• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.191-202
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• 2006

In addition to the removal of dying or dead lutein cells by phagocytosis in many species, macrophages exert both luteotropic effect during maturation period and luteolytic effect during degenerative period via mediating autocrine/paracrine actions of self-producing cytokines in the corpus luteum. In this experiment, immunohistochemical and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) studies were performed to observe the morphologic changes of luteal macrophages during luteolysis. A small number of macrophages and low immunoreactivity were present at the mature stage. The number of macrophages and immunoreactivity gradually increased along the advance of luteolysis. Two subtypes of macrophages could be observed through TEM observation. One type of macrophage located between the large lutein cells contained no lipid droplets in their cytoplasm at mature stage. The other type of macrophage located near the blood vessels contained many lipid droplets in their cytoplasm during luteolysis. Particularly, no phagocytic macrophages were observed, which suggested the macrophages in the porcine corpus luteum did not involve in the phagocytotic elimination of dying lutein cells.

• Proceedings of the KSAR Conference
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• 2003.06a
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• pp.89-89
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• 2003

본 연구는 난소의 황체를 체외배양시 TGF-$\beta$1의 황체내 발현을 조사하기 위해 수행되었다. 돼지 황체는 축산기술연구소에서 사육중인 돼지(체중 145$\pm$kg) 12두로부터 발정을 유도시켜 배란 후 약 48시간째 도축하여 난소를 회수하였다. 회수된 난소로부터 황체를 분리하여 세절한 후 0.25% collagenase용액(0.025mg DNase, 50mM EDTA, 50mM Dithio-threitol)으로 37$^{\circ}C$의 진탕 수조에서 30분간 배양하여 황체세포를 분리 회수하였다. 회수된 황체세포는 D-MEM용액(GIBCO, 10% FCS와 antibiotics 첨가)으로 2회 세척하여 1$\times$$10^{6}$live cell/$m\ell$이 되도록 희석하여 24 well culture plate(Corning, New Tork 14831)에 분주하여 $CO_2$ 배양기($CO_2$: 5%)에서 24시간 간격으로 2회 배양액을 교환해 48시간 동안 배양하였다. 배양된 황체 세포는 immunocytochemistry 방법으로 TGF-$\beta$1의 발현을 관찰함과 동시에 황체조직도 같은 방법을 사용하여 TGF-$\beta$1 의 발현 유ㆍ무을 관찰하였다. 그 결과 황체세포 그리고 황체 조직 뚜렷한 TGF$\beta$1의 발현을 확인할 수 있었다. 이 결과로서 TGF$\beta$1은 황체기능을 유지하는데 하나의 인자로서 작용하며 다른 인자들과의 상호작용을 시사하고 있다.

• Proceedings of the KSAR Conference
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• 2003.06a
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• pp.88-88
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• 2003

본 연구는 배란후 48시간째 회수된 난소로부터 황체세포를 체외배양 후 progesterone 분비에 대한 LH, IGF-1 및 TGF$\beta$첨가효과에 대해 검토하였다. 축산기술연구소에서 사육중인 돼지(체중 145$\pm$kg) 12두로부터 발정을 유도시켜 배란후 약 48시간째 도축하여 난소를 회수하였다. 회수된 난소로부터 황체를 분리하여 세절한 후 0.25% collagenase용액(0.025mg DNase, 50mM EDTA, 50mM Dithiothreitol)으로 37$^{\circ}C$의 진탕수조에서 30분간 배양하여 황체세포를 분리 회수하였다. 회수된 황체세포는 D-MEM 용액(GIBCO, 10% FCS와 antibiotics 첨가)으로 2회 세정하여 1$\times$$10^{6}$live cell/$m\ell$이 되도록 희석한 후 24 well culture plate(Coming, New Tork 14831)에 분주하여 $CO_2$ 배양기($CO_2$: 5%)에서 12시간 간격으로 배양액을 회수하였으며 48시간까지 배양하였다. 배양액 1$m\ell$당 LH, IGF-I 및 TGF$\beta$1을 단독 혹은 공배양하여 회수된 배양액내의 progesterone 농도를 RIA법으로 분석하였다. 돼지황체세포는 배양후 24시간째에 높은 농도의 progesterone이 측정되었으며 LH를 첨가한 대조구에 비해 유의적으로 높은 progesterone이 측정되었다. 또한 IGF-1 과 TGF$\beta$1을 첨가한 군에서도 높은 농도의 progesterone이 측정되었다 그러나 TGF$\beta$ 혹은 IGF-I 단독으로는 대조구의 결과와 큰 차이가 없었다 따라서 돼지 황체세포에서의 progesterone 분비는 TGF$\beta$ 및 IGF-I 그리고 LH의 황체세포의 progesterone 분비기능을 촉진하는 것으로 나타났다.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.131-139
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• 2002

Since GnRH and its receptor genes are expressed in the ovary, it has been suggested that ovarian GnRH might be involved in the regulation of ovarian function and the apoptosis of ovarian cells. However, it was not known well on the expression and function of GnRH and its receptor in the corpus luteum. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether GnRH and its receptor are expressed in luteal cells and GnRH has any effect on the apoptosis of luteal cells. Luteal cells obtained from the pregnant rats were cultured and stained for GnRH and its receptor proteins. Cultured luteal cells showed distinct immunoreactivity against both anti-GnRH and anti-GnRH receptor antibodies. In addition, the presence of GnRH receptor protein in cultured cells was confirmed by Western blot analysis. To investigate the effect of GnRH on the apoptosis of luteal cells, luteal cells were cultured in the presence of 10$^{-6}$ M GnRH-agonist(GnRH-Ag) for 3, 8, and 12h. TUNEL assay showed that the number of cells undergoing apoptosis increased 12h after culture(P<0.05). DNA fragmentation analysis confirmed the results such that the cells treated for 12h showed the greatest increase of fragmentation(p<0.05). Further, Western blot analysis of cytochrome c in the mitochondrial and cytoplasmic fractions of the luteal cells showed that GnRH-Ag treatment increased the content of cytochrome c in cytoplasm. These results demonstrate that the luteal cells express GnRH and its receptor and GnRH-Ag treatment induces apoptosis of the luteal cells via mitochondrial release of cytochrome c. The present study suggest that the releasing of cytochrome c from mitochondria might be involved in the luteal cell apoptosis induced by GnRH-Ag.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.51-57
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• 2009

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1) is released from the macrophages and endothelial cells, regulated luteotropic and luteolytic actions of macrophages and induced luteolysis. However, the mechanisms of MCP-1 on the development and maintenance of pregnant corpora lutea are thoroughly unknown. In this experiment, TUNEL stain, ED1, ED2, and MCP-1 immunohistochemistry on the corpora lutea of pregnant rats were carried out to reveal the role of macrophages in the developing corpora lutea. In the postpartum corpora lutea, the number of macrophages was increased significantly, and the intensity of ED1 and ED2 immunoreactivity in macrophages were increased moderately, and MCP-1 immunoreactivity was also increased. In conclusion, macrophages in the postpartum corpora lutea may exert phagocytic action mainly, and the macrophages in the pregnant corpora lutea maintain the structure and function of lutein cells.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.711-720
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• 2005

In the corpus luteum, TNF$\alpha$ is known to induce functional and structural luteolysis. In addition, it acts as luteotropic agent during the initial and early stage of luteal development. In spite of its importance in corpus luteal development, there is still different opinions for the source cells of TNF$\alpha$ in the corpus luteum. One is the macrophages only, and the other is macrophages are the main source and endothelial cells are the minor source. In this experiment, using the porcine corpora lutea of pregnancy and ovulatory stages, hematoxylin-eosin stain, macrophage and TNF$\alpha$ immunohistochemistry were carried to reveal the sources of TNF$\alpha$. As a result, MAC 387-positive macrophages were present in all the stages of corpora lutea. In the mature corpora lutea of nonpregnant stages, the sites of MAC 387-positive macrophages and those of TNF$\alpha$- positive macrophages were coincided, and the sites of endothelial cells and those of TNF$\alpha$-positive endothelial cells were nearly coincided. But, in the mature CL of pregnant stage, mid- and advanced luteolytic stages of both nonpregnant and pregnant stages, the sites of MAC 387-positive macrophages and those of TNF$\alpha$-positive macrophages were coincided, but not in the endothelial cells. Accordingly, it can be concluded that macrophages are the main source of TNF$\alpha$ in the corpus luteum and endothelial cells are the minor source in the mature and mid-lytic stages, but, in the advanced luteolytic stage, macrophages are the only source of TNF$\alpha$.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.105-111
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• 1999

The effects of exogenous spleen cells on the progesterone and insulin like-growth factor-I (IGF-I) secretions in luteal cells were studied by using in vitro luteal cell culture system in the Hanwoo luteal cells. The corpora lutea(CL) were collected and pooled from the Korean native cattle(Hanwoo) ovaries from a local slaughter house. After enzymatic dissociation, combined large and small luteal cells(LLC and SLC)(1.0$\times$10$^{6}$ cells/$m\ell$) were incubated in D-MEM media containing antibiotics and 10% FCS. Spleen cells (1.0$\times$10$^{6}$ cells/$m\ell$) obtained from castrated adult male Hanwoo were added to luteal cells and co-cultured for 24 h in the absence or presence of luteinizing hormone (LH) (100 ng). Progesterone contents from luteal tissues were increased at CL-3 stage during each stage of estrous cycle. Progesterone secretion from luteal cell culture by the presence of LH (100 ng/$m\ell$) was positively stimulated compared with control. However, progesterone secretion was not changed by the addition of 5, 10 and 20% of spleen cells in the absence of LH. Co-culture of luteal cells with 10% of spleen cells in the presence of LH(l00ng/$m\ell$) significantly. enhanced after 24 h of culture. IGF-Isecretion from in vitro luteal cells co-culture by the addition of spleen cells (5%, 10% and 20%) was not significantly effected. Besides, in the presence of LH (100ng/$m\ell$), IGF-Isecretions from luteal cells by addition of spleen cells were higher than control media. However, LH alone significantly increased IGF-I secretion at 24 h of culture. These data provide the demonstrate that spleen cells can enhance LH action so as to stimulate progesterone secretion from Hanwoo luteal cells but have no effect to stimulate IGF-I secretion.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.61-67
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• 2008

Objective: This study was attempted to look at the effect of dexamethasone on the luteolysis of corpus luteum in rats by immunohistochemical study. Methods: Counting with an optical microscope was conducted to make a comparison on difference in luteolysis and penetration of macrophage into three groups: control group of 30 female rats at 8 weeks of age, dexamethasone 0.1 mg administered group, and dexamethasone 1mg administered group. Results: As a result of TUNEL immunostaining, the percentage of luteolysis was significantly reduced in both dexamethasone 0.1 mg administered group and 1 mg administered group, and after ED1 immunostaining, macrophage invasion was reduced in dexamethasone 1 mg administered group. As a consequence of ED1 immunostaining, the immune response of macrophage was much decreased in dexamethasone 1 mg administered group than control group. Conclusion: Dexamethasone works on luteal cell, so it can suppress apoptosis. It can suppress luteolysis by suppression macrophage invasion into corpus luteum or suppress macrophage activation in corpus luteum.

• Proceedings of the KSAR Conference
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• 2003.06a
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• pp.85-85
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• 2003

한우 난소의 황체는 다양한 세포들로 구성되어 있으며 난소의 생식기능유지와 임신유지에 중요한 인자가 복잡하게 관련되어 있으며 이들 황체에서 분비하는 단백질은 황체기능에 필수적으로 중요한 작용을 한다. 본 연구는 난소의 황체일령에 따른 단백질 분비 패턴을 조사함으로써 황체세포의 기능과 임신 유지에 관련되는 인자들을 조사하기 위하여 수행하였다. 한우에서 채취한 난소에서 황체를 분리, 황체시기별(전기, 중기, 말기)로 구분하여 cytosol을 분리 정제하였다. 황체시기별로 분리된 황체 단백질의 성분을 분석하기 위해 ion-exchange chromatography를 이용하여 단백질 패턴을 조사, 추출된 fraction을 단백질 정량후 SDS-PAGE를 실시하였다. 그 결과 중기에서의 단백질의 농도가 가장 높았으며, 특히 단백질 패턴 또한 다른 양상을 보였다. 시기별로 구분한 각각의 fraction을 SDS-PAGE로 조사했을 때 중기와 말기황체 cytosol의 fraction 3번과 4번에서 다른 양상을 보였으며 SDS-PAGE에서 120kb, 95kb, 34kb, 25kb 등의 단백질 밴드를 확인할 수 있었다. 초, 중기황체에서만 특이하게 검출되는 단백질 band를 확인할 수 있었으며 이 들 단백질을 구체적으로 확인하기 위하여 Two-Dimensional electrophoresis를 이용하여 실험을 수행하였다. 시기별로 분리된 황체를 일반적인 IEF단백질 분리법으로 cytosol을 회수한 후 IPG-system을 이용하여 1차원 전기영동을 한 후, SDS-PAGE로 이차원 전기영동을 실시하였다. 이차원 전기영동 결과, SDS-PAGE의 결과와 비슷한 위치에 부분적으로 다른 spot의 양상을 보였다. 특히 기능황체에서의 특이적 발현 spot을 확인할 수 있었다. 이러한 결과들로부터 황체의 progesterone분비기능의 역할을 수행하기 위한 단백질들이 전, 중기에 발현된다는 것을 알 수 있고 퇴행황체에서는 발현이 안되고 있는 것을 알 수 있다. 이러한 결과를 토대로 다른 양상을 띤 spot을 분리하여 어떤 단백질인지를 분석하여 각각의 황체단백질의 특성을 규명할 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

• The Korean Journal of Zoology
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.152-157
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• 1990

The present study, using immunohistochemical procedure, was carried out to determine the localization of immunostainable $\beta$-endorphin cells in the mouse ovarian tissues. Mature female mice were perfused with 4% neutral buffered paraformaldehyde under anesthesia and then frozen-sections were immunostained with anti $\beta$-endorphin antiserum according to ABC technique. Immunoreactive $\beta$-endorphin was found in the luteal cells of corpus lutea, but not in the thecal cells. More strong immunostaining signak were observed in large corpus luteum, in particular, the regressing luteal cells. Primary and secondary follicles did not show any immunoreactivity of $\beta$-endorphin, but granulosa cells lining the antral cavity of large antral follicles contained immunoreactive $\beta$-endorphin.