• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.533-540
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• 2000

Gonadal development, gametogenesis, reproductive cycle, gonad index, flesh weight rate, and first sexual maturity of the turban shell, Lunella coronata coreensis were investigated by histological observation. The materials used were collected monthly from the rocky intertidal zone of Daehang-ri, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do, on the west coast of Korea, from July 1998 to June 1999. Sex of L coronata coreensis was separate. The gonad was widely located in the spirals of the visceral mass buried in the digestive gland. The ovary and testis were composed of a number of oogenic follicles and speymatogenic follicles, respectively. Monthly variations in the gonad index increased from March ($23.86{\pm}3.73$) when the water temperature increased and reached the maximun in July ($49.76{\pm}6.47$). And then, the gonad index sharply decreased in September ($15.58{\pm}2.33$). The flesh weight rate ranged from $25.2{\%}$ to $32.3{\%}$, and its variation showed a similar pattern to the gonad index. Individuals $<5.9 mm$ in shell height could not take part in reproduction in both sexes. Percentages of first sexual maturity of female and male specimens ranging from $7.0{\~}7.9 mm$ in shell heights were $84.6{\%}\;and\;91.7{\%}$, respectively, and $100{\%}$ in those over 8.0 mm in shell height in both sexes took part in reproduction. By studying the monthly changes of the morphological features and sizes of germ cells during gametogenesis in the gonad, the reproductive cycle of this species could be devided into five successive stages: early active (December to April), late active (January to July), ripe (May to August), spawning (July to September), and recovery (September to March). The spawning period of this species was once a year between July and September, and the main spawning occurred in July when the seawater temperature reached above $24.8^{\circ}C$. The fully ripe eggs were $150{\~}160\;{\mu}m$ in diameter.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.333-340
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• 2005

In this study, the radioprotective effects of Grifola umbellata hot water extracts (Gu-extract) on mice were investigated. Single pre-administration of Gu-extract increased the 40-day survival ratio of irradiated mice from 65.5％ to 78.6％. The growth of 3 week old male mice in the irradiated group was slightly retarded as compared to those of the control and Gu-extract treated mice. The average spleen and thymus weights of the irradiated mice were lower than those of the control and Gu-extract treated mice. The weight reduction of testis in the irradiated mice was significant. While it was relatively slight in the Gu-extract treated mice as compared to that of control mice. No significant difference in the weight was observed in heart, kidney or liver among three groups. The leukocytes of the Gu-extract treated mice did not decrease dramatically as in the irradiated group, but recovery patterns were similar in both groups. Reduction of erythrocytes were similar in both groups but its recovery occurred more rapidly in the extract treated group. The glucose level of the Gu-extract treated group did not change during the period examined, while it was still higher in the irradiated group than the level in the control group in two weeks. The cholesterol levels in the irradiated and the Gu-extract treated groups were higher than that of control group on day 7, but decreased to the level of the control group on day 14. No difference was observed in total protein amount of the serum among the three groups. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the soluble proteins extracted from various organs did not reveal differences to any extent in all groups except in the livers of the irradiated and extract treated groups, in which some proteins were missing or less present.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.485-505
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• 1994

Lead toxicity was evaluated in forty-five cats on a balanced diet, treated with 0(control), 10, 100(low), 1, 000, 2, 000 and 4, 000(high)ppm of lead acetate orally on a body weight basis. The objectives were to describe the gross and histopathologic changes and to demonstrate what tissue lead concentrations correlate with the known dosages of lead. In subclinical lead toxicity, greater than 80% of the absorbed lead was deposited in the bone, whereas in more acute lead toxicity, 42% of absorbed lead was deposited in the bone and 36% and 20% of absorbed lead was deposited in the kidneys and in the liver, respectively. No gross lesions were found in the nervous system. Yellow-brown colored livers appear to be associated with lead toxicity. Neuronal necrosis in the cerebrum was the most predominant histopathologic finding. Astrocytic proliferation in the cerebral gray matter was observed in 1 high dose cat. Gliosis was noted in the cerebral cortex of 6 high dose cats. Two high dose cats had demyelination in the deepest layer of the cortical gray matter of the cerebrum. Extravasation of red cells and cavitation around the vessels were found in the cerebrum of 1 high dose cat. Six high dose cats had degeneration of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum. The microscopic findings in the peripheral nerves were ambiguous. In more acute toxicity, the cats had lead inclusions in the epithelial cells of proximal tubules of the kidneys of 7 cats and hepatocytes of the liver of S cats. These inclusions could be seen wlth H&E, but were more prominent with orcein staining. Two high dose cats had granulomas and connective tissue hyperplasia between tubules of the kidneys. Periportal hepatocyte vacuolization was observed in the liver of 22 cats. Vacuolization of seminiferous tubules and a reduced number of spermatogonia(indicative of reduced spermatogenesis) were found in the testis of 5 treated cats. Cystic ovaries were observed in 3 high dose cats and poor development of oogonia was found in 2 cats. The diagnosis of lead toxicity in cats can be suspected on the basis of the histopathologic lesions described, and can be of value in contributing to a diagnosis. A reliable diagnosis of lead poisoning can be helped utilizing tissue lead analysis(post molten)

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.32 no.7
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• pp.1095-1101
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• 2003

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of Gastrodiae Rhizoma (G. Rhizoma) on blood pressure-lowering in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) fed high-fat diet supplemented with 10% (w/w) of lard during the experimental period of 8 weeks. Forty of male SHR weighing approximately 100 g were randomly divided into eight groups; A: negative control (lard 10%), B: positive control (lard 10% ＋ basal diet ＋ 5 brix water extract), C: lard 10% ＋ 1% G. Rhizoma powder, D: lard 10%＋5% G. Rhizoma powder, E: lard 10%＋2 brix 50% ethanol extract, F: lard 10%＋10 brix 50% ethanol extract, G: lard 10%＋2 brix water extract, H: lard 10% ＋ 10 brix water extract. A gain in weight did not differ significantly among dietary groups, but a little higher in control groups than in G. Rhizoma dietary groups. Except for spleen, weights of liver, kidney and testis are significantly different among dietary groups. Serum total cholesterol concentration was markedly higher in control groups than in G. Rhizoma groups (p<0.05), however, there was no significant difference in serum triglyceride. Except for negative control (A) and group D, serum HDL concentration was significantly higher in G. Rhizoma groups (p<0.05). On the other hand, serum LDL concentration was significantly higher in two control groups (A, B) and markedly lower in E and G groups of hot water extract of G. Rhizoma (p<0.05). Reference systolic blood pressure (BP) showed average 185.7$\pm$5.8 mmHg for 4 weeks after feeding high-fat diet, and the pressure was measured on every 7 days intervals after feeding of G. Rhizoma diet. Comparing with reference BP before feeding of G. Rhizoma diet, the groups of 50% ethanol (E, F) and water (G) extracts on BP level after 28 days were shown to be reduced at 16.8, 20.2 and 11.7 mmHg, respectively. When the pressure (187 mmHg) of group A was considered as 100%, the reduction rate of BP in group F was 11% (20.5 mmHg). These results indicated that the groups treated with ethanol extracts of G. Rhizoma showed to have lower blood pressure level compacred to the groups treated with whole powder or water extracts of G.Rhizoma in SHR fed with high-fat diet.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.720-725
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• 2003

Effects of Gastrodiae Rhizoma on serum lipids and body fat in rats fed high-fat diet supplemented with 10% (w/w) lard during 11-week experimental period were investigated. Ninety-six male rats were randomly divided into eight groups: A, negative control (lard 10%); B, positive control (lard 10%+rat chow+5 brix water extract); C, lard 10%+1% G. Rhizoma powder; D, lard 10%+5% G. Rhizoma powder; E, lard 10%+2 brix 50% ethanol extract; F, lard 10%+10 brix 50% ethanol extract; G, lard 10%+2 brix water extract; H, lard 10%+10 brix water extract. Body weight gain, although slightly higher in groups A, B, and G, did not differ significantly among dietary groups. Weights of liver, spleen, kidney, and testis were significantly higher among dietary groups. Serum total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were markedly higher in both control groups than group H (p<0.05). Serum HDL concentration was significantly higher in group E, and lower in group A (p<0.05). Serum LDL+VLDL concentration was significantly lower in groups E, G, and H (p<0.05). Serum testosterone level was slightly higher in groups E, D, and H. Blood glucose level was significantly higher in groups B and G, whereas lower in group H (p<0.05). Epididymal fat pad (EFP) was markedly higher in control groups than G. Rhizoma diet-fed groups (p<0.05). The results indicated that decrease in serum lipids (TC, TG, LDL+VLDL) and body fat, and increase in serum HDL and testosterone levels were higher in groups E and H extracts than groups fed G. Rhizoma powder.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.702-708
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• 2002

Although Umboniunm thomasi is one of marine mollusc (Archaeogastropoda: Trochidae) inhabiting the sands in the intertidal zone of the west coast of Korea, aspects of its reproductive biology are still not too well known. Reproductive cycle, gametogenesis, and first sexual maturity of U. thomasi collected at the west coast of Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do, Korea were investigated monthly from January to December 1999. U. thomasi was dioecious, and an oviparous. The gonad was placed in the rear of the flesh part in the spiral shell. The external colors of the ripe ovary and testis appeared to be green and milk-white or yellowish white, respectively. Meat weigh rate peaked in July ($37.5\%$). And then the value sharply decreased in September ($28.3\%$), thereafter, gradually increased in November ($31.7\%$). Fully ripe oocytes were approximately 100$\~$110 $/mu$m in diameter, and their cytoplasm contained a great number of yolk Branules. Based on the monthly changes of the Bonadal development, gametogenesis, and meat weight rate, the reproductive cycle of U. thomasi could be devided into five successive stages: early active (November to April), late active (February to May), ripe (April to August), spawning (July to October), and recovery (September to February). Gonadal development and spawning were closely related to the seawater temperature, the main spawning occurred in September when the temperature reached above 24.2$^{\circ}C$. Individuals of 4.4 mm and less in shell height could not take part in reproduction in both sexes. Percentages of first sexual maturity of female and male shells ranging from 5.5 to 6.4 mm were $55.0\%$ and $61.9\%$, respectively, and $100\%$ of those over 7.5 mm in shell heights in both sexes participated in the reproduction.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.163-168
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• 2005

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and growth hormone (GH) in serum, the quantitation of spermato-genesis and the comparable relationships among these measurements during pubertal period in New Zealand White male rabbits. To investigate the age-related testicular changes in DNA contents of spermatogenic cells, the fine-needle testicular biopsies from males aged 10 to 28 wks were evaluated by flow cytometry(FCM). Body weight increased significantly between the ages of 12 and 20 wks (P<0.05) and reached 3.4 kg at 28 wks of age. The highest serum IGF-I level (451.3ng/mL) was observed at 20wks of age (P<0.05) and thereafter remained stable at low levels. Serum GH level at 18 wks of age was 183.3 pg/mL which was significantly higher compared to the other ages (P<0.05), and the rising time in serum GH tend to be somewhat earlier than that of IGF-I. The relative percentage of It-cells in testicular cell compartments was $48.2\%$ at the age of 18 wks which significantly increased than those of 16-wk-old (P<0.05) and thereafter increased with the advance of age to $68\%$. The percentage of 2C-cells in testis was $26.8\%$ at 18 wks of age which was significantly lower than $54.3\%$ at 16 wks old (P<0.05). The percentage of 4C-cells was constantly maintained $2\~6\%$ except the $9.9\%$ at 18 wks of age. In conclusion, the results suggest that the puberty onset occurred at about the 18 wks of age and that the IGF-I and GH in serum during the pubertal period showed the age/growth-specific changes and these changes might be related to the spermatogenesis. The DNA FCM combined with fine-needle testicular biopsy could offer a very sensitive method to monitor the quantitative spermatogenic events related to the puberty onset.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.241-248
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• 2000

In this study, we examined the number and motility of sperms, and also observed the changes in testes weight, and histological changes of several organs after 5 days of a continuous administration of dioxin (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin) of per oral administration of a herb drug extracts, which were administerated altermate days, to elucidate the effects of the a herb drug extracts on reproductive toxicity of dioxin. 1. The sperm numbers of dioxin-administered groups were 90.7$\pm$3.6~l18.5$\pm$3.6$\times$10/suup 6/$m\ell$ and 67.3$\pm$4.1~88.2$\pm$3.3$\times$10$^{6}$ $m\ell$ for 10~20 $\mu\textrm{g}$/kg and 30~40 $\mu\textrm{g}$/kg dosages of dioxin-administerated groups, respectively. Each dioxin-administered group showed prominently lower value than that of control group's which was 119.3$\pm$3.4~120.2$\pm$4.7 $\times$ 10$^{6.}$$m\ell$. 2. The sperm motility of each dioxin-administered group's also showed lower value than that of control group's which was 93.6$\pm$3.8~94.9$\pm$3.4%. The sperm motility of each dioxin-administerated group were 77.0$\pm$4.7~89.5$\pm$3.6% and 66.5$\pm$3.3 ~79.9$\pm$3.8% for 10~20 $\mu\textrm{g}$/kg and 30~40 $\mu\textrm{g}$/kg dosages of dioxin-administerated groups, respectively. 3. The sperm numbers of each group, which was administered a herb drug extracts, were 77.4$\pm$3.2~90.9$\pm$3.4$\times$10$^{6}$ $m\ell$, 78.0$\pm$3.3~105.0$\pm$4.2$\times$10$^{6}$ $m\ell$, 76.2$\pm$2.8~84.4$\pm$3.5$\times$10$^{6}$ $m\ell$ and 75.4$\pm$3.3~80.2$\pm$3.3$\times$10$^{6}$ $m\ell$ for extracts of green leaf, red ginseng, Kugija and Oume-administered groups respectively. And the sperm motility of each group were 63.4$\pm$3.8~77.0$\pm$4.0%, 65.5$\pm$4.1~87.4$\pm$3.8%, 64.3$\pm$4.2~69.8$\pm$4.2%, 66.3$\pm$3.9~66.0$\pm$4.0% for extracts of green leaf, red ginseng, Kugija and Oume extracts-administered groups, respectively. 4. The number and motility of sperm of control group were 119.3$\pm$3.4~120.2$\pm$4.7$\times$10$^{6}$ $m\ell$ and 93.0$\pm$3.5~96.1$\pm$3.5%, respectively. Red ginseng extracts- administered group seemed to be recovered than my other groups, and the green leaf extracts-administered group was shown to be the next. The Kugija and Oume extracts-administered groups didn't show to be recovered much. 5. Most a herb drug extracts-administered group except the red ginseng-administered group displayed prominently lower values of testes weights than that of control group's which was 0.15$\pm$0.01~0.16$\pm$0.01g. The red ginseng extracts-administered group seemed to be recovered conspicuously. 6. After 5 days of a continuous administration of 30 $\mu\textrm{g}$/kg dosage of dioxin followed by 3 weeks of per oral administration of green leaf, red ginseng, Kugija, or Oume extracts, histological findings showed that the liver, spleen, and testis of most a herb drug extracts-administered groups were damaged severely. By the way, the testes of red ginseng extracts-administered group seemed to recover compared to the other group's.ompared to the other group's.