• Development and Reproduction
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.263-275
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• 2020

The proper administration of melatonin has well been documented to induce testicular regression in seasonal breeding animals. The subcutaneous injections of melatonin in the afternoon, not in the morning, consistently occurred testicular involution in the male Syrian (golden) hamsters whose reproductive activity is regulated by the photoperiod. But the effects of daily melatonin via gavage have not been estimated. Golden hamsters housed in long photoperiod (LP) were divided into 5 groups: the control animals housed in LP or in short photoperiod (SP) and animals treated daily with low (15 ㎍), middle (150 ㎍), and high dosages (1,500 ㎍) of pure melatonin by using gavage in the evening for 8 weeks. As results, LP control animals had large testes and SP controls displayed small and entirely regressed testes. The animals treated with various dosages of melatonin showed collectively degenerating effects on the weights of testes, epididymides, and seminal vesicles in the middle and high dosage groups, with the individual differences as well. The high dosages induced testicular regression in more proportion than the middle dosages did. The low dosage had large testes like the LP control animals. The small and inactive testes shown in some animals of both middle and high groups presented the complete regression as those of the animals maintained in SP. These results strongly suggest that the administrations of melatonin lead to testicular involution in the male golden hamsters when it is administered through gavage.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.287-294
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• 1995

A male patient with subnormal intelligence and schizoaffective symptoms was confirmed to have Klinefelter's syndrome with the karyotype of 47,XXY by the chromosomal analysis. He was shown to have a peculiar appearance of tall height, long extremities, gynecomastia and small ears. The hormonal study revealed decreased testosterone and increased FSH concentrations in the serum of the patient. He was also found to have small testes by the ultrasonography, which seemed to be sterile by the semen analysis. We reported this rare case and reviewed related articles.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.107-116
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• 1997

In order to achieve optimal reproductive performance, reliable morphological and physiological basic data on the reproductive organs are desirable. Adult male Korean ring-necked pheasant in inactive(mid of January) and active state (end of April) were used in this study. In addition, five active state pheasants were received a single dose of 60Co-ray 500 rads each to damage the testes. The objective of this study was to investigate the distribution pattern of protein gene product (PGP) 9.5 and ${\alpha}$-tubulin in the pheasant testes of the active, inactive and ${\gamma}$-ray irradiated active states. The results obtained were summarized as follows 1. The seminiferous tubules collected in inactive states( mid of Jan) showed narrow lumen, and the spermatogonia and the Sertoli cell were well preserved. The PGP 9.5 immunoreactivity of these tubules showed a positive reaction in paranucleus area of the spermatogonia, and a positive reaction in a small number of the Leydig cells in the interstitium of the seminiferous tubules. 2. The seminiferous tubules were dilated in active state(end of April) as compared with the inactive state. The PGP 9.5 reactivity in these tubules showed a positive reaction in many Leydig cells in the interstitium of the seminiferous tubules, and the testes of ${\gamma}$-ray irradiated group showed partially weak reaction in the interstitium of the seminiferous tubules. 3. The ${\alpha}$-tubulin reactivity in the seminiferous tubules of the inactive testes was strongly positive in the cytoplasmic process of the Sertoli cell from the basal stem region to the apical ex-tension. From the broad part of the stem region to the luminal space, the active testes showed a strong positive reaction. The ${\gamma}$-ray irradiated groups showed diminished reaction in the basal region.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.71-74
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• 2010

A trematode species belonging to the genus Prosthogonimus (family: Prosthogonimidae) was collected in August, 2004 from the bursa of Fabricius of a single Little Grebe, Tachybaptus ruficollis, caught in Chuncheon, Korea. Five specimens were collected in total and fluke morphology was examined under using a light microscope. The average parasite size was 5.6 ${\times}$ 3.2 mm (length ${\times}$ width; based on 4 specimens). The genital pore was located on the anterior right margin of the oral sucker. The cirrus sac was strongly sinuous and extended beyond the intestinal bifurcation to the ventral sucker. The prepharynx was extremely short and the pharynx was small. The vitellaria consisted of 6 follicle bunches and extended from the ventral sucker to the posterior of the testes. Finally, the uterus filled the body cavity posterior to the testes. In addition, there were no heavy slings occurred anterior to the testes. Based on these morphological characteristics, the parasites were identified as P. cuneatus. The discovery of P. cuneatus within a Little Grebe constitutes a new host identification and a new geographical record. This is the first reported case of Prosthogonimus infection within wild birds in Korea.

• Macromolecular Research
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• v.11 no.5
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• pp.382-386
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• 2003

Reductive amination of N-succinyl-chitosan (1) and lactose using sodium cyanoborohydride in 1/15 M phosphate buffer (pH 6.0) for 6 d was suitable for the preparation of lactosaminated N-succinyl-chitosan (2). At 8, 24 and 48 h after i.v. administration of fluorescently labeled 1 (1') or 2 (2'), Peyer's patch, mesenteric lymph nodes, testes, prostate, preputial grand, intestine (small intestine plus cecum), femoral muscle, backbone and peritoneum were taken. Peyer's patch and mesenteric lymph nodes were put together as lymph nodes. Over 10% of dose/g tissue was distributed to the prostate and lymph nodes at 48 h post-administration in both l' and 2'.2' was easily distributed into not only the liver but also prostate, intestine, preputial gland and lymph nodes. Although galactose receptors are known to exist not only on the liver parenchymal cells but also on prostate and testes, the selective distribution of 2' into the prostate and the testes were not observed clearly. This study suggested that 1 and 2 should have possibilities for both the prevention and cure of lymph node metastasis as drug carriers.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.23-29
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• 2017

This study investigated the effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine on pig growth, carcass quality, and sensory perceptions of pork meat by Thai consumers. Male crossbred pigs (n = 30) were separated into three groups of 10 pigs each: boars, immunocastrated pigs, and surgically castrated pigs. The immunocastrated group was immunized at 13 and 19 weeks of age with GnRH vaccine ($400{\mu}g/dose$). All pigs were slaughtered at 24 weeks of age. Blood samples were collected and testes size determined. Testes weight and back fat thickness were recorded at the time of slaughter, and meat samples were collected for sensory assessment by Thai consumers. Testosterone and progesterone concentration levels decreased significantly two weeks after the second dose of GnRH (p < 0.05), and the GnRH antibody titer of the immunocastrated pigs was significantly high two weeks after the second dose of GnRH (p < 0.05). GnRH vaccine significantly reduced the weight and size of testes. Thai consumers reported no significant differences in odor or flavor among meat samples from the three groups. In conclusion, immunocastration improved growth performance, removed the need for castration surgery, and avoided "boar taint" in the meat. It has also no distinct trace of the boar taint same as pork that is currently produced from physically castrated pig which is making it acceptable to consumers.

• Journal of Interdisciplinary Genomics
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.24-30
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• 2022

Klinefelter's syndrome (KS) is a syndrome with extra X chromosome(s), in XY individuals, characterized by gynecomastia, small testes, and infertility. Additional X chromosomes can be present as variable karyotypic forms, including mosaicism (47,XXY/46,XY). The reported prevalence of KS ranges from one in 500 to one in 1,000 live males, but is probably underestimated. The classic phenotype is small, firm testes and infertility resulting from seminiferous tubule dysgenesis and androgen deficiency. The spectrum of KS includes tall stature with relatively long legs and arm span, decreased body hair, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, poor motor skills, and other important medical issues, such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease, certain neoplasia. The increased risk of certain medical problems in KS can be attributed to a direct effect of the extra X chromosome, the combined action of multiple genomic and epigenetic factors, or the hormonal imbalances. Typically, chromosome analysis is not ordered for adult patients with general medical conditions, except for suspected cases of hematologic and lymphoid disorders. Even though it was found during work-up for certain disorders in adult patient, most physicians do not suspect KS or consider its impact. Therefore, understanding the pathophysiology and variable manifestation in KS is necessary, and discussions with multidisciplinary teams will help to diagnose and treat males with KS.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.60 no.5
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• pp.361-365
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• 2022

We report a species of diplostomid fluke recovered from 3 carcasses of wild Korean raccoon dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis, in Korea. A total of 107 diplostomid flukes were recovered from the small intestines of Korean raccoon dogs, which were obtained from the Gangwon Wildlife Medical Rescue Center. Worms fixed with 10% neutral formalin were subjected to microscopic observation and those fixed in 70% ethanol were used for molecular genomic analysis. The worm was divided into 2 separate parts, forebody and hindbody, with a total length of 3,020-4,090 (3,855) ㎛ and a width of 1,210-1,770 (1,562) ㎛. The boat-shaped forebody has a pair of characteristic tentacular appendage, 2 suckers, holdfast organ, and vitelline follicles. The oval to cylindrical hindbody has reproductive organs. The ovary was round or elliptical and located in the anterior of the testes. Two large testes were slightly segmented and tandemly arranged, occupying almost half of hindbody. The short uterus contained a relatively small number of unembryonated eggs sized 130-140×85-96 ㎛. The partial sequence of 18S rRNA of this fluke was consistent with Alaria alata. Based on the morphological and molecular characteristics, the diplostomid flukes recovered from the small intestine of Korean raccoon dogs were identified as A. alata (Digenea: Diplostomidae).

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.161-174
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• 1986

A chromosomal study was performed in a total of 162 urological patients during past 2$2{\frac{1}{2}}$ years (Feb. 1984 - Aug. 1986). Of these 78(48%) patients had abnormal chromosome complements. Among all patients with chromosome abnormalities, 88% (69/78) had aberrations of chromosome number, 8% (6/78) had aberrations of chromosome structure and 4% (3/78) had aberrations of both. 90% (65/72) of numerical abnormality was Klinefelter's syndrome and the structural abnormality rate (5.6%, 9/162) was less than that (6.99%) of general population. The chromosomal study was mandatory for the detection of intersex in small testes or hypospadias with cryptorchism or clitoromegaly or bilateral cryptorchism. But unilateral cryptochism or hypospadias with normal scrotal testes was not thought to be indication of the chromosomal study if the external genitalia are otherwise quite normal.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.59 no.3
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• pp.303-309
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• 2021

In this study, we intended to describe an unrecorded species of heterophyid trematode recovered from the small intestine of a Korean raccoon dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis, in Korea. A total of 13 small flukes were collected from a deceased Korean raccoon dog which was found in Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, Korea in May 2017. The trematode body were covered with many small spines, rectangular, broader than long, 807-1,103 ㎛ long and 1,270-1,550 ㎛ wide. Oral sucker in the anterior end slightly smaller than acetabulum. Pharynx muscular and well developed. Esophagus relatively long and sigmoid. Acetabulum small and located at median in anterior 2/5 portion. Ceca bifurcated at the anterior of genital pore and acetabulum and terminated at testis level. Testes larger, deeply lobed and located at the near of posterior end of body. Ovary small, triangular and located at the slight left of median and the anterior of left testis. Vitelline follicles dendritic and extend from the middle level of esophagus to the posterior portion of body. Eggs embryonated, operculated, small and 33-35×15-16 ㎛ in size. Based on the morphological characteristics, the small heterophyid flukes recovered from the small intestines of Korean raccoon dog, N. procyonoides koreensis, were identified as Euryhelmis squamula (Digenea: Heterophyidae). Accordingly, this species of heterophyid flukes is to be a new trematode fauna in Korea by this study.