• 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.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.624-628
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• 1999

Annual plasma levels of vitellogenin and sex steroids were investigated in relation to the gonadal development for understanding the endocrine control of reproduction in spotted flounder, Verasper variegatus. The plasma vitellogenin level was highest, 6.36 mg/ml, in November when vitellogenesis was most active. The level, thereafter, decreased to 3.81 mg/ml in December with the initiation of spawning. On the other hand, estradiol-17 $\beta$ was highest, 2.7 ng/ml, in December, and rapidly decreased in January when spawning occurred. The decreased level of estradiol-17$\beta$, around 0.2 ng/ml, remained unchanged until May. The profiles of plasma testosterone were similar to those of estradiol-17$\beta$ in the fish, The plasma 17 $\alpha$-hydroxyprogesterone level was relatively low throughout the spawning period, but increased slightly with the initiation of ovarian development, In males, the plasma testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone were highest in December when spermiation actively proceeded, but rapidly decreased during the spawning period (January).

• Journal of Aquaculture
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.161-166
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• 2004

The influence of TBTO (Tributyltin-Oxide) at a series of concentrations (0.52, 1.41 and 3.05 $\mu$g/L) for a period of 3 weeks on estradiol-17$\beta$, testosterone and cortisol levels in male Korean rockfish, Sebastes schlegeli was investigated. Compared to the stable concentration of estradiol-17$\beta$, plasma testosterone level was decreased significantly at the 3rd week after TBTO exposure in plasma of fish (＞1.41 $\mu$g/L). The most profound physiological variation in TBTO exposed fish was a dramatic increase in plasma cortisol level at 3rd week. Conclusively, TBTO exposure caused increase level of cortisol as well as alteration of testosterone in the Korean rockfish. These results suggest that TBTO at environmentally relevant (nanomolar) concentrations disrupt endocrine secretions.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.199-205
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• 2006

The functional expression of potassium $(K^+)$ channels has electrophysiologically been studied in bone cells from several species, however, their identity and regulation of gene expressions in bone cells are not well known. In the present study, to investigate how $K^+$ channel expressions are regulated by estrogen, we measured changes of transcript levels of various $Ca^{2+}$-activated ($K_{Ca}$) and ATP-sensitive $K^+$ channels in rat osteoblastic ROS 17/2.8 cells after treatment with estrogen. Application of 17${\beta}$-estradiol $(E_2)$ for 24 h and 48 h increased mRNA and protein expressions of inwardly rectifying $K^+$ channel (Kir) 6.2 and type 2 small conductance $K_{Ca}$ channel (SK2), respectively. Combined treatment of cells with 17${\beta}-E_2$ and ICI 182,780, a pure antiestrogen, suppressed 17${\beta}-E_2$-induced alterations of SK2 and Kir6.2 mRNA levels. In addition, treatment of cells with U0126, a specific inhibitor of extracellular receptor kinases (ERK)1/2, and SP600125, a specific inhibitor of c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) blocked the enhancing effects of 17${\beta}-E_2$ on SK2 and Kir6.2 protein expressions. On the other hand, blocking of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase had no effect. Taken together, these results indicate that 17${\beta}-E_2$ modulates SK2 and Kir6.2 expressions through the estrogen receptor, involving ERK1/2 and JNK activations.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.218-222
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• 2007

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) were screened for estrogenic activity using a recombinant yeast screening system consisted with estrogen receptors and ${\beta}-galactosidase$ as reporter gene. The chemicals showed estrogenic activity in ranges of $1{\times}10^{-10}\;to\;1{\times}10^{-7}M(DEHP)\;and\;of\;1{\times}10^{-9}M\;to\;1{\times}10^{-6}M(DBP)$ respectively. $17{\beta}-estradiol$, as a positive control of, showed maximal activity at $1{\times}10^{-9}M$. The concentration of half-maximal estrogenic activity was $1{\times}10^{-9}M$ for both chemicals. However, the concentration of maximal estrogenic activity was $1{\times}10^{-7}M$ for DEHP and $1{\times}10^{-8}M$ M for DBP. These results suggested that DBP was higher in relative potencies and more sensitive than DEHP. In conclusion, DEHP and DBP were both estrogenic, even though DBP was more reactive to estrogen receptor.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.163-167
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• 2003

This study was carried out to get a fundamental information fur improvement of reproductive performance in gilt. We investigated the effects of breeds on body weight, age, body length, wither's height, girth and backfat thickness, and the serum concentrations of estradiol-17$\beta$, cortisol and progesterone at first estrus and mating of gilts. A total of 47 gilts of Duroc, Landrace and Yorkshire, produced at Livestock Experiment Station, Chungnam Livestock Sanitation Research Institute from 2000 through 2002, were used for this experiment. Body weight, age and girth of Duroc at first estrus and mating were higher than those of Landrace and Yorkshire. There were no differences on body length among the three breeds at first estrus and mating. Wither's height of Duroc and Yorkshire at first estrus and mating was higher than that of Landrace. Backfat thickness of Yorkshire was thinnest among the three breeds at first estrus, but there were no differences on backfat thickness among the three breeds at first mating. Serum estradiol-17$\beta$ concentration of Landrace (45.0 pg/ml) at first estrus was higher than that of Yorkshire (27.4 pg/ml) and Duroc (21.8 pg/ml), but there were no differences on estradiol-17$\beta$ concentration (from 18.5 to 31.9 pg/ml) among the three breeds at first mating. Serum cortisol concentration of Duroc at first estrus and mating was higher than that of Landrace and Yorkshire. There were no differences on serum progesterone concentration among the three breeds at first estrus and mating of gilt.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.9
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• pp.1023-1026
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• 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the estrogen-like activities of eight oriental medicines, including red ginseng, fenugreek, and dandelion. Hot water and ethanol extracts were prepared from Cervus nippon temminck (Nokgaksang), Cynanchum wilfordii (Baeksuo), Lespedeza cuneata (Yagwanmun), Panax ginseng (red ginseng), Smilax china (Toryeong), Taraxacum platycarpum (Mindeulre, dandelion), Tribulus terresteis (Namgase), and Trigonella foenum-graecum (Horopa, fenugreek). Then, estrogen-like activities were verified by the in vitro transcriptional activity assay. The extracts showing estrogen-like activities were red ginseng, Baeksuo, fenugreek, Yagwanmun, and dandelion in the ethanol extracts, and red ginseng, fenugreek, and Baeksuo in the hydrothermal extracts. Red ginseng extract showed a higher activity than the standard $10^{-8}M$ $17{\beta}$-estradiol in both the hydrothermal and ethanol extract at $500{\mu}g/ml$, while the $50{\mu}g/ml$ of the red ginseng ethanol extract and the $500{\mu}g/ml$ of the Baeksuo hydrothermal extract showed estradiol activities between $10^{-9}$ and $10^{-8}M$ $17{\beta}$-estradiol. This shows that it would be possible to contribute to the development of functional materials using red ginseng, Baeksuo, fenugreek, and dandelion.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.225-233
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• 2000

The aim in this study was to obtain the basic data for estimation of optimal mating time and ovulation time by finding out the relationship between vaginal cytology and reproductive hormone profiles during the estrous cycle in 36 Korea Jin-do bitches. A characteristic features of vaginal cytology during the estorous cycle were the high proportion of superficial cell, anuclear cell and erythrocyte in proestrus, superficial cell, anuclear cell and erythroucyte in estrus, parabasal cell, small and large intermediate cell and leukocytes in diestrus, and parabasal cell and small intermediate cell in anestrus, respectively. Cornification index(CI) was the high proportion in proestrus and estrus, then it was decreaed in diestrus and anestrus. It indicated that the CI was significantly high proportion in proestrus and estrus in comparison with the other phases. Plasma progesterone concentration was below 1.0ng/ml at the first day of vulval bleeding in pregnant and non-pregnat bitches, and then it was increaed slowly. When Day 0 was timed from the day that plasma progesterone concentration was first increased above 4.0ng/ml, plasma progesterone concentrations at Day 0 in pregnant and non-pregnant above 4.0 ng/ml, plasma progesterone concentrations at Day 0 in pregnant and non-pregnant bitches were $5.2{\pm}0.3ng/ml and 5.7{\pm}0.5ng/ml$$46.5{\pm}3.3 ng/ml$ in pregnant bitches and at Day 20 with $39.8{\pm}0.1ng/ml$ in nonpregnant bitches. It indicated that plasma progesterone concentration was higher in pregnant bitches than in non-pregnant bitches. Hereafter plasma progesterone concentration was decreased steadily. At Day 63 which is parturition day, plasma progesterone concentration was decreased below 1.0ng/ml with $0.8{\pm}0.2ng/ml$ in pregnant bitches whereas in the non-pregnant bitches at Day 75 were decreased below 1.0ng/ml with 40.5{\pm}0.4ng/ml$. Plasma progesterone concentrations was maintained below 1.0ng/ml during anestrus in all of them. The plasma estradiol-17 $\beta$ concentration was increased above 1.0 pg/ml at the first day of vulval bleeding and it showed a peak Day-1 with 38.2 pg/ml. Thereafter it was sharply decreased after Day 0, which was the day that plasma progesterone concentration was first increase above 4.0ng/ml, and was maintained below basal levels. In relationship between CI and reproductive hormones, plasma estradiol-17 $\beta$concentration showed a peak at Day-3 and CI showed a peak at Day-1 which was the second day after plasma estradiol-17 $\beta$ peak, and plasma progesterone concentration was first increased above 4.0ng/ml at Day 0 which was the first day after CI peak. CI was first increased above 80% at Day-6 which was the third day before plasma estradio-17 $\beta$ peak and it was maintained above 80% between Days-6 and Day 3 during 10 days, and showed above 90% at Day-3 which was the day that plasma estradiol-17 $\beta$peak and was maintained above 90% between Day-3 and Day 3 during 7 days. In conclusion, ovulation in Koran Jin-do bitches occurred at the first day after CI peak, at the third day after plasma estradiol-17 $\beta$peak and the day when plasma progesterone concentration was first increased above 4.0 ng/ml. And it was estimated that the optimal mating time was the day when the CI was maintained above 90% and plasma progesterone concentration was between 3.0~8.0ng/ml. Therefore plasma progesterone concentration measurement was used for determination of an accurate ovulation time and the optimal mating time but also vaginal cytology, which is low-priced with equipment and is the simple examination method, was reliable method for estimating estrous cycle, optimal breeding time and ovulation time in Korea Jin-do bitches.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.31
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• pp.10.1-10.8
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• 2016

Objectives Aromatase inhibitors that block estrogen synthesis are a proven first-line hormonal therapy for postmenopausal breast cancer. Although it is known that standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb761) induces anti-carcinogenic effects like the aromatase inhibitors, the effects of EGb761 on steroidogenesis have not been studied yet. Therefore, the effects of EGb761 on steroidogenesis and aromatase activity was studied using a H295R cell model, which was a good in vitro model to predict effects on human adrenal steroidogenesis. Methods Cortisol, aldosterone, testosterone, and $17{\beta}$-estradiol were evaluated in the H295R cells by competitive enzyme-linked immunospecific assay after exposure to EGb761. Real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed to evaluate effects on critical genes in steroid hormone production, specifically cytochrome P450 (CYP11/ 17/19/21) and the hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases ($3{\beta}$-HSD2 and $17{\beta}$-HSD1/4). Finally, aromatase activities were measured with a tritiated water-release assay and by western blotting analysis. Results H295R cells exposed to EGb761 (10 and $100{\mu}g/mL$) showed a significant decrease in $17{\beta}$-estradiol and testosterone, but no change in aldosterone or cortisol. Genes (CYP19 and $17{\beta}$-HSD1) related to the estrogen steroidogenesis were significantly decreased by EGb761. EGb761 treatment of H295R cells resulted in a significant decrease of aromatase activity as measured by the direct and indirect assays. The coding sequence/Exon PII of CYP19 gene transcript and protein level of CYP19 were significantly decreased by EGb761. Conclusions These results suggest that EGb761 could regulate steroidogenesis-related genes such as CYP19 and $17{\beta}$-HSD1, and lead to a decrease in $17{\beta}$-estradiol and testosterone. The present study provides good information on potential therapeutic effects of EGb761 on estrogen dependent breast cancer.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 1994.04a
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• pp.297-297
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• 1994

It has been known that adrenal corticosteroids influence the expression of adrenomedullary catecholamine-synthetizing enzymes and also suppress the emission of axonal-like processes in cultured chromaffin cells. In the present study, it was attempted ta investigate the effect of 17${\alpha}$-estradiol on catecholamine(CA) secretion evoked by acetylcholine(ACh), DMPP, McN-A-343, excess K$\^$+/ and Bay-K-8644 from the isolated perfused rat adrenal gland. The perfusion of 17${\alpha}$-estradiol (10$\^$-6/ 10$\^$-4/M) me an adrenal vein for 20min produced relatively dose-dependent inhibition in CA secretion evoked by ACh (5.5 ${\times}$ 10$\^$-3/M), DMPP (10$\^$-4/M for 2min), McN-A-343 (10$\^$-4/M for 4min) and Bay-K-8644 (10$\^$-5/M for 4min), while did not affect the CA secretory effect of high K$\^$+/(5.6 x 10$\^$-2/M). Also, in the presence of 17${\beta}$-estradiol, CA secretion of ACh, DMPP and McN-A-343 without any effect on excess K$\^$+/-evoked CA secretion. However, in adrenal glands preloaded with 17${\alpha}$-estradiol (10$\^$-5/M) plus tamoxifen (10$\^$-5/M), which is known to be a selective antagonist of estrogen receptors (for 20min), CA secretory responses evoked by ACh, DMPP and McN-A-343 were considerably recovered as compared to that of 17${\alpha}$-estradiol only, but excess K$\^$+/-induced CA secretion was not affected.