• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제13권9호
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• pp.1205-1209
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• 2000

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of stimulation of follicular development with eCG on the peripheral levels of inhibin and FSH in Murrah buffaloes. Estrus was synchronized in five normally cycling females by insertion of Crestar (Intervet, Boxmeer, Holland) implants for nine days. Estradiol valerate was administered i.m. on the day of implant insertion. On the 10th day of the induced estrous cycle a single dose of 3000 IU eCG (Folligon, Intervet, Boxmeer, Holland) was given, followed by treatment with 25 mg of $PGF_2$ alpha (Lutalyse, Upjohn, Belgium) 48 h later. Blood samples were obtained during the induced estrus, on cycle day 10 (luteal phase), at the superovulatory estrus (43 h after PGF) and during the periovulatory period (64 h after PGF). Ultrasonography was done daily to monitor follicular development. Plasma concentrations of inhibin and FSH were determined by specific radioimmunoassays. Differences between $mean{\pm}SEM$ values of different phases of the cycle were compared by ANOVA. The mean number of small (2-5 mm), medium (6-9 mm) and large (>10 mm) follicles observed two days after eCG treatment and on the day of superovulatory estrus was $2.8{\pm}0.31$, $5.2{\pm}0.30$ and $1.4{\pm}0.09$ and $1.9{\pm}0.21$, $2.8{\pm}0.40$ and $5.0{\pm}0.83$, respectively. The mean number of ovulations was $3.6{\pm}0.37$ and the mean number of unovulated follicles was $6.1{\pm}0.47$. Most of the follicles >10 mm in diameter had ovulated (72%). The mean ${\pm}SEM $ of plasma inhibin concentration $(2584.15{\pm}17.92pg/ml)$ during the superovulatory estrus was significantly higher $(p{\leq}0.05)$ than during the induced estrus $(749.87{\pm}17.29pg/ml)$, the luteal phase $(1099.54{\pm}24.98pg/ml)$ and periovulatory period $(1682.71{\pm}29.88pg/ml)$, respectively. $Mean{\pm}SEM$ plasma FSH concentration during the induced estrus $(10.35{\pm}0.41ng/ml)$ was not different from that during the superovulatory estrus $(8.52{\pm}0.39ng/ml)$, but was significantly higher $(p{\leq}0.05)$ than during the luteal phase $(2.81{\pm}0.42ng/ml)$ and periovulatory period $(5.7{\pm}0.28ng/ml)$. These data indicate that treatment with eCG in buffaloes for inducing superovulation results in a significant elevation in plasma inhibin levels and a decrease in plasma FSH levels during the superovulatory estrus. Thus, we suggest that the elevated plasma inhibin coming from fully developed follicles continued for a long time which results in inhibition of FSH leading to poor ovulation in the remaining follicles, which may be the cause of suboptimal superovulatory response.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제26권3호
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• pp.355-362
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• 1999

Objective: This study was performed to compare the clinical response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) according to the size of baseline ovarian cyst. Method: From February 1992 to March 1999, a retrospective analysis was done of 272 cases who underwent COH using mid-luteal phase long protocol of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) for IVF-ET. These cases were divided into four group; group 1 (n=63) had cysts with mean diameters between 20.0 and 29.0 mm on their baseline ultrasound on cycle day 3, group 2 (n=57, $30.0{\sim}49.0mm$), group 3 (n=68, >50.0 mm) and control group (n=84). Cases were excluded according to the following criteria; pure male factor infertility, the presence of only one ovary, high CA-125 level and previous endometriosis. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between cases with baseline ovarian cyst <50.0 mm in diameter and control group in any of the parameters. However, cases with baseline ovarian cyst>50.0 mm in mean diameter needed more amount of human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG), showed significantly lower estradiol ($E_2$) level, the number of follicle >15.0 mm on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration, the number of oocytes retrieved, the number of mature oocytes, and pregnancy rate compared with control group. Conclusion: This study suggests that cases with baseline ovarian cyst <50.0 mm in diameter do not adversely impact on IVF-ET outcome. However, cases with baseline ovarian cyst >50.0 mm in diameter had adverse effects on various parameters. Therefore, to improve the outcome of IVF-ET in these cases, ovarian cyst aspiration prior to initiating COH may be required.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• 제36권4호
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• pp.255-260
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to assess follicular viability and competence through in vitro culture of preantral follicles isolated from vitrified mouse whole ovaries. Mouse preantral follicles were enzymatically isolated from vitrified- warmed and fresh ovaries and cultured for 10 days followed by in vitro oocyte maturation. In vitro matured oocytes were fertilized and cultured to the blastocyst stage. Five minutes pre-exposure to vitrification solution of whole ovaries had significantly higher (p<0.05) oocyte survival and maturation rates than between 10 min exposure groups. Oocyte diameter was significantly smaller (p<0.05) in the 5 and 10 min exposure groups ($69.4{\pm}2.8$ and $67.8{\pm}3.1$) when compared to that of control group ($71.7{\pm}2.1$). There was no statistical significant difference in blastocyst development rates between vitrification group (8.6%) and the fresh control group (12.0%). The mean number of cells per blastocyst was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the vitrification group ($41.9{\pm}20.2$) than in the fresh control group ($55.1{\pm}22.5$). The results show that mouse oocytes within preantral follicles isolated from the vitrified whole ovaries can achieve full maturation, normal fertilization and embryo development.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제44권2호
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• pp.85-89
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• 2017

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the effects of the insemination method on the outcomes of elective blastocyst culture. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of elective blastocyst culture performed between January 2011 and December 2014. Results: There were 2,003 cycles of conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) and 336 cycles of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), including 25,652 and 4,164 embryos that underwent sequential blastocyst culture, respectively. No significant differences were found in the female patients' age, basal follicle-stimulating hormone level, basal luteinizing hormone level, body mass index, number of oocytes, maturity rate, fertilization rate, or good-quality embryo rate. However, the blastocyst formation rate and embryo utilization rate were significantly higher in the conventional IVF group than in the ICSI group (54.70% vs. 50.94% and 51.09% vs. 47.65%, respectively, p<0.05). The implantation/pregnancy rate (IVF, 50.93%; ICSI, 55.10%), miscarriage rate (IVF, 12.57%; ICSI, 16.29%), and live birth rate (IVF, 42.12%; ICSI, 44.08%) were similar (p>0.05). No cycles were canceled due to the formation of no usable blastocysts. Conclusion: Although the fertilization method had no effect on clinical outcomes, the blastocyst formation rate and embryo utilization rate in the ICSI group were significantly lower than those observed in the conventional IVF group. Therefore, more care should be taken when choosing to perform blastocyst culture in ICSI patients.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제14권7호
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• pp.922-928
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• 2001

There exists considerable evidence that steroid hormones are involved in the regulation of ovulation rate and oviductal development in poultry. However, the effect of steroid hormones on egg productivity of Korean Native Ogol Chicken (KNOC) has yet to be studied. Therefore, this study was performed to relate the expression of steroid hormones, especially progesterone ($P_4$) and estradiol ($E_2$), with egg productivity during the laying period. Egg production and egg weight of 70 KNOC were recorded from 20 to 60wk. Blood was taken every 10 wk and serum $P_4$ and $E_2$ were measured by radioimmunoassay. Based on egg productivity and steroid hormones levels up to 60 wk, chickens were divided into two groups, high and low. Compared to the low egg production group, a significantly higher expression of $P_4$ at 30 wk was detected in the high group. Moreover, egg production in the high $P_4$ group significantly differed from that in the low group at 30 wk. On the other hand, a Significant difference (p<0.05) in $E_2$ expression was found between high and low egg weight groups at 30 wk. Although a significant difference in egg weight between two groups by $E_2$ was not detected, the high $E_2$ group showed a higher level of egg weight than the low $E_2$ group except for 25 wk. In the comparison of ovary weight and small yellow follicle number, the group with high egg productivity and steroid concentration showed greater levels than the low group. Taken together, the results indicate that $P_4$ is related to egg productivity whereas expression of $E_2$ is associated with egg weight in KNOC.

• 한국임상수의학회지
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• 제18권1호
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• pp.55-60
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• 2001

Immunohistochemical and Electron Microscopical Studies on the Initial Skin Lesions Induced Experimentally by Very Virulent Strain of Marek\`s Disease Virus in Chickens Marek\`s disease virus (MDV), which is an avian herpesvirus, causes malignant CD3+CD4+CD8-T cell lymphomas at many sites including visceral organs, muscles, peripheral nerves and skin. In the early skin lesions induced by MDV, corelationship between the translational activity of MDV early gene, pp38 and demonstration of MDV particles in the lymphoid cells are not well studied. Therefore, skin biopsies taken at weekly intervals for 2 weeks from the same specific-pathogen free chicknes inoculated with Md/5 MDV were examined immunohistochemically and electron microscopically. In the skin biopsies sampled at 1 week and 2 weeks post inoculation (PI), feather follicle epithelium (FFE) exhibited usually strong positive reaction for pp38, whereas only few lymphoblasts, which were infiltrated around FFE revealed positive reaction. Electron microscopically, small lymphocytes were detectable in the dermis and subcutaneous skin tissues sampled at 1 week PI. The number of small lymphocytes was increased and pleomorphic lymphoblasts, which were medium to large in size were scattered among the small lymphocytes at 2 weeks PI. Some of lymphoblasts revealed degenerative and necrotic changes. FFE contained a lot of MDV particles in the nucleus including mature and immature ones. Infrequently, immature virus particles were observed not only in the degenerative and necrotic lymphoblasts, but also rarely in the health lymphoblasts. From the present results, spontaneous MDV activation including translational activity of MDV pp38 gene and formation of MDV particles was occurred in the lymphoblasts of early MD skin lesions.

• 한국가금학회지
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• 제35권3호
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• pp.225-240
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• 2008

Marek's disease virus(MDV) is a highly cell-associated, lymphotropic $\alpha$-herpesvirus that causes paralysis and neoplastic disease in chickens. The disease has been controlled by vaccination which was provided the first evidence for a malignant cancer being controlled by an antiviral vaccine. Marek's disease pathogenesis is complex, involving cytolytic and latent infection of lymphoid cells and oncogenic transformation of $CD4^+$ T cells in susceptible chickens. MDV targets a number of different cell types during its life cycle. Lymphocytes play an essential role, although within them virus production is restricted and only virion are produced. Innate and adaptive immune responses develop in response to infection, but infection of lymphocytes results in immunosuppressive effects. Hence in MDV-infected birds, MDV makes its host more vulnerable to tumour development as well as to other pathogens. All chickens are susceptible to MDV infection, and vaccination is essential to protect the susceptible host from developing clinical disease. Nevertheless, MDV infects and replicates in vaccinated chickens, with the challenge virus being shed from the feather-follicle epithelium. The outcome of infection with MDV depends on a complex interplay of factors involving the MDV pathotype and the host genotype. Host factors that influence the course of MD are predominantly the responses of the innate and adaptive immune systems, and these are modulated by: age at infection and maturity of the immune system; vaccination status; the sex of the host; and various physiological factors.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제35권5호
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• pp.507-513
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• 2008

Purpose: Interest in the augmentation of hair growth for functional and aesthetic purpose has increased dramatically in recent years. Many hair growth products have been released, but most of these have not been proven scientifically. This study aims to measure the hair growth effect of azelaic acid and vitamin $B_6$, which have been known as hair growth materials, in animal models. Methods: Six weeks old C57BL/6 mice were used in this study and hair of mice were removed by topical treatment. The mice were divided into five experimental groups according to the testing material such as saline (negative control), propylene glycol(vehicle control), azelaic acid, vitamin B6 and azelaic acid plus vitamin B6 in combination. Hair growth was documented photographically and histologically, and then analysed by the high quality hair analysis program system. The quantity of endocrine factors, IGF-I and TGF-${\beta}1$ in the skin of mice was measured by PCR analysis. Results: The topical treatment of azelaic acid and vitamin B6 in combination for 2 weeks to dorsal skin accelerated hair regrowth more than other groups. The azelaic acid and vitamin $B_6$-combined treatment also promoted hair follicle elongation and thickness compared to the others. Histologic studies showed increased number of basal cells in azelaic acid and vitamin $B_6$-combined treatment. Furthermore, the azelaic acid and vitamin $B_6$-combined group significantly increased the expression of IGF-I but decreased the expression of TGF-${\beta}1$ in the skin of mice compared to other groups. Conclusion: These results suggest that azelaic acid and vitamin $B_6$, when used together, have an additive effect and might be used as hair growth materials.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제15권3호
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• pp.340-345
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• 2002

In this experiment, oocytes were collected from goat ovaries available in slaughterhouse by follicle puncture method. Morphologically culturable type of oocytes which having compact, multilayered cumulus granulosa cell complex and evenly granulated cytoplasm, was separated under a stereozoom microscope. Oocytes were washed thoroughly in maturation medium containing TCM-199, $1{\mu}g/ml$ estradiol-$17{\beta}$, 0.5 ${\mu}g/ml$ FSH, $100{\mu}g/ml$ LH, 3 mg/ml BSA and 10% estrus goat serum. Washed oocytes were cultured into maturation medium on granulosa cell monolayer. Culture plate was then kept into $CO_2$ incubator at $38{\pm}1^{\circ}C$, maximum humidity and 5% $CO_2$ for 18 h. After maturation the oocytes were washed thoroughly with maturation medium containing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) without serum and BSA and further cultured for 12 h for secretory proteins of oocytes. PVA medium was collected, pooled and concentrated by 5000 cut off centrisart. Secretory proteins were separated on 12.5% SDS-PAGE. A total number of 3.41 oocytes per ovary were obtained and 2.17 culturable oocytes per ovary were cultured into maturation medium. After 18 h of maturation, 4,567 oocytes (1.82 oocytes per ovary) were further cultured into serum and BSA free PVA medium for its secretory proteins. Four secretory proteins of oocytes with approximately molecular weight of 45, 55, 65 and 95 kDa were obtained on SDS-PAGE in silver staining and three proteins with approximately molecular weight of 45, 55 and 65 kDa in Coomassie brilliant blue staining. In conclusion, four secretory proteins with approximately molecular weight of 45, 55, 65 and 95 kDa was obtained from in vitro cultured oocytes of goats.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제39권1호
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• pp.15-21
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• 2012

Objective: Tributyltin (TBT), an endocrine disrupting chemical, has been reported to decrease ovarian function by causing apoptosis in the ovary, but the mechanism is not fully understood. Therefore, we examined whether TBT increases the expression of adipogenesis-related genes in the ovary and the increased expression of these genes is associated with apoptosis induction. Methods: Three-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered TBT (1 or 10 mg/kg body weight) or sesame oil as a control for 7 days. The ovaries were obtained and weighed on day 8, and then they were fixed for terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) or frozen for RNA extraction. Using the total RNA of the ovaries, adipogenesis- and apoptosis-related genes were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: The ovarian weight was significantly decreased in rats administered 10 mg/kg TBT compared to that in control rats. As determined by the TUNEL assay, the number of apoptotic follicles in ovary was significantly increased in rats administered 10 mg/kg TBT. The real-time PCR results showed that the expression of adipogenesis-related genes such as $PPAR{\gamma}$, ${\alpha}P2$, CD36, and PEPCK was increased after TBT administration. In addition, apoptosis-related genes such as $TNF{\alpha}$ and TNFR1 were expressed more in the TBT-administered rats compared with the control rats. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that TBT induces the expression of adipogenesis- and apoptosis-related genes in the ovary leading to apoptosis in the ovarian follicles. These results suggest that the increased expression of adipogenesis-related genes in the ovary by TBT exposure might induce apoptosis resulting in a loss of ovarian function.