• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
• /
• v.6 no.1
• /
• pp.87-98
• /
• 1989

Clinical estimation of bladder and rectal doses from high dose rate intracavitary irradiation in carcinoma of the cervix uteri has been initiated on a routine basis in an effort to obtain the optimum radiotherapeutic dose. Simulation films with contrast media are used to image the bladder and rectum, and dose rates are estimated at various interesting points with the aid of treatment planning computer, NEC Therac-2300. Fifty-three patients have been reviewed in order to ascertain the correlation between radiation dose at interesting points in the bladder and rectum and the dose at Point A and B. The dose ratio between doses at Point A 'and interesting points is an important clinical factor in evaluating the treatment planning. This also serves as documentation of the dose to normal structures within the treatment volume. Authors conclude that obtained data are within acceptable ranges and routine simulation films of the bladder and rectum after administration of contrast media with dose calculations at interesting points provide important information for optimizing radiotherapy planning in the treatment of cervical carcinoma without increased time and effort or patient's discomfort.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.24 no.2
• /
• pp.261-265
• /
• 1997

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of EGF to the in vivo development of mouse IVF/IVC embryo. The 2-cell embryos were cultured in medium (5-6 embryos/25 ${\mu}l$/drop) w/wo EGF (10 ng/ml) and day 4 blastocysts recovered from each treatment group were transferred into the uteri of recipients of pseudopregnant day 3. The results obtained in this experiment were summarized as follows: 1. When the effect of EGF to the in vitro development and cell number of blastocysts produced from the culture of 2-cell embryos in w/wo EGF was determined, those results of EGF treatment group showed not significant difference compared with control. 2. However, when the effect of EGF to the in vivo development of blastocysts recovered from each treatment group was examined, production of the normal fetus against transferred embryos in EGF treatment group (51.2%) was very higher than that in control group (31.1%), although total implantation was not significantly different between treatment group (control: 64.4%, EGF: 69.8%). Therefore, this result suggested that EGF can affect to the in vivo development of IVF/IVC embryos through the improvement of embryo quality, although EGF treated embryos showed not significant development rate compared with control.

• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
• /
• v.38 no.4
• /
• pp.236-246
• /
• 2023

Background: This study helps to evaluate the Ovarian potential of Cameroonian Zebu cattle (Bos indicus) slaughtered in Etoudi - Yaoundé for implementing Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ARTs). The aim was to enhance the productivity of the cattle sub-sector in Cameroon while conserving local genetic resources. Methods: A total of 144 cows, including 94 cycled cows and 50 pregnant cows, were included in the study. Live weights were determined by measuring the thoracic perimeter of each cow using a Rondo measuring tape. Age was determined postmortem through examination of dentition and horns, while the uterus and ovaries were removed, weighed, and classified based on physiological status (pregnant or nonpregnant). Follicles were counted, and their diameters were measured and categorized into small (Ø < 3 mm), medium (Ø 3-8 mm), and large (Ø > 8 mm). Results: The results revealed an average follicular population of 32.02 ± 9.31 per cow, with 22.43 ± 8.45 small follicles, 8.42 ± 3.87 medium follicles, and 0.76 ± 0.34 large follicles. The weight of the right ovary was significantly higher than that of the left ovary (p < 0.05), and cows aged 6 to 9 years exhibited a higher number of follicles compared to other age groups. Cows with medium (BCS = 3) and large (BCS = 4-5) body reserves had the heaviest ovaries. Additionally, pregnant cows had heavier uteri compared to non-pregnant cows, and cows with a body condition score of 3 or higher had higher uterine weights than lean cows (BCS = 1-2). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that age, body condition score, and pregnancy status influence ovarian weight. Body Condition Score serves as a reliable indicator of cow nutritional status, and cows with BCS of 3-5 are excellent candidates for in vitro production of embryos.

• Development and Reproduction
• /
• v.10 no.1
• /
• pp.55-61
• /
• 2006

There is growing concern that dietary soy intake is associated with protection of breast cancer. However, questions persist on the potential adverse effects of the main soy constituent genistein(GS) on female reproductive physiology. In this study, we examined whether prepubertal exposure to GS affected on the onset of puberty and the associated reproductive parameters such as hormone receptor expressions in female rats. GS(100mg/kg/day) was administrated daily from postnatal day 25(PND 25) to the day when the first vaginal opening(VO) was observed, and the animals were sacrificed on the day after VO occurred. Gross anatomy and tissue weight were compared to test the GS's effect on the cell proliferation. Furthermore, histological studies were performed to assess the structural alterations in tissues. Specific radioimmunoassay(RIA) were carried out to measure serum LH levels. To determine the transcriptional changes in progesterone receptors(PR), total RNAs were extracted from ovary and uterus and were applied to semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). As a results, advanced VO was shown in the GS group(PND $31.2{\pm}0.6$) compared to the vehicle group (PND $35.3{\pm}0.7$). GS treatment significantly increased wet weight of ovaries and uteri compared to the vehicle group. Increased serum LH levels were also shown in the GS group. Graafian follicles and corpora lutea(CL) were observed only in the ovaries from GS treated animals. Similarly, hypertrophy of luminal and glandular uterine epithelium were found only in the GS group. Collectively, these effects were probably due to the estrogenic effects of GS. In the semi-quantitative RT-PCR studies, the transcriptional activities of PR in both ovary and uterus from GS-treated group were significantly higher than those from the vehicle group. The present studies demonstrated that acute exposure to GS, at levels comparable to the ranges of human exposure, during the critical period of prepubertal stage activates the reproductive system resulting precocious puberty in immature female rats.

• Development and Reproduction
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.147-154
• /
• 2006

Phthalates such as di(2-ethyl hexyl)phthalate(DEHP) are industrial chemicals with wide-ranging human exposures because of their use in plastics and other common consumer products. Consequently, their adverse effects as endocrine disruptor in the reproductive physiology of both laboratory rodents and human have been studied extensively. The present study was undertaken to examine whether prepubertal exposure to DEHP affects on the onset of puberty and the associated reproductive parameters such as hormone receptor expressions in female rats. DEHP(100mg/kg/day) was administered daily from postnatal day 25(PND 25) through the day when the first vaginal opening(VO) was observed, and the animals were sacrificed on the next day. Gross anatomy and weight of reproductive tissues were compared to test the DEHP's effects on the cell proliferation. Furthermore, histological studies were performed to assess the structural alterations in the tissues. Specific radioimmunoassay was carried out to measure serum LH levels. To determine the transcriptional changes in progesterone receptor(PR), total RNAs were extracted and applied to the semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). As a result, delayed VO was shown in the DEHP group(PND $37.3{\pm}0.7$) compared to the control group(PND $35.3{\pm}0.7$; p<0.05). DEHP treatment significantly decreased the wet weight of ovaries and uteri compared to the control group(p<0.05). Interestingly, elevation of serum LH levels was shown in the DEHP group(p<0.05). Graafian follicles and corpora lutea were observed only in the ovaries from the control animals. Numerous primary, secondary follicles and small atretic follicles were observed in the ovaries from DEHP-treated animals. Similarly, hypotrophy of luminal and glandular uterine epithelium was found in the DEHP-treated group. These effects were probably due to the inhibitory effects of DEHP on the synthesis and secretion of estrogen from granulosa cells. In the semiquantitative RT-PCR studies, the transcriptional activities of PR in both ovary(p<0.05) and uterus(p<0.01) from DEHP-treated animals were significantly lower than those from the control animals. The present studies demonstrated that the acute exposure to DEHP during the critical period of prepubertal stage could inactivate the reproductive system resulting delayed puberty in female rats.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.171-180
• /
• 1984

In order to provide some clues for differential diagnosis of trematode infections in fecal examination, the comparative morphology of eggs of 5 kinds of heterophyid flukes (Metagonimus yokogawai, Heterophyes heterophyes nocens, Heterophyopsis continua, Stellantchasmus falcatus and Pygidiopsis summa) and Clonorchis sinensis was studied. The eggs were obtained from distal portion of uteri of worms which were recovered from men after treatment. The characteristic shape and appearance of each kind of eggs were observed in detail under light microscope, and their length and width measured and compared one another. The results are as follows: 1. Eggs of C. sinensis are elongated ovoidal in shape with attenuated anterior end, 25.3~33. 2 (28. 3 in average) ${\mu}m$ long and 14.2~17.4(5.9) ${\mu}m$ wide with length/width ratio of 1.60~2.00 (1.78). They differ from all heterophyid eggs in that they have prominent wrinkling (muskmelon pattern) at their shell surface. 2. P. summa eggs are ovoid to pyriform in shape and characterized by the smallest size of all kinds examined, 19.8~22.9 (21.6) ${\mu}m$ long and 11.1~13.4 (12.1) ${\mu}m$ wide and the ratio 1.63~1.99 (1.78). 3. Eggs of S. falcatus are elongated ovoidal and most slender form, 25.3~29.2 (27.2) ${\mu}m$ long and 11.1~13.4 (12.5) ${\mu}m$ wide with the ratio of 2.00~2.57 (2.17). 4. Eggs of M. yokogawai are ellipsoid to elliptical in shape with round both ends, 26.9~31.6 (28.5) ${\mu}m$ long and 14.2~18.2 (16.8)${\mu}m$ wide with the ratio of 1.48~2.11 (1.70). 5. H. continua eggs are oval in shape, sometimes similar to M. yokogawai or H. h. nocen$ eggs, however, the relative breadth is broadest among all kinds, with maximum width at posterior half portion. They are 23.7~27.7 (25.0) ${\mu}m$ long, 15.8~18.9 (16.4) ${\mu}m$ wide with the ratio of 1. 33~1.75 (1.53). 6. Eggs of H. h. nocens are ellipsoid to ovoid in shape but sometimes more slender than M. yokogawai and have slightly pointed both ends. They are 23.7~29.2 (25.7) p.m long, 14.2~15.8 (15.4) ${\mu}m$ wide, and the ratio 1.50~2.06 (1.67). From the results, it is concluded that eggs, of 5 kinds of heterophyids and C. sinensis can be morphologically differentiated one another, however, careful observation and measurement on sufficient number of eggs are needed.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• /
• v.4 no.2
• /
• pp.107-112
• /
• 2000

Purpose : To evaluate the usefulness of comparison of the signal intensity of uterine septum in the differential diagnosis of bicornuate and septate uterus on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Materials and methods : Preoperative MR imaging findings of surgically proven 5 bicornuate and 6 septate uteri were retrospectively analyzed. Because preoperative differential diagnosis of both was possible in all cases in terms of the intercornual distance, external contour of uterine fungus, and divergent angle of two uterine cavities, these criteria were excluded in this study. The signal intensity of uterine septum in patients with bicornuate and septate uterus was analyzed on T1-weighted and fast spin echo T2-weighted images obtained in the axial and coronal planes, using a 1.5-T MR scanner. The signal intensity of uterine septum especially on T2-weighted images was compared with that of myometrium or junctional zone. Results : The signal intensity of uterine septum in patients with bicornuate uterus (n=5) and septate uterus (n=6) was similar to that of myometrium in all cases on T1-weighted images. The septum of bicornuate uterus (n=5) on fast spin echo T2-weighted images was isointense with myometrium in three and hypointense in two cases. The uterine septum of septate uterus (n=6) on T2-weighted images was isointense with myometrium in two, hypointense in two, and isointense with or more hypointense than junctional zone in two cases. No patient showed different signal intensity between upper and lower uterine septum. Conclusion : Because the MR signal intensity of the uterine septum in bicornuate or septate uterus is variable, it should not be used alone in the differential diagnosis of them. In these clinically important differentiation, therefore, comprehensive analysis of MR findings in terms of the external contour of uterine fundus, intercornual distance, divergent angle of two uterine cavities, in addition to the signal intensity of the uterine septum, should be considered.

• Development and Reproduction
• /
• v.11 no.3
• /
• pp.245-251
• /
• 2007

Vinclozolin(VCZ), a systemic dicarboximide fungicide, has been used in the control of diseases caused by microorganism of some species in fruits, vegatables and ornamental plants. Although VCZ itself is a very weak antagonist for androgen receptor binding, both melabolites M1 and M2 are effective antagonists. The present study was undertaken to examine whether prepubertal exposure to VCZ affects on the onset of puberty and the associated reproductive parameters such as hormone receptor expressions in female rats. VCZ(10 mg/kg/day) was administered daily from postnatal day 21(PND 21) through the day when the first vaginal opening(V.O.) was observed. Gross anatomy and weight of reproductive tissues were compared to test the VCZ's effects on the cell proliferation. Furthermore, histological studies were performed to assess the structural alterations in the tissues. To determine the transcriptional changes in progesterone receptor(PR), total RNAs were extracted and applied to the semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). As a result, delayed V.O. was shown in the VCZ group(PND $34.00{\pm}1.22$) compared to the control group(PND $38.20{\pm}1.92$; p<0.01). VCZ treatment significantly decreased the wet weight of ovaries and uteri compared to the control group(p<0.01). Graafian follicles and corpora lutea were observed only in the ovaries from the control animals, while numerous primary, secondary follicles and small atretic follicles were observed in the ovaries from VCZ group. Similarly, hypotrophy of luminal and glandular uterine epithelium was found in the VCZ group. In the semi-quantitative RT-PCR studies, the transcriptional activity of PR in ovary(p<0.01) from VCZ group were significantly lower than those from the control group while in uterus were similar compared with the control group. The present studies demonstrated that the acute exposure to VCZ during the critical period of prepubertal stage could inactivate the reproductive system resulting delayed puberty in female rats.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
• /
• v.11 no.1
• /
• pp.1-39
• /
• 1971

The purpose of present study was to investigate the possibility to immunize guineapigs and swine against Metastrongylus apri infection by the administration of irradiated infective larvae. Four main experiments were undertaken. Firstly, three groups of infective larvae irradiated at $3{\times}10^4r$, $4{\times}10^4r$, and $5{\times}10^4r$ respectively were inoculated to guineapigs and their immunogenic effects were examined from the clinical, anatomical, and serological viewpoints to decide the optimal dose of X-ray for the atenuation of them. Secondly, the migratory behavior of the larvae irradiated at the optimal dose was compared with that of normal infective larvae. Thirdly, pigs were inoculated with each 5,000 infective larvae irradiated at the optimal dose and the clinical, anatomical and serological responses of them before and after challenge were examined. Fourthly, the heated extract of adult M. apri which had been used as an antigen in the serological examinations was analyzed and compared with that of adult Ascaris suis and of adult Trichuris suis by immunoelectrophoretic method. The results obtained are summerized as follows: 1) The optimal dose of X-ray for the atenuation of the infective larvae which can minimize the pathogenecity but keep the antigenecity of the infective larvae was $5{\times}10^4r$. 2) Guineapigs could become completely resistant to subsequent challenge infection by the administration of 1,000 infective larvae irradiated at $5{\times}10^4r$, without showing any symptom of disease before and after the challenge. 3) There were some indication that guineapigs could acquire complete immunity after they overcome the infection with normal infective larvae. 4) It was shown that, in guineapigs, the $5{\times}10^4r$-irradiated larvae can migrate to the large intestine and mesenteric lymph node within a day, where they stay for as long as 16 days to stimulate the host's immunity. 5) It also was shown that, in guineapigs, the normal infective larvae challenged to resistant guineapigs can migrate to the large intestine and mesenteric lymph node, where they are affected by the immune mechanism of host within 10 days without further migration. 6) Pigs could become partially resistant to subsequant challenge by the administration of 5,000 infective larve irradiated at $5{\times}10^4r$; no clinical symptom occurred after the administration, but milder symptoms of parasitic bronchitis were observable after the challenge infection and fewer number of worms were detected from the lungs at autopsy compared with severe symptoms and much number of worms in control pigs. 7) It was shown that, in pigs, a few of the $5{\times}10^4r$-irradiated larvae can migrate to the lungs, where they stay for as long as 104 days in stunted and sterile states; their body-lengths were short and their uteri developted no eggs. 8) There was evidence that the male larvae were more susceptible to X-ray than the female larvae. 9) Antibodies relating to the administration with $5{\times}10^4r$-irradiated or normal larvae were detected from the sera of both guineapigs and pigs by means of indirect haemagglutination and agar diffusion precipitin tests. Relatively higher antibody titers were recorded by the former test, but precipitin bands were demonstrable only when the positive sera were concentrated in one tenth of original volume in the later one. 10) The antibody titers of pig sera began to rose on 14 days, kept their peak during the period from 14 th day to 21st day, and fell to a low level on 28 days after the administration of $5{\times}10^4r$ or normal infective larvae. 11) A slight increase in gamma globublin of the pig sera occurred following the administration. The gamma globulin level showed a tendency to fluctuate in acordance with the antibody level. 12) A marked eosionophilia occurred in pigs on 7 or 14 days following the administration. The eosinophil count showed the same tendency to fluctuate as the gamma globulin did. 13) It was shown that the serum antibodies detected by the heated extract of adult Metastrongylus apri react crossly with the heated extract of adult Ascaris suis but not with that of adult Trichuris suis in indirect haemagglutination and agar diffusion preciption reactions. 14) The heated extract of adult Metastrongylus apri could he divided into 9 antigenic components by immunoelectrophoresis, one (arc 4) of which was shown to be common to both extracts of adult Ascaris suis and adult Trichuris suis, and the other one (arc 9) to only the extract of adult Ascaris suis.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.23 no.3
• /
• pp.247-268
• /
• 1996

It has been known for a long time that gonadotropins and steroid hormones play a pivotal role in a series of reproductive biological phenomena including the maturation of ovarian follicles and oocytes, ovulation and implantation, maintenance of pregnancy and fetal growth & development, parturition and mammary development and lactation. Recent investigations, however, have elucidated that in addition to these classic hormones, multiple growth factors also are involved in these phenomena. Most growth factors in reproductive organs mediate the actions of gonadotropins and steroid hormones or synergize with them in an autocrine/paracrine manner. The insulin-like growth factor(IGF) system, which is one of the most actively investigated areas lately in the reproductive organs, has been found to have important roles in a wide gamut of reproductive phenomena. In the present communication, published literature pertaining to the intrauterine IGF system will be reviewed preceded by general information of the IGF system. The IGF family comprises of IGF-I & IGF-II ligands, two types of IGF receptors and six classes of IGF-binding proteins(IGFBPs) that are known to date. IGF-I and IGF-II peptides, which are structurally homologous to proinsulin, possess the insulin-like activity including the stimulatory effect of glucose and amino acid transport. Besides, IGFs as mitogens stimulate cell division, and also play a role in cellular differentiation and functions in a variety of cell lines. IGFs are expressed mainly in the liver and messenchymal cells, and act on almost all types of tissues in an autocrine/paracrine as well as endocrine mode. There are two types of IGF receptors. Type I IGF receptors, which are tyrosine kinase receptors having high-affinity for IGF-I and IGF-II, mediate almost all the IGF actions that are described above. Type II IGF receptors or IGF-II/mannose-6-phosphate receptors have two distinct binding sites; the IGF-II binding site exhibits a high affinity only for IGF-II. The principal role of the type II IGF receptor is to destroy IGF-II by targeting the ligand to the lysosome. IGFs in biological fluids are mostly bound to IGFBP. IGFBPs, in general, are IGF storage/carrier proteins or modulators of IGF actions; however, as for distinct roles for individual IGFBPs, only limited information is available. IGFBPs inhibit IGF actions under most in vitro situations, seemingly because affinities of IGFBPs for IGFs are greater than those of IGF receptors. How IGF is released from IGFBP to reach IGF receptors is not known; however, various IGFBP protease activities that are present in blood and interstitial fluids are believed to play an important role in the process of IGF release from the IGFBP. According to latest reports, there is evidence that under certain in vitro circumstances, IGFBP-1, -3, -5 have their own biological activities independent of the IGF. This may add another dimension of complexity of the already complicated IGF system. Messenger ribonucleic acids and proteins of the IGF family members are expressed in the uterine tissue and conceptus of the primates, rodents and farm animals to play important roles in growth and development of the uterus and fetus. Expression of the uterine IGF system is regulated by gonadal hormones and local regulatory substances with temporal and spatial specificities. Locally expressed IGFs and IGFBPs act on the uterine tissue in an autocrine/paracrine manner, or are secreted into the uterine lumen to participate in conceptus growth and development. Conceptus also expresses the IGF system beginning from the peri-implantation period. When an IGF family member is expressed in the conceptus, however, is determined by the presence or absence of maternally inherited mRNAs, genetic programming of the conceptus itself and an interaction with the maternal tissue. The site of IGF action also follows temporal (physiological status) and spatial specificities. These facts that expression of the IGF system is temporally and spatially regulated support indirectly a hypothesis that IGFs play a role in conceptus growth and development. Uterine and conceptus-derived IGFs stimulate cell division and differentiation, glucose and amino acid transport, general protein synthesis and the biosynthesis of mammotropic hormones including placental lactogen and prolactin, and also play a role in steroidogenesis. The suggested role for IGFs in conceptus growth and development has been proven by the result of IGF-I, IGF-II or IGF receptor gene disruption(targeting) of murine embryos by the homologous recombination technique. Mice carrying a null mutation for IGF-I and/or IGF-II or type I IGF receptor undergo delayed prenatal and postnatal growth and development with 30-60% normal weights at birth. Moreover, mice lacking the type I IGF receptor or IGF-I plus IGF-II die soon after birth. Intrauterine IGFBPs generally are believed to sequester IGF ligands within the uterus or to play a role of negative regulators of IGF actions by inhibiting IGF binding to cognate receptors. However, when it is taken into account that IGFBP-1 is expressed and secreted in primate uteri in amounts assessedly far exceeding those of local IGFs and that IGFBP-1 is one of the major secretory proteins of the primate decidua, the possibility that this IGFBP may have its own biological activity independent of IGF cannot be excluded. Evidently, elucidating the exact role of each IGFBP is an essential step into understanding the whole IGF system. As such, further research in this area is awaited with a lot of anticipation and attention.