• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.207-216
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• 2006

Vaginal cytology was examined in 12 Shih-tzu bitches to establish the accurate basic data for estimate to the optimal mating time and ovulation time. The mean duration of proestrus and estrus were $9.09{\pm}0.83\;(mean{\pm}SD)$ days and $7.36{\pm}0.47$ days in pregnant bitches. The gestational length in the 12 pregnant bitches was $65.2{\pm}0.5$ days in pregnant bitches when Day 0 was timed from the first day of male acceptance. Characteristic features of vaginal cytology during the estrous cycle were the high proportion of large intermediate cell, superficial cell, anuclear cell and erythrocyte in proestrus, superficial cell, anuclear cell and erythrocyte in estrus, and parabasal cell, small and large intermediate cell and leukocyte in diestrus, respectively. Cornification index (CI) was the high proportion in proestrus and estrus, then it decreased in diestrus and anestrus. When Day 0 was timed from the day of the first male acceptance, the CI peak was Day 2 and maintained above 80% between Day -4 and Day 6 during 11 days, and above 90% between Day -1 and Day 5 during 7 days. In relationship between CI and reproductive hormones, CI showed peak at the first day after plasma estradiol-$17{\beta}$ concentration peak and plasma progesterone concentration was first increased above 4.0 ng/ml at Day 0 which was the first day after CI peak. In conclusion, ovulation in Shih-tzu bitches occurred at the first day after CI peak. Vaginal cytology is the simple and reliable method for estimating estrous cycle, optimal breeding time and ovulation time in Shih-tzu bitches.

• Journal of Aquaculture
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.3-10
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• 1996

Ovulation of maturing female yellow puffer, Takifugu obscrus, was induced by using single injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) or gonadotropin releasing hormone-analogue (GnRH-A) $des-Gly^{10}[D-Ala^6]$ GnRH-ethylamide plus pimozide. The response was evaluated using the fertilization and embryo-formation rate after insemination and the gonadotropin (GTH) level in blood plasma using radioimmunoassay. In the fertilization and embryo-formation, maximal effects were recorded by using 1,000 IU/kg HCG or $10\;{mu}g/kg$ GnRH-A plus 5 mg/kr pimozide. Pimozide (1, 5 mg/kg) or GnRH-A treatment alone was not effective in elevation of GTH level, however combinations of these treatments were particularly effective. Injection of dopamine blocked the rapid elevation of plasma GTH levels of blood. These data suggest that yellow puffer secrete GnRH and gonadotropin-releasing-inhibiting factor during the spawning or the other period.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.45-52
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• 2000

Membrane type matrix metalloproteinases(MT-MMPs) have been suggested to play an important role during structural remodeling of various tissue. Expression patterns of MT1-MMP and MT2-MMP mRNAs were investigated in oocytes, embryos, ovary and oviduct of mouse during their differentiation or periovulatory period using RT-PCR technique. Both cDNA products of MT1- and MT2-MMP of immature oocytes were barely discernable with a minimum amount but the expressions were distinct in mature oocytes regardless that they were matured in vivo or in vitro. MT2-MMP was not expressed by 2-cell embryos but was expressed by 4-cell stage embryos. From the morula stage untill hatched blastocyst stage, embyos showed intesnse expression of MT2-MMP with a sudden increase at blastocyst stage. While mouse ovarian tissues showed both expression of MT1- and MT2-MMP, there was no stage-specific difference throughout the estrous cycle. Mouse oviducts also exhibit constant amount of both MT1- and MT2-MMP expressions throughout periovulatory period, i.e., before or after ovulation. These observations lead to suggest that the differential expressions of maternal MT1- and MT2-MMP during meiotic resumption of mouse oocytes and embryonic expression of MT2-MMP particularly at blastocyst stage might play a role in the differentiation of mouse oocytes and／or embryos. The precise function of MT1- and MT2-MMP with regards to their participation in the remodeling of ovarian and oviductal tissues remains in a question.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.99-106
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to determine whether hormone levels change knee laxity in healthy females. Twenty three healthy females were recruited for the study. Serum estradiol and progesterone levels were recorded three times during the subjects' menstrual cycles. The first measurements were taken between day 3 and 7 of the follicular phase and the second data collection coincided with ovulation, 24 to 48 hours after the estrogen surge detected by an ovulation predictor kits. Based on a 28 day cycle, the third data collection occurred approximately 7 days later during the luteal phase. Knee joint laxity was recorded at the same intervals with a KT 2000 arthometer. Hormone levels and phases were compared to passive knee joint laxity with multiple regression analysis. Estradiol and progesterone levels differed significantly across the three tests. Knee joint laxity increased during ovulation. Based on a multiple regression analysis, estradiol and progesterone levels predicts 77.9% to 80.9% of the laxity at 20lb and 30lb loads. An antagonistic relationship between estradiol and progesterone was found when testing for knee laxity. Serum hormone levels have moderate power in predicting knee joint laxity. Individual hormonal profiling in female athletes would allow researchers to access the structural properties of the ACL, such as the laxity which may provide beneficial information to understand female ACL injury mechanism in sports activity.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.71-77
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• 2012

Sex Hormones exert significant influence in body physiology throughout life. Some reports suggested increased sex hormone levels correlate with an increased prevalence of gingivitis. The objectives of this pilot study are to(1) address the link between menstrual cycle and MMP-9, MMP-8, IL-$1{\beta}$ of gingival crevicular fluid during 4 weeks and (2) discuss the major biomarker of periodontal status. 7 female and 3 male volunteer who didn't have smoking habit, medical and dental disease after informed consent, were seen twice a week for 4 weeks. GCF samples were collected and GCF levels of MMP-9, MMP-8, IL-$1{\beta}$ were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The GCF levels of MMP-9, MMP-8, IL-$1{\beta}$ had fluctuation according to menstrual cycle, but the changes of those were not significant by Friedman matched samples test. There is no difference between female and male subjects by Mann-Whitney U test. The correlation of MMP-8, MMP-9 and IL-$1{\beta}$ showed strong by Spearman correlation(0.644-0.945). This study confirms menstrual cycle doesn't influence the periodontium of healthy female subjects.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.327-339
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• 1991

The present paper is a histological study of neurosecretory cells in the brain and the thoracic ganglion with the gonadal development in Palaemon serrifer. The reproductive cycle includes the successive stages of the growing period (February-March), the mature period(April-May), the ripe and spent periods(June-August) and the degenerative and resting periods(September-January). The neurosecretory cells are grouped into four types based on Matsumoto(1958) : A-,A'-, B- and E-cells. A- and A'-cells are $80-90{\mu}m,\;B-cell\;is\;30-40{\mu}m$ and E-cell is $10-15{\mu}m$. A- and B-cells are the positive to CHP and AF, while B-cell is the positive only to AF. The secretory grannules of a A-cell are transported to the axon, and at the same time they are discharged through the peripheral membrane. Of the four neurosecretory cells, A- and I-cells show the difference of secretory activity according to the gonad developmental process. In the female, A-cells show secretory activity for the ripe and spent periods, while I-cells show for the mature, ripe and spent periods. In the male, A-cells show secretory activity for the mature, ripe and spent periods, while I-cells show for the growing, mature, ripe and spent periods.

• Journal of Aquaculture
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.219-225
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• 2007

This study investigated the correlationship between artificial maturation season and reproduction coefficient of cultured eel Anguilla japonica from May (spring) to next January (winter). The brood stock, female eels ($400{\sim}600\;g$) were artificially matured by weekly intramuscular injections of salmon pituitary extracts (SPE, 20 mg/fish) to induce a completion of vitellogenesis. After completion of vitellogenesis, final oocyte maturation and ovulation was induced by injection of $17{\alpha}$, $20{\beta}-dihydroxyprogesterone$ (DHP) at about $2\;{\mu}g/g$ body weight. Most fish ovulated $15{\sim}18\;h$ following the DHP injection. The ovulated fish were induced to natural spawning or artificial fertilization by the dry method. Males ($200{\sim}350\;g$) were received weekly intramuscular injections of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) at a dosage of 1 IU/g body weight to induce testicular maturation and spermiation. Seasonal reproduction coefficient which includes the rate of ovulation, buoyancy, fertilization and hatching of eggs in the artificially matured eel during spring to summer ($May{\sim}July$) were significantly higher than the other season, while there were no significant difference among spring and summer (P<0.05). Furthermore, the number of eggs spawned and larvae hatched in the artificially maturated eel during spring to summer ($May{\sim}July$) were significantly higher than the other season, while there were no significant difference in spring and summer (P<0.05). These results indicate that artificial maturation by hormone treatment of A. japonica was successful only during spring to summer, which is the maturation period in the wild stock in nature. Consequently, it is possible to determine the period of artificially induced sexual maturity by the reproduction coefficient which includes the rate of ovulation, buoyancy, fertilization and hatching of eggs in the cultured eel A. japonica.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.15-24
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• 1992

The effects of CC the ovulatory response, oocyte normality, ovarian steroidogenesis and subsequent embryo developmental potential were examined in PMSG-treated rats. On Days of 25~27 of age, immature female Sprague Dawley rats were treated with three different doses(0.05, 0.1 or 1.0mg /day) of clomiphene citrate or vehicle. The females subsequently received 4IU PMSG on Day 28 and/or 10IU hCG on Day 30, and were killed on Day 31. Some females given 0.1mg CC or vehicle with 4IU PMSG were then mated and killed on Days 2, 3, 4 and 5 of pregnancy. Compared to vehicle(control) group, by increasing the doses of CC, there were a significant decrease in the ovulatory response as judged by both the proportion of rats ovulating and the mean number of oocytes per rat and a marked reduction of ovarian weight. The increasing doses of CC substantially promoted the degeneration(%) of oocytes ovulating in a dose-dependent manner. The CC-mediated inhibitions of the ovulatory response and ovarian weight were oompletely overcome by a subsequent treatment of hCG. Increasing doses of CC resulted in a siginificant elevation of serum estradiol with the decreased levels of progesterone and androgens. The additive treatment with hCG was effective to reduce the elevation of estradiol and to increase the reduction of progesterone produced by high dose(1.0mg) of CC. The preimplantation embryos recovered from 0.1mg CC-treated pregnant rats demonstrated a progressive early loss from Day 3 of pregnancy with a significant increase in the percentage of degeneration during all periods examined, compared to controls. The rate of progressive embryo cleavage in the CC-treated rats were slower than that in controls from Day 3 of pregnancy. Additionally, the percentage of the cleaved embryos recovered from the CC-treated rats remained significantly lower consistently from Day 2 of pregnancy, compared to control regimen. These results demonstrate a possible mechanism of CC-mediated inhibition of ovulatory response in the rats which may include the attenuation or blockade of the endogenous secretion of gonadotropins and also suggest that its detrimental effects observed on oocyte normality and embryonic development may be caused by abnormal follicular steroidogenesis( especially elevated estradiol) preceding fertilization.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.79-89
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• 2001

Steroid hormones control the expression of many cellular regulators, and a role thor estrogen in mouse oocytes has been well documented. The preovulatory $E_2$increment is generally accepted as the endocrine process regulating induction of in vivo oocyte maturation To address whether the activity of the T-type $Ca^{2+}$ channel is altered by 17 beta-estradiol ( $E_2$), we examined the actions of $E_2$on the calcium channel of mouse oocytes and early embryos. Oocrtes were collected from the oviduct of mice treated with pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and human choronic gonadotropin (hCG). Whole cell voltage clamp technique and confocal microscopy were used to examine that $E_2$increase intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration ([C $a^{2+}$]$_{i}$ ) via voltage dependent $Ca^{2+}$ channel (VDC) and estrogen receptor (FSR), and $E_2$concentration by the use of radioimmunoassay (RIA) were examined in mouse. The results obtained were as follows: The peak of $Ca^{2+}$ current induced by $E_2$increased 122% to 1.50$\pm$0.03 nA from 1.23$\pm$0.21 nA (n=15) in the presence of 5 mM extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration ([C $a^{2+}$]$_{o}$ ). The increased $Ca^{2+}$ current was temporally associated with $Ca^{2+}$ transients. The intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ level increased 207%~30 s following the addition of 1${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$ $E_2$(relative fluorescence intensity: 836.4$\pm$131.2 for control, n=10, 1736.4$\pm$192.0 in the presence of $E_2$, n=10). $E_2$increased amplitude of $Ca^{2+}$ current and [C $a^{2+}$]$_{i}$ . $E_2$-induced $Ca^{2+}$ current and $E_2$concentration in blood were showed difference on the stage of embryo. These results suggest that $E_2$modulate $Ca^{2+}$ channel to increase $Ca^{2+}$ influx.$Ca^{2+}$ influx.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.114-122
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• 1996

The aim of this study was to assess the precision of the estimates of the time of estrous cycle, optimal breeding and ovulation derived by vaginal cytology. The thirteen Korea Jin-do dogs were examined the vaginal cytology, plasma estradiol-17$$\beta $ and progesterone assay during the estrous cycle. Day 0 was the day of the first male acceptance. The main change of vaginal cytology during the estrous cycle was the high proportion of anuclear cell and erythrocyte in proestrus, superficial cell, anuclear cell and erythrocyte in estrus, parabasal cell, large intermediate cell and leukocytes in diestrus, and parabasal cell and small intermediate cell in anestrus, respectively. These data indicated that vaginal cytology was reliable method for estimating estrous cycle in Korea Jin-do dogs. In the cell indices during estrus the maximum eosinoghilic index was $92.0{\pm}$2.6 (Mean{\pm} SEM$)% at Day 2 and the maximum cornification indez was $96.0{\pm}1.3%$ at Day 2, respectively. The eosinothilic indez and cornification indez of up to 70% were found at Day -1 to Day 5 and Day -6 to Day 8, and up to 80% at Day 1 to Day 4 and Day -4 to Day 6, respectively. From these data it was presumed that eosinophilic index was more reliable index for monitoring optimal breeding time than cornification indexm because eosinophilic index peak period was shorter than cornification indeX peak period and Day 2 was the day of ovulation. Therefore, optimal breeding time was the eosinophilic index peak period, more than 80% of eosinoghilic index. The $estradiol-17{\beta}$ peak, with 3 days delayed when progesterone concentration was $4.5{\pm}0.5 ng/ml$. These data estimated that the ovulation time was the day of eosinophilic index peak, Day 2. breeding time and pvulation time in Korea Jin-do dogs.