarian cavity and ovarian lamellae containing oocytes. A cross-section of the testis showed many lobules containing spermatogonia and spermatocytes. A cross-section of a gonad undergoing sex reversal showed the regression or reduction of oocytes and some spermatocytes located in the ovarian lamellae. A cross-section of a sex-reversed testis showed the primary structure of the ovary, with spermatocytes distributed in the epithelium of the lamellae, and reformed seminiferous ducts in the basement lamellae. (중략)

Coculture of HSC with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) is one of used methods to increase cell numbers before transplant to the patients. However, because of difficulties to purify HSCs after coculture with BM-MSCs, it needs to develop a method to overcome the problem. In the present study, we have examined whether a culture insert placed over a feeder layer might support the expansion of HSCs within the insert. $CD34^+/ $ cells isolated from the umbilical cord blood by using midiMACS were divided into three groups. A group of 1 $\times$ $10^5$ cells were grown on a culture insert without feeder layer (Direct). The same number of HSCs was directly cocultured with BM-MSCs (Contact). The third group was placed onto an insert below which BM-MSCs were grown (Insert). To distinguish feeder cells from HSCs, BM-MSCs was pre-labeled fluorescently with PKH26 and 1 $\times$ $10^5$ cells were seeded in the culture dishes. After culture for 13 days, the expansion factor (x) of HSCs that were grown without feeder layer (Direct) was $26.6 \pm 8.4.$ In contrast, the number of HSCs directly cocultured with feeder layer was 59.6 $\pm$ 0.5 and that of HSCs cultured onto an insert was $46.9 \pm 8.4.$ The percentage of BM-MSCs cells remained being fluorescent was $97.9 \pm 0.3%$ after culture. Immune-phenotypically large proportion of cultured cells were founded to be differentiated into myeloid/monocyte progenitor cells. The ability of BM-MSCs, fetal lung, cartilage and brain tissue cells to support ex vivo expansion of HSCs was also examined using the insert. After 11 days of coculture with each of these cells, the expansion factor of HSCs was 15.0, 39.0, 32.0 and 24.0, respectively. Based upon these observations, it is concluded that the coculture method using insert is very effective to support ex vivo expansion of HSCs and to eliminate the contamination of other cells used to coculture wth HSCs.

Adult stem cells can make identical copies of themselves for long periods of time. They also give rise to many differentiated mature cell types that have characteristic morphology and specialized function. Human adult stem cells are the attractive raw materials for the cell/tissue therapy, however, it is not easy to get from the adult tissues. In the present study, we tried to isolate a cell population derived from human umbilical cord vein which has been discarded after birth. The cells were isolated after treatment of the umbilical vein with collagenase or trypsin. After 3 days of culture, two kinds of cell populations were found consisting of adherent cells with endothelial cell-like and fibroblast-like morphology, respectively. When these cells were subcultured 12 times over a period of 3 months, almost cells appeared uniformly to exhibit fibroblastoid morphology which was different from that of mesenchymal stem cells obtained from human bone marrow The results of RT-PCR analyses showed distinct expression of BMP-4, oct-4, and SCF genes but not of GATA, PAX-6 and Brachyury genes. On immunohistochemical staining, the cells were negative for the von Willebrand factor(vWF), alpha-smooth muscle actin and placental alkaline phosphatase. From these observations, it is suggested that stem-like cells might be present in human umbilical cord vein.

세포에 대한 산화스트레스는 세포의 대사와 기능저하의 원인이 되고 있으며 이를 줄이기 위한 항산화 물질의 첨가가 연구되고 있다. 본 연구는 비특이면역증가제이며 다목적 고기능성 알칼리용액 조성물인 Barodon의 항산화 효과를 돼지정자를 이용하여 조사하여, 돼지 액상정액의 보존성 향상을 위한 Barodon의 이용성을 알기 위하여 시도하였다. 실험구로서 무첨가구와 활성산소 인위발생구(xanthine+xanthine oxidase, X-XO), X-XO구에 superoxide dismutase, cataiase, Barodon(2종류)의 단독처리구 및 X-XO구에 이들 항산산제의 복합처리구로 나누어 항산화제 처리효과에 따른 정자운동특성을 CASA로 분석하였다. 또한 돼지 액상정액에서 Barodon의 항산화 효과를 무첨가구, catalase구 및 Barodon구로 나누어 정액의 보존기간별 정액성상 변화(정자활력, 생존성, 첨체이상)를 조사하였다.

In cryopreserved rat embryos, survival rates obtained in vitro are not always consistent with the rates obtained in vivo. To determine the optimal conditions for in vivo development to term, rat embryos at the 4-cell, 8-cell and morula stages were vitrified in EFS40 by a 1-step method and transferred into oviducts or uterine horns of recipients at various times during pseudopregnancy. Vitrified and fresh 4-cell embryos only developed after transfer into oviducts of asynchronous recipients on Day -1 to -2 of synchrony, i.e., at a point in pseudopregnancy that was 1-2 days earlier than the embryos. However, although about half the vitrified embryos transferred into oviducts on Day -1 developed to term, only a minority of embryos transferred at later times did so, whether vitrified (10-34%) or fresh (24-33%), suggesting that this may not be the most suitable stage for cryopreservation. Very few 8-cell embryos, either vitrified or fresh, developed when transferred into oviducts on Day 0 to -0.5. However, when transferred into uterine horns, high proportions of vitrified 8-cell embryos (-63%) developed to term in reasonably synchronous recipients (Day 0 to -0.5) but not in more asynchronous ones (6%; Day-1). A majority of vitrified morulae also developed to term (52-68%) in a wider range of recipients (Day 0 to -1), the greatest success occurring with recipients on Day -0.5. Similar proportions of vitrified and fresh 4-cell embryos, 8-cell embryos and morulae developed to term when there was appropriate synchronization between embryo and recipient. Thus vitrification of preimplantation stage rat embryos does not appear to impair their developmental potential in vivo.

DNA methylation is a covalent modification of DNA that can modulate gene expression and is now recognized as a major component of the epigenome. During evolution, the dinucleotide CpG has been progressively eliminated from the genome of higher eukaryotes and is present at only 5% to 10% of its predicted frequency. Approxymately 80% of the remaining CpG sites contain methylated cytosines in most vertebrates and they are distributed in a pattern that is unique in each tissue and is inversely correlated with gene expression. The pattern of methylation is faithfully maintained during cell division by the enzyme Dnmt1, the maintenance DNA methyltransferase, which catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosyl-methionine to the 5'-position of the cytosine ring. We have been identified bovine Dnmt1 cDNA full-length recently (AY173048) Little is known on the functions of Dnmt1 in bovine preimplantation embryos. Thus, we analyzed the specific pattern of Dnmt1 in in vitro derived/nuclear transfer bovine and in vivo derived mouse embryos to monitor the epigenetic reprogramming process. We investigated these process by using indirect immunofluresence with an antibody to Dnmt1. According to other studies, Dnmt1 accumulates in nuclei of early growing oocytes but is sequestered in the cytoplasm of mature oocytes. In 2-cell and 4-cell embryos, Dnmt1 is cytoplasmic, but at the 8-cell stage, it is present only in the nucleus. By the blastocyst stage, Dnmt1o is again found only in the cytoplasm. Thus, nuclear localization of Dnmt1o in preimplantation embryos is limited to the 8-cell stages After implantation, Dnmt1 is localized in the nucleus in mouse. However, we have found different patterns of Dnmt1 nuclear localization. Though we used the common antibody, immune-localization data revealed that Dnmt1 antibody have been detected at the nucleus in 1-cell to blastocyst embryos. Therefore, maybe we think that the functions of Dnmt1 between bovine and mice are different. In order to Identify the mechanisms that regulate DNA methylation in bovine preimplantation embryo, we have plans on using bovine oocyte and somatic specific Dnmt1 antibodies.

Offspring have been produced from somatic cells in a number of species. This biotechnology introduced a new phenomenon in reprogramming and differentiation of somatic cell, namely totipotency. However, birth of oversized calves and perinatal abnormalities such as increased gestation length, lack of spontaneous parturition, higher incidence of dystocia, and reduced perinatal viability of offspring are frequently observed in pregnancies of cloned bovine fetuses. Disturbance of feto-placenta has been proposed as likely causes for abnomal growth. However. Little is known the mechanism responsible for the perinatal problems. Therefore, we focused on gestation length in somatic cell nuclear recipient cows. To solve this issues, placental tissues of control and cloned bovine were obtained by a cesarean section (C-section) before 5 days of paturition. Total RNA from control and cloned bovine placenta was extractd by TRIzol reagent. GeneFishing DEG kits (Seegene) were used to identify differentially expression genes. Total RNA (3 ug) were synthesized by M-MLV reverse transcriptase (200 u/ul) with 10 uM dT-annealing control primer (ACP1) at 42C for 90 min. Then, first-strand cDNA (50 ng) was amplified using the 5 uM arbitary ACP (1-20) and 10 uM dT-ACP2 primers. Some specific expression genes were amplified, Now, we are cloning and sequencing. These finding strongly can be support to solve the problems for parturition delay in nuclear transfer cows, suggest that placenta specific proteins are key indicators for the aberration of gestation and placental function in cows.

The lutropin/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHR) is a member of the rhodopsin-like subfamily of G protein coupled receptor (GPCRs), that has been shown to mediate the internalization of its two naturally occurring agonist, lutropin and choriogonadotropin (CG). The clustered agonist-receptor complex is internalized by a dynamin-dependent pathway and traverses the endosomal compartment without agonist dissociation Dissociation of the agonist-receptor complex occurs in the lysosomes, where both the agonist and receptor are degrade. Recently, constitutively activating mutations of the receptor have been identified that are associated with familial male-precocious puberty (FMPP). A FMPP is a form of sexual precocious puberty in boys in which testosterone levels are elevated independent of changes in luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone and serum luteinizing hormone levels, We have now analyzed two naturally occurring, constitutively active mutants of the human LHR. These mutations were introduced into the rat LHR (rLHR) and are designated L435R and D556Y. Cells expressing rLHR-D556Y bind human choriogonadotropin (hCG) with normal affinity, exhibit a 25-fold increase in basal cAMP and respond to hCG with a normal increase in cAMP accumulation. Cells expressing rLHR-L435R also bind hCG with normal affinity, exhibit a 47-fold increase in basal cAMP, and do not respond to hCG with a further increase in cAMP accumulation. This mutation enhances the internalization of the free and agonist-occupied receptors ~2- and ~17- fold, respectively We conclude that the state of activation of the rLHR can modulate its basal and/or agonist-stimulated internalization. Since the internalization of hCG is involved in the termination of hCG actions, we suggest that the lack of responsiveness detected in cells expressing rLHR-L435R is due to the fast rate of internalization of the bound hCG. The finding that membranes expressing rLHR-L435R respond to hCG with an increase in adenylyl cyclase activity supports this suggestion. Autonomous Leydig cell activity in FMPP is caused by a constitutively activating LH/CGR.

DNA methylation is involved in epigenetic processes such as X-chromosome inactivation, imprinting and silencing of transposons. DNA methylation is a highly plastic and critical component of mammalian development The DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts) are responsible for the generation of genomic methylation patterns, which lead to transcriptional silencing. The maintenance DNA methyltransferase enzyme, Dnmt 1, and the de novo methyltransferase, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b, are indispensable for development because mice homozygous for the targeted disruption of any of these genes are not viable. The occurrence of DNA methylation is not random, and it can result in gene silencing The mechanisms underlying these processes are poorly understood. It is well established that DNA methylation and histone deacetylation operate along a common mechanistic pathway to repress transcription through the action of methyl-binding domain proteins (MBDs), which are components of, or recruit, histone deacetylase (HDAC) complexes to methylated DNA. As a basis for future studies on the role of the DNA-methyl-transferase in porcine development, we have isolated and characterized a partial cDNA coding for the porcine Dnmt1. Total RNA of testis, lung and ovary was isolated with TRlzol according to the manufacture's specifications. 5 ug of total RNA was reverse transcribed with Super Script II in the presence of porcine Dnmt 1 specific primers. Standard PCRs were performed in a total volume of 50 ul with cDNA as template. Two DNA fragmenets in different position were produced about 700bp, 1500bp and were cloned into pCR II-TOPO according to the manufacture's specification. Assembly of all sequences resulted in a cDNA from 158bp of 5'to 4861bp of 3'compare with the known human maintenance methyltransferase. Now, we are cloning the unknown Dnmt 1 region by 5'-RACE method and expression of Dnmt 1 in tissues from adult porcine animals.

Human lactoferrin (hLF) is an 80 kDa iron-binding glycoprotein that is expressed in high concentration in milk and in lesser amount in the secondary or specific granules of neutrophils and in plasma, LF is classically considered to be related to the binding, transport, and storage of iron. The transgenic mice carrying the human hLF gene in conjunction with the bovine $\beta$-casein promoter produced the human hLF in their milk during lactation. To screen transgenic mice, PCR was carried out using chromosomal DNA extracted from tail or toe tissues. In this study, stability of germ line transmission and expression of hLF were monitored up to generation Fl7 of a transgenic line. When female mouse of generation F9 was crossbred with normal male, generation F9 to Fl7 mice showed similar transmission rates ($66.0 \pm 12.57%, 42.0 \pm 14.98%, 72.2 \pm 25.45%, 50.0 \pm 16.70%, 65.7 \pm 6.45%, 48.6 \pm 14.65%, 54 1 \pm 18 11%, 57.8 \pm 16.16% and 48.6 \pm 20.66$, respectively), implying that the hLF gene can be transmitted stably up to long term generation in the transgenic mice For ELISA analysis, hLF expression levels were determined with an hLF ELISA kit in accordance with the supplier's protocol. Expression levels of human hLF from milk of generation F9 to Fl3 mice were $ 3.2 \pm 0.69 mg/ml, 3.1 \pm 0.81 mg/ml, 4.6 \pm 1.38 mg/ml, 3.1 \pm 0.42 mg/ml, and 4.5 \pm 1,48 mg/ml$, respectively. These expression levels were lower than that of founder (6.6 mg/$m\ell$) mouse. We concluded that transgenic mice faithfully passed the transgene on their progeny and successively secreted target proteins into their milk through several generations.

Research has been in progress for more than a decade to production of useful proteins by genetic modification in cattle. However, the levels of protein production in transgenic cattle have been reported very low. To enhance protein production in transgenic animal, we tried homologous recombination to donor cells for production of transgenic clone cattle through nuclear transfer procedure. Thus, we constructed the two targeting vectors of human thrombopoietin (TPO) at bovine $\beta$-casein locus using homologous recombination with 13.6 kb and 9.6 kb homology. In two targeting vectors, positive selection was through the neomycin resistance gene and negative selection was by the diphtheria toxin (DT). Gene targeting was attempted in bovine embryonic fibroblasts (bEF) and bovine ear skin fibroblasts (bESF). To determine the most appropriate concentration of neomycin for bEF and bESF, G4l8 resistance was confirmed by culturing the cells in various concentrations of the drug and both of the cells were optimally selected at $900 \mu g/ml$ of neomycin. The transfected bEF and bESF by the targeting vectors were colonized efficiently at the ratio of DNA to transfection reagent such as $4 \mu g$:2 ${mu}ell$ and $1 \mu g$:$2 \mu l$. Comparing number of healthy clones from passage 4 to passage 8, bESF (17%) persist in culture for much longer than bEF (6%). The two gene-targeted bESF clones of 30 random-integrated clones with 9.6 kb homology length were confirmed, however, nothing was out of 72 random integration clones with 13.6 kb homology length, The DT also worked more efficiently in clones transfected with the vector of 9.6 kb homology length. Our data suggests that the choice of donor cell for long culture period should be considered to obtain targeted cell clone, and the gene-targeting frequency and the DT working efficiency are dependent on the length of target homology.

난자성숙 중 MPF활성은 MI 과 MII에서 최대로, MII로의 성숙 직후 난자를 핵이식에 이용하는 것은 핵과 세포질 사이의 reprogramming에의 효율을 높일 수 있을 것이다. 일반적으로 돼지의 IVF나 핵이식은 체외성숙후 44h에 이뤄지고 있다. 이는 aging을 낳을 수 있고 aging은 또한 발달능을 떨어뜨릴 수 있다. 따라서, 본 실험은 돼지의 체외성숙시간에 따른 체외성숙율과 단위발생후 체외발달율을 비교하여 최적의 체외성숙시간을 찾고자 실시하였다. 돼지 난포란을 10% pFF, 0.1mg/ml cysteine, 10IU/ml PMSG, 10IU/ml hCG, 10ng/ml EGF가 첨가된 TCM-199배양액에서 22, 30, 44시간 동안 배양하여 성숙을 유도하였다. 체외성숙이 야기된 난자는 난구세포를 제거한 후 전기자극(2.0kv/cm, $30 \mu s$) 후 5분 동안 TCM-199에서 세정하고 다시 4시간 동안 6-DMAP에서 배양된 후 4mg/ml BSA가 첨가된 NCSU-23에 넣어 $39^{\circ}C$, 5% $CO_2$배양기에서 각각 6-7일 동안 배양을 실시하였다. 체외성숙 22시간 성숙난자는 M I 44.3%(35/79)와 A I -T I 36.7%(29/79)로 81%가 M II로의 성숙에는 아직 미치지 못했다. 30시간 성숙난자는 46.3%(56/121)가 M II로 성숙하였고, M I과 A I -T I 은 각각 25.6%(31/121), 27 3%(33/121)이었다. 44시간 성숙난자는 78%(71/91)가 M II로 성숙하였고, M I 과 A I -T I 은 각각 12.1%(31/121), 7 7%(33/121)이었다. 단위발생율은 22시간에 난할율은 35.4%(75/137)이었고, 배반포 발달은 없었다. 30시간에 난할율은 51.8%(145/280)이었고, 배반포 발달율은 5.5%(8/145)이었다. 44시간에 난할율은 80.0%(244/306)이었고, 배반포 발달율은 14.3%(35/144)이었다. 본 연구결과 핵 및 세포질의 완전한 성숙은 44h에 이루어지고, 이에 따른 배발달율도 뒤따름을 알 수 있었다. 난자가 핵성숙의 완성에도 불구하고 완전한 활성을 위한 발달능은 갖지 못함을 알 수 있었으며, 질 좋은 배반포 생산을 위해 핵과 세포질 성숙의 synchronous가 중요하다 사료된다. 체외성숙을 위한 배양기술의 진전과 더불어 체외성숙 시간에 따른 세포질적인 기전에 대한 연구가 필요하다.

수정란 이식의 성공적 수행을 위해서는 양질의 수정란 생산, 영양상태가 양호한 수란우의 선발, 수정란과 수란우의 발정동기화, 황체발육이 양호한 수란우의 선발과 숙련자에 의한 수정란의 이식 등의 제반사항이 최적으로 이루어 졌을 때에 가능하다고 사료된다. 특히 수란우의 영양상태는 각양각색이라 판단하기가 어렵다. 따라서 본 연구에서 수란우의 사양관리 형태가 수란우 선발율과 수태율에 미치는 영향을 조사하여 수정란 이식의 효율증진을 도모하고자 실시하였다. 본 실험에 공시된 수란우는 경기도 일원에서 사육하고 있는 젖소 미경산우를 대상으로 하였으며, 건초와 농후사료 급여군(A군)과 볏짚과 농후사료 급여군(B군)으로 나누어 조사하였다. 실험에 공시한 수정란은 능력이 우수한 5∼7산의 한우 경산우에 과배란처리 후 비외과적 방법을 이용하여 회수한 수정란을 이용하였다. 또한 수란우는 발정동기화 처리 후 황체상태가 양호한 개체만을 시험에 공시하였다. (중략)

본 연구에서는 1.7kb 및 3.1kb bovine $\beta$-casein promoter의 유전자 발현 조절능력을 알아보기 위해 1 7kb 및 3.1kb bovine $\beta$-casein promoter에 human Type II Collagen 유전자를 연결해서 DNA microinjection으로 형질전환생쥐를 생산하였다. 총 8마리의 founder생쥐(1.7kb collagen : 5마리, 3.1kb collagen 3마리)를 생산하였고 이 founder생쥐와 wild type 생쥐를 mating시켜서 $F_1 및 F_2$ 새끼를 얻었다. $F_1 및 F_2$새끼들에서 human Type II collagen 유전자의 transmission rate는 약 50%로 Mendel의 법칙에 따라 분리되어 안정적으로 유전자가 염색체에 정착되어 있음을 확인하였다. 이들 $F_1 및 F_2$새끼 중 암컷들을 임신시켜 분만 후 5-10 일경에 유선조직을 포함하여 여러 조직으로부터 RNA를 추출하여 Northern blotting 및 RT-PCR 방법을 이용하여 Type II collagen mRNA의 발현을 분석하였다. 유선에서의 발현은 1 7 kb 및 3.1 kb line별로 각각 1 line씩 발현되지 않았고, 그 외 line에서는 모두 발현되는 것으로 확인되었다. 유선에서의 Type II collagen mRNA 발형양은 1.7 kb 및 3.1 kb bovine $\beta$-casein promoter사이에서는 큰 차이를 나타내지 않았으나 1.7 kb promoter 형질전환생쥐의 경우 유선 이외 조직에서도 발현되는 양상을 나타내었고, 3.1kb promoter line에서는 유선특이적으로 발현시키는 양상을 나타내었다. 그러므로 bovine $\beta$-casein promoter의 1.7 kb와 3.1 kb 사이에 유선특이적 발현을 유도하는 조절부위가 있을 것으로 추정된다.

체세포 핵이식에 의한 복제기술은 매우 낮은 성공률 나타내고 있어 실용화에 지장을 초래하고 있다. 이것은 후생적인 유전현상인 reprogramming이 불완전하게 이루어지기 때문인 것으로 추측되어지고 있다(Reik et al., Theriogenology 2003, 59: 21-32; Han et al, Theriogenology 2003, 59: 33-44). 체세포 핵이식 후에 태아사망의 원인이 태반의 비정상적인 기능과 관계가 있는 것으로 추정되는데 복제시 태아사망의 원인을 찾기 위해 본 연구를 시행하였다. 한우에서 체세포 복제 후 임신 말기에 태아가 사망한 태반조직 3개와 IVF 수정란 이식 후 동일한 시기에 제왕절개술을 실시한 태반조직 2개를 실험에 이용하였다. 태반 protein을 Two-Dimensional electrophoresis와 Mass spectrometer를 이용하여 분석 비교하였다. IPG-system을 이용하여 pH 4~7, pH 6~9에서 1차 전기영동을 한 후, 8~l6%의 SDS-PAGE gel에 2차 전기영동을 실시하였고 G-250 Coomassie로 염색하였다. gel 이미지는 Malanie III program을 이용하여 분석하였다. 전체 gel에서 약 1800개의 구분 가능한 protein spot이 나타났다. pH 4~7 범위에서 양적으로 차이나는 것 15개 중 복제한우 태반에서 증가되는 protein spot 5개와 감소하는 protein spot 10개를 골라 protein identification을 실시하였다. MALDI-TOF-MS를 이용하여 동정한 결과 phosphatidylinositol transfer protein-$\alpha$와 interleukin-18 등의 protein이 복제태반에서 발현이 증가되었고, 복제한우에서 발현이 감소되는 것으로는 vimentin, Rho-GDI-$\beta$, TRAST $\beta$-chain, ovarian sterol carrier protein 2, triosephosphate isomerase, tropemyosin beta chain, Aldose reductase 등으로 나타났다. 이러한 protein들은 inositol 지질 신호전달과 면역시스템, 세포분열, 산소 운반, steroidogenic 세포에서의 콜레스테롤 이동, 촉매 작용, 대사 작용 등에 중요한 역할을 하는 것으로 알려져 체세포 복제에 의한 태아사망 원인은 태반에서 이러한 protein들의 비정상적인 발현에 기인된 것으로 추정된다.

항생제는 일반적으로 포유동물 난자의 체외 성숙배지나 배양배지에 첨가된다. 그러나 이들 항생제들이 포유동물의 체외 난자성숙에 미치는 영향들은 아직 완전히 검토되지 않고 있다. 본 연구에서는 염소 난포란에서 체외성숙 능력과 그 후의 단위생식 활성화에 penicillin, streptomycin 또는 gentamycin이 영향을 미치는지에 대하여 조사하였다. 도축장으로부터 수집된 난소로부터 난자-난구세포 복합체들을 회수하여 5개의 처리구 [1) Control: TCM-199 medium with no antibiotics, 2) TCM-199 with 100 IU/ml penicillin, 3) TCM-199 with 50 ug/ml streptomycin, 4) TCM-199 with 50 ug/ml gentamycin, 5) TCM-199 with both 100 IU/ml penicillin and 50 ug/ml streptomycin]에서 24시간 동안 성숙시켰다. 그리고 성숙된 난자들은 ionomycin 처리에 의한 단위생식 활성화를 시킨 후 6-diethlaminopurine(6-DMAP)에서 노출시킨 다음 5개의 항생제 처리구에서 48시간 동안 배양하였다. 24시간 동안 체외성숙이 유기된 난자에서 제 1 극체가 뚜렷이 방출된 것을 관찰하여 성숙율은 얻었고, 단위생식 활성화는 48시간 후 4-cell 단계의 난분할 관찰에 의해 평가하였다. 24시간 동안 체외성숙이 유기된 미성숙 염소 난자의 성숙비율은 69.1~73.8%로 나타났으나 Streptomycin 처리구에서는 42.5~45.7%로 나타나 유의적인 차이가 인정되었다. (p<0.01) 그러나 48시간 후의 성숙난자의 난할비율에서 5개의 처리구들 사이에는 유의적인 차이가 없었다. penicillin과 gentamicin 처리 집단들은 성숙비율과 48 시간 후 4-cell 단계로의 난분할 비율에 크게 영향을 미치지는 않았다. 그러므로 streptomycin은 미성숙 염소 난자의 체외성숙을 억제하지만 성숙된 난자에서 다음 단계로의 배발달에는 영향을 주지 않는 것이 나타났다.

Accurate analysis of nuclear status is needed when biopsied-blastomeres are used for embryo sexing. In this study, the nuclear status of blastomeres derived from 8- to 16-cell stage IVF bovine embryos was analyzed to evaluate the representative of single blastomere for embryo sexing. When 55 embryos were analyzed by PCR following biopsy, the coincident rate of sex determination between biopsied-single blastomere and matched blastocyst by PCR was 80 %. Karyotyping of biastomeres in 8- 16-cell stage bovine embryos was conducted to assess chromosome status of IVF embryos. To establish karyotyping of blastomeres, concentrations of vinblastine sulfate and duration of exposure time for metaphase plate induction with 8- to 16-cell stage bovine embryos were tested. The most effective condition for induction of metaphase plate (>45%) was 1.0 ug/ml vinblastine sulfate treatment for 15 h. In 22 embryos under the condition, only 8 embryos out of ten that had a normal diploid chromosome complement showed a sex-chromosomal composition of XX or XY (36.4%) and 2 diploid embryos showed mosaicism of the opposite sex of XX and XY in blastomeres of embryo (9.1%). One haploid embryo contained only one X-chromosome (4.5%). Four out of the other 11 embryos having a mixoploid chromosomal complement contained haploid blastomere with wrong sex chromosome (18.2%). These results suggested that morphologically normal bovine embryos derived from IVF had considerable proportion of mixoploid and sex-chromosomal mosaicism which could be the cause of discrepancies of the sex between biopsied-single blastomere and matched blastocyst by PCR analysis.

모유의 뮤신 복합체는 rotavirus에 특이적으로 결합하여 항 바이러스활동을 보여주는 것으로 나타났다. 자연 상태에서의 뮤신은 몇몇 작은 분자들과 복합적으로 연합되어 있는데 70kda의 glycoprotein, butyrophilin, 그리고 glycosylated component, lactadherin을 포함하고 있다. 그중 rotavirus에 가장 높은 결합력과 항바이러스 활동을 나타내는 Lactadherin은 모유의 유단백질의 하나인 뮤신과 결합되어 분비되는 당단백질의 하나로 분자량이 46kda이고, 지방구막 속에 연합되어있다. 이러한 배경에서 본 연구에서는 한국 여성의 breast tissue로부터 lactadherin 유전자의 cloning 및 in vitro에서의 발현을 유도하여 lactadherin band만을 purify하였고 여기서 얻은 lactadherin을 항체 생산을 위한 항원으로 사용하여 anti-lactadherin antibody를 확보하였다. 이 항체는 human milk에서의 lactadherin을 동정하는데 사용하였는데 western blot결과 lactadherin을 포함하여 몇 몇 단백질들이 확인되었다. Human milk내 mucin은 몇몇 작은 분자들과 복합체를 형성하는 것으로 확인되어졌는데 70kda의 glycoprotein, butyrophilin 그리고 46kda의 glyxosylated component, lactadherin을 포함하고 있는 milk mucin은 associated molecular임을 확인할 수 있었다.

Rotavirus는 유아나 어린아이들에게 가장 일반적으로 나타나는 심한 위장염의 원인자이며 설사로 인한 심한 탈수 증세를 일으켜 급속히 성장하는 유아의 균형적인 영양 공급을 방해함으로써 유아들의 발육과 성장 그리고 심하면 생명에 커다란 영향을 미치게 된다. 한편 모유로 키운 유아들은 설사병의 낮은 발병율과 연관이 있었다. 특히 모유의 뮤신 복합체는 rotavirus에 특이적으로 결합하여 항 바이러스활동을 보여주는 것으로 나타났다. 이러한 배경에서 본 연구는 human breast tissue로부터 lactadherin의 cloning 및 sequence 분석을 통하여 유전자의 다양성을 조사하기로 하였다. 한국 여성 9명의 유두 근처 조직에서 lactadherin을 cloning하여 그 sequence를 보고 된 서양여성의 염기서열과 비교 분석결과 여러 곳에서 single nucleotide variation이 발견되었고 본 연구에서 클론한 lactadherin(31bp-1518bp)의 염기서열과 보고된 서양여성 lactadherin gene의 SNP와 비교하였을 때 8개의 SNP중 3부분만이 일치한다는 것을 확인하였다. 또한 같은 조직중 정상 조직과 암 조직 부분에서 각각 lactadherin을 클론하여 염기서열을 비교 분석하였는데 정상 조직에서 2곳의 silent mutation있었고 암조직에서 2곳의 mutation과 1곳의 silent mutation을 발견하였으며 전체 적으로 정상조직과 암 조직 부분에서 lactadherin을 clone하여 염기서열을 분석해본 결과 암조직일수록 유전자의 변이 비율이 높다는 것을 알 수 있었다. 그리고 동일한 염기서열 상에서 많은 변이가 일어났는데 286dp(A->C), 1418dp(G->C)은 mutation이었고 327dp (A->G), 454(C->T)은 silent mutation이었다. 그 외 DNA상에서 여러 부근에 변이가 존재하였는데 이 결과로 보아 coding region에 위치한 cSNP 중 amino acid 변화를 일으켜 protein structure 또는 function에 영향을 줄 수 있는 non-synonymous cSNP 일 것으로 예상되어지며 natural selection의 영향을 받고 있음을 암시하고 있다. 본 연구에서 관찰되어진 각각의 염기 서열의 변이는 한국 사람이 가지는 lactadherin gene의 cSNP의 일부라고 판단하였다.

Inositol은 세포의증식 및 정보전달과정에 관여하는 phosphatidylinositol (PI)의 구성성분으로서 중요한 세포내 기능을 수행한다. P1는 세포내에서 특이적 인산화효소에 의하여 Pl4-phosphate(PIP), Pl4,5-phosphate($PIP_2$)로 변환되며 PIP$_2$는 phospholipase C(PLC)에 의하여 세포내 second messengers인 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG)와 inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate ($IP_3$)로 변환된다. 이렇게 생산된 DAG와 IP3는 각각 protein kinase C의 활성과 $Ca^{2++}$의 동원에 관여하여 다양한 세포내 신호전달에 관여하는 것으로 보고되고 있다. 또한 mouse에서 $IP_3$의 작용에 의한 $Ca^{2++}$의 상승은 난모세포의 성숙분열이 촉진되고 돼지 난포세포에 있어서도 PI대사가 일어나고 있는 것으로 보고되고 있다. 본 연구에서는 돼지 미성숙 난모세포의 성숙과 단위발생에 미치는 inositol의 영향을 확인하기 위하여 실시하였다. inositol의 농도가 난포란의 성숙에 미치는 영향을 검토하기 위하여 난포란을 각각 $150 \mu mole$, $250 \mu mole$, $350 \mu mole$, inositol을 포함하는 Whitten's 배양액에서 44시간 성숙시킨 결과 $93.57 \pm 4.21, 93.91 \pm 2.71, 92.96 \pm 3.58%$가 성숙되어 대조구의 $87.10 \pm 4.21$보다 유의적(P<0.05)으로 차이를 나타내었다. 난포란의 등급에 따른 inositol의 영향을 확인하기 위하여 형태적으로 난구세포가 치밀한 난포란과 난구세포가 치밀하지 않은 난포란을 $250 \mu mole$ inositol을 포함하는 Whitten's 배양액에서 성숙을 유도한 결과 난구세포가 치밀한 난포란과 난구세포가 치밀하지 않은 난포란에서 inositol을 첨가하였을 때 성숙율은 각각 $95.35 \pm 2.22와 63.55 \pm 8.12$로 inositol을 첨가하지 않은 대조구보다($89.21 \pm 3.69와 48.56 \pm 8.99$) 유의적인 차이를 보였다. 난구세포가 inositol에 의한 성숙에 미치는 영향을 확인하기 위하여 난구세포를 제거한 난포란을 inositol을 포함하는 배지에서 성숙을 유도한 결과 inositol을 첨가하지 않은 처리구보다 양호한 성숙율을 보였다.

Acyl-CoA synthetase 4는 생쥐에 있어서 거의 모든 조직에서 발현하며 아라키돈산에 특이적인 효소이다. 아라키돈산은 세포막의 인지질로부터 cPLA2에 의하여 유리되고 cyclooxygenase-1, -2에 의하여 eicosanoid로 변환된다. 이렇게 생산된 prostaglandin과 같은 eicosanoid는 배란, 수정, 임신에 있어서 중요한 기능을 수행하고 있다. 그러나 세포막으로부터 유리된 아라키돈산은 acyl-CoA synthetase 4에 의하여 다시 세포막으로 재에스테르화되어 eicosaniod의 생산을 조절하는 것으로 생각되어지고 있다. 또한 acyl-CoA synthetase 4 유전자 한쪽이 knock-out된 heterozygote mouse에서는 사산, 유산과 난소에 있어서 황체 수의 증가 등을 보고하고 있다. 그러므로 본 연구에서는 정상 생쥐 (C57BL/6) 임신 기간 중 acyl-CoA synthetase 4 유전자의 발현을 확인하기 위하여 자궁, 난소, 태아에서 RT-PCR을 수행하였다. 또한 cPLA2, cyclooxygenase-1, cyclooxygenase-2 유전자의 발현 양상을 분석하여 eicosanoid 생산에 관여하는 유전자 상호간의 발현 을 확인하였다. acyl-CoA synthetase 4는 임신 0 day에서부터 19.5 day까지 자궁과 난소에서 모두 발현하고 있었다. 또한 5.5 day에서부터 19.5 day까지의 태아에서도 그 발현이 확인되었다. 그리고 cPLA2와 cyclooxygenase-1은 acyl-CoA synthetase 4와 유사한 양상을 보였으나 cyclooxygenase-2는 임신기간 중의 자궁, 난소, 태아에서 전혀 발현하지 않았다. 그러므로 임신 중 생쥐 자궁, 난소, 태아에 있어서 eicosanoid 생산에는 cPLA2, cyclooxygenase-1, acyl-CoA synthetase 4 유전자가 관여하고 있는 것으로 생각된다.

Embryonic stem (ES) cells, derived from preimplantation embryos, are able to differentiate into various types of cells consisting the whole body, or pluripotency. In addition to the plasticity, ES cells are expected to be different from terminally differentiated cells in very many ways, such as patterns of gene expressions, ability and response of the cells in confronting environmental stimulations, metabolism, and growth rate. As a model system to differentiate these two types of cells, human ES (hES, MB03) cells and terminally differentiated cells (HeLa), we examined the ability of these two types of cells in confronting a severe oxidative insult, that is $H_2 O_2$. Ratio of dying cells as determined by the relative amount of dye neutral red entrapped within the cells after the exposures. Cell death rates were not significantly different when either MB03 or HeLa were exposed up to 0.4 mM $H_2 O_2$. However, relative amount of dye entrapped within the cells sharply decreased down to 0.12% in HeLa cells when the cells were exposed to 0.8 mM $H_2 O_2$, while it was approximately 54% in MB03. Pretreatment of cells with BSO (GSH chelator) and measurement of GSH content results suggest that cellular GSH is the major defensive mechanism of hES cells. Induction of apoptosis in hES cell was confirmed by DNA laddering, induction of Bax, and chromatin condensation. In summary, hES cells 1) are extremely resistant to oxidative stress, 2) utilize GSH as a major defensive mechanism. and 3) experience apoptosis upon exposure to oxidative stress.

Recently, human embryonic stem (hES) cells have become very important resources for ES cell basic research, cell replacement therapy, and other medical applications; thus, efficient cryopreservation methods for these cells are needed. This study examined whether a newly developed minimum volume cooling (MVC) vitrification method, which was tested through cryopreservation of sensitive bovine oocytes, can be used for freezing hES cells. Feeder-free cultured hES cell (MB03) colonies were mechanically dissected into several small clumps following enzymatic treatment. We compared the freezing efficiency of a slow-cooling method using a cryo-module (0.4-0.6C/min, 20-30 clumps/vial) and MVC vitrification using a modified 0.5-ml French mini-straw designated as a MVC straw (>$20,000{\circ}C$/min, 10 clumps/straw) After thawing, in vitro survival of hES cell clumps was higher for MVC-vitrified cells (80.8%, 97/120) than for slow-cooled cells (38.2%, 39/102). Further, the proliferation rate of surviving MVC-vitrified cells was similar to that of control hES cells from 2 weeks after thawing. In addition, vitrified-thawed hES cells demonstrated a normal karyotype, were positively immunostained for surface marker antibodies (AP, SSEA-4 and TRA-1-60) and the Oct-4 antibody, and could differentiate into all three embryonic germ layer cells in vitro. This result demonstrates that hES cell clumps can be successfully cryopreserved by a newly developed MVC vitrification method without loss of human cell characteristics.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) induces well-documented mitegenic and differentiating effects on murine and bovine preimplantation embryos. However, the effects of EGF on apoptosis and implantation-related gene expression in bovine embryos developing in vitro have not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of exogenous EGF in the presence and absence of BSA on the preimplantation development of bovine embryos. In addition, we measured cell number, apoptosis, and expression of apoptosis and implantation-related genes of the blastocysts that developed in these culture conditions. In vitro produced bovine embryos were randomly cultured in the same medium containing 0 or 10 ng/$m\ell$ EGF in the presence and absence of 0.8% BSA. More 2-cell embryos developed into blastocysts at day 7 when BSA was present than when BSA was absent. The addition of 10 ng/$m\ell$ EGF into the medium did not significantly increase the developmental rate and the cell numbers per blastocyst. However, addition of EGF in the presence of 0.8% BSA significantly reduced the degree of apoptosis in the blastocysts (P< 0.01). To investigate whether EGF modulates mRNA expression of apoptosis-related genes, mRNA was prepared from single blastocysts and each preparation was subjected to RT-PCR for Bcl-2 and Bax transcripts. EGF did not alter the relative abundance of Bax gene expression in the presence of BSA, but increase Bcl-2 (P < 0.01). The relative abundance of Interferon tau expression was increased by EGF treatment in the presence of BSA. These results suggest that EGF and BSA synergistically enhance Bcl-2 and interferone tau gene expression, which may result in a net increase in viability in bovine embryos.

Pluripotent embryonic stem (ES) cells differentiate spontaneously into beating cardiomyocytes via embryo-like aggregates. We describe the use of mouse embryonic stem (mES03) cells as a reproducible differentiation system for cardiomyocyte. To induce cardiomyocytic differentiation, mES03 cells were dissociated and allowed to aggregate (EB formation) at the presence of 0 75% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for 4 days and then another 4 days without DMSO (4+/4-). Thus treated EBs were plated onto gelatin-coated dish for differentiation. Spontaneously contracting colonies which appeared in approximately 4-5 days upon differentiation. Expression of cardiac-specific genes were determined by RT-PCR. Rebust expression of myosin light chain (MLC-2V), cardiac myosin heavy chain $\alpha$, cardiac muscle heavy polypeptide 7 $\beta(\beta$-MHC), cardiac transcription factor GATA4 and skeletal muscle-specific ${\alpha}_1$-subunit of the L-type calcium channel (${\alpha}_1 CaCh_{sm}$) were detected as early as 8 days after EB formation, but message of cardiac muscle-specific $\alpha$$_1$-subunit of the L-type calcium channel (${\alpha}_1$CaCh) were revealed at a low level. Strikingly, the expression of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) was not detected. When spontaneous contracting cell masses were examined their electrophysiological features by patch-clamp technique, it showed ventricle-like action potential 17 days after the EB formation. This study indicates that mES03 cell-derived cardiomyocytes displayed biochemical and electrophysiological properties of cardiomyocytes and DMSO enhanced development of cardiomyocytes in 4+/4- method.

Main strategy for a treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD), due to a progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, is a pharmaceutical supplement of dopamine derivatives or ceil replacement therapy. Both of these protocols have pros and cons; former exhibiting a dramatic relief but causing a severe side effects on long-term prescription and latter also having a proven effectiveness but having availability and ethical problems Embryonic stem (ES) cells have several characteristics suitable for this purpose. To investigate a possibility of using ES cells as a carrier of therapeutic gene(s), human ES (hES, MB03) cells were transfected with cDNAs coding for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in pcDNA3.1 (+) and the transfectants were selected using neomycin (250 $\mu /ml$). Expression of TH being confirmed, two of the positive clone (MBTH2 & 8) were second transfected with GTP cyclohydrolase 1 (GTPCH 1) in pcDNA3.1 (+)-hyg followed by selection with hygromycin-B (150 $\mu /ml$) and RT-PCR confirmation. By immune-cytochemistry, these genetically modified but undifferentiated dual drug-resistant cells were found to express few of the neuronal markers, such as NF200, $\beta$-tubulin, and MAP2 as well as astroglial marker GFAP. This results suggest that over-production of BH4 by ectopically expressed GTPCH I may be involved in the induction of those markers. Transplantation of the cells into striatum of 6-OHDA- denervated PD animal model relieved symptomatic rotational behaviors of the animals. Immunohistochemical analyses showed the presence of human cells within the striatum of the recipients. These results suggest a possibility of using hES cells as a carrier of therapeutic gene(s).

Embryonic stem (ES) cells proliferate extensively in the undifferentiated state and have the potential to differentiate into a variety of cell types in response to various environmental cues. The generation of functional dopaminergic neurons from ES cells is promising for cell replacement therapy to treat Parkinson's disease. We compared the in vitro differentiation potential of pluripotent human embryonic stem (hES, MB03) cells induced with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or retinoic acid (RA). Both types of treatment resulted in similar neural cell differentiation patterns at the terminal differentiation stage, specifically, 75% neurons and 11% glial cells. Additionally, treatment of hES cells with brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) or transforming growth factor (TGF)- $\alpha$ during the terminal differentiation stage led to significantly increased tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression, compared to control (P<0.05). In contrast, no effect was observed on the rate of mature or glutamic acid decarboxylase-positive neurons. Immunostaining and HPLC analyses revealed the higher levels of TH (20.3%) and dopamine in bFGF and TGF-$\alpha$ treated hES cells than in RA or BDNF treated hES cells. The results indicate that TGF-$\alpha$ may be successfully used in the bFGF induction protocol to yield higher numbers of functional dopaminergic neurons from hES cells.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate an efficacy of in vitro differentiated human embryonic stem (hES, MB03) cells expressing Nurr1 in relief of symptomatic motor behavior of Parkinson's disease (PD) animal models MB03 was genetically modified to express Nurr1 protein and was induced to differentiate according to 2-/4+ protocol using retinoic acid and ascorbic acid. The differentiation-induced cells were selected for 10 to 20 days thereafter in N2 medium. Upon selection, cells expressing GFAP, TH, or NF200 were 38.8%, 11%, and 20.5%, respectively. in order to examine therapeutic effects of the differentiated cells in PD animal model, rats were unilaterally lesioned by administration of 6-kydroxydopamine HCI (6-OHDA) into medial forebrain region (MFB, AP -4.4 mm, ML 1.2 mm, DV 78 mm with incision bar set at -2.4 mm), as a reference to bregma and the surface of the skull. Confirmation of successful lesion by apomorphine-induced rotational behavior, differentiated cells were transplanted into the striatum (AP 1.0, ML 3.5, DV -5.0; AP 0.6, ML 2.5, DV -4.5). Improvements of asymmetric motor behavior by the transplantation were examined every two weeks after the surgery. In two weeks, numbers of rotation by the experimental rats were $-14.8 \pm 33.9%$ (P<0.05) of the number before transplantation, however, the ratio increased slightly to $13.6 \pm 56.3%$ in six weeks. In contrast, the ratio of sham-grafted animals ranged from 112.3+8.5% to 139.2+28.9% during the examination. Immunohistochemical studies further confirmed the presence, survival, migration, and expression of TH of the transplanted human cells.

As an effort to direct differentiation of human embryonic stem (hES, MB03) cells to dopamine-producing neuronal cells, Nurr1 was transfected using conventional transfection protocol into MB03 and examined the expression of tyrosine hydroylase (TH) after differentiation induced by retinoic acid (RA) and ascorbic acid (AA). Experimentally, cells were transfected with linearized Nurr1 cDNA in pcDNA3.1 (+)-hygovernight followed by selection in medium containing hygromycin-B (150 $\mu$/ml). Expression of Nurr1 mRNA was confirmed by RT-PCR and protein by immunocytochemistry in the drug resistant clones. In order to study the effect of Nurr1 protein on the differentiation pattern of ES cells, one of the positive clones (MBNr24) was allowed to form embryoid body (EB) for 2 days and were induced to differentiate for another 4 days using RA (1 $\mu M$) and AA (50 mM) (2-/4+ protocol) followed by selection in N2 medium for 10 or 20 days. After 10 days in N2 medium, cells immunoreactive to anti-GFAP, anti-TH, or anti-NF200 antibodies were 38.8%, 11%, and 20.5%, respectively. After 20 days in N2 medium, cells expressing GFAP, TH, or NF200 were 28%, 15% and 44.8%, respectively but approximately 9% of MB03 expressed TH protein when the cells were induced to differentiate using a similar prorocol, These results suggest that ectopic expression of Nurr1 enhances generation of TH+ cells as well as neuronal cells when hES cells were differentiated by 2-/4+ protocol.

In previous reports, pVPSV.IGR2.1 transgenic mouse were described that brain tumor and lymphoma by reason of Vasopressin-SV40 T antigen. In this study, we produced pVPSV.IGR3.6 transgenic mouse that used pVPSV.IGR3.6 vector. Expression of transgene was vary different in transgenic mouse. We obtained 6 transgenic mouse line, moreover they had died at the age of 2-6 weeks without transmitting the transgene to their offspring, and had tumorigenesis on same location with pVPSV.IGR2.1 transgenic mouse. Only a founder mouse was investigated for expression of fusion gene. Here we extended this transgenic approach to the study of tumor progression. From the mouse, we confirmed brain tumor cell, after then cultured for investigate characterization. In this report, we demonstrate that reduction of survival rate in transgenic mouse fused vasopressin gene length, acquisition of brain tumor cell, composition with astrocyte cells and neuronal cells. Finally, cells had no change with increase of passage.

Human papillomavirus type 16(HPV16) has been known to the major factor for the development of uterine cervical carcinomas. We have extended these studies to investigate the in vivo activities of HPV-16 E6/E7 when expressed in squamous epithelia of transgenic mice. Grossly, hK14HPV16E6/E7 transgenic mice had multiple phenotypes, including wrinkled skin that was apparent prior to the appearance of hair on neonates, thickened ears, and loss of hair in adults. In the transgenic mice, the wrinkled skin phenotype on the body and legs died at the age of 3-4 weeks. Histological analysis of demonstrated that E6/E7 causes epidermal hyperplasia in multiple transgenic lineages with high penetrance. This epithelial hyperplasia was characterized by an expansion of the proliferating compartment and an expansion of the keratinocyte and was associated with hyperkeratosis. These transgenic mice expressed E6/E7 transgene mainly in skin, heart, pancreas and kidney. Hyperplasia was found at the skin. The enzyme activities of GR, GPx and CuZnSOD were measured from the transgene cause keratinocyte at the skin. The specific enzyme activities were significantly higher in transgenic mice skin compared to the normal mice skin. Thus these transgenic mice may be useful for the develpment of antioxidant enzymes or other therapies for HPV-associated hyperkeratosis.

The activation of protooncogenes or the inactivation of their gene products may be a specific and effective functional study for human neoplasia. To examine this possibility, we have used the tetracycline regulatory system to generate transgenic mice that conditionally express the HccR-2 protooncogene in vivo. The new human cervical cancer protooncogene (HccR-2) was detected from cervical cancer cell line. To elucidate its biological functions, we generated transgenic mice that expressed the HccR-2 gene. The sustained expression of the HccR-2 transgene culminated chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL). CNL is a rare chronic myeloproliferative disorder that presents as a sustained, mature neutrophilic leukocytosis with few or no circulating immature granulocytes, the absence of peripheral blood monocytosis, basophilia, or eosinophilia, and infiltration of neutrophils at the liver, spleen and kidney. Mice expressing the HccR-2 and tetracycline-transactivating protein (tTa) transgene were found to have altered myeloid development that was characterized by increased percentages of mature neutrophil and band form neutrophil in the peripheral blood, liver and spleen. Activation of the transgene causes CNL. In our model, expression of HccR-2 transgene mice was similar in many respects to the human CNL. This model will be valuable not only for investigating the biological properties of the HccR-2 and other protooncogenes in vivo but also for analyzing the mechanism involved in the progression of CNL.

The purpose of this is to investigate the effects of vitrification in open pulled straws (OPS) on in vitro survival of porcine embryos. Blastocysts were produced by in vitro fertilization of slaughterhouse-derived, in vitro matured oocytes with frozen-thawed boar semen, and subsequent culture on granulosa cell monolayer. After frozen-thawing, embryos were culture in NCSU-23 medium with 5 mM hypotaurine, 4 mg/$m\ell$ BSA and 10 ng/$m\ell$ for 48 hrs to survival tests. When blastocysts were frozen-thawed by OPS methods, the embryos with normal morphology were 32.1, 34.5 and 38.9 % in early blastocyst, blastocyst and expanded blastocyat stages. The rates of partial damaged embryos were significantly (P<0.05) higher in early biastocysts than expanded blastocysts. In another experiment, the embryos frozen by OPS methods were cultured for 48 hrs for survival and developmental rates in vitro. The proportions of embryos hatched were 11.8, 20.2 and 33.3% in embryos frozen-thawed at stages of early blastocyst, blastocyst and expanded embryos. On the other hand, The proportions of embryo with normal morphology after culture were 23.5, 25.0 and 33.3% in embryos frozen-thawed at stages of early blastocyst, blastocyst and expanded embryos. These finding indicate the possible broader application for OPS methods that this procedure described is relatively harmless, that it can be used for blastocysts of different developmental stages.

Even though success in birth of live offspring from nuclear transfer(NT) using somatic cells in many species, detailed information on processes or mechanisms of development are not well known. Cytoplasm of bovine oocyte has been known to support the development of nuclear transferred embryos using nuclear donor cells from different species. Therefore, interspecies NT might be used to find answers of some questions in basic aspect of nuclear transfer In this study, we examined the developmental potential of reconstructed embryos when bovine oocyte as a cytoplasm recipient and mouse embryonic fibroblast as a nuclear donor were used. The nuclear transfer units were aliocated in Group 1 (murine block media and normal media) and Group 2. (bovine block media and normal media). NT units were not blocked at 2-cell stage regardless of types of medium. On mouse media, poor development of interspecies NT units was observed compared to bovine media. However, as NT units cultured in bovine normal medium, embryos developed over 8-cell stage. Further studies performed to increase the developmental rate in condition of antioxidant treatment. Despite low development, bovine-murine interspecies nuclear transferred embryos could develop to blastocysts and they showed that blastocyts rate of antioxidant group was superior to those of non-antioxidant group. Next, we investigated gene expression pattern which is carried out for zygotic activation. The Xist gene is expressed in female mouse embryo after zygotic activation of 4-cell stage. But interspecies nuclear transferred embryos do not express Xist gene at 4-cell stage. As a result, it is suggested that the bovine cytoplasm controls the early preimplantation development in interspecies NT However, the development of later stages might require genomic control from transferred donor nucleus. Therefore, even though the involvement of several other factors such as mitochondrial incompatibility, effective development of embryos produced by interspecies NT requires proper genomic activation of donor nucleus after overcoming the cytoplasmic control of recipient oocytes.

The high incidence of polyspermic fertilization is one of the major causes lowering the overall efficiency of porcine IVF. The common procedure for IVF involves the co-culture of both gametes in the medium drop, which increases sperm concentration and incidence of polyspermy. Therefore, the present study was carried out to increase the efficiency of porcine IVF by reducing polyspermy using a modified swim-up method. This method modifies conventional swim-up washing by placing oocytes directly at the time of washing. Sperm pellet was prepared in the tube and mature oocytes were placed on cell strainer with $70 \mu m$ pore size (Falcon 2350) at the top of the tube. After insemination, the oocytes were stained for examination. Also, the developmental potential of fertilized embryos was measured to evaluate for the feasibility of this method. While having similar penetration rates in both methods ($86.67 \pm 2.36% to 83.33 \pm 1.36%$), there was a significant reduction of polyspermy in modified swim-up method ($17.50 \pm 1.60%$) compare to the control ($44.1 \pm 3.70%$ (p<0.05). Subsequent culture showed higher rate of blastocyst formation in modified swim-up method (20.44$\pm$0.99%) than the control ($15.73 \pm 3.26%$) (P<0.05), even though there was no significant difference. These results suggest that, by controlling the number of spermatozoa reaching the oocytes, porcine oocytes might be protected from polyspermy in vitro. Also, the developmental potential of the fertilized embryos using this method could be improved by increasing the pool of spermatozoa with better quality. Further optimization of the procedure required to implicate this method in routine porcine IVF.

Telomeres are the end of chromosomes and consist of a tandem repeat sequence of (TTAGGG)n and associated proteins. Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein which act as a template for the synthesis of telomeric DNA. Telomeres are essential for chromosome stability and are related with cell senescence, apoptosis and cancer. Even though telomeres and telomerase have been studied extensively, very little is known about telomere dynamics in embryonic cells. This study was carried out to analyze the telomeres distribution and telomerase activity of chicken cells during embryonic and developmental stages. The target cells for analysing were sperms, ovulated ova, early embryonic cells and the cells from brain, heart, liver, kidney and germinal tissue in fetus. Telomeres distribution on target cells was analyzed by Q-FISH (Quantitation-Fluorescence in situ Hybridization) techniques using a chicken telomere repeat probe. Telomerase activity was performed by TRAP assay (Telomeric repeat Amplification Protocol) with target DNA. In results, the telomeres of chicken were found at the ends of all chromosomes. In addition, chicken had interstitial telomeres on chromosomes 1, 2 and 3. Telomerase activity was highly detectable in early embryonic cells, germinal tissues and kidney cells. Whereas telomerase activity was gradually down-regulated when the organs, including brain, heart, and liver, were developed from embryos. In the distribution of telomeric DNA on the embryonic and developmental stages, most of the cells was gradually decreased in telomere quantity during ontogenesis.

Telomere란 진핵세포에 존재하는 DNA-protein 복합체로서 염색체의 말단부에 tandem repeated DNA 서열 (TTAGGG)과 특정 단백질로 구성되어 있으며 세포 분열이 진행함에 따라 이의 길이가 짧아지게 되고 일정 길이 이하가 되면 세포의 사망이 유발된다. 반면 telomerase는 ribonucleoprotein으로서 telomeric DNA의 합성에 관여하는 것으로 염색체의 말단에 telomeric DNA의 소실을 보충하는 역할로 알려져 있다. 최근 암, 노화 등과 관련하여 telomere 및 telomerase의 연구들이 활발히 진행되고 있으며, 다양한 세포들에 있어 이들의 존재와 역할에 대해서도 많은 연구들이 수행되고 있다. 포유동물의 초기 배자에 있어 telomere의 분포 양상과 telomerase의 activity의 분석은 배 발생의 기작과 배자의 세포적 특성을 구명하는데 매우 중요한 과제라 사료된다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 마우스의 초기 배 발생 단계별 수정란의 telomeric DNA의 분포 양상과 각 단계별 배자들의 telomerase activity를 제시하고자 하였다. 시험에 공시된 마우스는 4-6주령된 ICR계통으로 이들을 과배란 처리 후 자연 교배시켜 얻은 2-, 4-, 8-세포기배, 상실배 및 배반포배를 대상으로 하였다. Telomeric DNA의 양적 분석은 각 발생단계별 수정란의 표본을 제작하고 human telomere repeat probe를 이용하여 FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization)를 시행하였으며, 분리된 할구들을 형광현미경으로 관찰 후 상을 포착하고 image analyser program (MataMorph, UIC, USA)을 이용하여 한 개의 세포내 telomere의 상대적 함량을 분석하였다. 발생 단계별 배자의 telomerase activity의 분석은 TRAP (telomeric repeat amplofication protocol) assay로 분석한 바 각 발생 단계별 30개의 수정란으로부터 핵 단백질을 추출하여 telomerase를 신장시키고 PCR을 시행한 후 15% PAGE gel loading하여 이의 activity를 확인하였다. 분석 결과, telomeric DNA의 함유율은 발생단계별 다소의 차이를 나타내었으며 telomerase activity는 모든 발생단계의 수정란에서 확인할 수 있었고, 특히 상실배부터 높게 나타남을 확인하였다.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of vitrification solution(VS) on in vitro developmental competence of immature porcine oocytes. The immature porcine oocytes were exposed to the following vitrification solution, at RT. 1) EFS sol. : 20% ethylene glycol (EG) 3 min, 40% EG + 18%(w/v) Ficoll(MV70, 000) + 0.3 M sucrose 30 sec, 2) GE sol. : 10% glycerol 5 min, 10% G + 20% EG 5 min, 25% G +25% EG 30 sec, 3) EG sol : 1.5M EG 2.5 min, 5.5 M EG + 1.0 M sucrose 30 sec. Oocytes were immediately transferred into 1.0 M, 0.5 M, 0.25 M, 0125 M, 0 M sucrose solution for 2.5 min each at RT. After removal of VS, immature oocytes were matured in vitro and subsequently all oocytes were subjected to IVF followed in vitro culture for 7 days. Maturation rates of oocytes were 38.8%, 44.5%, 22.4% and 57.6%, in EFS, EG, GE and Control, respectively, maturation rates of oocytes in EG and Control was significantly higher than EFS and GE(P<0.01). Fertilization rates of oocytes in Control was significantly higher than other treated groups(P<0.05), but no difference were observed among treated groups. Polyspermic rates were no significant difference among four groups. Cleavage rates of oocytes were 21.9%, 47.1%, 19.0% and 65.9%, in EFS, EG, GE and Control, respectively, cleavage rates of oocytes in EG and Control was significantly higher than EFS and GE(P<0.05), but blastocyst formation rates were no significant difference among four groups. These results suggested that the use of EG solution could be a great challenge for reaching a successful vitrification of immature porcine oocytes.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) induces well-documented mitogenic and differentiating effects on murine and bovine preimplantation embryos. However, the effects of EGF on apoptosis and implantation-related gene expression in bovine embryos developing in vitro have not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of exogenous EGF in the presence and absence of BSA on the preimplantation development of bovine embryos. In addition, we measured cell number, apoptosis, and expression of apoptosis and implantation-related genes of the blastocysts that developed in these culture conditions. In vitro produced bovine embryos were randomly cultured in the same medium containing 0 or 10 ng/ml EGF in the presence and absence of 0.8% BSA. More 2-cell embryos developed into blastocysts at day 7 when BSA was present than when BSA was absent. The addition of 10 ng/$m\ell$ EGF into the medium did not significantly increase the developmental rate and the cell numbers per blastocyst. However, addition of EGF in the presence of 0.8% BSA significantly reduced the degree of apoptosis in the blastocysts (P<0.01). To investigate whether EGF modulates mRNA expression of apoptosis-related genes, mRNA was prepared from single blastocysts and each preparation was subjected to RT-PCR for Bcl-2 and Bax transcripts. EGF did not alter the relative abundance of Bax gene expression in the presence of BSA, but increase Bcl-2 (P<0.01) The relative abundance of Interferon tau expression was increased by EGF treatment in the presence of BSA. These results suggest that EGF and BSA synergistically enhance Bcl-2 and interferone tau gene expression, which may result in a net increase in viability in bovine embryos.

아미노산은 수정란의 체외생산에 있어서 배발달에 유효하게 작용한다. 이러한 이유로 체외배양 단계에 아미노산 첨가에 관한 보고는 많지만, 체외성숙 단계에서의 아미노산 효과와 관련된 보고는 소수이다. 본 실험에서는 먼저 체외성숙 배지에 NEAA와 EAA군들의 첨가 농도가 PB 출현율, 배발달율 그리고 생산된 배반포의 세포수에 미치는 영향과 더불어 새로운 아미노산원으로 LAH의 효과를 검토하였다. 체외성숙을 위한 난포란은 도축 한우 난소에서 2-8mm의 가시난포로부터 회수하였다. 체외성숙용 배지는 10% FBS가 첨가된 CRlaa 용액을 사용하였고, 실험1에서는 NEAA와 EAA(20$\mu l$/ml)군을 각각 $\times$l (NEAA:10$\mu l$/ml, EAA:20$\mu l$/ml), $\times$2 및 $\times$4를, 실험2에서는 LAH를 각각 1, 5 및 10 mg/ml를 첨가하였다. 체외수정은 fer-TALP 용액을, 체외배양은 CRlaa 용액을 배양 2일째까지는 0.3% BSA를, 그 이후에는 10% FBS와 난관상피세포를 첨가하여 사용하였다. 그리고 배양 8일째 확장배반포의 세포수를 조사하기 위하여 이중형광염색을 실시하였다. 통계분석은 $X^2$-test를 이용하였다. 실험 1에서 NEAA와 EAA 첨가 농도에 따른 PB 출현율은 $\times$l 첨가군(46.6%)이 대조군(29.9%)에 비하여 유의적으로 높았다. 수정을, 8세포기 및 배반포까지 발달율은 비슷한 경향이었으나, $\times$l 첨가군이 가장 높았다. 한편 ICM 세포수가 아미노산 첨가 농도의 높을수록 증가하는 경향이었고, 특히 $\times$4 첨가군($23.9 \mu 3.9$)이 대조군($14.8 \mu 2.5$)에 비하여 유의적(P<0.05)으로 높았다. 실험 2에서 LAH 첨가에 따른 핵성숙율은 5mg 첨가군, 배반포까지 발달율은 1mg 첨가군(25.9%)이 각각 가장 높았다. 배양 8일째 배반포의 세포수에 있어서 총세포수와 TE 세포수는 차이가 없었으나, ICM 세포수가 l0mg 첨가군에서 가장 높았다. 본 실험 결과에서 체외성숙 배지에 NEAA와 EAA 첨가가 배발달율에는 효과가 없었지만, 첨가농도의 증가에 따라 ICM 세포수가 증가하였다. 한편 체외성숙 배지에 LAH 첨가는 첨가 농도가 높을수록 배발달율은 낮았지만 ICM 세포수는 증가하였다.

도축 소의 난소를 이용하여 체외에서 수정란 생산과 이식이 산업화에 접어들고 있지만, 그 기원이 되는 난소의 자질은 검토되어 있지 않고, 생산된 송아지의 자질 또한 의문시 되고 있는 실정이다. 본 실험에서는 도축 한우의 육질과 육량에 따른 배발달율을 조사하여 고품질 체외수정란의 생산에 기초를 확립 하고자 실시하였다. 한우 난소는 도축 직후에 개체별로 paper에 싸서, 0.9%생리식염수 (25-$28}{\circ}C$)가 들어있는 보온병에 담아 실험실로 운반하였다. 운반된 난소의 2~8mm의 가시난포로부터 난포란을 회수하였다. 회수된 난포란은 10% FBS, 1$\mu g/ml$ FSH, 10$\mu g/ml$LH 그리고 1$\mu g/ml$ Estradiol-$17 \beta$가 첨가된 TCM199 용액에서 24시간 체외성숙을 실시하였다. 체외수정은 fer-TALP 용액을, 체외배양은 CR1aa 용액에서 배양 3일째까지는 0.3% BSA, 그 이후에는 10% FBS와 난관 상피세포를 첨가하여 사용하였다. 통계분석은 $X^2-test를 이용하였다. 도축 한우의 육질등급에 따른 수정율은 1, 2, 3 및 등외등급에서 각각 63.7, 82.7, 73.2 및 84.0%로서 등외등급에서 가장 높은 수정율을 나타냈다. 배반포까지 발달율도 각각 17.1, 32.2, 26.8 및 40.0%로서 등외등급에서 가장 높았으며 특히 등외등급의 배발달율이 1등급에 비하여 유의적(P<0.05)으로 높았다. 육량등급에 따른 수정율은 A, B, C 및 등외등급에서 각각 90.0, 62 0, 69.2 및 85.0%로서 A등급이 가장 높았고 배반포까지 발달율은 각각 21.2, 18.7, 22.5 및 20.2%로서 C등급이 가장 높았으나 유의적인 차이는 없었다. 이상의 결과에서 한우 난포란의 배발달에는 육량등급보다는 육질등급에 많은 영향을 받는 것으로 판단된다. 한편 육질 1등급에서 배발달율이 낮은 이유는 육질 향상을 목적으로 암소를 비육 하는 경우 발생하는 번식장애와 밀접한 관계가 있는 것으로 사료된다.

체외에서 한우 난포란의 감수분열과 배발달 능력의 획득에는 단백질 합성이 수반되어야 한다. 그러나 이러한 변화와 관련된 연구 보고는 거의 전무한 실정이다. 본 실험은 난자의 핵성숙과 관련된 세포질내 단백질 변화를 파악하기 위하여, 체외성숙 시간에 다른 배발달율과 세포질내 단백질을 비교하여 배발달능력 획득과 관련 있는 단백질을 규명하고자 실시하였다. 한우 난소에서 2-8mm의 가시난포로부터 난포란을 회수하였다. 회수된 난포란은 10% FBS와 호르몬이 첨가된 TCM199 용액에서 18시간 또는 24시간 체외성숙을 실시하였다. 난자 세포질내 단백질 변화는 2D gel electrophoresis를 이용하였고, 유의적인 변화를 나타낸 spot은 peptide mass fingerprinting을 통하여 단백질 동정을 실시하였다. 체외수정은 fer-TALP 용액을, 체외배양은 CR1aa 용액을 배양 3일째까지는 0.3% BSA, 그 이후에는 10% FBS와 난관상피세포를 첨가하여 사용하였다. 통계분석은 t-test를 이용하였다. 난자의 세포질에 대한 이차원전기영동 결과 29개의 단백질 spot들을 확인하였다. 한편 체외성숙 18시간째에 PB가 출현된 난자는 PB가 출현되지 않은 난자에 비하여 15개의 spot에서 유의적인 변화를 나타냈다. 이들 중 4개의 단백질 spot은 낮았고, 11개 spot의 수준은 높은 경향이었다. 체외성숙 18시간째와 24시간째의 배발달율을 조사한 결과 18시간째에서 유의적으로 높은 배반포 발달율을 나타냈다. 그리고 체외성숙 18시간과 24시간째 난자의 세포질내 단백질 spot들의 변화를 비교한 결과 PB가 출현된 난자 세포질에서 단백질의 변화와 유사한 경향이었다. 그러나 2개의 단백질 spot은 상반된 경향을 나타냈다. 따라서 본 실험에서 난자의 핵성숙과 관련 있는 15개의 spot을 확인하였고, 이들 단백질 spot중에서 2개가 배발달 능력과 관련이 있을 것으로 사료된다.보다는 육질등급에 많은 영향을 받는 것으로 판단된다. 한편 육질 1등급에서 배발달율이 낮은 이유는 육질 향상을 목적으로 암소를 비육 하는 경우 발생하는 번식장애와 밀접한 관계가 있는 것으로 사료된다.각각 가장 높았다. 배양 8일째 배반포의 세포수에 있어서 총세포수와 TE 세포수는 차이가 없었으나, ICM 세포수가 l0mg 첨가군에서 가장 높았다. 본 실험 결과에서 체외성숙 배지에 NEAA와 EAA 첨가가 배발달율에는 효과가 없었지만, 첨가농도의 증가에 따라 ICM 세포수가 증가하였다. 한편 체외성숙 배지에 LAH 첨가는 첨가 농도가 높을수록 배발달율은 낮았지만 ICM 세포수는 증가하였다.에 Csk가 관여하고 있음을 알 수 있다. 결론적으로 성적 성숙에 따른 생쥐 정소 내 Src-Csk loop의 발현과 Src kinase 활성의 변동은 정소 내 간충조직, 세정관 상피의 증식 및 기능적 분화 과정을 매개하는 생리적 활성분자 수용체 하위의 신호전달 과정에 Src-Csk loop에 의한 조절가능성을 확인할 수 있었다.rugrene의 향기성분이 주요 성분군으로 확인되었다. 2. 생강나무에서 생강의 향기를 발산하는 성분으로는 $\beta$-myrcene, o-terpinolene, phellandrone, ι-limonene, $\beta$-eudesmol, $\delta$-cadinone, elemol, trans-caryophyllene으로 동정되었으며 그 중에서도 phellandrene, $\beta$-eudesmol이 주된 역할을 하는 성분으로 확인하였다. 유의적인 관련성이 나타났고, 복부 비만의 지표인 허리엉덩이둘레비는 GPT, alkaline phosphatase, 공복시 혈당 및 MCV 등 다양한 건강지표와 관련성을 나타내어 향후 비만에 있어 다양한 혈액 성상의 변화 및 역할규명에 대한 연구가 이루어져야 할 것으로 본다.hat

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of glucose on embryonic development of mouse embryos. Two cell embryos were recovered from ICR female mice(3-4weeks) at 46~50 hrs after hCG 5 IU injection (mated just after hCG injection) and cultured in 50 $\mu m$ DMEM droplets supplemented with nothing (control: n=46), glucose 0.5mM (Group A; n=46) or glucose 3.15 mM(Group B; n=46) under mineral oil. All experimental media were supplemented with 20% human follicular fluid. Total blastocyst formation rates was lower (NS) in glucose groups (group A: 52.2% : B. 47.8%) than control group (60.9%). ZiB rates was the highest (P<0.05) in control (47.8%) than those in group A (21.7%) and B (28.3%). ZeB rates were the highest (NS) in group A (30.4%) than those in control (13.0%) and group B (19.6%). Blastocysts, cultured in group B (50.5), had the highest (NS) mean cell number compared with the others (control: 39.2 ; group A: (45.6). The ICM proportion (% ICM of total cells) in blastocysts cultured in group A (20.6%) was the highest (NS) than those of other tested groups (control: 15.2 ; group B: 13.9%). This study shows that a low dose of glucose added to culture medium increases the ICM proportion of blastocysts in mice.

분만후 젖소의 자궁내 미생물상을 조사하고 미생물로부터 분리한 Lipopolysaccharide를 적용하여 소의 번식효율 증진에 기여하고자 분만후 젖소의 도축장 유래 자궁을 채취하여 혐기적 상태에서 균분리 동정을 실시하였다. 균분리 동정을 위하여, 시료를 1cm$\times$1cm로 채취하여 혐기상태에서 거품이 생길 때까지 vortexing한 후 균액 300$\mu l$를 뽑아 혐기배지에 도말하였고 도말한 plate는 $37{\circ}C$ 혐기chamber에서 24시간 배양하였다. 혐기배지에서 자란 균의 colony를 따서 Mac, BHI+B, BHI 배지에 배양한 후 Gram stain을 실시하였다. BHI 배지에서 자란 균의 colony를 따서 BUA+B 배지에 계대배양하였고 BUA+B 배지에서 자란 균중에 가장 마지막으로 자란 균을 따서 An-IF에 넣고 탁도를 63%T로 맞춘 후 An micro plate에 100$\mu l$씩 분주하였다. 분주한 plate를 $37{\circ}C$ 혐기 chamber에서 20~24시간 동안 배양한 후 Biolog를 실시하였다. 시료의 UV측정을 위하여 Sonic Processor로 세포를 분쇄하였고 분쇄한 세포를 $4{\circ}C$에서 10,000rpm으로 10분간 원심분리한 후 상층액을 분리하여 0.45$\mu m$ 필터로 여과한 다음 여과액을 취하여 UV로 standard(E.coli O26 B6 LPS)와 sample(10배 및 20배 희석액)을 측정하였다. (중략)

고능력 젖소와 보통능력 젖소의 번식능력을 비교하기 위하여 progesterone을 분석하여 분만후 초발정일을 추정하였고, 번식자료를 통하여 분만 후 번식성적을 조사하였으며, 또한 비유능력 및 Body condition score(BCS) 에 따른 $PGF_2a + PGF_2a+CIDR$ program 투입 효과를 구명하기 위하여 분만 후 40일째에 $PGF_2a$를 1차 처리한 후 발정이 발현되지 않은 개체에 대하여 1 차 처리후 14일째에 다시 2차 $PGF_2a$를 처리하였고 2차 $PGF_2a$ 처리후에도 발정이 발현되지 않은 개체에 대하여 2차 $PGF_2a$ 처리후 5일째에 CIDR plus를 처리하여 발정유기율을 조사분석하였던 바, 그 결과를 요약하면 다음과 같다. 가. 보통능력우와 고능력우의 분만후 progesterone peak를 나타내는 일수는 각각 $38.8 \pm 11.1$ 및 $39.6 \pm 9.7$일로 거의 비슷한 경향을 나타내었음 나. 보통능력우와 고능력우의 분만후 발정재귀일수는 각각 $99.4 \pm 71.6$ 및 $117 7 \pm 78.6$일로 고능력우에서 18.3일 늦어지는 경향이었음 다 보통능력우와 고능력우의 분만후 수태일수에 있어서 각각 $145.9 \pm 102.8$및 $165.9 \pm 100.8$일로 고능력우에서 20일 늦어지는 경향이었음 라. 보통능력우와 고능력우의 분만간격에 있어서 각각 421.5 \pm 107.2$ 및 $448.4 \pm 108.7$일로 고능력우에서 26.9일 늦어지는 경향을 나타내었음 마 보통능력우와 고능력우에 있어서 1차 $PGF_2a$ 처리시 각각 39.1% 및 60.0%, 2차 $PGF_2a$ 처리시 각각 42.9% 및 70.0%, CIDR plus 처리시 50.0% 및 66.7%의 발정 유기율을 나타내었음 바. BCS에 따라 $PGF_2a + PGF_2a+CIDR$ plus program을 투입한 결과 BCS 2.5 이하와 BCS 2.75-3.50에 있어서 1차 $PGF_2a$ 처리시 각각 47.4% 및 48.3%, 2차 $PGF_2a$ 처리시 각각 40.0% 및 66.7%, CIDR plus 처리시 각 각 50.0% 및 80.0%의 발정 유기율을 나타내었음

The standard protocol for the production of transgenic mouse from ES-injected embryo has to process via chimera producing and several times breeding steps, In contrast, tetraploid-ES cell complementation method allows the immediate generation of targeted murine mutants from genetically modified ES cell clones. The advantage of this advanced technique is a simple and efficient without chimeric intermediates. Recently, this method has been significantly improved through the discovery that ES cells derived from hybrid strains support the development of viable ES mice more efficiently than inbred ES cells do. Therefore, the objective of this study was to generate transgenic mice overexpressing human resistin gene by using tetrapioid-ES cell complementation method. Human resistin gene was amplified from human fetal liver cDNA library by PCR and cloned into pCR 2.1 TOPO T-vector and constructed in pCMV-Tag4C vector. Human resistin mammalian expression plasmid was transfected into D3-GL ES cells by lipofectamine 2000, and then after 8~10 days of transfection, the human resistin-expressing cells were selected with G418. In order to produce tetraploid embryos, blastomeres of diploid embryos at the two-cell stage were fused with two times of electric pulse using 60 V 30 $\mu$sec. (fusion rate : 93.5%) and cultured upto the blastocyst stage (development rate : 94.6%). The 15~20 previously G418-selected ES cells were injected into tetraploid blastocysts, and then transferred into the uterus of E2.5d pseudopregnant recipient mice. To investigate the gestation progress, two El9.5d fetus were recovered by Casarean section and one fetus was confirmed to contain human resistin gene by genomic DNA-PCR. Therefore, this finding demonstrates that tetraploid-ES mouse technology can be considered as a useful tool to produce transgenic mouse for the rapid analysis of gene function in vivo.

This study examined the viability of canine oocytes following storage at 4 or $38{\circ}C$ for 5 hrs. The ovaries were collected from domestic dog following ovariohysterectomy at a local veterinary clinics and transported to laboratory In two different transport temperature at 4 or $38{\circ}C$ within 5 hrs. The cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were recovered after slicing with blade. In Exp. 1, the oocytes collected were matured in DMEM supplemented with l0% FBS, 0.6 mM/mlcysteine, 0.2 mM Pyruvic acid, 20 ng/ml $E_2$ and 1 $\mu g/ml$ rbST at humidified atmosphere containing 5% $CO_2 38{\circ}C$ for 24 or 48 hrs to analysis of survivability. In Exp 2, to assess nuclear development at 38{\circ}C$ group, the oocytes were matured in maturation medium for 24, 48 or 96 hrs. Survivability was judged by a morphological appearance and PI staining. Survivability rates were analyzed by General Linear Models procedure in SAS. The survival rates at 4{\circ}C$ ovary transport group showed significantly lower than at 38{\circ}C$ group (0 vs 72.9% in 48 hrs and 13.2 vs 77 8% in 24 hrs; P<0.05). The nuclear development of oocytes to MI to MII stages at 24, 48 and 96 hrs was 8.3% (6/72), 8.9% (9/101), and 9.5% (8/84). These results showed that the canine oocytes were remarkably sensitive to a low temperature and did not increase nuclear development rate depend on maturation time to 96 hrs.

This study was conducted to determine the ability of nuclear development of canine oocytes depend on the kind of maturation media and addition of serum sources. Ovaries were collected from a bitches at various stages of estrus cycle by an ovariohysterectomy. Oocytes were collected of cumulus oocytes complexes after slicing of ovaries with blade. The maturation medium was containing 0.6 mM/ml cysteine, 0.2 mM pyruvic acid, 20 ng/ml $E_2$ and 1 $\mu g/ml$ rbST Exp. 1, the oocytes were matured in four different maturation medium as follows: 1) TCM-199, 2) DMEM, 3) NCSU37 and 4) modified-NCSU37 with 10% FBS. Exp. 2: the oocytes were matured in mNCSU37 supplemented with different protein sources (10% FBS, 10% EDS, 0.3% BSA and 0.1% PVA) to select the optimal one. Oocytes were matured in a humidified atmosphere containing 5% $CO_2$ at $39{\circ}C$ for 72 hrs. The maturation rate were analyzed by Duncan's multiple range test using General Linear Models procedure in SAS. The rates of meiotic resumption to MI-MII depend on different culture media were achieved with TCM-199 (5.2%), DMEM (5.0%), NCSU37 (7.2%) and m-NCSU37 (5.9%), respectively. The rates of meiotic resumption to MI-MII according to addition of protein source were 10% FBS (13.3%), 10% EDS (25.0%), 0.3% BSA (25.0%) and 0.1% PVA (15.4%), respectively. In conclusion, the results obtained showed that in vitro maturation media and protein supplement to m-NCSU37 culture medium tested did not promote the final steps of IVM in canine oocytes.

The successful development of embryos cloned by nuclear transfer (NT)have been dependent on a wide range of known factors including cell cycle of donor and recipient ooplast, oocyte quality, NT procedure and oocyte activation. The present study compared the development of cloned porcine embryos following different activation treatments. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were aspirated from 26 mm follicles of slaughterhouse ovaries and cultured for 22 h in NCSU #23 medium supplemented with 10% porcine follicular fluid, 0.57 mM cysteine, 0.5 g/mL LH, 0.5 g/mL FSH and 10 ng/mL EGF. The COCs were further cultured for an additional 22 h in the same medium at $39{\cird}C$ in an atmosphere of 5% $CO_2$ in air, without hormonal supplements. Primary cultures of fibroblasts isolated from a female fetus on day 40 of gestation were established in DMEM + 15% FCS. For nuclear donation, cells at the 5th-6th passage were cultured in DMEM +0.5% FCS for 5 days in order to arrest the cells in G0/Gl. After enucleation, oocytes were reconstructed by transfer of donor cells and fusion with three DC pulses (1.4 KV/cm, 30 sec) in 0.28 M mannitol containing 0.01 mM $CaCl_2$ and 0.01 mM $MgCl_2$. Eggs were then divided into three treatment groups, control (without further treatment, Group 1), eggs cultured in 10 g/ml cycloheximide (CHX) for 5 h (Group 2), and eggs cultured in 1.9 mM 6-dimethylaminopurine (6-DMAP) for 5 h (Group 3). The eggs were then cultured in sets of 30 in 60 I drops of NCSU#23 supplemented with 4mg/ml BSA (essentially fatty acid free) until day 7 at $39{\circ}C$ in a humidified atmosphere of 5% $CO_2$. On day 4 the culture were fed by adding 20 I NCSU #23 supplemented with 10% FBS. Development rates into blastocysts were significantly higher (P<0.05) in Group 3 embryos compared to Group 1 controls ($27.6 \mu 2.7% vs. 20.1 \mu 4.1%$, respectively), but rates did not differ in Group 2 compared to control ($23.8 \mu 5.7%$). Total cell number in Group 3 blastocysts was however significantly higher (P<0.05) than in Groups 1 and 2 ($44.6 \mu 2.4 vs. 19.9 \mu 1.9 and 21.9 \mu 2.1$, respectively). These results suggest that 6-DMAP is more efficient than cycloheximide in the activation of electrically fused NT oocytes during in vitro production of cloned porcine embryos.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of GnRH or estradiol in a CIDR-based timed Al (TAI) protocol on follicular turnover, synchronized ovulation and pregnancy rates in Holstein cows. Cows were treated at random stages of the estrus cycle with an insertion of an intravigal progesterone (1.9 g) device (CIDR, Day 0) and either no other treatment (control group; n=10), injection of 100 ug fertirelin acetate (GnRH group; n=10) or 4 mg estradiol benzoate (estradiol group; n=10). Seven days later devices were removed and an injection of 25 mg $PGF_{2$\alpha$}$ was administered. On Day 9, 100 ug GnRH was administered. Cows received a fixed-time insemination 16 h after injection of the GnRH. (중략)

유전적으로 우수한 미경산우를 선발하여 조기에 우수한 수정란을 생산하여 이식 후 개량을 촉진한다는 것은 소의 육종개량에서 매우 중요한 일이다. 일반적으로 경산우에 비해 미경산우는 수정란의 생산효율이 떨어진다는 보고가 있다. 최근에는 다배란 처리시 FSH와 Estradiol Benzoate(EB)를 사용하여 다배란처리 효율을 개선하였다는 보고(Matoba 등, 2002)가 있어 EB의 첨가가 미경산우에 있어 수정란 생산 효율을 개선하는 지를 조사하기 위해 60일 간격으로 반복하여 다배란 유기실험을 수행하였다. 공란우는 11 -15개월령의 한우 16두를 평균 90일 주기로 반복 다배란 처리우로 사용하였으며 발정 주기중 황체 중기 소에게 CIDR plus를 질내에 삽입하고 다음날 EB를 근육주사하였으며, 120시간 후 부터 FSH 50mg을 1일 2회, 4일간 주사하고 마지막 날 prostaglandin제제를 25mg 근육주사한 다음에 48, 60시간 후 인공수정을 반복 실시하였다. 인공 수정시는 배란을 촉진하기 위해 GnRH제(콘세랄)을 50mg을 근육주사하였다. (중략)

본 연구의 목적은 젖소에서 다배란유기법의 확립을 위해서 호르몬을 처리법을 달리한 결과이다. 난포의 발생을 자극하는 FSH 호르몬을 하루에 2번의 호르몬 주사를 하는 데, 이는 혈액내에 난포자극호르몬의 농도를 연속적으로 유지하여 난소에서 다난포 발생의 목적을 달성하고자 하는 방법이다. 하지만 빈번하게 호르몬을 주사하는 방법은 처리하는 노력이 필요하고 공란우도 스트레스로 작용한다. 이러한 단점을 극복하기 위해 한번에 많은 난포의 성숙을 유도하는 다배란처리법에 대한 보고가 많이 있어, 본 연구에서 이 다배란처리 효과를 비교하고자 젖소를 이용하였다. 방법으로는 다회주사법(8회)과 일회주사법(1회)에서 황체수와 수정란의 생산수 등을 조사하였다. 다회주사법은 생리식염수에 융해한 FSH를 1일 50mg씩 2회(12시간 간격)주사하는 법으로 CIDR 질내 주입 9일째부터 4일간 주사하였으며, 질내에 CIDR를 주입하고 11일째되는 날에 PG(25mg, 루텔라이스, 한국)를 주사하고, 12일째는 CIDR를 제거하여 일회주사법과 주기를 맞추었다. 일회주사법은 CIDR를 질내에 주입하고 나서 9일째 되는 날에 400mg의 FSH을 생리식염수에 융해하여 일회주사를 하고 다회주사법과 같이 인공수정과 채란시간을 맞추었다. 인공수정은 황체퇴행제(PG)를 주사하고 나서 48, 72시간에 2회 인공수정을 실시하여 1주일 후 수정란을 채란하였다. 인공수정시는 반드시 GnRH(2.5mg)를 동시에 주사하였다. 채란은 인공수정 후 7일째 되는 날에 비외과적으로 채란을 실시하여 우수한 수정란은 동결을 실시하였다. 다회주사법에서 14두, 일회주사법에서 14두를 공시하여 황체수, 회수수정란수, 배반포수, 동결란수를 조사하였다. 다회주사법에서는 황체수는 8.07$\pm$6.62개, 회수정란수는 6.78$\pm$5.96개, 배반포율은 58.9%, 동결란 생산율은 52.6%의 성적을 얻었으며, 일회주사법에서 황체수는 12.07$\pm$8.07개, 회수수정란수는 10.0$\pm$9.24개, 배반포율은 27.1%, 동결란 생산율은 25.0% 수준의 결과를 얻었으나 결과에 대한 통계분석시 다회주사법과 일회주사리법 간에 유의적인 차는 인정되지 않았다(student T-test, P<0.05). 본 실험의 결과에서 나타나듯이 생리식염수를 용매로 이용한 FSH 1회 주사법이 다회주사법과 비교하였을 때에 수정란 생산효율에서 유의적인 차이가 없으므로 이 방법을 이용한 다배란유기는 노동력과 공란우에 대한 스트레스를 경감할 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

The aims of this study are 1) to test oocytes and embryos collected from in-vivo and in-vitro to achieving the valuable protocol by culturing, vitrifying and thawing of oocytes/embryos, and 2) to transfer them to recipient, and finally have resulted in pregnancies from recipient females after surgical or nonsurgical transfer. In vitro maturation and fertilization were performed according to the procedures of Funahashi et al. Fertilized oocytes were cultured in glucose-free NCSU 23 supplemented with 5 mM sodium pyruvate, 0.5 mM sodium lactate and 4 mg/ml bovine serum albumin for 2 days at 39$^{\circ}C$, and 10% fetal bovine serum was added to the culture medium thereafter. Embryos were treated with 7.5$\square$g/ml cytochalasin-B for 30 min, centrifuged at 13,000 ${\times}$ g for 13 min and then exposed sequentially to an ethylene glycol (EG) vitrification solution, aspirated into OPSs, and plunged/thawed into/from liquid nitrogen. In vivo embryos were surgically collected from three donors after Al. Forty-six embryos (18, 9 and 19 embryos, respectively) were washed 3 times in mPBS+10%FBS, followed treatments : cultured, centrifuged, vitrified, recovered and transferred to recipients as in vitro prepared embryos. Three recipients received surgically 34(control), 188 and 184 embryos (derived from abattoir), respectively. Another three recipients were received nonsurgically 150, 100 and 150 embryos, respectively. All recipient sows exhibited delayed returns to estrus. To our knowledge, these results suggest that required an improved techniques, more vigorous embryos preparation and cleaner uterous condition(use gilt).

번식효율이 높은 우수한 후보종빈돈의 조기선발기술을 개발하기 위해 후보종빈돈의 첫발정일령과 첫수정일령에 미치는 요인을 분석한 결과는 다음과 같다. 본 시험에 공시된 후보종빈돈은 충남 천안시에 위치하고 있는 양돈장에서 자돈을 생산ㆍ육성하여 체중 80~90kg에서 선발하였고, 체중이 약 110kg 도달하였을 때 최종 선발하여 이용하였으며, 사양관리는 양돈장의 관행에 따라 실시하였다. 첫발정조사는 생후 22주령때 부터 매일 아침, 저녁으로 2회씩 외음부의 충혈과 부종상태를 관찰하고 승가허용 자세유지 등을 통하여 발정여부를 조사하였다. 교배는 첫발정발견 후 2차 발정이 발현되었을 때 실시하는 것을 원칙으로 하였다. 첫발정 및 첫수정시에 등지방측정기(Lean-meater; Renco, U.S.A.)를 이용하여 제 10늑골의 정중선으로부터 좌측 또는 우측으로 약 5cm 이격된 지점을 2회 측정하여 평균치로 하였다. 후보종빈돈의 품종별 첫발정일령과 첫수정일령은 랜드레이스종이 171.91일과 202.18일, 요크셔종은 178.56일과 208.39일, 랜드레이스종과 요크셔종의 F$_1$은 190.20일과 213.60일로 랜드레이스종이 첫발정일령과 첫수정일령이 가장 빨랐으나 품종간 첫수정일령에 대한 유의적인 차이는 없었다. 출생계절별 첫발정일령 및 첫수정일령은 봄에 출생한 후보종빈돈은 194.14일 및 222.05일, 여름에 출생한 후보종빈돈은 163.25일 및 193.00일, 가을에 출생한 후보종빈돈은 160.25일 및 199.20일, 겨울에 출생한 후보종빈돈은 159.72일 및 190.11일로 봄에 출생한 후보종빈돈의 첫발정일령 및 첫수정일령이 겨울, 가을, 여름에 출생한 후보종빈돈보다 유의적으로 늦게 나타났다(P〈0.01). 등지방두께가 13~16mm인 후보종빈돈의 첫발정일령 및 첫수정일령은 180.32일 및 211.12일, 17~20mm인 후보종빈돈은 172.24일 및 202.43일, 21~23mm인 후보종빈돈은 162.20일 및 195.43일로 등지방두께가 얇을수록 첫발정일령 및 첫수정일령이 지연되었으나 유의적인 차이는 인정되지 않았다.

번식효율이 높은 우수한 후보종빈돈의 조기선발기술을 개발하기 위해 후보종빈돈의 첫발정일령과 첫수정일령 및 첫수정시 등지방두께가 산자수에 미치는 요인을 분석한 결과는 다음과 같다. 본 시험에 공시된 후보종빈돈은 충남 천안시에 위치하고 있는 양돈장에서 자돈을 생산ㆍ육성하여 체중 80∼90kg에서 선발하였고, 체중이 약 110kg 도달하였을 때 최종 선발하여 이용하였으며, 사양관리는 양돈장의 관행에 따라 실시하였다. 첫발정조사는 생후 22주령때부터 매일 아침, 저녁으로 2회씩 외음부의 충혈과 부종상태를 관찰하고 승가허용 자세유지 등을 통하여 발정여부를 조사하였다. 교배는 첫발정발견 후 2차 발정이 발현되었을 때 실시하는 것을 원칙으로 하였으며, 수퇘지를 허용하는 시기에 액상적액으로 1차 인공수정하고, 12시간후 2차 인공수정을 실시하였다. 첫수정시에 등지방측정기 (Lean-neater; Renco, U.S.A.)를 이용하여 제 10늑골의 정중선으로부터 좌측 또는 우측으로 약 5cm 이격된 지점을 2회 측정하여 평균치로 하였다. 산자수는 미이라 등을 제외하고 정상적으로 성장하여 분만한 복당자돈수를 조사하였다. 첫발정일령이 160일령이하일때에 산자수는 9.64두였으며, 161∼180일렬인 경우 10.14두, 181∼200일령인 경우 9.56두, 201일령이상인 경우 9.13두로 첫발정일령이 161∼180일이었을때가 산자수가 가장 많았으나 유의적인 차이는 없었다. (중략)

2002년도 국내에서 실시된 가축의 수정란이식 현황을 파악하기 위하여 전국의 수의ㆍ축산분야의 대학, 국ㆍ공립 축산관련 연구소, 농업기술센터, 가축인공수정소 및 동물병원 등의 168개 관련기관에 2002년 1월 1일부터 12월 31일까지 소, 돼지 및 기타 동물의 수정란 생산, 이식 및 임신진단 결과에 대하여 설문서를 통하여 조사하였으며, 설문서를 작성하여 제출한 32개기관의 자료를 분석한 결과는 다음과 같다. 가축의 수정란이식을 실시하고 있는 기관은 국립기관 4개소, 지방자치단체 10개소, 대학 7개소, 생산자단체 3개소, 개인시술소 148개소로 전체 172개소였다. 한우 및 젖소 185두를 과배란처리하여 회수된 난자수는 1,334개였으며, 그 중 이식가능수정란수는 871개로 두당 평균 4.7개였다. 체외수정의 생산은 OPU유래 266개, 도축난소 유래 16,650개, 복제수정란 21,852개로 38,768개의 이식가능 체외수정란을 생산하였다. 한우에서 수정란이식은 체내수정란 475두, 체외수정란 7,515두, 복제수정란 257두 등 8,247 두가 이식되었고, 젖소에는 체내수정란 68두, 체외수정란 58두, 복제수정란 435두 등 294두가 이식되었다. 이식된 수정란의 상태별로는 신선수정란이 73.9% (6,511두), 동결수정란이 26.1%(2,297두) 이식되었고, 수란우의 품종별로는 한우 수정란을 한우 수란우에 690두, 젖소 수란우에 7,557두가 이식되었고, 젖소 수정란을 젖소 수란우 81두, 한우 수란우에 480두가 이식되었다. 수정란이식 수란우의 수태율은 임신진단이 이루어진 체내수정란이식은 33.8% (160/472두), 체외수정란이식은 34 7%(1,547/4,456두), 복제수정란이식은 10.5%(70/669두)였다. 소의 수정란이식두수는 2001년도에 비해 217%(8,808/4,052두)가 증가하였다. 돼지에서 체내수정란은 공란두 30두에서 505개의 이식가능수정란을 회수하였으며, 체외수정란은 351,777개를 생산하였고, 형질전환수정란을 수란돈 20두에 1,919개를 이식하였었다. 염소에서는 7두의 공란축으로부터 47개의 이식가능 수정란을 회수하였다.

멸종위험성이 높은 재래돼지를 유전자원으로서 안전하게 보존하고 유전적 다양성을 유지하기 위해 체내수정란의 동결보존 방법을 수행하였다. 재래돼지의 과배란유기는 altrenogest를 1일 20mg씩 18일 경구투여하고 PMSG 500~l,000IU 근육주사후 80시간에 hCG 500~750IU를 근육주사하였다. 발정이 관찰된 개체는 발정개시후 12시간과 24시간에 자연교배 또는 액상정액을 이용하여 2회씩 수정시켰다. 최종 수정후 5일째에 외과적으로 개복수술하여 FBS가 5% 첨가된 D-PBS 관류액으로 자궁으로부터 수정란을 회수하여 상실기, 배반포기, 확장배반포기의 수정란으로 구분하였다. 회수된 수정란은 FBS가 20% 첨가된 D-PBS의 0.4, 0.8, 1.4M glycerol 항동해제에 각 단계별로 10분씩 평형시킨후 수정란동결기(CL863, Australia)를 이용하여 18$^{\circ}C$부터 -7$^{\circ}C$까지 2$^{\circ}C$/min의 냉각속도와 -7$^{\circ}C$부터 -35$^{\circ}C$까지 0.5$^{\circ}C$/min의 동결속도(실험1), 1$^{\circ}C$/min의 냉각속도와 0.3$^{\circ}C$/min의 동결속도(실험 2)로 동결시켰다. 또한 FBS가 20% 첨가된 D-PBS의 ethylene glyco1(EG) 1.8M의 항동제에 15분간 평형시킨후 실험 1과 동일한 방법으로 동결시켰다(실험 3). 동결수정란의 융해는 37$^{\circ}C$의 항온수조에서 30초간 실시하였다. 항동해제로 glycerol을 이용한 수정란은 융해후 3가지 농도로 0.3M sucrose, 0.8M glycerol, 0.4M glycerol을 첨가한 D-PBS에 각각 10분씩 단계적으로 정치시킨 다음, 10% FBS 첨가 mNCSU-23으로 3회 세척했다. 항동해제로 EG를 이용한 수정란은 융해후 즉시 D-PBS에 각각 10분간 정치시킨 다음, 10% FBS 첨가 mNCSU-23으로 3회 세척했다. 항동해제가 제거된 수정란은 FBS가 10% 첨가된 mNCSU-23 배양액에서 39$^{\circ}C$, 5% $CO_2$ 배양기에 48시간 배양하면서 생존여부를 판단하였다. 실험 2에서 확장배반포배 수정란이 25.3%의 생존율을 나타내었으며, 실험 1과 실험 3에서는 수정란의 형태와 관계없이 생존성을 확인할 수 없었다. 이상의 결과로 보아 glycerol 완만동결에서는 확장배반포기 수정란 이상이 보존가능한 것으로 추정되나 더 추가적인 연구가 요구된다.

Recently, sperm has been used as a vector to carry exogenous genes for the production of transgenic animals. However, the success in cattle is low, due to deficiencies in oocyte activation and sperm decondensation caused by high disulphide bond (S=S) content in mature sperm. This study was carried out to develop an effective method for producing transgenic animals with round spermatids (RS). Two methods of embryo production - electric fusion (EC) or intracyto-plasmic injection (IC) and three activation treatments were compared. RS were isolated from bull testes by Percoll density gradients (20, 35, 40, 45 and 90%). Fusion between ooplast and RS was performed with a single DC electric pulse (1.0 KV/cm, 45 sec) in 0.28 M mannitol solution supplemented with 100 M CaCl2 and 100 M MgCl$_2$. (중략)

Bovine embryos produced by in vitro maturation, feretilization and development was examined for presevation and transfer. The fertilization medium used BO medium with 5 mM/$m\ell$ caffeine and 10$\mu\textrm{g}$/$m\ell$ heparin and adjusted to a pH of 7.2 to 7.4. The final concentration of spermatozoa was adjusted to 1$\times$$10^{6}$ cells/$m\ell$ motile sperm during fertilization in vitro. At 8~10 hrs after insemination, the oocytes were transferred into CR1aa medium and cultured for 7 days. Embryos were preserved by vitrification method for transfer. When the embryos of early, blastocyst and expanded blastocyst stages were frozen-thawed, the proportions of embryos with normal morphology 83.6, 88.1 and 85.2%. (중략)

본 연구는 체세포 핵이식 복제 수정란의 이식에 의한 고능력 한우를 다량 증식하기 위한 방안을 확립하기 위하여 수행되었다. 본 실험에 공여된 체세포는 육질과 육량 등급이 국내에서 100위 이내의 암소 귀세포를 채취하여 동결 및 계대배양하여 사용하였다. 한편, 핵이식 수정란의 준비를 위하여 도축장에서 채취한 난소에서 난자를 회수하여 22시간 성숙배양 후 난구세포를 제거하고 극체가 존재하는 난자만을 선별하여 recipient cytoplasm으로 이용하였다. 난자의 제핵, 체세포 핵이식, 전기융합 및 활성화 처리는 본 실험실의 방법에 준하여 실시하였으며, 핵이식란은 CR1aa 배양액 내에서 5% $CO_2$, 95% Air 및 39$^{\circ}C$의 기상조건하에서 7일간 배양 후 이식에 이용되었다. 한편, 수란축은 2회 이상 정상 발정주기가 확인된 경산우와 미경산우에 25mg의 PG $F_{2}$$\alpha$/를 투여하여 발정을 유기하거나 자연발정우를 선발하여 수란축으로 이용하였다. 그 결과, 배반포기배를 이식한 경우 14두중 5두에서 임신이 확인되었으며 그중 4두에서 유산되었고, 1두는 임신 6개월령으로 정상 발육되고 있는 것이 확인되었지만 상실배기단계에서 이식된 경우는 임신이 되지 않았다. (중략)

Mainly due to deficiencies in nuclear reprogramming, gene expression and DNA fragmentation, which result in early and late embryonic losses, the overall success rate achieved by cloning techniques to date is low. This present study compared the incidences of DNA fragmentation during development of IVF, parthenotes (PT), nuclear transfer (NT) and transgenic (TG) embryos. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) nick-end labelling (TUNEL) with propidium iodide counter staining was used for determination of DNA fragmentation and total number, respectively. TG and NT donor cells were fetal fibroblasts with or without transfection with EGFP, and cultured in DMEM+15% FCS until confluent, for 5 days. At 19 h post-maturation (hpm), enucleated oocytes were reconstructed with donor cells and activated at 24 hpm with the combinations of ionomycin (5 M, 5 min) and cyclo-heximide (10 g/ml, 5 h) after electric fusion by a single DC pulse (1.6 KV/cm, 60 sec). Parthenotes were produced by the same activation protocol at 24 hpm. (중략)

난자의 체외성숙 및 체외배양에는 일반적으로 동물의 혈청을 기본배양액에 5-10% 정도 첨가한 배양액을 사용하고 있다. 그러나, 혈청으로부터 바이러스, 세균, 마이코 플라즈마 등에 오염될 가능성이 있기 때문에, 본 실험에서는 완전 무혈청 배양액에서 난자의 성숙, 배발생, 세포수, 동결성을 검토하였다. 도축된 한우의 난소로부터 채취한 난자는 선별하여 TCM199+10% FBS와 IVMD 101 배양액에서 22~24시간 동안 체외성숙시킨 후, IVF 100(일본, 펩티트연구소)으로 2회 세정한 후, 각각의 배양액 50${\mu}\ell$ 소적에 5개씩 5~6 시간 수정시켰다. 체외수정한 수정란은 TCM 199+10% FBS, IVMD 101, IVD 101 배양액에서 7~8일간 배양하여 배발생율을 조사하였다. 발생된 배반포의 일부는 세포수를 조사하였고 나머지 배반포는 1.8M EG로 동결하였다. (중략)

근래, 혈청배지로 생산한 체외배양 수정란은 이식후, 낮은 수태율, 과체중의 산자 생산, 높은 유산율과 사망율 등 문제가 지적되고 있다. 그러나 무혈청 배지로 생산한 체외배양 수정란은 이러한 현상을 개선할 수 있다는 보고가 있어, 본 연구는 세포성장인자가 첨가된 완전 무혈청 배양액에서 생산된 수정란으로 2001년5월 부터 2002년 12월까지의 신선란 및 동결란으로 이식한 결과이다. 이식은 신선란 및 동결란에서 A급 수정란은 1개, B급 수정란은 2개를 장착 하여, 이식을 하였다. 이식사술은 인공수정경력이 10년, 이식경력 5년 이상의 수정사 5명이 이식한 결과로 신선란과 동결란의 수태율을 확인하였다. 신선란의 이식에서는 387두중 148(38.2%)두가 임신이 확인되었고, 동결란의 이식에서도 758두 중 265(34.9%)두가 임신이 확인되어, 신선란과 동결란과의 유의적 차이는 없었다. 위의 결과에서 무혈청배지에서 발생된 신선란 및 동결란의 이식결과 유의적 차이는 없었으나, 동결수정란의 내동성이 탁월한 것이 증명되었으므로, 앞으로 체외수정란의 대량생산으로 수정란이식의 상업화가 가능할 것으로 사료된다.

최근, 한우의 수정란 체외이식두수가 급격히 늘어나고 있으나, 모축의 등록번호를 대부분 확인 할 수 없으며, 확인이 가능할지라도 개체별 수정란의 생산이 거의 이루어지지 않고 있다. 본 실험에서는 모축의 등록번호가 확인된 개체의 난소로부터 채취한 난포란만을 체외성숙, 수정, 배양하여 배 발생율을 조사하고, 동결성적을 조사하였다. 도축된 한우의 난소를 개체별로 채취하여 2$0^{\circ}C$생리식염수에 넣어 3시간 이내에 실험실로 운반하고, 난포란을 채취하였다 개체별로 채취한 난포란은 9~47개/난소였고, 평균 14.3개/난소였다. 개체별 난포란은 IVMD 101 (일본, 펩티트연구소)에서 22물24시간 동안 체외 성숙시킨 후, IVF 100(일본, 펩티트연구소)으로 2회 세정한 후, 각각의 배양액 50${\mu}\ell$ 소적에 5개씩 5~6시간 수정시켰다. 수정란을 저 산소 배지 IVD 101 (일본, 펩티트연구소)로 7~9일간 배양하여 배 발생율을 조사하고 동결하였다. 평균 수정율은 81%, 배반포의 발생율은 35% 였으며, 동결 가능한 수정란은 평균 4개/두 정도 얻을 수 있었다. 이상의 결과로 한우의 개체가 확인된 난소로부터 수정란생산이 가능하고, 육질등급이 우수한 한우의 수정란생산이 가능해졌으며, 앞으로 고 능력 젖소의 난소에서도 고능력 수정란의 생산이 가능할 것으로 사료된다.

The study evaluated the effect of donor cell treatments for G0/Gl synchronization and the donor ceil type on development and incidence of apoptosis in cloned cattle embryos. Primary cultures were established from a female fetus on day 50 of gestation and adult ear skin biopsies. Cells were randomly allocated into 3 experimental treatment groups after 6~8 passages. Group 1 (Confluent), cells were cultured in DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS until 90% confluent. Group 2 (Serum-starvation), cells were cultured in DMEM Supplemented With 0.5% FBS for 5 days. Group 3 (Roscovitine), Cells were cultured in DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS and 30 $\mu$M Roscovitine for 12 h. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed using flow cytometry after labelling with DAPI and YO-PRO-1. At 19 h post-maturation (hpm), enucleated oocytes were reconstructed with donor cells and fused by a single DC pulse (1.6 kV/cm, 60 $\mu$sec). (중략)

소에 있어서 수정란이식이 활성화되고, 수정란이식 기술이 첨단기술도입의 근간이 되면서, 수태율의 향상은 첨단기술의 활성화에 필수적인 요소가 되었다. 또한 수태율 향상을 위해 임신유지를 도와주는 progesterone의 정기적인 투여나 수정란이식 시기에 hCG 등을 투여하여 수태율을 향상시키고자 여러가지 방법이 시도되고 있으나, 수태율 향상에 대한 명확한 기술이 정립되지 않은 상태이다. 따라서 본 연구는 착상시 황체의 Progesterone의 분비를 촉진시키는 것으로 보고되고 있는 비장유래의 macrophage의 체외배양을 통하여 배양액 중 호르몬적 변화를 관찰하고 착상을 유도하는 기전을 밝히고자 시도하였다. 임신 및 비임신 도축암소의 비장을 채취하여 알루미늄박으로 포장하여 얼음에 채운 뒤 실험실로 운반하였고, 비장을 70% alcohol로 외부를 잘 세척한후 표피를 제거하였다. 표피를 제거한 비장조직을 가위로 잘게 세절하고 buffer A 용액으로 조직속의 세포를 분리하였다. 분리된 세포는 1,700 rpm으로 5분간 3회 세정하였으며, 세정된 세포는 유리 petri dish에 넣어 39$^{\circ}C$, 5% $CO_2$, 95% air인 배양기에서 2시간 동안 배양을 실시하였다. (중략)

TGF-$\beta$ super family는 난소를 포함하여 여러 기관 및 조직의 성장에 광범위하게 영향을 미치는 것으로 알려져 있으며, TGF-$\beta$ super family는 난자의 매우 초기에 영향을 미치며, 난포의 성장을 촉진하여 초기의 난자의 형태를 이루는데 중요한 역할을 하는 것으로 알려져 있다. 한편 TIMP-1은 난관상피세포로부터 분비되는 난자의 생리활성 촉진인자로 보고되고 있다. 따라서 본 연구는 한우난포란의 체외성숙에 난자의 생리활성 촉진인자를 이용하여 한우 체외성숙 및 체외수정에 미치는 영향을 구명하고자 실시하였다. 한우 난포란은 도축암소의 난소를 채취하여 회수하였으며, 체외성숙은 HP-TCM를 기본 배양액으로 TGF-$\beta$ 0.1, 1, 10 ng/ml를 첨가하여 실시하였고, TIMP-1은 0.05, 0.5, 5ng/ml를 첨가하여 6, 12, 24시간 동안 체외성숙시켰다. 체외성숙된 난자는 체외성숙율을 검사하기 위하여, 0.1% aceto-orcein으로 염색을 실시하여 핵의 변화를 검사하였다. (중략)

흑염소는 우리나라 고유의 재래가축으로 다른 축종에 비해 아직까지 재래의 특성이 남아있는 가축이다. 또한 흑염소는 다른 경제동물에 비해 체구가 작고 온순하여 다루기 쉽고, 번식력이 좋으며, 임신기간이 짧은 장점을 가지고 있어 생명공학이나 형질전환동물의 생산과 같은 학문연구를 위한 실험용 동물로 많이 이용되고도 있다. 가축개량의 한 방법으로 오랫동안 수정란이식 기술이 연구ㆍ이용되고 있으나 한우, 젖소, 돼지 등의 한정된 동물에게만 연구ㆍ개발 되어왔으며, 흑염소에서는 이러한 연구가 미진한 실정이다. 이에 본 실험에서는 흑염소의 체외수정란 생산기술을 개발하여 생명공학실험을 위한 기초 동물로서 유용하게 활용하며 고유의 유전자원인 흑염소의 보존을 위한 기반을 마련하고자 한다. 체외수정란생산을 위해 사용된 난소는 도축장에서 도축된 재래 흑염소의 난소를 도축 즉시 적출하여 penicillin G와 streptomycin이 함유된 3$0^{\circ}C$내외의 생리식염수에 담아 1~2 시간내에 실험실로 운반하였다. 운반된 난소는 항생제가 첨가된 생리식염수로 3~4회 세척하여 실험에 공시하였다. (중략)

본 연구는 수정란이식기술을 이용하여 혈통과 유전능력이 분석된 고능력한우로부터 수정란을 생산하고 이를 번식기반이 미약한 농가의 수란우에 이식함으로서 우수한우 유전자원을 조기확대 보급하여 농가단위의 개량 및 번식우 사육기반을 구축하기 위해 실시하였다. 공란우는 축산기술연구소 남원지소의 축군에서 유전능력이 평가된 우수암소를 선발하였고, 발정주기 9~11일째부터 Folltropin-V(Vetrepharm, Canada) 50mg씩을 4일간 12시간 간격으로 근육주사하고 투여 6회째에 dineprost (LutalyseTM, Upjohn, USA) 20mg을 근육주사하여 과배란을 유기하였다. 인공수정은 dinoprost 주사후 48시간 전후에 발정을 확인하고 12시간 간격으로 2straw씩의 정액으로 3회 실시하였으며, 2차 인공수정 후 100$\mu\textrm{g}$ GnRH를 근육주사하였다. 수정란 채란은 공란우의 발정확인후 7~8일째에 balloon catheter(FHK, Japan)를 이용하여 비외과적방법으로 수정란을 회수하였다. 수란우는 각기 다른 사육조건의 4개 농가(OB, BD, SH 및 SG농장)에서 양호한 번식성적을 가진 개체를 10두씩 선발하여 CIDR plus(EAZI-Breed, New-Zealand)를 질내 7일간 삽입하고, CIDR plus제거 1일전에 dinoprost 20mg을 근육주사하여 발정동기화를 유도하였다. 수란우의 발정상태가 정상이며 발정주기 7~8일째에 직장검사법으로 황체검사를 실시하여 황체가 존재하는 쪽의 자궁각에 수정란 1 개를 이식하였다. 수정란이식 후 13일째에 혈액을 채취하여 임신진단키트(제네디아프로테 트, 녹십자)를 이용하여 임신여부를 1차적으로 확인하였다. 과배란을 유기한 13두의 공란우중 9두(69.2%)가 과배란 반응을 나타내었으며, 회수된 수정란 51개중 이식가능수정란은 38개(74.5%) 였다. 발정동기화를 유도한 수란우 40두중에서 35두(87.5%)가 발정이 동기화되었으며, 그 중 황체검사를 통하여 30두의 수란우에 수정란을 이식하였다. 수정란이식후 13일(발정주기 21일)에 혈액을 이용한 임신진단에서 농가별 수태율은 각각 37.5%, 70.0%, 60.0% 및 71.4% 로서 평균 60.0%를 나타내었다.