• 한국발생생물학회:학술대회논문집
• /
• 한국발생생물학회 2003년도 제3회 국제심포지움 및 학술대회
• /
• pp.83-83
• /
• 2003

The lutropin/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHR) is a member of the rhodopsin-like subfamily of G protein coupled receptor (GPCRs), that has been shown to mediate the internalization of its two naturally occurring agonist, lutropin and choriogonadotropin (CG). The clustered agonist-receptor complex is internalized by a dynamin-dependent pathway and traverses the endosomal compartment without agonist dissociation Dissociation of the agonist-receptor complex occurs in the lysosomes, where both the agonist and receptor are degrade. Recently, constitutively activating mutations of the receptor have been identified that are associated with familial male-precocious puberty (FMPP). A FMPP is a form of sexual precocious puberty in boys in which testosterone levels are elevated independent of changes in luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone and serum luteinizing hormone levels, We have now analyzed two naturally occurring, constitutively active mutants of the human LHR. These mutations were introduced into the rat LHR (rLHR) and are designated L435R and D556Y. Cells expressing rLHR-D556Y bind human choriogonadotropin (hCG) with normal affinity, exhibit a 25-fold increase in basal cAMP and respond to hCG with a normal increase in cAMP accumulation. Cells expressing rLHR-L435R also bind hCG with normal affinity, exhibit a 47-fold increase in basal cAMP, and do not respond to hCG with a further increase in cAMP accumulation. This mutation enhances the internalization of the free and agonist-occupied receptors ~2- and ~17- fold, respectively We conclude that the state of activation of the rLHR can modulate its basal and/or agonist-stimulated internalization. Since the internalization of hCG is involved in the termination of hCG actions, we suggest that the lack of responsiveness detected in cells expressing rLHR-L435R is due to the fast rate of internalization of the bound hCG. The finding that membranes expressing rLHR-L435R respond to hCG with an increase in adenylyl cyclase activity supports this suggestion. Autonomous Leydig cell activity in FMPP is caused by a constitutively activating LH/CGR.

• 동의생리병리학회지
• /
• 제18권4호
• /
• pp.1163-1168
• /
• 2004

In order to establish the experimental clinical model for evaluating the influences on the sexual hormones of SD-rat administrated with Methoxychlor(MET), it was dissolved in acetone and olive oil (1:19), which was administrated orally at doses of 200㎎/㎏ body weight/day for 7 days. The Testosterone value was measured in sera by Gamma Count with 1251 isotype, also weights of the body, testis and liver were measured for 15 weeks. Testosterone in the serum of intacted SD-rats was 0.51±0.43ng/㎖(n=5), but it was 0.69±0.18(n=2)ng/㎖l on 1 week. 0.28±0.05ng/㎖(n=2) on 3 week, 1.52±0.95ng/㎖(n=3) on 5 week, and 0.54±1.95 ng/㎖(n=3) 15 week post-dosing MET, respectively. Histologically, the numbers of spermatozoa and Leydig cells were reduced, which might influence to reduce sexual hormone, and AST and ALT was not increased in the serum due to administrating with MET, blood profile was not changed according to the administration of MET excepting MCH(Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin). This study suggest that change of male sexual hormone by MET be a experimental model for evaluating some drugs associate with sex hormone.

• 한국동물번식학회:학술대회논문집
• /
• 한국동물번식학회 2003년도 학술발표대회 발표논문초록집
• /
• pp.18-18
• /
• 2003

In human, sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS) is synonyms for the sudden, unexpected and unexplained death of an infant. The incidence of SIDS has been estimated to be from 1 to 3%. Cloning has a relatively high rate of late abortion and early postnatal death, particularly when somatic cells are used as donors of nuclei and rates as high as 40 to 70% have been reported. However, the mechanisms for SIDS in cloned animals are not known yet. To date, few reports provide detailed information regarding phenotypic abnormality of cloned pigs. In this study, most of the cloned piglets were alive at term and readily recovered respiration. However, approximately 82% of male cloned piglets (81/22) died within a week after birth. Significant findings from histological examinations showed that 42% of somatic cloned male piglets died earlier than somatic cloned female piglets, most probably due to severe congestion of lung and liver or neutrophilic inflammation in brain, which indicates that unexpected phenotypes can appear as a result of somatic cell cloning. No anatomical defects in cloned female piglets were detected, but three of the piglets had died by diarrhea due to bacterial infection within 15 days after birth. Although most of male cloned piglets can be born normal in terms of gross anatomy, they develop phenotypic anomalies that include leydig cell hypoplasia and growth retardation post-delivery under adverse fetal environment and depigmentation of hair- and skin-color form puberty onset. This may provide a mechanism for development of multiple organ system failure in some cloned piglets. Th birth weights of male cloned pig in comparison with those of female cloned piglets are significantly reduced(0.8 vs 1.4kg) and showed longer gestational day(120 vs 114). In conclusion, brain meningitis and hepatopneumonic congestion are a major risk factor for SIDS and such pregnancy in cloned animals requires close and intensive antenatal monitoring.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• 제22권8호
• /
• pp.1091-1101
• /
• 2009

In an attempt to understand the biochemical mechanism for the synthesis of the anabolic steroid, 19-nortestosterone, produced by prepubertal boar testes and its physiological role, normalized complementary DNA (cDNA) from boar testes was generated. DNA sequencing of 2,016 randomly selected clones yielded 794,116 base pairs of high quality nucleotide sequence. Computer-assisted assembly of the nucleotide sequence of each clone resulted in 423 contigs and 403 singletons including several genes for steroidogenic enzymes and molecules related to steroid metabolism. Analysis of gene expression pattern by use of the presently-fabricated cDNA microarray identified a number of genes that were differentially expressed during the postnatal development period in boar testes. Two genes of unknown function were identified to be highly expressed in the testis of 2-weeks-old neonatal boar. In addition, the sequencing of open reading frames of these genes revealed their homology with human alpha hemoglobin and Homo sapiens hypothetical LOC643669, transcript variant 1. Moreover, the transcripts of these genes were also detected in porcine muscle and adipocytes, in addition to Leydig cells of pigs.

• 한국수정란이식학회지
• /
• 제23권2호
• /
• pp.119-125
• /
• 2008

A 3-month-old American Cocker spaniel was presented at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Chungbuk National University, for examination of urinary tract after dissection of vaginal mass at local clinic before 10 days. Clinical examination of the affected bitch revealed a normal sized vulva in a normal anatomical position with a grossly enlarged clitoris, which contained an os clitoris. On examinations of the genital gland, there were testis, epididymis, ductus deferens and uterus. The histology of both gonads was primarily testis. Seminiferous tubules were divided into many parts by fibrous connective tissue. A small number of spermatogonia was present, but large numbers of Leydig's cells were existed. A normal female karyotype (78, XX) was detected in metaphase spreads obtained from cultured peripheral lymphocytes. Y chromosome specific sequences were not detected in genomic DNA by PCR. After 27 months, the os clitoris was larger than 3-month-old dog and os bone was more calcified than young age. Combining the results of cytogenetic, molecular genetic and histological examinations, the dog was diagnosed as a female hermaphrodite with Sry-negative XX sex reversal.

• 대한수의학회지
• /
• 제59권2호
• /
• pp.59-67
• /
• 2019

We investigated whether ${\beta}$-carotene (${\beta}-CA$) or ellagic acid (EA), originating from various fruits and vegetables, has a preventive effect against male infertility induced by exogenous scrotal hyperthermia. ICR adult mice were intraperitoneally treated with 10 mg/kg of ${\beta}-CA$ or EA daily for 13 days consecutively. During this time, mice were subjected to transient scrotal heat stress in a water bath at $43^{\circ}C$ for 20 min on day 7, and their testes and blood were obtained on day 14 for histopathologic and biochemical analyses. Heat stress induced significant testicular weight reduction, germ cell loss and degeneration, as well as abnormal localization of phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPx) and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in spermatogenic and Leydig cells. Heat stress also altered the levels of oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation, SOD activity, and PHGPx, MnSOD, and $HIF-1{\alpha}$ mRNAs), apoptosis (Bax, Bcl-xL, caspase 3, $NF-{\kappa}B$, and $TGF-{\beta}1$ mRNAs), and androgen biosynthesis (serological testosterone concentration and $3{\beta}$-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase mRNA) in testes. These changes were all improved significantly by ${\beta}-CA$ treatment, but only slightly improved by EA treatment. These findings indicate that ${\beta}-CA$, through modulations of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and androgen biosynthesis, is a potent preventive agent against testicular injuries induced by scrotal hyperthermia.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• 제48권1호
• /
• pp.34-42
• /
• 2021

Objective: Studies of the effects of estrogens on the male reproductive system have emphasized the role of these hormones in male fertility. Sesame oil has many phytoestrogenic compounds and may improve male fertility. This study investigated the effects of sesame oil and different concentrations of estrogen on sperm parameters and DNA integrity in male mice. Methods: Twenty old NMRI (The Naval Medical Research Institute) male mice (40 weeks; weight, 30-35 g) were treated with sesame oil or different concentrations of estrogen (estradiol, 1 and 10 μL/kg/day) or received no treatment (controls). After 35 days, sperm parameters and DNA integrity were assessed and analyzed. Results: Sperm count, progressive motility, and morphology were decreased in the group that received 10 μL/kg of estradiol. A remarkably lower percentage of DNA fragmentation and protamine deficiency were detected in the group that received 1 μL/kg of estradiol. In the groups that received sesame oil and 1 μL/kg of estradiol, the numbers of spermatogonia and Leydig cells were higher than in controls. The combination of sesame oil and 1 μL/kg of estradiol led to improved sperm parameters and chromatin and testicular structure. Conclusion: Based on this study, consumption of sesame oil and a low concentration of estradiol may improve testicular function in older mice.

• Animal Bioscience
• /
• 제37권1호
• /
• pp.50-60
• /
• 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.

• 한국발생생물학회지:발생과생식
• /
• 제11권1호
• /
• pp.49-54
• /
• 2007

Ethane 1,2-dimethane sulfonate(EDS)은 Leydig cells(LC)만을 선별적 사멸을 유도하는 약물로서 가역적인 테스토스테론(testosterone, T) 결핍 흰쥐 모델을 만드는데 널리 사용된다. 본 연구에서는 수컷 흰쥐 뇌하수체의 생식소자극호르몬인 LH와 FSH의 발현에 미치는 EDS 투여 효과를 조사하였다. 성숙한 수컷 흰쥐(SD strain, $300{\sim}350\;g$ B.W.)에 EDS(75 mg/kg, i.p.)를 1회 복강주사하고 주사 후 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 그리고 7주가 경과한 날 희생시켰다. 뇌하수체로부터 total RNA를 추출한 후 뇌하수체 glycoprotein hormone common alpha subunit($C{\alpha}$), LH beta subunit($LH{\beta}$), FSH beta subunit($FSH{\beta}$) 그리고 GnRH 수용체(GnRH-R)의 발현 변화를 semi-quantitative RT-PCR로 측정하였다. 그 결과, $C{\alpha}$ 전사수준은 주사 후 1주부터 급격히 상승하여 주사 후 4주까지 유의하게 높게 유지되다가 5주 후부터 control 수준으로 회귀하였다. $LH{\beta}$ 전사 수준은 주사 후 2주부터 유의하게 상승하여 주사 후 4주에 최고 수준에 도달하였으며, 5주 후부터 control 수준으로 감소하였다. $FSH{\beta}$ 전사수준은 주사 후 2주부터 유의하게 상승하여 주사 후 3주에 최고 수준에 도달하였으며, 4주 후부터 감소하여 5주 후에 최소치를 보였다. 유사하게, GnRH-R 전사 수준도 주사 후 2주부터 유의하게 상승하여 주사 후 3주에 최고 수준에 도달하였으며, 5주 후부터 control 수준으로 감소하였다. 본 연구는 EDS 주사에 의해 수컷 흰쥐 뇌하수체 전엽에서의 생식소 자극호르몬 subunit들과 GnRH-R의 발현 변화가 가역적으로 유도될 수 있음을 보여준 것이다. EDS 주사 모델은 수컷 흰쥐에서의 시상하부-뇌하수체 신경내분비 축의 호르몬 조절에 대한 기작을 이해하는데 도움이 될 것이다.

• 생명과학회지
• /
• 제27권7호
• /
• pp.739-745
• /
• 2017

모든 포유동물에 있어서 임신유지와 준비를 위해서는 프로게스테론 호르몬은 필수적이다. $20{\alpha}$-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase ($20{\alpha}$-HSD)는 프로게스테론을 생물학적으로 불활성인 $20{\alpha}$-hydroxyprogesterone ($20{\alpha}$-OHP)로 대사시키는 중요한 효소이며, 임신말기와 분만개시에 중요한 역할을 하는 효소이다. 본 연구에서는 메디카이네틱스 미니돼지의 정소에서 $20{\alpha}$-HSD의 발현에 대하여 분석하였다. 미니돼지 정소는 출생후 6, 9, 12, 18 및 21일에 채취하였다. RT-PCR에 의한 mRNA 분석결과 분만 후 6일의 정소에서도 검출되었으며, 21일의 정소에서 가장 높은 발현을 하는 것으로 검출되었다. 그러나, 분만 후의 태반에서는 검출되지 않았다. 웨스턴블릇에 의한 단백질 분석결과는 미니돼지 정소에서 특이적으로 37-kDa의 밴드가 검출되었다. 그러나 분만 후 6일의 정소에서는 단백질이 검출되지 않았다. 면역조직화학적 분석에 의하면 정소에서 $20{\alpha}$-HSD는 Sertoli 세포와 Leydig 세포에서 특이적으로 발현하였다. 따라서 이러한 연구결과는 분만 후 돼지 정소에서 $20{\alpha}$-HSD 단백질의 발현에 대한 연구로서는 처음으로 밝혔으며, 향후 돼지 정소에서의 $20{\alpha}$-HSD의 기능적인 역할에 대한 연구가 더욱 더 진행되어야 할 것으로 사료된다.