• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.19-24
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• 2005

The low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) highly expressed in many tissues, including hepatocytes and pancreatic beta cells, can bind to apolipoprotein E. To evaluate in vivo roles of LRP5, we generated LRP5-deficient mice. LRP5 genomic DNA was isolated from TT2 embryonic stem (ES) cells. Targeting vector was constructed to disrupt an exon 18 of the mouse LRP5 gene and transfected into ES cells. Three homologous recombinants at LRP5 locus were identified from 178 G418-resistant clones. Chimeric males generated by morula aggregation technique were mated to C57BL/6 female mice. After achieving germ-line transmission, LRP5+/- females were crossed with LRP5+/- males to obtain LRP5-deficient mice. One line of mice lacking LRP5 gene was confirmed by Southern blotting. Such knock-out mice may serve as an effective animal model to study in vivo function of LRP5 gene.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.43-49
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• 2001

This study was performed to elucidate the effects of copper poisoning on the reproductive organ of rats. After consecutive oral administrations of copper sulfate, the weights of testis, the numbers and motilities of sperms, organ weights and histological changes of testes were compared between control and experimental groups. 1. Testis weights of 1,000, 2,000 or 4,000 ppm/kg of copper sulfate-administrated rats gradually decreased compared with control group, and the values no significant changes. 2. The sperm numbers of 1,000, 2,000 or 4,000 ppm/kg of copper sulfate-administrated rats were lowered in dose dependent manners than those of control group's and the values no significant changes. 3, The motilities sperms of 1,000, 2,000 or 4:000 ppm/kg of copper sulfate-administrated rats decreased significantly in dose-dependent manners compared with those of control group's. 4. The weights of livers and kidneys of 1,000, 2,000 or 4,000 ppm/kg of copper sulfate-administration rats decreased or increased. 5. Necrosis of hepatocytes around the central veins and infiltrations of fine granules-harboring macrophages in periportal and interstitial tissues were found out in the livers of copper sulfate-administrated rats. The Bowman's capsule and tubules of kidneys were filled with hyaline material.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.307-322
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• 1996

The corpus luteum (CL) is formed by the action of a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) on the pre-ovulatory follicle. Luteal cells derived from granulosa and theca interna cells continue to secrete progesterone for about two weeks. LH in domestic animals is essential for the normal secretion of progesterone at all stages of the luteal phase. For this process in the rodents, 20$\alpha$-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20$\alpha$-HSD) is indispensable. 20$\alpha$-HSD is an enzyme to be a biologically inactive steroid. This enzyme plays a critical role in the regulation of the rat luteal function and reported to be present in steroid-producing tissues such as the testis and adrenal gland. We have purified 20$\alpha$-HSD and found two distinct 20$\alpha$-HSD molecules (HSD-1 and HSD-2). Their molecular weights are both estimated to be 33kd.The amino acid compositions of HSD-1 and HSD-2 are mostly similar, but there is a slight difference in the content of lysine. We demonstrated that 1) CL of previous generations contribute more to whole ovarian 20$\alpha$-HSD activity, 2) newly formed corpora lutea contain only 20$\alpha$-HSD-1 activity, and 3) old CL express activities of each HSD isozyme as shown in the luteal tissue of cycling rats on the day of diestrus where only degenerating old CL exist. The increase in 20$\alpha$-HSD activity identified seems to be related to the increase in the numbers of 20$\alpha$-HSD-positive cells. Interestingly, 20$\alpha$-HSD-1 activities were strongly found in the follicle fluids and theca interna cells by immunohistochemical study. Thus, the activity of 20$\alpha$-HSD may be related to a survival mechanism of those luteal cells and follicles remaining in the ovaries. Luteal cells arise from two sources. The small luteal cells are all of theca cell origin, while the large luteal cells are mainly of granulosa cell origin. CL of Korean Native Cattle, as those of other animal species, contains two morphologycally and functionally distinct luteal cell populations, such as small and large luteal cells as well as nonluteal cells. In all reproductive states except in the late luteal phase, the bovine CL also contained more small luteal cells than large luteal cells. Luteal tissue secretes a variety of growth factors (proteins) and the pattern of secretion changes during all stages of the luteal phase. These growth factors could be important in regulating the function of the bovine corpus luteum and may act in a potential endocrine autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. Therefore, further work has to be done to elucidate the role of growth factors in the ovary, especially in the corpus luterum. Interest should be focussed on interaction of these growth factors in the regulation of luteal cell and the localization of cytokine synthesis in differnet luteal cells.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.29-34
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• 2010

Follicular cystic ovary (FCO) is one of the major causes of reproductive failure in cattle. Genetic alterations affect the function of diverse cells and/or tissues, which could be present in cystic ovaries. A microarray analysis was performed to screen differential gene expressions in follicular cystic follicles of cattle. In this study, we hypothesized that follicular cysts may be induced by changes in ion- and transporter-related gene expression. Microarray data showed that fibrinogen-gamma (FGG) and low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 8 (LRP8) were up-regulated, while choline transporter-like protein 4 (SLC44A4), very long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase homolog 2 (SLC27A5), annexin 8 (ANXA8), and aquaporin 4 were down-regulated in follicular cystic follicles. A semi-quantitative RT-PCR was carried out to validate DEGs altered in follicular cystic follicles. Of six DEGs, three DEGs (FGG, SLC44A4, and aquaporin 4) showed a positive correlation between microarray and semi-quantitative PCR data. We focused on FGG, among three DEGs, which was highly up-regulated in follicular cystic follicles. The FGG mRNA was upregulated by 8.4-fold and by 1.7-fold in the bovine follicular cystic follicles as judged by microarray and RT-PCR analysis, respectively. However, there was no significant changes in the expression level of FGG protein in both follicular cystic follicles and granulosa cells isolated from follicular cystic follicles by Western blot analysis. Although this study does not reveal a positive correlation between the mRNA and protein level, FGG appears to be an important biomarker in the discrimination of follicular cyst from normal ovary.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.122-128
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• 2016

Objectives: Cornu cervi pantotrichum (CCP) has been widely used in Korean and China, as an anti-fatigue, anti-aging, and tonic agent to enhance the functions of the reproductive and the immune systems. Because CCP has various growth factors that play important roles in the development of hair follicles, we examined whether CCP pharmacopuncture solution (CCPPS) was capable of promoting hair growth in an animal model. Methods: One day after hair depilation, CCPPS were topically applied to the dorsal skin of C57BL/6 mice once a day for 15 days. Hair growth activity was evaluated by using macro- and microscopic observations. Dorsal skin tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Expressions of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-7 were examined by using immunohistochemical staining. A reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis was also conducted to measure the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of FGF-7. Results: CCPPS induced more active hair growth than normal saline. Histologic analysis showed enlargement of the dermal papilla, elongation of the hair shaft, and expansion of hair thickness in CCPPS treated mice, indicating that CCPPS effectively induced the development of anagen. CCPPS treatment markedly increased the expressions of BrdU and PCNA in the hair follicles of C57BL/6 mice. In addition, CCPPS up regulated the expression of FGF-7, which plays an important role in the development of hair follicles. Conclusion: These results reveal that CCPPS facilitates hair re-growth by proliferation of hair follicular cells and up-regulation of FGF-7 and suggest that CCPPS can potentially be applied as an alternative treatment for patients with alopecia.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.124-132
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• 1985

The work was conducted to clarify the development of testes and histological changes of the Seminiferous tubules that is the Surface area, diameter, length of the tubules and the process of Spermatic cells growth in Seminal epithelium in relation to Sexual maturity of the meat-type cockerels. In addition the present experiments were planned to gain some basic data helpful for the study of reproductive physiology in meat-type cockerels and also to compare the histological changes Seminiferous tubules between egg and general purpose type cockerels. 1. The growth pattern of body weight, testes and comb was classified into four phase according to age. Body weight increased up to about 2kg at 2nd stage and to 4.3kg at 4th stage while at 3rd stage the growth rate of body weight was slower. The tests developed slowly until 22 weeks of age with no correlation to the growth of body weight. However, it grew rapidly afterwards, reaching 27.79$\pm$9.26gm and 42.46$\pm$5.33 gm at 24 and 28 weeks of age, respectively. The spermatozoa was seen first at 24 weeks of age. On the other hand, comb grew at similar rate to the testes, weighing on the average 21.78$\pm$6.48gm and 41.42$\pm$1.25gm at 24 and 28 weeks of age, respectively. 2. The areal rate of the Seminiferous tubules to interstitial tissues was 66%:34% at 2 weeks of age and the rate of the former increased in comparison to that of the latter as they grew older, becoming 94%:7% between at 24 weeks of age, when the testes weight increased rapidly too. 3. Diameter of Seminiferous tubules at 2 weeks of age was 42.76$\pm$1.04$\mu$m and then it gradually increased as the testes grew until 22 weeks of age, when it grew rapidly, increasing about 2.9 times of those of 2 weeks and at last increased up to 5 times at 24 weeks. 4. Length of Seminiferous tubules was 4.5cm at 2 weeks and then it was gradually increased. At 22 weeks old the length of tubules was icnreased rapidly being 321 meter and increased more than double, being 658 meter at 24 weeks old. 5. The cells of Seminal epithelium developed poorly and the number of cells were relatively few until 16 weeks old. Afterwards the cells increased rapidly in number and at 18 weeks, the number became twice of those of 16 weeks, reaching 140.43$\pm$43.6. At 24 weeks the cells increased more rapidly, reaching to 10 layers and Spermatozoa were first time seen.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.129-136
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• 2014

This study was carried out to elucidate the effect of antibiotic-free rearing system(ARS) on cortisol level, stress hormone, and fatty acid content in the edible muscle tissues, that were of M. longissimus in Hanwoo. These cattle were reared in two different systems including antibiotic-free (ARS) and conservative system (CRS). To increase the experimental reliability, the muscle samples were purchased 3 times from 3 Korean brands of beef produced with ARS or CRS. In the muscle tissue, cortisol level was significantly lower in ARS than CRS, (p=0.0176). But the levels of total saturated- and unsaturated-fatty acids were not significantly different between ARS and CRS (p>0.05). Of total fatty acids, the total saturated fatty acid tended to be greater in CRS and the total unsaturated fatty acid tended to be greater in ARS. However, of the total unsaturated fatty acids, the level of n-6 unsaturated fatty acids was significantly higher in ARS than CRS (p=0.0040). Especially, ${\alpha}$-linolenic acid (ALA) and ${\gamma}$-linolenic acid (GLA) levels were significantly higher in ARS (p<0.01). The n-6 fatty acid content and cortisol level in muscle tissue were negatively correlated at p=0.0140. In conclusion, ARS may produce beef with higher quality which contains lower cortisol and greater n-6 fatty acids, such as ALA and GLA.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.183-194
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• 2007

We examined the expression patterns of the chicken TCs(tentative consensus sequences) originated from GermOnline genes in various chicken tissues, applying information from GermOnline to chicken organisms. 42 TCs among 84 chicken homologous TCs from the pool of 84 genes related to germ cell lineage in mouse(10), rat(71) and human(3) had high homology based on a BLAST search. Of these, Hmgcs2 and Sycp3 was shown to be expressed in a testis- specific manner and a reproductive organ(testis and ovary)-specific manner, respectively, by RT- PCR analysis. Crmp4, Cyct, Ldhc, Epha7, Pcsk4 and Dnmt3a are expressed in brain, testis, and ovary. The characterization of chicken genes originated from GermOnline in this research may give an enormously useful source of information related to germ cell development.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.345-352
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• 1999

The sand dollar, Astriclypeus manni is commonly encountered on a subtidal sand bottom along the coast of Cheju Island. limited information has been reported on their ecology despite their natural abundance. This study reports ecology and an annual reproductive cycle of the sand dollars present at Hamdock, northern coast of Cheju Island. A. manni collected from Hamdock revealed that they are 80 to 200 mm in test diameter. Sediment Brain size analysis indicated that A. manni mostly occurs on medium (particle diameter of 500 $\mu$m) to very find sand (particle diameter of 125 $\mu$m), particularly on fine sand (particle diameter of 250 $\mu$m). Internal morphology and in situ observations on their feeding habit indicated that A. manni is a deposit feeder, feeding on organic debris contained in the sediment around its habitat. A. manni were more frequently observed near Zostrea marina bed where content of organic matter in the sediment is considered to be higher. Gonadal tissues of the male were yellow in color while female gonads appeared to be purple. Fully mature eggs, with a mean diameter of 381 $\mu$m, and sperm were observed from the histological slides of the sand dollars collected in late July to August, suggesting that A. manni spawn during July to August when water temperature reaches 20 to $25^{\circ}C$.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.41-54
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• 2006

Purpose : These studies were undertaken to evaluate the effects of Allii tuberosi Semen (ATS) on the spermatogenic abilities such as concentration, motility and morphological normality of sperm from the testis and the activities of sperm hyaluronidase, testicular peroxidase and testicular catalase. Materials and Methods : We used the 8-week-old mice and administered the 0.2 ml extract solution of ATS in the different concentration (0.1 mg/ml, 1 mg/ml, 10 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml) once a day for 60 days. The control group was administered the distilled water in the same way. After the administration of each extract solution, we examined the number of total, motile and normal sperm, the activities of sperm hyaluronidase, testicular peroxidase and testicular catalase. Also we observed the histological changes of isolated testis. And we compared to the testicular tissue especially seminiferous tubules between control and treated group by histochemical methods. Results : The concentration of total sperm, the motility and normality of spermatozoa were significantly increased in ATS groups, especially in 1 and 10 mg/ml groups, compared to control group. In the histological analysis of the testicular tissues, the enlargement of testicular lobe diameter and apparent vasculogenesis between testicular lobes were observed in the ATS groups compared to the control group, respectively. Also, the activity of hyaluronidase was significantly increased in the ATS groups compared to the control group. In the antioxidant activity analysis, the activity of testicular peroxidase was significantly increased in the ATS groups compared to the control group, especially in 1 mg/ ml group. The activity of testicular catalase was increased in ATS groups. Conclusion : This study shows that ATS has the beneficial effect on the concentration, morphology and motility of sperm, the activities of sperm hyaluronidase and testicular peroxidase. We can suggest that ATS extract solution be useful for the treatment of male sexual dysfunctions and infertility.