• Development and Reproduction
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.127-135
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• 2023

Effects of changes in photoperiod on the reproductive events in fish are suggested to be mediated mainly via the action of melatonin (MEL). Changing levels of plasma MEL throughout the day and year are suggested to influence the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis in fish. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of MEL on oocyte maturation and germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) in the marine fish, Chaenogobius annularis, in vitro. Oocytes at three different stages (pre-, mid-, and late-vitellogenesis) were incubated with (a) only MEL (5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 pg/mL) and (b) 50 pg/mL of 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17α20βP), maturation-inducing hormone (MIH) of this species, and MEL (4-h incubation before addition of MIH). Any single MEL treatment did not significantly induce GVBD. However, treatment with 50 pg/mL MEL or MIH significantly induced GVBD. These results suggest that preincubation with MEL accelerates the effect of MIH on longchin goby oocyte maturation.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.729-736
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• 2007

The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-oxidative effects of pyruvate, taurine and melatonin on sperm characteristics(motility, membrane integrity) and lipid peroxidation(LPO) for in vitro storage of boar semen. Semen was treated with various antioxidants such as pyruvate(1mM), taurine(50mM) and melatonin(100nM) with or without 100uM H2O2. Antioxidant treatments were significantly increased the sperm motility when compare to control group in all incubation periods(P≤0.05). Hypoosmotic swelling test(HOST), membrane integrity was similar to the result of motility. In lipid peroxidation measurement by TBA reactions of spermatozoal plasma membrane, malondialdehyde(MDA) level in control and antioxidant treatments were lower than those of antioxidant plus H2O2 or H2O2 treatment for 3 to 6 h incubation period. Relationships of evaluation methods for sperm viability were investigated by motility, membrane integrity and lipid peroxidation. Among evaluation methods, LPO vs motility and membrane integrity vs LPO were negatively correlated(－0.23~－0.92 and －0.68~－0.85), but membrane integrity vs motility was positively correlated (0.53~0.94) in all treatments. These experiments indicate that supplementation of antioxidant to the semen extender can increase the sperm motility and membrane integrity and decrease the lipid peroxidation of spermatozoal plasma membrane. The HOST might be utilized to evaluate the sperm quality instead of lipid peroxidation or motility.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.23 no.10
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• pp.1291-1298
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• 2010

The aim of this research was to investigate the dynamic changes of the level of total prolactin receptor (PRLR) mRNA and the short form prolactin receptor (S-PRLR) mRNA in skin of cashmere goats from the initiation of cashmere fibre growth to active growth. Eighteen half-sib wethers were allocated randomly to two groups. Melatonin implants were used in order to initiate growth of cashmere fibre before the normal time and reduce blood plasma prolactin (PRL) concentration. Real-time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) was used to determine PRLR mRNA expression levels of skin from June to November. The results showed that, in Chinese Inner Mongolia cashmere goats, there were seasonal variations in expression of total PRLR mRNA in skin with levels decreasing from June to October. Synchronously, the cashmere fibre growth rate gradually increased during this period, but the expression levels of S-PRLR mRNA did not decrease along with seasonal variation from initiation to active growth of cashmere fibre. These results suggest that expression levels of S- PRLR mRNA might be involved in the process of cashmere growth. It was also possible that the change of alternative splicing of PRLR occurred in the skin of cashmere goats from proanagen to anagen.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.374-379
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• 2001

These studies were performed to investigate the effect of antioxidants, melatonin (MLT) and ascorbic acid (AA), on the diabetic complications. In the experiment, twenty-four Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups; Group 1: no treatment (control) (n=6), Group 2: Streptozotocin (STZ; 65 mg/kg b.w. ip) treatment (n=6), Group 3: MLT (10 mg/kg b.w. ip) treatment (n=6), Group 4: ascorbic acid (AA: 40 mg/kg b.w.ip) treatment (n=6). Rats were sacrificed and collected designated samples (blood, kidney, pancreas) at the 21 days after antioxidant treatment (the 8th week after STZ injection). There was no significant change of body weight during the experiment period in the all groups. The concentration of blood glucose was decreased below 200 mg/dl in MLT. The concentration of HbA$_1$c level was decreased significantly in MLT (7.3$\pm$0.66%) compared with STZ (15.1$\pm$1.58%) (p<0.01). No significant change of SOD activity in the RBC and kidney was found in the all groups. In the pancreas, MLT (1.42$\pm$0.17 U/ml) and AA(1.65$\pm$0.16 U/ml) decreased SOD activity compared with STZ (4.10$\pm$0.27 U/ml). However, there was no significant difference among MLT and AA. The level of malondialdehyde(MDA) as an indicator of lipid peroxydation was decreased in MLT compared with STZ in the plasma, kidney and pancreas(p<0.01). These findings suggest that melatonin could prevent the complications of diabetes mellitus.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.7
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• pp.988-994
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• 2008

The purpose of the investigation was to establish how the pineal-adrenal axis plays an important role in thermoregulation in female goats under short-term heat stress. The study was conducted to observe the influence of glucocorticoids on pineal function in goats and its influence on stress alleviation capability. Melatonin and glucocorticoid secretions and several other endocrine and biochemical blood parameters reflecting the animals well being were determined over a one week period after goats had been exposed to $40^{\circ}C$ and 60% relative humidity for 10 days. Six female goats were used in the study. These animals served as self controls prior to the start of the experiment. The study was conducted for a period of seventeen days in a psychrometric chamber at $40^{\circ}C$ and 60% relative humidity. Chemical pinealectomy was achieved using propranolol followed by exogenous hydrocortisone treatment. Blood samples were drawn twice daily after each treatment to find the effect of hydrocortisone on plasma glucose, total protein, total cholesterol, cortisol, insulin, aldosterone, melatonin and corticosterone. Chemical pinealectomy significantly ($p{\leq}0.05$) affected plasma levels of the parameters studied and these could be significantly ($p{\leq}0.05$) counteracted by administration of hydrocortisone. Chemical pinealectomy aggravated thermal stress, although administration of hydrocortisone could ameliorate the condition. This indicated a role of the pineal in support of thermoregulation. The study establishes the modulating effect of glucocorticoids on pineal activity to relieve thermal stress in goats.

• The Journal of Korean society of community based occupational therapy
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.29-37
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• 2018

Objective : Sleep disorder caused by stress or disease to elderly currently. We tried to make clear constant exercise according to exercise intensity would have effect on sleep disorder in elderly using EEG and melatonin. Methods : Thirty subjects were over 65 years old who lived a senior facility in some parts. They were able to communicate and understand the purpose of the study. They also expressed their intension to participate actively in experiment. They should have alert consciousness and orientation about time, place, and people. Sleep disorder was assessed via below 6 hr total sleep time and Pittsburge Sleep Quality Index, which was satisfied with both of criterion at the same time. Exercises composed of low intensity walking, moderate aerobic exercise, and high intensity resistance strength. We used QEEG 8-System (LAXTHA Inc. KOREA) to check wave type and Polysomnograpy (Compumedics, Australia) to test quality of sleep. and Histologic features were observed by TTC (triphenyltetrazolium chloride) staining and H & E (Hematoxylin & Eosin) staining. Results : There was a significant sleep index and change of melatonin after aerobic exercise. There was a significant SOL, S1, S2, and SWS in aerobic exercise, but there was a significant SWS in walking and resistance strength. There was a significant change of delta wave especially in frontal and temporal region between exercises. Conclusion : They had different effects according to type of exercise, when elderly who have chemical, behavioral change of circadian rhythms did exercise consistently. Aerobic exercise had more effect on sleep disorder than other exercise. Therefore, we may supply proper exercise to elderly and high quality of life.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.503-507
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• 1998

Percutaneous absorption and model membrane variations of melationin (MT) in aqueous-based propylene glycol and $2-hydroxypropyl-{\beta}-cyclodextrin $vehicles were investigatted. the excised hairless mouse skin (HMS) and two synthetic ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and microporous polyethylene (MPE) were selected as a model membrane. the solubility of MT was determined by phase equilibrium study. the vertical $Franz{\circledR}$ type cell was used for diffusion study. The concentration of MT was determined using reverse phse HPLC system. The MT solubility was the highest in a mixture of PG and $2-HP{\beta}CD$. The percutaneous absorption of MT through excised HMS increased as the solubility increased. However, the permeability coefficient decreased and then slightly increased in mixture of PG and $2-HP{\beta}CD$. On the other hand, both flux and permeability coefficient through EVA membrane decreased as the solubility increased. No MT was detected over 12 h after starting diffusion through MPE membrane. The flux of MT was dependent on the type of membrane selected. Flux of MT was greatest in excised HMS followed by EBA and MPE membrane. Flux of MT through EVA membrane was 5-20 times lower when compared to excised HMS. Interestingly, volumes of donor phase when MPE membrane was used, significantly increased during the study period. the HMS might be applicable to expect plasma concentration of MT in human subjects based on flux and pharmacokinetic parameters as studied previously. the current studies may be applied to deliver MT transdermally using aqueous-based vehicles and to fabricate MT dosage forms.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.313-320
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• 2016

In the present study, we examined whether or not an herbal mixture extract (HME) has attenuation effects on immobilization stress and sleep disturbance in rats. Immobilization stress was induced by restricting movement using a constraint box for 2 h, and sleep disturbance was induced by exposure to 300 lx of constant light for 24 h and injection of caffeine (1 mg/kg, i.p.). Rats were orally treated with distilled water (vehicle) or HME for 3 weeks at different doses of 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg/d (HME I, II, and III, respectively). In the immobilization model, HME III treatment significantly decreased adrenal gland weight, whereas HME II and III treatment reduced plasma levels of cortisol. HME II and III also reduced the level of IL-6. In the sleep disturbance model, HME II and III meaningfully reduced the plasma level of cortisol, and the increased plasma level of melatonin. HME III significantly increased body weight. HME reduced immobilization stress and ameliorated disturbance in rats. These findings suggest that HME may have beneficial potential for attenuation of sleep disturbance and stress.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.343-348
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• 2018

In this study, the effect of daily short-distance walking exercise on milk production and metabolic status of the lactating dairy cows was investigated. The experiment was conducted with 10 lactating dairy cows comprising 2 groups (5 dairy cows/group), which were walking activity and non-walking activity. The walking activity (WA) group lactating dairy cows walked outdoors for 1 km/d, and the non-walking activity (non-WA) lactating dairy cows were maintained within a cowshed from $18^{th}$ April to $30^{th}$ May. The activity volume of the neck was not significantly different between the groups, but the activity volume of the leg was higher in WA group compared with non-WA (p<0.05). The rectal temperature was higher in the WA group ($38.6^{\circ}C$) compared with non-WA ($38.2^{\circ}C$) (p<0.05). No significant differences in dietary NE intake, milk production and milk composition were found between the groups. The plasma cortisol concentration was higher in WA group ($2.14{\mu}g/dl$) compared to non-WA ($0.95{\mu}g/dl$) (p<0.05). However, plasma cortisol level of WA dairy cows was significantly decreased as compared with non-WA cows. On the contrary, the level of plasma melatonin was increased in WA cows than that of non-WA dairy cows. It may be interpreted as a change in physical fitness. From this study, we suggest that walking activity can be improved energy balance. Further investigation is needed to determine whether different combinations of distance, rate or doing in morning or afternoon will stimulate energy balance.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.34 no.9
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• pp.1569-1578
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• 2021

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the potential effects of prolonged photoperiod on the serum lipids, carcass traits, and meat quality of Jinjiang cattle during winter. Methods: Thirty-four Jinjiang bulls aged between 14 and 16 months were randomly assigned to two groups that were alternatively subjected to either natural daylight +4 h supplemental light (long photoperiod, LP) or natural daylight (natural photoperiod, NP) for 96 days. The potential effects on the levels of serum lipids, carcass traits, meat quality, and genes regulating lipid metabolism in the intramuscular fat (IMF) of the cattle were evaluated. Results: Jinjiang cattle kept under LP showed significant increase in both dry matter intake and backfat thickness. the serum glucose and the plasma leptin levels were significantly reduced, while that of melatonin and insulin were observed to be increased. The crude fat contents of biceps femoris muscle and longissimus dorsi muscle were higher in LP than in NP group. In longissimus dorsi muscle, the proportions of C17:0 and C18:0 were significantly higher but that of the C16:1 was found to be significantly lower in LP group. The relative mRNA expressions in IMF of longissimus dorsi muscle, the lipid synthesis genes (proliferator-activated receptor gamma, fatty acid-binding protein) and the fatty acid synthesis genes (acetyl-coa carboxylase, fatty acid synthetase, 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase) were significantly up-regulated in LP group (p<0.05); whereas the hormone-sensitive lipase and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 were significantly down-regulated in LP than in NP group. Conclusion: Prolonged photoperiod significantly altered the growth performance, hormonal levels, gene expression and fat deposition in Jinjiang cattle. It suggested that the LP improved the fat deposition by regulating the levels of different hormones and genes related to lipid metabolism, thereby improving the fattening of Jinjiang cattle during winter.