• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.193-202
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• 2011

Objective: We found previously that $interferon$ $regulatory$ factor ($Irf$)-1 is a germinal vesicle (GV)-selective gene that highly expressed in GV as compared to metaphase II oocytes. To our knowledge, the function of $Irf-1$ in oocytes has yet to be examined. The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between retinoic acid (RA) and RA-mediated expression of $Irf-1$ and the mouse oocyte maturation. Methods: Immature cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) were collected from 17-day-old female mice and cultured $in$ $vitro$ for 16 hours in the presence of varying concentrations of RA (0-10 ${\mu}M$). Rate of oocyte maturation and activation was measured. Gene expression was measured by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and cytokine secretion in the medium was measured by Bio-Plex analysis. Apoptosis was analyzed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Results: The rates of oocyte maturation to metaphase II and oocyte activation increased significantly with RA treatment (10 nM-1 ${\mu}M$). With 100 nM RA treatment, lowest level of $Irf-1$ mRNA and cumulus cell's apoptosis was found. Among 23 cytokines measured by Bio-Plex system, the substantial changes in secretion of tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, macrophage inflammatory protein-$1{\beta}$, eotaxin and interleukin-12 (p40) from COCs in response to RA were detected. Conclusion: We concluded that the maturation of oocytes and $Irf-1$ expression are negatively correlated, and RA enhances the developmental competence of mouse immature oocytes $in$ $vitro$ by suppressing apoptosis of cumulus cells. Using a mouse model, results of the present study provide insights into improved culture conditions for $in$ $vitro$ oocyte maturation and relevant cytokine production and secretion in assisted reproductive technology.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.166-172
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• 2019

Objective: In vitro maturation (IVM) of immature oocytes can be useful for some infertile patients. In IVM programs, the rates of embryo formation and pregnancy are low. Therefore, it is essential to recognize the main factors involved in regulating oocyte maturation in vitro. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and cumulus cell (CC) supplementation in IVM medium on the rates of embryo formation and viability of human blastocysts. Methods: A total of 80 germinal vesicle oocytes from stimulated cycles underwent an IVM program. The oocytes were divided into four groups, where group I consisted of IVM media only and served as the control, group II consisted of IVM+CCs, group III consisted of IVM+GDF9 (200 ng/mL), and group IV consisted of IVM+CCs+GDF9 (200 ng/mL). Intracytoplasmic sperm injection was performed on the IVM oocytes, and the cleavage embryos that were generated were vitrified. Following thawing, the embryos were cultured for 3 additional days, and the viability rates of the developed blastocysts were determined. Results: The maturation rate of the oocytes did not differ significantly across the four groups. The fertilization rate in group II was significantly higher than that in the control group (76.5% vs. 46.2%). Embryo formation was significantly more frequent in all experimental groups than in the control group, while blastocyst formation did not show significant differences in the three experimental groups compared to the control. The mean viability rates in groups II, III, and IV were 58.16%, 55.91%, and 55.95%, respectively, versus 37.78% in the control group (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Supplementation of IVM culture media with GDF9 and CCs enhanced the fertilization, embryo formation, and viability rates of blastocysts generated from vitrified cleavage embryos.

• Journal of Aquaculture
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.419-427
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• 1996

In order to obtain the basic information for seedling production of surf clam, Spisula sachalinensis, spawning induction and egg development were investigated. $NH_4OH$ addition and serotonin injection could induce the spawning in surf clam. Water temperature rising, sperm suspension immersion, UV-ray irradiated seawater and $H_2O_2$ addition less affected on induction of spawning than $NH_4OH$ and serotonin did. On the other hand, males were more sensitive to the treatments than females. The response time to initial spawning in the case of $NH_4OH$ addition was $3\~4$ hours. However in the case of serotonin injection, it was within 5 minutes. The number of eggs released by $NH_4OH$ addition were significantly more than those released by serotonin injection. The serotonin injection induced higher rates of germinal vesicle breakdown than the $NH_4OH$ addition. Fertilizing and hatching rates of the eggs also were the similar results. Eggs of surf clam were demersal isolated eggs and averaging $65.2{\pm}±1.8\;{\mu}m$ in diameter after spawning. Optimum range of water temperature for the development of egg was $15\~20^{\circ}C$, The required time for development of D-shaped larvae was 42 hours at $15^{\circ}C$ and 27 hours at $20^{\circ}C$, respectively.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.485-493
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• 2002

Different factors may affect the sensitivity of porcine oocytes during cryopreservation. The effect of two methods (cooling and vitrification), four cryoprotectants [glycerol (GLY), 1, 2-propanediol (PROH), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or ethylene glycol (EG)] and two vitrification media (1 M sucrose (SUC)+8 M EG; 8 M EG) on the developmental capacity of porcine oocytes at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage or after IVM at the metaphase II (M II) stage were examined. Survival was assessed by FDA staining, maturation and cleavage following IVF and IVC. A toxicity test for different cryoprotectants (GLY, PROH, DMSO, EG) was conducted at room temperature before cooling. GV and M II-oocytes were equilibrated stepwise in 1.5 M cryoprotectant and diluted out in sucrose. The survival rate of GV-oocytes in the GLY group was significantly lower (82%, p<0.01) than that of the other group (92 to 95%). The EG group achieved a significantly higher maturation rate (84%, p<0.05) but a lower cleavage rate (34%, p<0.01) than the DMSO group and the controls. For M II-oocytes, the survival rates for all groups were 95 to 99% and the cleavage rate of the GLY group was lower than the PROH-group (21 vs 43%, p<0.01). After cooling to $10^{\circ}C$, the survival rates of GV-oocytes in the cryoprotectant groups were 34 to 51%, however, the maturation rates of these oocytes were low (1%) and none developed after IVF. For M II-oocytes, the EG group showed a significantly higher survival rate than those of the other cryoprotectant groups (40% vs 23-26%, p<0.05) and the cleavage rates of PROH, DMSO and EG group reached only 1 to 2%. For a toxicity test of different vitrification media, GV and M II-oocytes were equilibrated stepwise in 100% 8 M EG (group 1) and 1 M SUC + 8 M EG (group 2) or equilibrated in sucrose and then in 8 M EG (SUC+8 M EG, group 3). For GV-oocytes, the survival, maturation and cleavage rates of Group 1 were significantly lower than those in group 2, 3 and control group (p<0.05). For M II-oocytes, there were no differences in survival, maturation and cleavage rates between groups. After vitrification, the survival rates of GV and M II-oocytes in group 2 and 3 were similarly low (4-9%) and none of them matured nor cleaved after in vitro maturation, fertilization and culture. In conclusion, porcine GV and M II-oocytes do not seem to be damaged by a variety of cryoprotectants tested, but will succumb to a temperature decrease to $10^{\circ}C$ or to the process of vitrification, regardless of the cryoprotectant used.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Embryo Transfer Conference
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• 2002.11a
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• pp.113-113
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• 2002

The stimulatory effect of EGF and FSH on oocyte maturation have been reported in various mammalian species. And some reports presented FSH enhanced the effect of EGF on oocyte maturation. But, the interaction between EGF and FSH on nuclear maturation of mammalian oocytes is not fully understood. We observed the effect of EGF and FSH on nuclear maturation during in vitro maturation of mouse oocytes. Also, we examined the interaction between EGF and FSH on nuclear maturation of mouse oocytes using the EGFR inhibitor or FSH inhibitor. Germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes were obtained from 3-4weeks PMSG primed BCFI hybrid mice and cultured in TCM-199 medium with 0.4%PVP supplemented with/without EGF (1ng/ml), FSH (1ug/ml), EGFR specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors: Tyrphostin AG 1478 (500nM), MAP kinase kinase inhibitor : U0126 (20uM) or PD 98059 (100uM) for 14-l5hr. Rapid staining method were used for the assessment of nuclear maturation. Nuclear maturation rates of EGF indjor FSH-treated group were significantly higher than those of control group. Treatment of EGFR inhibitor significantly block the nuclear maturation of GV oocyte in EGF-treated group, but it did not block those of GV oocyte in FSH-treated or FSH and EGF-treated group. Treatment of FSH inhibitor(U0126, PD98059) significantly block the nuclear maturation of EGF-treated group, FSH-treated and FSH and EGF-treated group. These results show that EGF has a stimulatory effect as well as different action pathway with FSH on in-vitro maturation of mouse oocyte in vitro. Therefore, further studies will be needed to find the signaling pathway of EGF associated with nuclear maturation.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.174-183
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• 2001

During the rapid phase of gonadal development of the freshwater teleost, the catfish (Silurus asotus), the influence of hCG upon the inducement of final oocyte maturation and spawning was investigated electrophoretically and ultrastructurally. The electrophoretic patterns obtained were different in the presence and absence of some of the major or minor zones, because of the hormone level in catfish. The vitellogenin of hormone-treated fish was stained more intensively than that of sham-treated fish. These proteins showed some minor or main bands of egg extracts which migrated at positions corresponding to molecular weights of approximately 90,000. However, the thickness of electrophoretic band in molecular weight for hCG-treated fish was slightly lower than that for saline control. It seemed the plasma protein with molecular weight of approximately 45,000 in hCG-treated fish disappeared. In contrast to the control fish, the ovaries in the catfish treated with hCG shows a marked ultrastructural change under the electron microscope. No dilated profiles were seen in the granulosa cells of the mature oocyte before ovulation. After germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), the zona radiata interna (ZRI) becomes more compact, and there is a loss of all the processes from the pore canals. There is a wide space between the vitelline membrane and zona radiata. Also, during final maturation, the microvillar processes from the oocyte are seen no longer to penetrate deeply into the extracellular spaces of the overlying granulosa cells, and the reticulate patterns of the zona radiata interna becomes occluded, giving the zona radiata a more solid appearance. It has been possible to initiate 100% oocyte maturation in yolk granules and follicles in vivo by treatment with hCG and a high water temperature ($27^{\circ}C$). In hCG-treated fish, the percentages of successful artificial fertilization and hatching were maximal at 15 h after a single injection. It seems clear that a long acting preparation containing hCG can be successfully used in prespawning fish to advance the final events of gonadal maturation and initiate spawning. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the potential of hCG to either stimulate or inhibit the reproductive development of fish at other stages of the seasonal reproductive cycle.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.342-350
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• 1989

Maturity and spawning of Crangon affinis were studied based on the histological observation. The samples were monthly collected in Nakdong estuary from June, 1988 to May, 1989. The gonad lies on the dorsal side of the thorax. The cavity in which it lies is located below heart and above hepatopancreas. Anterior part of ovary is fused roundly, and the posterior part shows a pair of tubule-like structure. Testis is bilaterally symmetrical; the anterior part shows convoluted tubule, and the posterior part consists of a pair of tubule. Seminal vesicle is connected and opened to the base of the fifth pereiopod. Gametogenesis of ovum and spermatozoon is being repeated in short period without seasonality, and it is formed simultaneously in the whole parts of germinal epithelium. Diameter of a ripe oocyte is ca. $430{\mu}m$. Spermatozoa is oval with distinct nucleoplasm. Reproductive cycle is performed in ca. 40 days. Crangon affinis spawns all year round except November. Incubation period of brooded eggs took $12\~14$ days before hatching in the aquarium at $21^{\circ}C\~24^{\circ}C\;and\;33\%_{\circ}$.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.770-776
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• 2017

This study investigated the effects of recombinant eel gonadotropin hormone (rJeGTH) produced in silkworms, with and without a carboxyl-terminal peptide from equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), on the induction of sexual maturation in female eels Anguilla japonica. Experiments were conducted both in vivo and in vitro. In in vitro trials, germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) induction did not significantly differ between rJeFSH and $rJeFSH{\cdot}eCG$ treatments and the control group. However, previous studies did find that rJeLH and $rJeLH{\cdot}eCG$ treatments induced GVBD in female eels. Our in vitro exploration of $estradiol-17{\beta}$ ($E_2$) levels in immature ovarian tissues revealed significantly higher $E_2$ levels in the group treated with $rJeFSH{\cdot}eCG$ $1{\mu}g/mL$ than in the control group. In contrast, the in vivo experiments showed no effect of recombinant hormones on the sexual maturation of feminized eels. Previous studies and our own in vitro results have clearly shown that rJeGTH and $rJeGTH{\cdot}eCG$ have a positive effect on the sexual maturation of feminized eels. To develop the activity of rJeGTH in vivo, further studies should confirm circulation time and activity of these hormones in eels' bloodstream, modify the structure of the recombinant gene, and implement additional glycosylation.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.61-69
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• 2011

Previously, we have shown that Bcl2l10 as a member of Bcl-2 family, key regulators of the apoptotic process, is dominantly expressed in oocytes of ovary but several member of the Bcl-2 family are not expressed in oocytes. Recent our studies had been processed about roles and regulatory mechanisms of Bcl2l10 in oocytes. Microinjection of Bcl2l10 RNAi into the cytoplasm of germinal vesicle oocytes resulted in metaphase I (MI) arrest and exhibited abnormalities in their spindles and chromosome configurations (Yoon et al., 2009). The present study was conducted to elucidate the downstream genes regulated by Bcl2l10 and signaling networks in Bcl2l10 RNAi microinjected oocytes by using microarray analysis. Surprisingly, we found that a large proportion of genes regulated by Bcl2l10 RNAi were involved in the cell cycle and actin skeletal system regulation as important upstream genes of Bcl2l10. Among the transcripts with highly significant fold changes more than 2-fold, Tpx2 and Cep192 are 16.1- and 8.2-fold down regulated respectively by Bcl2l10 RNAi. Tpx2 and Cep192 are known as cofactors that control Aurora A kinase activity and localization. Therefore, we concluded that Bcl2l10 may have important roles during oocyte meiosis as functional upstream regulator of Tpx2 and Cep192.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.289-296
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• 2016

This report describes the sex differentiation of the Korean rose bitterling, Rhodeus uyekii, from hatching to 170 days post-hatch (DPH) in relation to total length (TL), body weight (BW), and integral water temperature (IWT). The growth curve of TL from just hatching to 83 DPH was $5.144e^{0.045t}$ ($R^2=0.961$; t, time), and that of BW was $2.398e^{0.086t}$ ($R^2=0.725$). Primordial germ cells (PGCs) were observed at 17 DPH (7.9 mm TL, 3.74 mg BW, $374^{\circ}C$ IWT), and thereafter began to protrude into the peritoneal cavity. At 21 DPH ($9.2{\pm}0.14mm$ TL, $4.8{\pm}0.07mg$ BW, $462^{\circ}C$ IWT), some PGCs contained condensed chromatin and oocyte were observed in meiotic prophase. In contrast to the ovaries, which grew gradually after sexual differentiation, testes began multiplying at 25 DPH (10.1 mm TL, 5.42 mg BW, $550^{\circ}C$ IWT), when testicular differentiation was first identified, and multiplied continuously thereafter. At 33 DPH (11.2 mm TL, 10.5 mg BW, $726^{\circ}C$ IWT), the developing testes contained spermatogonia that exhibited mitotic activity. No spermatocyte or sperm cell was observed until 83 DPH (18.9 TL, 48.2 mg BW, $1,826^{\circ}C$ IWT). At 170 DPH (32.5 mm TL, 270.1 mg BW, $3,740^{\circ}C$ IWT), which was the end point of this study, the mature ovaries showed germinal vesicle breakdown, while the mature testes contained observable spermatocytes and sperm cells. These results allow us to identify the sex differentiation type of the Korean rose bitterling as differentiated gonochoristic.