• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제35권3호
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• pp.203-212
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• 2008

목 적: 정자의 동결 과정에서 생길 수 있는 급격한 온도 차에 의한 동결 충격이나 동결 상해등에 의한 세포막의 손상, 세포의 기능 장애 등은 정자의 수정능에 영향을 미칠 수 있다. 본 연구에서는 인간 정자를 동결 보존하는 과정에서 콜레스테롤 전처리가 정자의 운동성 및 기능보존에 미치는 영향을 알아보고자 하였다. 연구방법: 본원을 내원한 14명 남성의 정자를 대상으로 콜레스테롤을 첨가하지 않은 대조군 (control)과 여러 농도의 콜레스테롤을 동결보존액에 첨가한 실험군에서 정자의 동결-융해 후 상태를 다음 3가지 방법으로 비교, 분석하였다. 1) 정자 분석, 2) calcium ionophore로 유도된 첨체 반응 검사, 3) 정자 염색질 구조 분석 (sperm chromatin structure assay). 결 과: 첫째로 인간 정자의 운동성은 $0.5{\mu}g$ 농도의 콜레스테롤을 첨가한 동결보존액에서 동결-해동하였을 경우, 콜레스테롤을 첨가하지 않은 군에 비해 유의적 차이를 보이며 증가하는 것을 확인하였다 ($33.46{\pm}1.48%$ vs. $30.10{\pm}1.07%$, p<0.05). 다음으로 동된 정자의 첨체 반응 검사에서도 콜레스테롤을 첨가한 동결보존액에서의 첨체 반응이 일어나는 정자의 비율이 첨가하지 않은 군에 비해 유의하게 높게 관찰되었다 ($53.60{\pm}1.60%$ vs. $47.40{\pm}1.86%$, p<0.05). 마지막으로 정자 염색질 구조 분석에서는 콜레스테롤을 첨가한 군이 첨가하지 않은 군에 비해 정자의 DNA손상이 적게 나타남을 확인하였다. 결 론: 본 실험은 동결보존액을 통한 정자 원형질막 내 콜레스테롤 함유량의 증가가 동결-융해 후 정자의 운동성과 수정능(capacitation status)을 증가시키고 DNA 손상을 방지하는 역할을 한다는 결과를 보여주었다. 이러한 결과를 통해 동결보존액 내 콜레스테롤의 첨가는 인간 정자의 동결보존 동안 발생할 수 있는 동결 상해를 줄여줄 수 있는 유용한 방법으로 사료된다.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• 제37권3호
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• pp.97-102
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• 2013

The objective of this study was to develop of semen transport system for cryopreservation and fertility in bull sperm. The ejaculated semen were diluted with Triladyl containing 20% egg-yolk for transportation. Diluted semen was transported by three methods that there were wrapping tissue (Tissue), sinking under $30^{\circ}C$ water (Water) and sinking between warm water and air (Air) methods. Semen was transported within 2 hours in $0.3^{\circ}C$. For this study, the freezing of diluted semen were added with Triladyl containing 20% egg-yolk. And frozen-thawed sperm were estimated with SYBR14/PI double stain for viability, FITC-PNA/PI double stain for acrosome reaction analysis and Rhodamine123 double stain for mitochondrial intact assessment. In results, live sperm (SYBR+/PI-) in Air treatment group ($43.3{\pm}4.7%$) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than other treatment groups (Tissue: $16.3{\pm}2.7%$ and Water: $27.5{\pm}3.1%$), dying sperm (SYBR+/PI+) in Air treatment group ($55.6{\pm}4.7%$) was significantly lower than other treatment groups (Tissue: $77.6{\pm}3.2%$ and Water: $67.6{\pm}3.3%$) (p<0.05). Acrosome reaction in Air treatment group ($0.2{\pm}0.1%$) within live sperm (PI negative region) was significantly (p<0.05) lower than other treatment groups (Tissue: $0.7{\pm}0.2%$ and Water: $0.5{\pm}0.1%$), the acrosome reaction in Air treatment group ($28.6{\pm}2.8%$) within all sperm also was significantly lower than other treatment groups (Tissue: $44.2{\pm}1.8%$ and Water: $36.2{\pm}2.0%$) (p<0.05). And mitochondrial intact in Air treatment group within live ($97.1{\pm}0.4%$) and all ($61.9{\pm}3.3%$) sperm were significantly higher than other treatment groups (Tissue: $85.2{\pm}3.3%$, Water: $87.8{\pm}2.9%$ within live sperm and Tissue: $49.28{\pm}3.7%$, Water: $42.0{\pm}3.1%$ within all sperm) (p<0.05). Therefore, we suggest that transportation by sinking method between warm water and air was beneficial to improvement of fertility in frozen-thawed in bull semen.

• 한국수정란이식학회지
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• 제26권3호
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• pp.181-186
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• 2011

Spermatozoa sorted by flow cytometry have been successfully used to produce offspring in domestic animals and are commercially available for cattle. Also sheath fluid is the important environment for viability of sex-sorted sperm in flow cytometry. The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not HEPES (N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N'-2-Ethanesulfonic acid) has any effect on the viability in sex-sorted Hanwoo (Korean native cattle) sperm. In this study, the semen was collected from Hanwoo of Hoengseong Livestock Cooperation by artificial vagina method then pooled and subjected to cryopreservation in straws. Sperm were cultured for 0, 30, 60 and 120 min with 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 mM of HEPES added to the sheath fluid and incubated at 4, 20 and 38$^{\circ}C$, respectively. For the cytometric analysis the frozen-thawed semen was extended with 5 mM HEPES extender to final concentration ($2{\times}10^7$ spermatozoa) at 4, 20 and 37$^{\circ}C$. Sperm viability was assessed with SYBR-14 and propidium iodide (PI) staining. This study shows that the viability of sperm was decreased with prolongation of incubation time in all of test. But the viability of sperm which were treated with 38$^{\circ}C$ was gently decreased than that of treated with other temperature. The viability of the control was sharply decreased (p<0.05) than all of the HEPES treatment group at 60 to 120 min in 38$^{\circ}C$. X-sexed sperm was more sensitive than Y-sexed sperm to temperature during f10w cytometry (p<0.05). In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the sheath fluid with 5 mM HEPES has effect on maintenance of viability after sperm sexing at 37$^{\circ}C$ in Hanwoo.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제26권8호
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• pp.943-947
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• 2016

본 연구는 간단히 활용할 수 있는 나노 크기의 마그네틱 비드를 이용하여 정자의 품질을 향상시킬 수 있는지 여부를 규명하기 위하여 실시하였다. 돼지 정자 시료는 인공수정 센터에서 공급받아 실험실로 2시간 이내로 이송한 후 CASA 측정을 통하여 4개의 활력을 나타내는 그룹으로(1, > 90%; 2. 80~90%; 3. 70~80%; 4. < 70%) 분류하였다. 정액은 BTS 희석제를 사용하여 보존하였고, 총 정자수와 동일한 농도의 마그네틱 비드를 정액에 20분간 처리한 후, 5분간 실온에서 마그네틱 비드에 반응한 정자를 자석을 이용하여 분리하였다. 마그네틱 비드 처리 전 과 후 정자의 생존율 및 활력은 CASA를 이용하여 측정하였고, 기형율과 정자응집의 정도는 현미경으로 검사하였다. 처리 후의 정자 활력은 4개 그룹 모두에서 유의하게(p<0.0.5) 높은 차이를 보였으며 처리 전에 비하여 평균 7.11% 향상되었다. 정자 활력의 변화는 처리 전 낮은 활력을 보인 그룹에서 보다 현저한 차이를 보였다(< 70% and 70~80%; 19.12±1.08% and 5.67±0.71%, p<0.0.5). 정자 활력을 VCL, VSL, VAP 및 LIN (%)로 구분한 성적에서도 유사한 패턴을 나타냈고, 이러한 현상은 활력 70% 이하를 나타낸 그룹에서 개선 효과가 더욱 뚜렷하였다. 마그네틱 비드 처리 후 정자 생존율은 처리 전에 비하여 평균 4%가 향상 되었고(p<0.0.5), 정자 기형율 또한 3.7~4.5%(p<0.0.5) 정도 감소하였다. 정자 응집의 정도 또한 마그네틱 비드 처리를 통하여 처리 전 낮은 활력을 나타낸 그룹에서 감소됨을 알 수 있었다.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제16권1호
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• pp.15-21
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• 1989

An in vitro fertilization assay employing zona-free hamster embryos was used to investigate human spermatozoal fertilitzing ability. Yanaghimarchi et al.(1976) first introduced this cross species fertilzation technique, with its application as a diagnostic tool for male infertility. Human spermatozoa were preincubated for 3 to 4 hrs in B W W medium at concentration of $4{\times}10^6$ sperm/ml prior to the addition to zona-free hamster embryos. After 3 hrs, human sperm was evaluated for fertilizing potential by the presence of swelling or decondencing sperm head in the cytoplasm. The results of penetration rates for sperm were as follow : 1. The average penetration rate of a 7 fertile donor group was $47.8{\pm}27.67%$(Range 14.3-98.0%) 2. The average penetration rate of 12 infertile patients with normal semen analysis was $21.7{\pm}26.9%$(Range 0-38.8%) 3. The average penetration rate of 10 infertile patients with semen abnormalities was $6.1{\pm}8.1%$(Range 0-25%)

• 대한수의학회지
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• 제61권3호
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• pp.25.1-25.7
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• 2021

The axolotl has extraordinary regeneration capacity compared to other vertebrates. This remarkable potential has been attributed to its life-long neoteny, characterized by the exhibition of embryonic characteristics at the adult stage. A recent study provided a detailed morphological analysis of the sperm morphology of the Ambystoma mexicanum using routine and detailed histological techniques. The primary purpose of the present study is to describe a simple and inexpensive method for evaluating the morphology of axolotl sperm. In this study, spermatophore structures were collected and spread on slides and air-dried. The slides were stained with periodic acid Schiff, toluidine blue, Masson's trichrome, Giemsa, Spermac, and Diff-Quik dye for a morphological examination. The slides were coated with gold/palladium for a scanning electron microscopy examination. The sperm of the axolotl consisted of an elongated head, a neck, and a flagellum covered with an undulating membrane. The lengths of the midpiece, tail, and head were 8.575 ㎛, 356.544 ㎛, and 103.661 ㎛, respectively. In the flagellum part, the wavy membrane structure, whose function has not been explained, surrounds the tail. The data obtained from this study will constitute an important step in designing future research on the reproductive and regeneration capacity of the axolotl.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.153-160
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• 2013

We screened the pharmacological effects of a 50% ethanol extract of Yacon tubers and leaves on spermatogenesis in rats. As a result, we found that Yacon tuber extracts increased sperm number and serum testosterone level in rats. It has been reported that the crude extract of Yacon tubers and leaves contain phenolic acids, such as, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid and caffeic acid by HPLC/MS analysis. We were interested in the contributions made by phenolic acid, particularly chlorogenic acid of Yacon tuber extract to the spermatogenic activity. After administering Yacon tuber extract or chlorogenic acid to rats for 5 weeks, numbers of sperm in epididymis were increased by 34% and 20%, respectively. We also administered ferulic acid, which has been reported to be a metabolite of chlorogenic acid and a constituent of Yacon tuber extract to investigate its spermatogenic activity in rats. Yacon tuber extract and ferulic acid increased sperm numbers by 43% and 37%, respectively. And, Yacon tuber extract, and chlorogenic acid showed significantly inhibition effect of testoeterone degradation in rat liver homogenate. We considered that the spermatogenic effect of Yacon tuber extract might be related to phenolic compounds and their inhibitory effect of testosterone degradation. Yacon showed the possibility as ameliorable agents of infertility by sperm deficiency and late onset hypogonadism syndrome with low level of testosterone.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제21권7호
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• pp.923-927
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• 2008

The objective of this study was to compare random regression model and multiple trait animal model estimates of the (co) variance of total sperm cells over the active lifetime of AI boars. Data were provided by Smithfield Premium Genetics (Rose Hill, NC). Total number of records and animals for the random regression model were 19,629 and 1,736, respectively. Data for multiple trait animal model analyses were edited to include only records produced at 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, and 27 months of age. For the multiple trait method estimates of genetic and residual variance for total sperm cells were heterogeneous among age classifications. When comparing multiple trait method to random regression, heritability estimates were similar except for total sperm cells at 24 months of age. The multiple trait method also resulted in higher estimates of heritability of total sperm cells at every age when compared to random regression results. Random regression analysis provided more detail with regard to changes of variance components with age. Random regression methods are the most appropriate to analyze semen traits as they are longitudinal data measured over the lifetime of boars.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• 제63권5호
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• pp.1194-1203
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• 2021

Preparation of recipient stallions is critical step to produce donor spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) derived sperm using transplantation technique. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of intravenous busulfan infusion on germ cell depletion, semen production, and libido in stallions. Six Thoroughbred stallions were separated into two treatment groups: 1) a multiple low-dose (2.5 mg/kg bw for the first 4 weeks and 5 mg/kg bw for the 5th week); and 2) control group treated with PBS. Testicular samples were obtained at 11 weeks and classified into three different patterns of spermatogenesis, such as normal, Sertoli cell only, and destroyed. Semen collection and libido experiments were performed 1 week before treatment, and 4 and 8 weeks after treatment. For the sperm analysis, total spermatozoa and motility were measured using a light microscope with a motility analyzing system. In the multiple low-dose group, the numbers of tubules categorized as Sertoli cell only were significantly higher than those in the control as well as the total population and total/progressive motility of sperm were significantly decreased 8 weeks after the start of the treatment. The sperm production and motility in the multiple low-dose group appears to be reduced, while libido was maintained. In conclusion, multiple administration of 2.5 mg/kg bw busulfan depletes endogenous germ cells in the stallion recipients for SSC transplantation.

• Toxicological Research
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• 제34권1호
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• pp.41-48
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• 2018

The efficacy of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has led to an increase demand for therapeutic use, thereby necessitating investigation into drug toxicity. This study was designed to investigate the in vivo effects of HAART on sperm parameters and testicular oxidative stress in lean and obese rats. Wistar rats (males, n = 40, weighing 180~200 g) were assigned randomly into 4 groups and treated accordingly for 16 weeks as follows: Control (C): lean group fed with standard rat chow; Diet induced obesity (DIO): obese animals fed a high caloric diet; C + ART: lean animals treated with HAART; DIO + ART: obese animals treated with HAART. An antiretroviral drug combination of Tenofovir, Emtricitabine and Efavirenz at a dose of 17, 26 and 50 mg/kg/day was administered for the latter 6 weeks via jelly cube feeding. At the end of the experimental period, sperm analysis was performed on sperm collected from the caudal epididymis, while the testis was homogenized for antioxidant enzyme and lipid peroxidation assays. Results showed that HAART significantly decreased sperm motility (p < 0.05) in both lean and obese animals, and viability (p < 0.05) in the DIO group. Testicular glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels were significantly increased (p < 0.05) when the DIO+ART group was compared to Control group. Thus, the decreased sperm qualities associated with HAART might be as a result of increased testicular oxidative stress prominent in obese animals.