• Development and Reproduction
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2001

Golden hamsters show the reproductive activity that is determined by the photoperiod (length of light per day). Photoperiod is an environmental factor that is predictable through an entire year. The hamsters are sexually active in summer during which day length exceeds night time. The critical length is at least 12.5 hours of light in a day where reproductive function is maintained. The information of photoperiod is mediated by the pineal gland because removal of pineal gland blocks the influence of photoperiod on reproductive activity. The hamsters without pineal gland maintain sexual activity and promote it in a situation that suppresses gonadal activity. The pineal gland secretes melatonin that reflects the photoperiod. The appropriate administrations of melatonin into both pineal intact and pinealectomized hamsters lead to a gonadal reression. The results suggest that melatonin constitutes a part of control mechanism whereby environmental information is transduced to neuroendocrine signal respensible for the functional integrity of the reproductive system. Despite of the intense studies, the action site of melatonin is on the whole unknown. It is mainly due to the lack of acute efffct of melatonin on the secretion of reproductive hormones. However, sexually regressed animals display the low levelsof gonadotropins and the augmentation of the hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) content, implying that the antigonadotropic effects either by photoperiod and/or by the treatment of melatonin are mediated by the GnRH neuronal system. The action mechanism by which melatonin exerts its effect on GnRH neuron needs to be investigated. Recent cloning of melatonin receptor will contribute to examine various and putative potencies of melatonin via its anatomical identification and the action mechanism of melatonin on target tissues at the molecular level.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.271-278
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• 1996

The present study was carried out to sex effectively mouse and rabbit embryos using rat H-Y antiserum and to improve the rate of rat producing H-Y antiserum with H-Y antibody. The H-Y antiserum was prepared from inbred SD strain female rat immunized by intrasplenic injection and subsequent intraperitioneal booster of testis cell of syngenic male newborn rat. the titer of antiserum was identified by in vitro cytotoxicity test of mouse embryos. The rabbit embryos exposed to the H-Y antiserum was classified to the developed (H-Y negative) or delayed (H-Y positive) group. The H-Y negative rabbit embryos were transferred to recipients and sex of offspring was examined. 1. When mouse embryos were exposed to the rat H-Y antisera, the ratio of embryos developed vs delayed was various. The H-Y antisera where the ratio of embryos developed vs delayed showed the range of 40~60% were recognized as having titer of H-Y antibody. 2. When the subsequent intraperitioneal boosters were followed after priming of intrasplenic injection of H-Y antigen, the rate of rat producting the H-Y antiserum with H-U antibody was 13, 27, 70 and 73% in control, 1st B, 2nd B and 3rd B, respectively. The rate in 2nd B and 3rd B was significantly(P<0.05) higher than that in control and 1st B. 3. When the rabbit morulae were exposed to the rat H-Y antiserum with H-Y antibody, the ratio of morulae developed versus delayed was 42:58% and it was close to the natural sex ratio 50:50%. It was confirmed that the rat H-Y antiserum was cross reactive to the rabbit morulae. 4. When the H-Y negative rabbit embryos were transferred to the recipients, the pregnancy rate was 50% and 83% of the newborns were females. In conclusion, the rat H-Y antiserum with high titer of H-Y antibody was able to be obtained from the female rat immunized by the intrasplenic injection followed by the second intrapent oneal booster of testis cells at a week interval. When the rabbit embryos negative to the rat H-Y antiserum were transferred, 83% of the newborns were females.

• Journal of Korean Philosophical Society
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• v.124
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• pp.295-320
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• 2012

Greek myth is a play of imagination. It represents world with magic eye. The Greek myth of Homer and Hesiod is the story of gods. But it is the world of imagination which was produced to understand the origins and the causes of natural phenomena with the symbolic factors. It is the frame with which we understand the destiny of human beings. As a world of imagination, Myth is not a total fiction but a symbolically revived world with magic eye. Myth is a play which represents the world with imagination. And it is a play which projects new world yet not exists. Myth is the world of free play with reproduction and imagination. Heraclitus elucidated the structure and change of world with the metaphor of play. He tried to define the meaning of being with play. The play is the clue of elucidating the meaning of being. On play the whole world is reflected. He expressed the world has no ultimate end and is changing endlessly. Philosophical speculation understands the world with the metaphor of play. Metaphor is correlated with the philosophical eye which view the world totally. The human beings are happy when they concentrate upon play. The rule of real world doesn't go in the world of play. They have their own rule which goes in the world of play. Ancient mythologists and pre-socratic philosophers dreamed the life free from the restriction of the nature.

• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.275-290
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• 2023

Background: Porcine pluripotent stem cells (pPSCs) would provide enormous potential for agriculture and biomedicine. However, authentic pPSCs have not established yet because standards for pPSCs-specific markers and culture conditions are not clear. Therefore, the present study reports comparative pluripotency characteristics in porcine induced pluripotent stem cells (piPSCs) derived from different viral transduction and reprogramming factors [Lenti-iPSCs (OSKM), Lenti-iPSCs (OSKMNL) and Sev-iPSCs (OSKM)]. Methods: Porcine fibroblasts were induced into Lenti-iPSCs (OSKM) and Lenti-iPSCs (OSKMNL) by using Lentiviral vector and Sev-iPSCs (OSKM) by using Sendaiviral vector. Expressions of endogenous or exogenous pluripotency-associated genes, surface marker and in vitro differentiation in between Lenti-piPSCs (OSKM), Lenti-iPSCs (OSKMNL) and Sev-piPSCs (OSKM) were compared. Results: Colonial morphology of Lenti-iPSCs (OSKMNL) closely resembles the naïve mouse embryonic stem cells colony for culture, whereas Sev-iPSCs (OSKM) colony is similar to the primed hESCs. Also, the activity of AP shows a distinct different in piPSCs (AP-positive (+) Lenti-iPSCs (OSKMNL) and Sev-iPSCs (OSKM), but AP-negative (-) Lenti-iPSCs (OSKM)). mRNAs expression of several marker genes (OCT-3/4, NANOG and SOX2) for pluripotency was increased in Lenti-iPSCs (OSKMNL) and Sev-iPSCs (OSKM), but Sev-iPSCs (OSKM). Interestingly, SSEA-1 of surface markers was expressed only in Sev-iPSCs (OSKM), whereas SSEA-4, Tra-1-60 and Tra-1-81 were positively expressed in Lenti-iPSCs (OSKMNL). Exogenous reprogramming factors continuously expressed in Lenti-iPSCs (OSKMNL) for passage 20, whereas Sev-iPSCs (OSKM) did not express any exogenous transcription factors. Finally, only Lenti-iPSCs (OSKMNL) express the three germ layers and primordial germ cells markers in aggregated EBs. Conclusions: These results indicate that the viral transduction system of reprograming factors into porcine differentiated cells display different pluripotency characteristics in piPSCs.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 1998

In mammalian ovary, major portion(>99%) of ovarian follicles undergo atresia. Recent studies have shown that this phenomenon is mediated via GC apoptosis. Ceramide, a product of sphingomyelin hydrolysis, has been proposed as a novel lipid second messenger with specific roles in mediating antiproliferative responses including apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. In the present study, we have examined the effect of ceramide on apoptotic cell death of GC in vitro. GCs were harvested by squeezing the antral follicles from the immature mice (3-4 weeks) and cultured in MEM medium with 10% fetal bovine serum. The cells were treated with various concentrations of ceramide (0 to 50 \mu M)and cultured up to 24 h.Cell death was determined by MTT cell viability assay and apoptosis was examined by acridine orange staining, in situ 3'-end labeling(TUNEL), and flow cytometry. Ceramid treatment induced apoptotic cell death of GC in a time- and a dose-dependent manner. Results of flow cytometric analysis showed that creamide-induced cell death was mostly confined to the $G_{0}$/$G_{1}$ cells. these results provide an evidence for ceramide as a lipid second messenger of apoptosis in mouse GC.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.119-125
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• 2016

This study describes results on sexual maturation and characteristics of natural spawned eggs to develop a method for the production of stable, healthy fertilized eggs from captive-reared yellowtail kingfish, Seriola lalandi. A total of 59 yellowtail kingfish were captured off the coast of Jeju Island, after which the broodstock was cultured in indoor culture tank ($100m^3$) until they were 6.1-14.9 kg in body weight. As part of the rearing management for induced sex maturation, the intensity of illumination was maintained at 130 lux. The photoperiod (light/dark; L/D) was set to a 12 L/12 D from October 2013 to January 2014, and 15 L/9 D from February 2014 to June 2014. Feeds comprised mainly EP (Extruded Pellets), with squid cuttlefish added for improvement of egg quality, and was given from April to June 2014. The first spawning of yellowtail kingfish occurred in May 3, 2014, at a water temperature of $17.0^{\circ}C$. Spawning continued until June 12, 2014, with the water temperature set at $20.5^{\circ}C$. Time of spawning was 26 times at this period. The total number of eggs that spawned during the spawning period was $4,449{\times}10^3$. The buoyant rate of spawning eggs and fertilization rate of buoyant eggs during the spawned period were 76.1% and 100%, respectively. The diameters of the egg and oil globule were $1.388{\pm}0.041mm$ and $0.378{\pm}0.029mm$, respectively, which was higher in early eggs than in those from late during the spawned period.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.59-71
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• 2001

Since the first radioimmunoassay (RIA) was developed in 1970s, many conventional RIAs and non-isotopic immunoassays (NIA) had been developed in which the degree of precision, accuracy, specificity and practicability have progressively increased. Recently ultrasensitive assay method at femtogram to determine testosterone in serum, saliva and feces is required for the study of sexual dysfunctions in male and female, monitoring the psychological stress and conditions, aging process such as menopause and partial androgen deficiency in aging male, the hormonal changes of small experimental animals etc. This review discussed the recentd evelopments of steroid assay methods, based upon the testosterone assay results of authors far 20 years, and the problems associated the assay set-up, the characterizations and applications of the established procedures, and desifls of assay, reliablity criteria, and the practical aspects of assay set-up and application, based upon the data of the authors. The present study demonstrates the general problems methods to be consider in order to set up the highly sensitive assay methods and to increase the assay quality and the necessity of assay quality control program. To improve the assay quality of each laboratory and to compare the assay results in homeland, the national QC programs should be organized.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.17-21
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• 2001

This study was conducted to investigate the expression pattern of Trypsin-like enzyme and the effect of a trypsin inhibitor(benzimidine) on hatching process during in-vitro culture of mouse preimplantation embryos. The Trypsin-like enzyme was identified by rhodamine-conjugated Trypsin substrate probe. The expression of trypsin-like enzyme was firstly detected at the late morula stage, and the enzyme was uniformly localized in the trophectoderm of late blastocysts. Especially, intense fluorescence was observed in the blebbing area of hatching blastocysts. Bisbenzamidine, contained in culture media, did not alter embryonic development from 4-cell stage to the expanded blastocyst but decrease the hatching rate in ImM concentration (15.8% vs 89.7%, p<0.02). In the treatment of bisbenzimidine (5mM) for 12 hours according to the embryonic stage of mouse, the hatching rate of control (83.0%) and treatment in late blastocysts (8.7%) were significantly (p<0.01) different. From these results, we suggested that the hatching enzyme having trypsin-like activity was localized from the late morula stage, and the hatching process by this enzyme was activated in the late blastocyst stage of mouse embryos.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.231-239
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• 2020

Many benefits of silk protein fibroin (SPF) have been suggested in biomedical applications; and notably, significant SPF effects have been observed for metabolic syndromes that are directly linked to insulin resistance, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Based on our previous findings, we believe that SPF from spiders exhibits outstanding glucose-lowering effects in diabetic BKS.Cg-m+/+Lepr^db mice. In order to evaluate the dietary effects of SPF in diabetic animals, we generated several lines of transgenic rice (TR) that expresses SPF, and the feeding of TR-SPF to diabetic animals decreased blood glucose levels, but did not change insulin levels. Western blot analyses of hepatic proteins showed that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) expression and phosphorylation both decreased in TR-SPF-fed groups, compared with controls. This finding suggests that the glucose-lowering effects in this diabetic animal model might be AMPK-independent. In contrast, six-transmembrane protein of prostate 2 (STAMP2) was upregulated after TR-SPF exposure. Together with STAMP2, the Akt protein phosphorylation increased after TR-SPF exposure, which indicates that STAMP2 leads to Akt phosphorylation and thus increases insulin sensitivity in hepatocytes. Importantly, the hepatic steatosis that was seen in the liver of diabetic mice was remarkably alleviated in TR-SPF-fed mice. Hepatocytes that were immunopositive for STAMP2 were overwhelmingly observed in hepatic tissues from TR-SPF-fed mice compared to the control. Taken together, these results suggest that feeding diabetic mice with TR-SPF upregulates STAMP2 expression and increases Akt phosphorylation in hepatic tissues and thus potentially alleviates insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.223-229
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• 2019

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by insulin resistance (IR). T2DM is correlated with obesity and most T2DM medications have been developed for enhancing insulin sensitivity. Silk protein fibroin (SPF) from spiders has been suggested as an attractive biomaterial for medical purposes. We generated transgenic rice (TR) expressing SPF and fed it to diabetic $BKS.Cg-m+/+Lepr^{db}$ mice to monitor the changes in blood glucose levels and adipose tissue proteins associated with energy metabolism and insulin signaling. In the present study, the adipocyte size in abdominal fat in TR-SPF-fed mice was remarkably smaller than that of the control. Whereas the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-activated protein kinase and insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) protein levels were increased in abdominal adipose tissues after TR-SPF feeding, levels of six-transmembrane protein of prostate 2 (STAMP2) proteins decreased. Phosphorylation of AMPK at threonine 172 and IRS1 at serine 307 and tyrosine 632 were both increased in adipose tissues from TR-SPF-fed mice. Increased expression and phosphorylation of IRS1 at both serine 307 and tyrosine 632 in adipose tissues indicated that adipocytes obtained from abdominal fat in TR-SPF-fed mice were more susceptible to insulin signaling than that of the control. STAMP2 protein levels decreased in adipose tissues from TR-SPF-fed mice, indicating that STAMP2 proteins were reducing adipocytes that were undergoing lipolysis. Taken together, this study showed that TR-SPF was effective in reducing blood glucose levels in diabetic mice and that concurrent lipolysis in abdominal adipocytes was associated with alterations of AMPK, IRS1, and STAMP2. Increased IRS1 expression and its phosphorylation by TR-SFP were considered to be particularly important in the induction of lipolysis in adipocytes, as well as in reducing blood glucose levels in this animal model.