• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.302-306
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• 2000

Gonad and blood samples were taken from cultured greenling (Hexagrammos otakii), and changes of steroid hormone levels in serum were examined in relation to the gonadosomatic index (GSI). GSI of female and male were not changed significantly between March and August and then began to increase from September showing the highest value in January. Hepatosomatic index (HSI) of female was the highest in December,'then decreased gradually until May. $Estradiol-l7{\beta} (E_2)$ level in blood of female reached to the highest level in December, then decreased rapidly in January. The level was maintained low until August and started to increase In September. Testosterone (T) level in blood of female was similar to trend of $E_2$ in female. $17{\alpha}2{\beta}-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17{\alpha}20{\brta}-OHP)$ level in blood of female reached to the maximum in January, and then decreased rapidly from Febuary and maintained low until July. T level in blood of male reached to the highest value in December, and it started to decrease from January and maintained low until July, after then increased again, while $17{\alpha}20{\beta}-OHP$ level of male was similar to trend of female's.

• Journal of Aquaculture
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.25-32
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• 1997

Develoment precess and characteristics of eggs of the geoduck clam, Panope japonica are reporting in this study. Eggs and sperm were excised from gonad, artificially fertilized in an aquarium, reared under various temperature regimes, and record and record the larval period and the time need to reach a certain larval stage from ferilization. Unfertilized eggs of P. japonica appeared to be oval with a mean diameter of $70\mu$m and they became spherical after fertilization. The eggs of P. japonica can be classified as demersal. At a constant water temperature of $ 11^{citc}C$, it took 4 hours form fertilization to become four-cell stage, two days to become trochophore larvae, three days to become D-shape larvae, twenty-three days to become umbo stage, and thirty-six days to become fully grown veliger ready form settlement. A negative correlation was observed between the water temperature and the larval period of P. japonica. From fertilization to D-shape larvae, it took five days at 8$^{\circ}C$, while it was only two days to become D-shape larvae at $ 17^{citc}C$. Time required to D-shape larvae from fertilization was proportional to temperature, and the relationships were expressed as follows : To 8-cell stage, 1/t=0.0209 w-0.1167 (r=0.9967) To blastula stage, 1/t=0, 0055 w-0.0192 (r=0.9825) To trochophore stage, 1/t=0.0034 w-0.0155 (r=0.9907) To D-shape larvae stage, 1/t=0.0014 w-0.0023 (r=0.9843) (t, time in hours ; w, water temperature) Bioligical minimum temperature for egg development was calculated as 3.82$^{\circ}C$ in average.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.285-293
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• 2021

This study was conducted to elucidate spawning period characteristics and early life development of eight barbel loach, Lefua costata (Balitoridae) at the Jusucheon stream, Okgye-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, Korea between January and December in 2018. The spawning period was estimated to be from May to August, considering the change in the gonad-somatic index, the appearance of young fry, and frequency distribution in egg diameter. It was a multi-spawning type. The gender ratio was 1:0.79 with 1,117 females and 879 males collected. The egg size was 0.24-0.93 mm, with mature and immature eggs found during the spawning period. The size of mature eggs was 0.71±0.02 mm, and the average number of fecundity was 1,786±818 (n=31). Observation of the egg development showed that the fertilized eggs were the sticky, gray, segregated, and demersal type with 0.76±0.03 mm in diameter. The hatching of the embryos began at about 34 hours (hatching rate 50%) after fertilization underwater temperature of 25℃. The average length of the newly hatched pre-larvae was 2.7±0.11 mm. The average length of pre-larvae at 4 days after hatching was 4.5±0.16 mm, and the yolk sac was completely absorbed and entered the post-larvae stage. At 20 days after hatching, the average length of post-larvae was 11.5±0.67 mm, and their fin rays were formed before they transitioned to the juvenile stage. At 100 days after hatching, the average length reached 49.8±2.60 mm, and the appearance and the lateral sideband patterns were similar to those of the adult fish.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.24 no.2 s.62
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• pp.102-111
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• 2006

The increased occurrence of hyperglycemia and oxidative stress in streptozotocin (STZ) induced type I diabetes has been implicated in the etiology and pathology of disease complication. STZ has known to be genotoxic in a variety of assays including tests for microbial mutagenesis and unscheduled DNA synthesis in rat kidney. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a pathologic condition, resulting in severe metabolic imbalances and non-physiologic changes in many tissues. We examined the effect of gamma radiation and KWNP on preventing the development of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus using streptozotocin-induced Fisher 344 diabetic rats. The hematological values (red blood cell and white blood cell), serum biochemical constituents-alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin-were checked and the organs (testis, spleen and kidney) were weighed. The gonad indices of the STZ treated groups were much lower than the value of the control group. But the gonad indices of the KWNP treated groups were higher than those of the treated groups. The ratio of the weight of kidney to the body weight of the STZ treated groups was higher than that of the control group. The value of the diabetic group treated with KWNP after irradiation (F group) was lower than the other STZ treated groups. The white blood cell and ALP values of the F group were lower than the other STZ groups, as well. The cholesterol and triglyceride values of all the KWNP treated groups were significantly lower than the other groups. A significant increase (about 10 times) of insulin was detected in the F group. The results of hematological assay showed the distinctive damage in the irradiated and STZ treated groups. The quantity of apoptotic cells in seminiferous tubule of testis confirmed a serious damage as assessed in the STZ treated groups. These experimental results have revealed that treatment of the products of KWNP after irradiation has the antidiabetic effect in the STZ-induced diabetic rats. But the F group showed higher recuperative power. These experimental results have revealed that treatment of the gamma irradiation and KWNP have the recovering effect in the STZ-induced diabetic rats.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
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• v.21 no.2 s.34
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• pp.121-132
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• 2005

We investigated the reproductive cycle with gonad developmental phases of Sinonovacula constricta by histological observations, and seasonal changes in biochemical component of the adductor muscle, visceral mass, foot muscle and mantle were studied by biochemical analysis, from January to December, 2004. The reproductive cycle of this species can be classifed into five successive stages: early active stage (March to May), late active stage (May to July), ripe stage (July to September), partially spawned stage (August to October) and spentfinactive stage (October to March). Total protein content was the highest in the following order: adductor muscle, visceral mass, foot muscle, and mantle. Except for mantle, it was generally higher during the ripe and spawning stages, while lower during the spent/inactive stage. There were positive correlations in total protein contents among adductor muscle, foot muscle, and visceral mass. However, the correlations were not statistically significant. Total lipid content was the highest in the visceral mass; it was more than 5 or 6-fold higher than those in the adductor muscle, foot muscle, or mantle. The monthly change was also most dynamic in the visceral mass. It first Increased during the early active stage (March to May), decreased during late active stage (May to July), and then increased again rapidly during the spawning stage (September). There were a strong negative correlation in total lipid contents between foot muscle and adductor muscle (r = -0.634, p = 0.027), and a strong positive correlation between adductor muscle and mantle (r = 0.665, p = 0.018). Glycogen contents showed more or less similar pattern to total lipid contents in the adductor muscle, foot muscle, and visceral mass. It was higher during the early active and spawning stages, while lower during the late active and spent/inactive stages. There was no statistically significant correlation in glycogen contents among different tissues. Especially, total lipid content showed a negative correlationship between the foot muscle, adductor muscle, visceral mass and mantle. Therefore, these results indicate that the nutrient content of the foot muscle, adductor muscle, viseral mass and mantle changed in response to gonadal energy needs.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.145-153
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• 2012

Reproductive cycle of the small abalone, Haliotis diversicolor aquatilis which collected from Seong-san coastal waters, Jeju, Korea were investigated monthly from May 2006 to April 2007 using histological methods. The gonad index (GI) of male and female reached a peak in June ($70.72{\pm}5.20$) and July ($55.38{\pm}11.73$). Subsequently, GI decreased in September (Male, $21.27{\pm}2.91$; Female, $27.75{\pm}4.76$) and increased again in October (Male, $48.49{\pm}8.39$; Female, $51.36{\pm}7.47$), respectively. After that, GI gradually decreased. In March 2007, GI was reached the minimum (Male, $8.46{\pm}0.57$; Female, $9.69{\pm}0.88$). The reproductive cycle of female and male could be divided into six successive stages ; In female, multiplication (February and May), growing (February to May), mature (April to July), partial spawning (May to November), degenerating (October to December) and recovery (September to October and December to February) stage. In male, multiplication (February and May), growing (March to May), mature (April to July), spawning (June to November), degenerating (November to February) and recovery (September to February) stage. The yellowish granular cells have been observed more in multiplication, growing, degenerating, and recovery stage than mature and partial spawning stage. The results of GI and histological observations of the gonads suggested that this species could be presumed as multi- spawning characteristics more two times in spawning seasons.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.35-43
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• 1996

The appearance of the primordial germ cells (PGC's), early gonadogenesis, sex differentiation and sex ratio of the embryo in the viviparous teleost, Ditrema temmincki were investigated by using photomicroscopy. The PGC's were first observed in the fibrous mesenchymal tissue located between the early alimentary tract and the dorsal body wall in the late embryonic development stage. During the period from the hatching to the individual total length (TL) of 4.0 mm the PGC's were evenly distributed in the fibrous mesenchymal tissue between alimentary tract and body wall. But the period of TL 5.0 mm mesenchymal tissue separated from the dorsal body wall, the PGC's moved to the posterior mesenchymal tissue and formed the primitive gonad. During the early gonadogenesis, differentiation of the testis and ovary were distinguished from the arrangement of the germ cells and somatic cells. Gonad of embryo in TL 10.0 mm can be separated into the ovary and testis by external morphology. The testis had a separated form which was consisted with two lobes, and the ovary had a fused form in half-posterior part. In the testicular differentiation of the embryo, histological pattern of the seminiferous tubule appeared when TL of the embryo was to be 25.0 mm, for the seminal vesicle was formed In the individual TL of 30.0mm. The testis of the embryo with TL of 45.0 mm was similar to that of the adult fish in the external and internal structures. In the ovarian differentiation, formation of the ovigerous folds and the ovarian cavity were clearly observed when the TL reached to 30.0 mm. The ovary from the individual with TL of 60.0 mm was differentiated into a similar ovary as seen in the adult fish in the external and internal structure. Right before parturition the total length of the individual was approximately 63.0 mm of which the individual embryo has an ovary containing the oocytes in the chromatin nucleolus stage, or a testis containing the spermatogonia, respectively. And the embryonic sex ratio of female to male was 1.65 : 1. Ditrema temmincki is dioecism and the pattern of sex differentiation is belonged to a differentiation type.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.207-215
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• 2009

Numerous factors can affect the activities of hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG) hormonal axis, resulting in alteration of reproductive capacity or status such as onset of puberty and menopause. Soon after the finding of leptin, a multifunctional hormone secreted from adipocytes, a close relationship between reproduction and body energy balance have been manifested. Ghrelin, another multifunctional hormone from gastrointestinal tract, is an endogenous ligand of growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), and is thought to be a counterpart of leptin in the regulation of energy homeostasis. As expected, ghrelin can also modulate the reproductive capacity through the modulation of activities of HPG axis. This paper summarizes the current knowledge on the discovery, gene structures, tissue distribution and roles of ghrelin and GHSRs in mammalian reproduction in particular modulation of reproductive hormone secretion in HPG axis. Like POMC gene expression in pituitary gland, preproghrelin gene can generate a complex repertoire of transcripts which further undergo alternative splicing and posttranslational modifications. Concerning the roles of preproghrelin gene products in the control of body physiology except energy homeostasis, limited knowledge is available so far. Several lines of evidence, however, show the interplay of ghrelin between metabolism and reproduction. In rat and human, the distribution of ghrelin receptor GHSRs (GHSR1a and GHSR1b) has been confirmed not only in the hypothalamus and pituitary which were originally postulated as target of ghrelin but also in the testis and ovary. Expression of the preproghrelin gene in the brain and gonads was also verified, suggesting the local role (s) of ghrelin in HPG axis. Ghrelin might play a negative modulator in the secretions of hypothalamic GnRH, pituitary gonadotropins and gonadal steroids though the action on pituitary is still questionable. Recent studies suggest the involvement of ghrelin in regulation of puberty onset and possibly of menopause entry. It is now evident that ghrelin is a crucial hormomal component in 'brain-gut' axis, and is a strong candidate links between metabolism and reproduction. Opposite to that for leptin, ghrelin signaling is likely representing the 'hunger' state of body energy balance and is necessary to avoid the energy investment into reproduction which has not a top priority in maintaining homeostasis. Further researches are needed to gain a deep insight into the more precise action mechanism and role of ghrelin in reproduction, and to guarantee the successful biomedical applications.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
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• v.22 no.1 s.35
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• pp.27-38
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• 2006

We investigated the reproductive cycle with gonad developmental phases of Solen grandis by histological observations. Seasonal changes in biochemical components of the adductor muscle, visceral mass, foot muscle and mantle were studied by biochemical analysis, from January to December, 2005. The reproductive cycle of this species can be classified into five successive stages: early active stage (December to January), late active stage (January to March), ripe stage (March to July), partially spawned stage (June to July) and spent/inactive stage (July to December). Total protein content was the highest in the foot muscle, the content was high in January (early active stage), the lowest in April (ripe stage), and was the highest in August (partially spawned stage). In the visceral mass, total protein content began to increase in February (late active stage) and reached a maximum in March (ripe stage). Thereafter, it gradually decreased between June and July (partially spawned stage). There was a strong negative correlation in total protein contents between visceral mass and mantle (r = -0.594, p = 0.042). Meanwhile there was a positive correlation between the adductor muscle and foot muscle, the correlation was not statistically significant (r = 0.507, p = 0.093). Total lipid content was the highest in the visceral mass; it was more than 2 to 5-fold higher than that in the adductor muscle, foot muscle, and mantle. Monthly changes in total lipid content were also most dynamic in the visceral mass. It was relatively higher between January and February, showed a maximum in March (the ripe stage), decreased rapidly from April to July (ripe and partially spawned stage), and gradually decreased from September to December (spent/inactive stage). There was a strong positive correlation in total lipid content between foot muscle and adductor muscle (r = 0.639, p = 0.025). Tthough a negative correlation was found between visceral mass and mantle (r = -0.392), the correlation was not statistically significant (p = 0.208). Glycogen contents changed within relatively narrow range and were similar among different tissues. There was no statistically significant correlation in glycogen contents among tissues.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.91-97
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• 2010

FOXL2 is a winged-helix/forkhead (FH) domain transcription factor, and mutations in FOXL2 gene are responsible for blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES). BPES is an autosomal dominant genetic disease. BPES type I patients exhibit both premature ovarian failure (POF) and eyelid malformation, while only the eyelid defect is observed in BPES type II. FOXL2-null ovaries showed a blockage of granulosa cell differentiation, suggesting that FOXL2 plays an essential role for proper ovarian folliculogenesis. Previously, we screened for FOXL2-interacting proteins and identified steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) which is known to be required for gonad development and transactivates steroidogenic enzymes including CYP19. In the present study, we demonstrated that FOXL2 transactivates CYP19 and stimulated the transcriptional activation of CYP19 induced by SF-1. In contrast, FOXL2 mutants found in BPES type I and II exhibited compromised abilities to enhance CYP19 induction mediated by SF-1. Thus, this study provides a functional difference between wild-type FOXL2 and its mutants which may aid to understand pathophysiology of BPES elicited by FOXL2 mutations.