• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.504-511
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• 2002

Ultrastructure and sperm morphology were investigated Mactra venerifomis, Mactra chinensis, Spisula sacharinensis, Tresus keenae in Mactridae. All the sperm studied were primitive type. They consisted of three parts; the head, the middle piece and the tail part. The acrosome forms were similar among the 4 species. The acrosome was shaped like a modified hat. It was consisted of two different parts in electronic density; the anterior part, electric lucent part (elp), and the posterior part, electric dense part (edp). But nuclei forms were slightly different among the species. All the species studied had 4 mitocondria at middle piece. We guessed that the Mactridae sperm were family-specific with characterful acrosome shape.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.141-147
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• 1988

These experiments were carried out to develop new techniques for in vitro separation of x-and Y-bearing spermatozoa. The results obtained in these experiments were summarized as follows: 1. Following centrifugation of discontinuous percoll density gradient, populatin of spermatozoa increased progressively from low to high density. The highest concentration of spermatozoa was observed at the 4th fraction which included 36.6% of spermatozoa. 2. As increasing percoll concentration, the higher motility index was obtained and the highest motility index(74.2) was obtained at the 5th fraction. 3. The percentage of B-body bearing spermatozoa following percoll density gradient centrifugation was decreased from 39.7% to 25.6%. 4. The sperm population following chromatography by sephadex gel and percoll density gradient centrifugation was decreased in 1st, 5th and 6th fractions but the reverse was turn for 2nd, 3rd and 7th fractions, and the highest sperm concentration was observed at the 7th fraction which included 37.4% of spermatozoa. 5. Motility index of spermatozoa was increased from 77.6 to 79.4 after the sephadex gel filtration, however it was decreased at all fractions after percoll density gradient centrifugation. The lowest motility index(33.2) was obtained from the 7th fraction. 6. The rate of B-body bearing spermatozoa was shown the trend to decrease by the sephadex gel filtration and the trend was accelerated by the percoll density gradient centrifugation. The lowest percentage of B-body bearing spermatozoa, 12.0% was obtained from the 5th fraction.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.185-195
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• 2022

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) on the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles in couples with unexplained infertility. Methods: We conducted a prospective study of 145 couples who underwent ICSI cycles for unexplained infertility. Based on the SDF rate, patients were categorized into a low SDF group (SDF ≤30%, n=97) and a high SDF group (SDF >30%, n=48). SDF was assessed using the acridine orange test on density gradient centrifugation prepared samples. The CLBR was calculated as the first live birth event per woman per egg collection over 2 years. Results: The high SDF group (SDF >30%) showed a significantly lower CLBR (p<0.05) and a significantly higher miscarriage rate (p<0.05) than the low SDF group (SDF ≤30%). No significant difference was observed in the implantation and cumulative pregnancy rates between the two SDF groups. The total number of embryo transfers was stratified further into fresh and frozen embryo transfers. In the fresh embryo transfers, there were significant differences in the implantation rates, clinical pregnancy rates, and live birth rates (p<0.05) between the low SDF and high SDF groups. However, in the frozen embryo transfers, there were no significant differences in clinical outcomes between the two groups. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, SDF was a predictor of CLBR (p<0.05) when adjusted for possible confounding factors. Conclusion: High SDF was associated with a lower CLBR and a higher miscarriage rate in the ICSI cycles of couples with unexplained infertility.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.50-60
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• 2024

Objective: Testicular fat deposition has been reported to affect animal reproduction. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. The present study explored whether sperm meiosis and testosterone synthesis contribute to mouse testicular fat deposition-induced reproductive performance. Methods: High fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity CD1 mice (DIO) were used as a testicular fat deposition model. The serum hormone test was performed by agent kit. The quality of sperm was assessed using a Sperm Class Analyzer. Testicular tissue morphology was analyzed by histochemical methods. The expression of spermatocyte marker molecules was monitored by an immuno-fluorescence microscope during meiosis. Analysis of the synthesis of testosterone was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and reagent kit. Results: It was found that there was a significant increase in body weight among DIO mice, however, the food intake showed no difference compared to control mice fed a normal diet (CTR). The number of offspring in DIO mice decreased, but there was no significant difference from the CTR group. The levels of follicle-stimulating hormone were lower in DIO mice and their luteinizing hormone levels were similar. The results showed a remarkable decrease in sperm density and motility among DIO mice. We also found that fat accumulation affected the meiosis process, mainly reflected in the cross-exchange of homologous chromosomes. In addition, overweight increased fat deposition in the testis and reduced the expression of testosterone synthesis-related enzymes, thereby affecting the synthesis and secretion of testosterone by testicular Leydig cells. Conclusion: Fat accumulation in the testes causes testicular cell dysfunction, which affects testosterone hormone synthesis and ultimately affects sperm formation.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.113-118
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• 1999

This study was carried out to investigate on the improvement of fertilizing ability of in vitro matured oocytes from sperm density and motility by intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI) into the porcine oocytes. 1. The in vitro fertilization and cleavage rates of oocytes from 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 5.0 ($\times$10$^{6}$ $m\ell$) sperm concentration by IVF and ICSI of porcine oocytes were 46.7%~75.0%, 60.0%~85.7% and 10.6%~25.0%, 20.0%~64.3%, respectively. 2. The in vitro fertilization and cleavage rates of oocytes from 20, 40, 60, 80% of sperm mortilty by IVF and ICSI of porcine oocytes were 46.4%~71.4%, 67.9%~85.7% and 7.1%~21.4%, 28.6%~60.7%, respectively. 3. The in vitro fertilization and developmental rates of oocytes by IVF and ICSI methods were 55.6%~60.0%, 77.8%~80.0% and 17.8%~24.0%, 42.2%~56.0%, respectively. This ICSI method was improved high fertilization rates of porcine oocytes.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.13-21
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• 2002

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) has been widely used fur both human infertility and basic research. However, the high incidence of chromosomal abnormality is severe problem in cattle. Various oocyte activation stimuli, therefore, were compared by assessment of developmental capacity and chromosome analysis. Motile sperm selected by Percoll-density gradient were treated with 5 mM dithiothreitol (DTT) and injected into an oocyte matured fur 24 h. Eggs were then allocated into 5 treatment groups. Group 1 (control), sperm injection was performed without any further activation stimuli to the oocytes. Group 2 (handled control), sham injection was performed without sperm. In Group 3, oocytes exposed to 5 (M ionomycin for 5 min at 39(C. Group 4. ionomycine + 1.9 mM demethylaminopurine (DMAP, 3 h) and Group 5, ionomycine + 3 h culture in Ml99 + DMAP. Cleavage and the later development rate in Groups 1, 2 and 3 were significantly (P<0.05) lower than those in Groups 4 and 5. The incidence of chromosomal abnormality in the embryos treated directly with DMAP after ionomycine was relatively higher than in the embryo of Group 3 h, delayed DMAP treatment. From this results DMAP caused to be arrested the release of the 2nd polar body, resulting in changes of chromosomal pattern. Therefore, the time interval between ionomycin and DMAP is a crucial role in bovine ICSI.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.135-139
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• 2002

In order to obtain the basic information for the seedling production of surf clam, Spisula sachalinensis, sperm motility and optimal method for fertilization were investigated. Sperm concentration of S. sachalinensis milt was$ 2.02{\times}10^{10}\;cell/mL$ and approximately $96.0\%$ of sperm showed forward movement after exposure to seawater. When sperm and eggs obtained by incision method were fertilized in 1 hour and 4 hours, respectively, high fertilization and hatching rate were achieved. The optimal sperm concentrations and egg density for fertilization and hatching were 10$\~$100 inds./egg and 100$\~$200 inds./mL sea water, respectively.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.223-233
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• 2001

The spermiogenesis of a Korean octopus, Octopus minor, inhabiting western of Korea Sea was observed by electron microscopy . The obtained results are as follows: The spermiogenesis of Octopus miner proceeds through four stages; early- , mid- , and late-spermatid, and mature sperm. An early spermatid is a spherical cell looking light due to the low electron density. The acrosome formed from Golgi complex of the upper nucleus looks dark due to the high electron density. The extra-nuclear rod (enr) stemming from proximal centriole is transformed from round shape into oval shape, elongating to the upper nucleus. In our observation, the axoneme was being formed from distal centriole, and the manchette composed of a number of microtubules is also found around nuclear membrane. In a mid-spermatid, chromatins in the nucleus contract shaping fine threads, and the manchette is also observed around nuclear membrane. Especially, the spherical acrosome is transformed into long oval one which is tinged with a number of horizontal stripes and has the middle electron density. In a late-spermatid, chromatins in the nucleus contract thick and short. Furthermore, the mitochondrial sleeve, in which the axoneme is surrounded with mitochondria, is observed at middle piece. The axoneme has a typical structure of 9+2 and around it, 9 coarse fibers are observed. Also in the acrosome cavity of mature sperm, horizontal striation is found. However, regularly spaced processes are peculiarly observed in there. A sperm is about 390 fm long, whose head is bent a little like a banana while the acrosome region is helical. In the middle piece of sperm, $11\sim12$ mitochondria are surrounding coarse fibers that reach the main piece of tail, while nothing but 9+2 structured axoneme is found in the end piece.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.97-117
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• 1992

In order to study process of spermiogenesis of the Korean greater horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum korai, the cycle of seminiferous epithelium was examined by the light and electron microscope and the following results were obtained based on the epithelial cell differentiation. 1. Spermiogenesis occurred from early July to mid-Octber, and spermatogenic activity was vigorous from mid-August to late September. Spermatocytes including spermatogonia were found to be degenerated in only July. It is deduced that the degeneration serves as the mechanism to regulate effective use of energy to prepare for mating and hibernating periods, and regulation of breeding cycle. 2. Spermiogenesis of the Korean greater horseshoe bat was divided according to differentiation of the cell structure, into Golgi, cap, acrosome, maturation and spermiation phases; Golgi, cap and spermiation phases were further divided into two steps of early and late phase respectively, and acrosome phase into three steps of early, mid and late phases, and maturation phase has only one step. Hence, the spermiogenesis consists of ten phases. The first research was done in this article on the changes of chromatin with nucleus, the time of appearance and disappearance of chromatin granules, in case of Korean greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum korai). Chromatin granule began to be condensed in late Golgi and the condensation proceeded to form an irregular mass of a electron-dense chromatin in a form of circular cylinder in the center of nucleus at the phase of maturation. Finally, the chromatin condensation proceeded and perfect nucleus of sperm with homogeneous density was formed when the sperm was separated from Sertoli cell. Therefore, appearance and disappearance of chromatin granules occurred in the period of time between late Golgi and maturation phase, The tail of sperm began to develop in early cap phase, Numerous lipid droplets were obseved in the cytoplasm of spermatids during the maturation phase, which seemed to be used as energy source necessary to make mature sperm during spermiogenesis.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.147-154
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• 2012

This study was designed to determine whether low-density lipoproteins (LDL) from egg yolk and taurine, hypotaurine and trehalose as antioxidant in extender improve the freezability and fertility of Korean Jeju Black Bull semen. The semen was cryopreserved with tris egg yolk extenders containing 7% glycerol and treated 4% LDL, 20 mM taurine, hypotaurine and trehalose. Frozen-thawed sperm were evaluated motility, viability, membrane, and acrosome integrity and sperm penetration ability. The results were compared to semen cryopreserved in tris egg yolk extender only as control. Frozen-thawed semen evaluation cleary indicated that the addition of LDL and LDL-antioxidants (taurine, hypotaurine and trehalose) combination were significantly improved (p<0.05) the viability (%; with staining test using eosin-Y) compared to control spermatozoa. Also, in membrane integrity (%; with supravital hypo-osmotic swelling test), not only LDL-antioxiants combination but also LDL were significantly increased (p<0.05) the swelled sperm using HOST compared to control. Sperm acrosome integrity state was classified by CTC (chlortetracycline) staining test. F pattern was significantly increased in LDL-antioxidant combination than control (p<0.05) and B pattern was not significantly differences among all treatments and control. However, AR pattern was significantly decreased in LDL-antioxidants combination than control (p<0.05). Pronucleus formation and sperm penetration index (SFI) were significantly increased in LDL and LDL-antioxidants combination than control (p<0.05). Especially, LDL-taurine significantly improved pronucleus fomation and SFI than LDL (p<0.05). It was concluded that LDL and LDL-antioxidants in extender improved the freezability and fertility of Korean Jeju Black bull spermatozoa.