• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.57-64
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• 2009

This study was carried out to investigate expression of apoptosis-related differentially expressed gene (DEG) in ovaries of Korean cattle with follicular and luteal cysts and to identify the relationship between cyst and apoptosis using microarray, real-time PCR, TUNEL staining, and Western blot analysis. Microarray data showed that PIK3R2 and AKT1 were significantly up-regulated in follicular cyst, and TNF-RAF2, PRLR, FOXL2, STK4, and COL4A3 were up-regulated whereas INHA, CIDEB, BCL10, and FASLG were down-regulated in luteal cyst. Real-time PCR was performed to validate DEGs altered in luteal cyst. Of nine DEGs, four DEGs down-regulated in luteal cyst showed a positive corelation between microarray data and real-time PCR data. In this study, we focused on INHA, among many DEGs, which was highly down-regulated in both follicular and luteal cysts. Real-time PCR and micro array data showed that INHA was down-regulated by 12.3-fold and by 1.4-fold, respectively, in the bovine follicular cyst. TUNEL assay and Western blot analysis for ERK, JNK, p38, PI3K, and Akt, which were used to detect whether apoptosis is occurred, showed no significant changes in cystic ovaries (p>0.05). In the expression and activity of caspase-3, Bax, Bel-2, and Bel-xL, there was no significant changes between follicular cystic ovary and normal ovary. Rather, the expression levels of PI3K and p-Akt were decreased in follicular cystic ovary. These results suggest that deficiency of apoptosis in cystic ovary is associated with decreased expression of apoptotic effectors.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.17-22
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• 2018

This study was conducted to determine the effect of pentoxifylline levels on sperm motility, survival rate, sperm membrane integrity of frozen semen and fresh-extended equine semen in Jeju cross-bred horses. As a result of sperm characteristic comparison depending on pentoxifylline levles at 30 minutes post-thaw, the progressive motilities were $53.25{\pm}2.87$ (4mM pentoxifylline) and $50.28{\pm}2.14$ (8mM pentoxifylline) and significantly higher compared to the control group($40.09{\pm}5.15$) and other treatment group (16mM pentoxifylline, $41.27{\pm}2.82$). The progressive fast motility were $22.44{\pm}1.62$ (4mM pentoxifylline,) and $22.74{\pm}3.07$ (8mM pentoxifylline) and significantly higher compared to the control group ($13.47{\pm}1.48$) and other treatment group (16mM pentoxifylline, $14.66{\pm}3.68$) (p<0.05). As a result of sperm characteristic comparison depending on pentoxifylline levles at 30 minutes post-thaw were $68.96{\pm}1.64$ (4mM pentoxifylline) and $67.90{\pm}6.72$ (8mM pentoxifylline) and significantly higher compared to the control group ($53.48{\pm}4.84$) and other treatment group (16mM pentoxifylline, $58.14{\pm}2.65$) (p<0.05). In conclusion, these results suggest that treatment groups with 4mM and 8mM pentoxifylline were higher compare to equine seperm mobility and the control group and treatment groups with more than 16mM pentoxifylline has a negative effect on sperm characteristics. After thawing, the total motility in post-thawed equine sperm has increased by 10 percent for 1 hour. these results suggest that pentoxifylline contributes to the improvement of the equine sperm motility and characteristics in post-thawed semen.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.11-19
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• 1986

Follicular flxid (FF) and their matched oocytes were obtained from 58 follicles of 27 women who underwent an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure with ovarian hyperstimulation by clomiphene citrate(n=8), hMG(n=9),FSH/hMG(n=10). Follicular aspiration was performed 36 hours after human chorionic gonadotropin administration. The concentcation of androstendione (ADD), testosterone (T) was correlated with hyperstimulation regimens, the morphology of the oocyte-corona-cumulus complex (OCCC), oocyte fertilization, and the incidence of pregnancy after embryo transfer. The results were as follows. 1. According to hyperstimulation regimens, there was no significant differance in FF ADD and T concentrations of the similar morphology of OCCC. 2. In clomiphene-treated and FSH/hMG-treated cycles, FF ADD concentrations of preovulatory oocytes were 43.09${\pm}$9.53 ng/ml and 59.46${\pm}$9.09 ng/ml, those of immature occytes were 96.98${\pm}$16.55 ng/ml and 116.13${\pm}$36.81 ng/ml, those of atretic oocytes were 246.5 ${\pm}$9.25 ng/ml and 634.25${\pm}$9.25 ng/ml respectively, reflecting the significant relationship between FF ADD level and morphologic maturity of OCCC (p<0.05). But in hMG-treated cycles, such relationship was not found (p>0.1). In clomiphene-treated and FSH/hMG-treated cycles, FF T concentrations of preovulatory oocytes were 11.37${\pm}$2.38 ng/ml and 11.68${\pm}$1.73 ng/ml respectively which were significantly lower than those of atretic oocytes (25.1${\pm}$7.50 ng/ml and 23.25${\pm}$0.95 ng/ml respectively) (p<0.05). But in all cycles, FF T concentrations of immature oocytes were not significantly different from those of preovulatory oocytes, artetic oocytes (p>0.1). 3. In hMG-treated and FSH/hMG-treated cycles, FF ADD concentrations of fertilized oocytes were 32.43${\pm}$4.09 ng/ml and 42.61${\pm}$4.82 ng/ml respectively which were significantly lower than those of non-fertilized oocytes (72.18${\pm}$17.31 ng/ml and 108.09${\pm}$17.32 ng/ml respectively) (p<0.05), but in clomiphene-treated cycles there was no significant difference (p>0.1). In FSH/hMG-treated cycles, FF T concentration of fertilized oocytes was 7.33${\pm}$1.06 ng/ml which was significantly lower than that of non-fertilized oocytes (20.3${\pm}$6.21 ng/ml) (p>0.02), but in clomiphne-treated and hMG-treated cycles there was no significant difference (p>0.1). 4. In all cycles FF ADD and T concentrations did not correlated with the success of pregnancy after embryo transfer. Above results suggested that FF ADD and T may play an important role in oocyte maturation and fertilization, but their relationship with the success of psegnancy was not found.

• 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.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.61-68
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• 2003

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 improve reproductive efficiency of artificial insemination with fresh- and frozen-semen following estrus induction in dog. Fifty infertilie dogs (age 2~3 years) were selected fur the study and divided into three different estrus induction treatment groups. Group 1 : dogs (n=15) were given clomifene (0.1 mg/kg) orally f3r five days at 12 hr intervals. Croup 2: dogs (n=15) were given bromocriptine (50 $\mu$g/kg) orally for five days at 12 hr intervals, followed by single injection intravenously of 500 IU GnRH (Croup 3, n=20) when pro-estrus occurred. After being treated, the dogs were evaluated fur the rates of estrus induction and time interval lapses from treatment to beginning of the pro-estrus. 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. Pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasonograpy on day 25, 35 and 55 post insemination. The ejaculated semen 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 co above the surface of liquid nitrogen (L$N_2$) for 23 min. 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, there was no significant differences in the pregnancy rate of dogs between group treated with a combination of GnRH and bromocriptine and group treated clomifene or bromocriptine only. However, frozen-thawed semen can be used successfully fur artificial insemination in dog.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.195-201
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• 2003

This study was carried out to establish most suitable freezing condition, to evaluate the different condition of freezing and thawing rates on the viability and motility of frozen canine spermatozoa. The ejaculated semen was added to obtained 200∼400 ${\times}$ 10$^{6}$ /$m\ell$ with extender I and was cooled to 4$^{\circ}C$ over 30, 60 and 120 minutes. And then, semen was diluted with extender II containing 4, 6 and 8％(v/v) glycerol for 60 min, respectively and packaged in 0.5$m\ell$ straw, equilibrated far 30, 60 and 120 min at 4$^{\circ}C$ and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen vapor at different distance(3, 5, 7 and 9 cm, respectively), plunged into nitrogen tank. Samples were thawed by placing straws into 27, 37, 47, 57$^{\circ}C$ water bath for 120, 20 and 12 sec, respectively. The results were as follows; 1. The survival and motility rate immediately post-thawing was significantly higher in samples frozen in 4％ glycerol than 6 or 8％ glycerol(P< 0.05). 2. According to equilibration time at 4$^{\circ}C$, the survival and motility rate immediately post-thawing was significantly higher in samples frozen after 60 min equilibration than 30 or 120 min equilibration(P<0.05). 3. Freezing in distance of 5 cm from liquid nitrogen yield better survival and motility rate than the others(3, 7 or 9 cm)(P<0.05). 4. The effect of thawing rate on sperm survival were higher when the thawing was done at 37$^{\circ}C$ for 120 sec(P<0.05).

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.249-255
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• 2003

These studies were performed to improve the reproductive efficiency of gilts and we investigated the effects of puberty periods, first mating time and backfat thickness and will adapt to these results for early selection of excellent gilts. The main results were as follows; 1. First heats on birth season were showed 194.14 day, 163.25 day, 160.25 day and 157.92 day at birth of spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively and birth of spring was significantly latest among other seasons (p<0.01). 2. First service on birth season were revealed 222.05 day in spring, 193.00 day in summer, 199.20 day in autumn and 190.11 day in winter. birth of spring was significantly latest among others (p<0.01). 3. First heat period of cadidated gilt had 13∼16 mm backfat thickness was 180.32 day, 171.24 day in 17∼20 mm and 162.20 day in 21∼23 mm and was showed delay in thin backfat gilts. There was no differences among backfat thickness. 4. First service of cadidate gilt had 13∼16mm backfat thickness was 211.12 day, 202.43 day in 17∼20 mm and 195.43 day in 21∼23 mm and was showed delay in thin backfat gilts. There was no differences among backfat thickness. 5. The litter size were 9.64 in gilts under 160 day of first heat, 10.14 in 161∼180 day, 9.56 in 181∼200 day and 9.13 in over 201 day. There showed the largest litter size in 161∼180 day of first heat but was no differences. 6. The litter size in gilts under 180 day of first service was 9.13, 9.75 in 181∼200 day, 10.13 in 201∼220 day and 9.45 in over 221 day. There showed the largest litter size in 201∼220 day of first service but was no differences. 7. The litter size of gilt had 13∼16 mm backfat thickness on first service was 9.33, 9.81 in 17∼20 mm and 10.17 in 21∼23 mm and was showed delay in thin backfat gilts. There was no differences among backfat thickness.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.69-73
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• 2003

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of three different porcine IVM media, TCM-199, mSOF and NCSU-23 on early development of porcine spontaneous parthenogenotes. Spontaneous parthenogenotes were induced by a prolonged culture of porcine oocytes in each medium. In Experiment 1, oocytes derived from gilts were matured in three IVM media and maturation of oocytes was evaluated by the status of chromatin configuration. Oocytes matured in mSOF, NCSU-23 and TCM-199 showed no significant difference (P>0.05) in maturation. Maturation rates at 48h after IVM were 83.1$\pm$2% (mSOF), 78.0$\pm$3% (NCSU-23) and 83.5$\pm$2% (mSOF), 78.0$\pm$3% (NCSU-23) and 83.5$\pm$2% (TCM-199). In Experiment 2, pronucleus formation and development to 6~8 cell stage of pig oocytes activated spontaneously. Pronucleus formation, cleavage rate and development to 6~8 cell embryos of porcine spontaneous parthenogenotes were assessed at 55~58 h, 96 h and 168h after IVM, respectively. Pronucleus formation (5.4$\pm$2% and 3.7 $\pm$ 1% vs 1.7 $\pm$ 3%) and development to the 6$\pm$8 cell (3.2$\pm$3% and 4.0$\pm$1% vs 1.4$\pm$3%) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in mSOF or NCSU-23 than TCM-199. In conclusion, the present study showed that oocytes matured in mSOF and NCSU-23 were spontaneously activated with higher frequency.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2003

This study was conducted to investigate that the immature and mature oocytes of porcine can be cryopreserved by vitrification. Oocytes were centrifuged to polarize the cytoplasmic lipid droplets. The lipids were removed from cytoplasm by micromanipulation. Delipated oocytes were centrifuged after being preincubated with cytochalasin B(CB) fer 10 min, and lipid droplets were removed. Centrifuged oocytes were treated with CB and centrifuged to polorize lipid droplets but not delipated and control oocytes is not-treatment. Oocytes of three types were vitrified in electron microscope(EM) grids. The results of survival, maturation and cleavage rates were as follows. 1 The survival rates of immature oocytes were 15.1%, 0% and 0% in the Delipated, Centrifuged and Control after vitrification, respectively, and its rate of Delipated wassignificantly higher than Centrifuged and Control(P<.01). 2. The survival rates of mature oocytes were 12.21%, 0% and 0% in the Delipated, Centrifuged and Control after vitrification, respectively, and its rate of Delipated was significantly higher than Centrifuged and Control(P<.01). 3 The maturation rates of immature oocytes were 37.5% and 68.9% for metaphase II in the Delipated after vitrification and Non-vitrification, respectively, and its rate of Non-vitrification was significantly higher than Delipated after vitrification(P<.01). 4. The cleavage rates of immature oocytes were 12.5%, 0%, 0% and 56.1% in the Delipated, Centrifuged, Control after vitrification and Non-vitrification, respectively. It's rate of Delipated was higher than Centrifuged and Control, but there were no significant difference, and its rate of Non-vitrification was significantly higher than Delipated, Centrifuged and Control(P<.05). 5 The cleavage rates of mature oocytes were 25.0%, 0%, 0% and 67.9% in the Delipated, Centrifuged, Control after vitrification and Non-vitrification, respectively. It's rate of Delipated was higher than Centrifuged and Control, but there were no significant difference, and its rate of Non-vitrification was significantly higher than Delipated, Centrifuged and Control(P<.05).

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.45-50
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• 2015

The purpose of this study is to produce wanted sex progeny of genetically confined White Hanwoo (albinism) with preselected sex sperm. One bull of White Hanwoo was chosen for semen donor and X sperm was sorted by MoFlo XDP cell sorter. To compare the pregnancy and birth rates, KPN straw was used as control, total number of unsorted sperm was $20{\times}10^6/straw$. Sexed X frozen semen with $20{\times}10^6$ cells or $4{\times}10^6$ cells per straw were in seminated twice on Hanwoo heifers. The abnormality of the sexed X semen was $24.9{\pm}7.31%$ and distal reflex abnormality of mid piece was significantly (p<0.05) higher (11.7%) compared with that of KPN 768 (5.6%). There were no differences on the pregnancy and birth rates between $2{\times}10^6$ cells or $4{\times}10^6$ cells of X-sperm but KPN semen showed significant differences (p<0.05). The pregnancy rates of KPN 768, $2{\times}10^6$ cells and $4{\times}10^6$ cells X-sperm of White Hanwoo cattle were 85.0%, 26.3% and 50%. The birth rates were 80.0%, 15.8% and 21.4%, respectively. The female offspring rates of KPN 768, $2{\times}10^6$ cells and $4{\times}10^6$ cells X-sperm of White Hanwoo cattle were 43.8%, 100% and 100% (p<0.05). These results indicated that sex sorted White Hanwoo could be used for the production of wanted progeny with $2{\times}10^6$ cells/straw for AI. To increase the efficiency of calf production, the sperm number of sex sorted semen will be optimized for sex selection of White Hanwoo progeny.