• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.7-14
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• 1994

The present experiments on cryopreservation were designed to examine the effects of solution toxicity, equilibration time and cell stages on the post-thaw survival of bovine IVF embryos. The oocytes were matured in vitro(IVM) for 24 hrs. in TCM-199 supplemented with 35 $\mu$g /ml FSH, 10 $\mu$g /ml LH, 1 $\mu$g /ml estradiol-17$\beta$ and granulosa cells at 39$^{\circ}C$ under 5% $CO_2$ in air. They were fertilized in vitro(IVF) by epididymal spermatozoa treated with heparin for 24 hrs., and then the zygotes were co-cultured in vitro(IVC) with bovine oviductal epithelial cells for 7 to 9 days. The bovine IVF embryos were exposed to the EFS solution in one step at room temperature, kept in the EFS solution during different period for toxicity test, vitrified in liquid nitrogen, and thawed rapidly. 1. after the bovine blastocysts were exposed to EFS solution for 2 min. at room temperature and then they were washed in 0.5 M sucrose solution and TCM-199, they were cultured to examined cryoprotectant induced injury during exposure, Most of the embryos(95.0%) developed to reexpanded blastocoels. However, when the exposure time was extended to 5 and 10 min, these development rates dropped dramatically in 5 min. (69.5%) and 10 min. (47.4%), respectively, 2. When the bovine IVF embryos were vitrified in EFS solution after the equilibration for 1 and 2 min. exposure, The embryos to have reexpanded blastocoels following thawing, washing and culture processes were found to he 82.6 and 73.9%, respectively. However, when the exposure time was extended to 3 min, this survival rate dropped to 18.2%. The optimal time for equilibration of bovine IVF blastocysts in EFS solution seemed to he 1~2 min. 3. When the bovine IVF embryos were equilibrated for 1 min. the significantly (P<0. 05) higher post-thaw survival rates were obtained from the embryos of blastocyst stage(81.3%) than morulae stage(5. 1%). The optimal cell stage for viterification with EFS solution proven to he blastocyst stage in bovine IVF embryos. 4. The number of blastomeres of blastocyst stage was examined with nuclear staining with Hoechst 33342 during 7 to 9 days post-insemination. The cell counts of frozen bovine IVF embryos were found significantly(P$\geq$7.5 and those of the fresh embryos 76.6$\geq$7. 1, which were cultured in the sarne period and conditions as frozen embryos.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.121-128
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• 2015

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of sperm cryosurvival in boar sperm separated by Percoll containing antioxidant enzymes. The boar semen was collected into a pre-warmed ($37^{\circ}C$) thermos bottle by gloved-hand method and was separated by 65% Percoll with superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) before freezing. The frozen sperm was thawed at $38.5^{\circ}C$ for 45 sec in water-bath for sperm characteristic analysis. The sperm were estimated with SYBR14/PI double staining for viability, FITC-PNA/PI double staining for acrosome reaction, Rhodamine123/PI double staining for mitochondrial integrity and were analyzed using flow cytometry. In results, sperm viability, acrosome reaction and mitochondrial integrity were improved in separated sperm groups compared with unseparated sperm by Percoll (UP) group. Especially, viability was significantly higher in sperm separated by Percoll containing 400 IU CAT group compared with other groups (P<0.05). And acrosome reaction was decreased in sperm separated by Percoll with 300 IU SOD, 400 IU CAT and 0.5 mM GSH groups compared with other groups, however, there were no significantly difference mitochondrial integrity among sperm separated by Percoll with antioxidant enzymes. In conclusion, we suggest that use of Percoll containing antioxidant enzymes for sperm separation will be beneficial for sperm cryopreservation in pigs.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.49-57
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• 1991

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of equilibration time, precooling and straw loading method on the post-thaw survival rates of mouse embryos cryopreserved by vitrification method. The effect of the vitrification procedure on the damage of the embryos was also examined by the straining of nuclei using Hoechst 33342. The results obtained were summarized as follows; 1. The equilibration in Medium-1 for 10 minutes was considered to be the optimum equilibration time. Embryos equilibrated in Medium-1 for 10 minutes(81.0%) showed significantly(P<0.05) higher survival rates than those equilibrated for 5 minutes(40.0%) or 15 minutes(74.1%). 2. The survival rate of embryos cryopreserved using the double Medium-2 column(81.0%) was significantly(P<0.01) higher than that using the single Medium-2 column, whish was considered to be due to the double Medium-2 column method being more reliable for preventing contamination of diluent solution of 1M sucrose. 3. The survival rate of compacted morula stage embryos cryopreserved with the precooled and non-precooled Medium-2 was not significantly(P<0.05) different. 4. The number of blastomeres of embryos at late blastocyst stage after culture of mouse morulae for 24 to 28hours was significantly(P<0.05) decreased by freezing embryos using vitrification(53.3${\pm}$1.6 vs 41.4${\pm}$1.5), which was considered to be due to the damage of embryos during vitrification and the delay of embryo development by handling in vitro. 5. The vitrification procedure is considered to be a very simple and efficient method for cryopreservation of embryos at early developmental stage.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Embryo Transfer Conference
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• 2002.11a
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• pp.92-92
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• 2002

Considerable attention has been focused on the cryopreservation of semen and estrus induction in dog, as consequence of poor productivity caused by long anestrus period, in order to enhance the productivity of youngs and to preserve the breeds. The objectives of this study were to evaluate semen quality after cryopreservation and to evaluate the Pregnancy rate after insemination (AI). Fifty infertilie dogs (age 2∼3 years) were selected for the study and divided into three different estrus induction treatment groups. Group 1: dogs (n=15) were given clomifene (0.1 mg/kg) orally for five days at 12 hr intervals. Group 2: dogs (n=15) were given bromocriptine (50 $\mu\textrm{g}$/kg) orally for five days at 12 hr intervals, followed by single injection intravenously of 500 IU GnRH (Group 3, n=20) when pro-estrus occurred. The rates of pregnancy in estrus inducted dogs mated naturally compared to those inseminated artificially with ejaculated fresh semen and frozen-thawed semen. Estrus detection was performed using the method of vaginal smear and confirmed by the plasma progesterone assay. The ejaculated semen to freeze was exposed to a mixture of Tris extender with cryoprotectant (Trisma, 81 mM: TES, 209 mM: citric acid, 6 mM; glucose, 5 mM; glycerol, 8%) and cryopreserved gradually by slow-cooling at 17 cm above the surface of liquid nitrogen (LN$_2$) for 23 min. The motility of frozen-thawed spermatozoa was assessed by phase-contrast microscopy. To assess their viability and acrosome content, spermatozoa were stained with a vital stain and Fluorescence conjugated lectin Pisum Savitum Agglutinin (FITC/PAS), respectively. Pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasonograpy on day 25, 35 and 55 post insemination. The use of fresh semen, the pregnancy rates were observed 66.6, 66.6, 75.0 and 83.3% in natural estrus, clomifene induced, bromocriptine induced and a combination of GnRH and bromocriptine, respectively. The use of frozen-thawed semen, the pregnancy rates were observed 66.6, 33.3, 50.0 and 60.0% in natural estrus, clomifene induced, bromocriptine induced and a combination of GnRH and bromocriptine, respectively. No difference was observed in the number of offspring produced among natural estrus and treated groups inseminated with fresh or frozen-thawed semen. In conclusion, the pregnancy rate of dogs treated with a combination of GnRH and bromocriptine was more effective than use of clomifene or bromocriptine only. In addition, frozen-thawed semen can be used successfully far artificial insemination in dog.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.43-50
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• 2003

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of cryopreservation by slow and rapid freezing on the sperm motility index, viability and morphology of post-thaw human spermatozoa. After rapid freezing and thawing, sperm motility index was significantly higher (MOT:47.40$\pm$20.06%, VCL : 38.12$\pm$15.58 $\mu$m/s, VSL : 28.19$\pm$14.10 $\mu$m/s, VAP:33.64$\pm$15.15 $\mu$m/s, and HYP 2.77$\pm$2.71%) than slow freezing and thawing(MOT : 43.39$\pm$ 18.79%, VCL .33.91 $\pm$ 13.50 Um/s, VSL . 19.98$\pm$0.88 $\mu$m/s, VAP : 24.60$\pm$11.72 $\mu$m/s, and HYP . 1.33$\pm$1.57% ; P<0.05). But sperm Linearity(LIN) was significantly lower(28.83 $\pm$ 10.35) comparing to the slow freezing method(34.64 $\pm$ 11.36 ; P<0.05). On the other hand, significant difference were not observed MAD, WOB, DNC and DNM by slow and rapid frozen-thawed methods. After rapid freezing and thawing, sperm viability was lower(60 $\pm$ 2.2%) than slow freezing method(62 $\pm$2.1%) and sperm morphology was higher(46$\pm$7.7%) than that(44: 8.3). But there was no significantly These results indicate that rapid freezing method was positive effect of sperm cryopreservation in human.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.9-17
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• 2004

Objective: The aim of this study were to compare the effects of EG and PROH on cryopreservation of mouse and human embryos, and to find the optimal protocol for embryo freezing. Methods: Human embryos derived from fertilized eggs showing 3 pronuclei (PN) and mouse embryos were divided into two groups respectively: dehydrated with 1.5 M EG + 0.2 M sucrose or 1.5 M PROH + 0.2 M sucrose using the slow freezing method. Moreover mouse embryos were controlled the exposure time of cryoprotectant during dehydration or rehydration steps. Results: The survival rates of human embryos were 79.2% (84/106) in EG group and 77.9% (88/113) in PROH group. In mouse embryos, the survival and development rates up to blastocyst were 70.6% (245/347), 44.1% (123/279) in EG group and 62.1% (198/319), 45.1% (123/279) in PROH group, respectively. However, in EG group, partially damaged embryos after thawing were decreased compared to PROH group. In combination group, when the exposure time during dehydration and rehydration were reduced, the survival and embryonic developments were increased slightly, but not significant. Conclusion: Cryopreservation of mouse and human embryos at cleavage stage by using EG or PROH exhibited no statistical difference in the survival rate and/or developmental rate to blastocyst. However, the use of EG for cryopreservation of embryos might reduce the exposure time of the cryoprotectant because of a high permeation of EG and result in lessen its toxic effects.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.83-90
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• 2014

The main purpose of this study is to estimate the effect of adding Tea-N-Tris (TES) to the freezing buffer for miniature pig sperm. In particular, we attempted to identify the association between the MMPs expression and the fertility and viability of frozen sperm from each extender (LEY (Lactose Egg-Yolk), TLE (TES + LEY), TFGE (TES + Fructose + Glucose Egg-Yolk)). In accordance with this, Hypoosmotic Swelling Test (HOST) respond test was the lowest among sperms frozen in LEY while the highest HOST respond was observed among sperms frozen in TLE. Furthermore, we observed MMPs expression in all sperm groups, with pro-MMP showing lower expression than active MMPs. The expression of MMP-9 and MMP-2 was the highest in sperms frozen in LEY, Meanwhile, sperms from the TFGE and TLE group showed lower level of MMP-9 and MMP-2 expression in the order of TLE being the lowest. LEY group showed lower rate of blastocyst development than the TES supplement group, although the difference was not statistically significant. Meanwhile the rate of blastocyst development appeared similar when sperms from TLE and TFGE group were used for IVF. Together, these results indicate that adding Tea-N-Tris to the sperm freezing buffer only suppresses MMPs protein activation but also maximize in-vitro fertility, providing a means to improve the success rate in the in vitro manipulation of miniature pig sperm.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.492-499
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• 2009

A Silkie Bantam embryo fibroblast line (named SBF59 line) was successfully established by using direct explant culture and cryopreservation techniques. Cell morphology, viability, dynamic growth and contamination were tested and the karyotype and levels of isoenzymes of lactic dehydrogenase and malic dehydrogenase were analyzed. Four kinds of fluorescent protein extrogenes, including $pEGFP-N_3$, $pECFP-N_1$, $pEYFP-N_1$ and $pDsRed1-N_1$ were transfected into the cells. The results showed that the cells were healthy and possessed a fibrous structure without a change in morphology. The average viability of the cells was 96% before freezing and 90.5% after thawing. The growth curve appeared as typical "S" shape and the cell growth passed through a detention phase, a logarithmic phase and a platform phase; the estimated population doubling time (PDT) was 38.5 h; assays for the presence of bacteria, fungi, viruses and mycoplasmas were negative; the cell line showed no cross contamination when assessed by isoenzyme analysis; the chromosome number was 2n = 78 on more than 88% of occasions; four kinds of fluorescent protein extro-genes appeared to be expressed effectively with a high transfection efficiency between 18.3% and 42.3%. The cell line met the required quality control standard. It not only preserves the genetic resources of the important Silkie Bantam at the cellular level but also provides valuable materials for genomic, post-genomic, somatic cell cloning research and other applications.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.115-118
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• 2008

Glycerol is the cryoprotectant most frequently used to freeze semen in several of species. The objective of the present study was to compare the effect of three different glycerol concentrations (4, 6 or 8%, v/v) on frozen-thawed dog sperm survival rate. Ejaculates from 9 dogs collected by digital manipulation were pooled and assessed by macroscopic and microscopic criteria. Semen was divided into 3 aliquots, which were centrifuged and the sperm pellets rediluted with first Tris-glucose-citric acid extender. After 1 h cooling at $4^{\circ}C$, second extender containing 4, 6 or 8% glycerol was added, respectively. The semen was loaded into 0.25 ml straws and frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen and thawed. Sperm vigor, live:dead spermatozoa ratio using HOS test, and sperm morphology using $Spermac^{(R)}$ stain were evaluated. After thawing, there were no significant differences among groups in vigor, viability and morphology. In conclusion, the three glycerol concentrations (4, 6 or 8%) can be used successfully in cryopreservation of canine semen. Therefore the use of 4% glycerol in the extender has less toxic effect and reduces of freezing injuries.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.133-138
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• 2001

The aim of this study was to identify the method on extended canine semen exposed to freezing as assessed by motility, survival and acrosomal changes following different freezing ramp rates. Five ejaculates collected by digital manipulation twice weekly from three dogs (Shih-Tzu) were added Tris-Egg Yolk (TE) buffer and divided into 4 aliquots according to formulation of our laboratory. After cooling to 4$^{\circ}C$ by ramp rate of 0.6$^{\circ}C$/min, the samples frozen by ramp rates of 1.6$^{\circ}C$/min to -$25^{\circ}C$, 3$^{\circ}C$/min to -35$^{\circ}C$, 8.9$^{\circ}C$/min to -7$0^{\circ}C$ and 19$^{\circ}C$/min to -11$0^{\circ}C$, respectively, and then stored in L$N_2$for 2days. Each sample was evaluated on their motility, survivability and acrosome integrity at different thawing temperature. The ramp rate of 3$^{\circ}C$/min to -35$^{\circ}C$/h for freezing and thawing temperature of 37$^{\circ}C$ obtained the highest results to improve survivability, motile spermatozoa and intact acrosome appearance than other onditions. In conclusion, we may suggest freezing semen for canine artificial insemination is more efficient with freezing at a ramp rate of -3$^{\circ}C$/min to -35$^{\circ}C$ and thawing with a water bath adjusted to 37$^{\circ}C$.