• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.99-113
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• 2007

Purpose : This study was designed to investigate the effects of Jeongkyeong-Tang(JKT) on the polycystic ovary(PCO) induced by estradiol valerate(EV) in rats. Methods : PCO was induced by single intramuscular injection with EV(4mg) in female rats. Normal group(n=8) were injected with sesame oil and orally administrated distilled water for sixty days. PCO control group(n=8) were injected with EV and orally administrated distilled water for sixty days. JKT treated group(n=8) were injected with EV and orally administrated JKT for sixty days. Then we measured weights of body, ovaries and adrenal glands, and measured content of serum estrogen. The histomorphometrical changes of ovaries were also evaluated. The expressions of nerve growth factor(NGF) were analyzed in the central nervous system, adrenal glands and ovaries by immunohistochemistry. Results : - The weights(mg) of ovaries in JKT treated group (69.7${\pm}$6.7) were significantly increased( p<0.001) compared with PCO control group(46.7${\pm}$12.2). - The numbers of secondary follicles in JKT treated group(4.00${\pm}$l.31) were significantly increased(p <0.05) compared with PCO control group(2.25${\pm}$1.39). - The numbers of mature follicles in JKT treated group(5.50${\pm}$1.51) were significantly increased(p<0.01) compared with PCO control group(2.88${\pm}$1.13). - The numbers of atretic follicles in JKT treated group(2.75${\pm}$l.16) were significantly decreased(p<0.001) compared with PCO control group(6.88${\pm}$2.03). - The numbers of corpora lutea in JKT treated group(4.13${\pm}$1.46) were significantly increased(p<0.01) compared with PCO control group(2.13${\pm}$1.46). - The contents(pg/ml) of serum estrogen in JKT treated group(115.18${\pm}$18.29) were significantly decreased(P<0.01) compared with PCO control group(153.06${\pm}$29.47). - The expressions of NGF-immunoreactive cells in the ovarian granulosa cells in JKT treated group were lesser observed than PCO control group. Conclusion : From the above results, we concluded that Jeongkyeong-Tang has inhibitory effect on the development of EV-induced polycystic ovary. And it's effect may be related with decreased NGF activities in the ovary.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.93-102
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• 1998

Normal and abnormal follicular growth and steroidogenesis depend on gonadotropins as well as intraovarian peptides, which may mediate or potentiate gonadotropin action. Inhibin also affect follicular development and steroidogenesis and may play a role in dominant follicle selection and follicular atresia. Therefore, we studied the differences of serum inhibin, gonadotropin and androgen levels in the women with only the ultrasound findings and no disorder, and polycystic ovary (PCO) with ovulatory disturbance. We prospectively analysed forty-three women with PCO. The diagnosis of PCO was based on typical appearance of the ovaries on TVS. Twelve women with regular menstrual cycle and normal ovarian morphology were selected as control. Basal levels of inhibin, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol $(E_2)$, testosterone (T), androstenedione (ADD), dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DS), prolactin and TSH in serum were determined. There were significant differences in basal LH levels and LH/FSH ratio between the control and the women with PCO. The basal levels of inhibin and $E_2$ in the oligo-amenorrheic PCO (N=34) were significantly higher than those in the control. There was higher negative correlation between the inhibin and T levels in the oligo-amenorrheic PCO, but, not in the regular cycling PCO. Also, there was higher positive correlation between the LH and T levels in the oligo-amenorrheic PCO, but not in the regular cycling PCO. These data presume that the initial event of PCO is elevated pituitary LH secretion. Elevated levels of LH may down-regulate LH receptors on granulosa cells and also cause hypertrophy of the thecal layer. High level of androgen secreted by the hypertrophied thecal layer may stimulate inhibin secretion from granulosa cells and can be converted to estrogen by extraovarian tissues and could serve to augment pituitary sensitivity to GnRH with a resultant secretion of more LH than FSH. Inhibin may inhibit FSH action on granulosa cell in the PCO follicle, impairing follicular development and dominant follicle selection resulted in ovulatory disturbance.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.231-237
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• 2017

Background: Cisplatin is one of the most extensively used chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer, including bladder, and ovarian cancers. However, it has been shown to induce nephrotoxicity, despite being an outstanding anti-cancer drug. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of dopaol ${\beta}$-D-glucoside (dopaol) on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Methods and Results: To confirm the protective effect of dopaol on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, HK-2 cells were treated with $20{\mu}M$ cisplatin and $80{\mu}M$ dopaol. Cisplatin increased apoptosis, caspase-3 activity and mitochondrial dysfunction; however pretreatment with $80{\mu}M$ dopaol successfully attenuated apoptosis, caspase-3 activity and mitochondrial dysfunction. To evaluate the protective effect dopaol on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in vivo, we used an animal model (balb/c mice, 20 mg/kg, i.p. once/day for 3 day). The results were similar to those obtained using HK-2 cells; renal tubular damage and neutrophilia induced by cisplatin reduced following dopaol injection (10 mg/kg, i.p. once/day for 3 day). Conclusions: These results indicate that dopaol treatment reduced cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in vitro and in vivo, and can be used to treat cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. However, further studies are required to determine the toxicity high dose dopaol and the signal pathways involved in its mechanism of action in animal models.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.60-74
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• 2008

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate the effects of Gwibi-Tang(GBT) on the polycystic ovary(PCO) induced by estradiol valerate(EV) in rats. Methods: PCO was induced by single intramuscular injection with EV(4mg) in female rats. Normal group(n=8) were injected with sesame oil and orally administrated distilled water for eight weeks. PCO control group(n=8) were injected with EV and orally administrated distilled water for eight weeks. GBT treated group(n=8) were injected with EV and orally administrated GBT for eight weeks. Then we measured weight of body, ovaries, adrenal glands, and uterus of rats. The histopathology changes of ovaries were also evaluated. The expression of nerve growth factor(NGF) was analyzed in the central nervous system, adrenal glands and ovaries by immunohistochemistry. And also CRF expression in median eminance of Rats were analyzed. Results: 1. The weight(g) of rats in GBT treated group($275{\pm}14$) was significantly increased(p<0.01) compared with control group($253{\pm}8$), 2. The weight(mg) of ovaries in GBT treated group($75.8{\pm}16.7$) was significantly increased(p<0.001) compared with control group($37.4{\pm}6.7$). 3. The number of mature follicles in GBT treated group($3.6{\pm}1.2$) was significantly increased(p<0.01) compared with control group($1.5{\pm}1.5$. 4. The number of atretic follicles in GBT treated group($8.0{\pm}3.1$) was significantly decreased(p<0.01) compared with control group($18.6{\pm}6.0$). 5. The number of cystic follicles in GBT treated group($0.5{\pm}0.5$) was significantly increased(p<0.01) compared with control group($2.3{\pm}1.3$). 6. The number of corpora lutea in GBT treated group($6.1{\pm}3.9$) was significantly increased(p<0.01) compared with control group($1.6{\pm}2.3$). 7. The expression of NGF-immunoreactive cells in the ovarian granulosa cells in GBT treated group was lesser observed than control group. Conclusion: From the above results, we concluded that Gwibi-Tang has inhibitory effect on the development of EV-induced polycystic ovary. And it's effect may be related with decreased NGF activities in the ovary.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.265-274
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• 2009

Objective: MicroRNAs (miR) are known to repress target genes at post-transcriptional level and play important roles in development and maturation of cell. However, the expression profiles of miR during ovarian follicle maturation have not been fully elucidated. Here, we designed this study to investigate the expression profiles of miR in oocytes and granulose cells (G-cells) after in vitro culture according to gonadotropins and adding hCG. Methods: Ovaries from 12-day-old mice (C57BL6) were removed and preantral follicles were isolated and cultured in $20\;{\mu}L$-drop of culture media with supplementation of either rFSH, rLH, or rFSH+rLH. After their full maturation, follicles were incubated with rhCG and rEGF. RNA was isolated from oocytes and G-cells, and real-time PCR were performed with primers of miR known to be expressed in the mouse ovary (mmu-miR-16, -miR-27a, -miR-126, -miR-721). Results: FSH+LH group showed the highest ovulation and MII rates among gonadotropin groups. The profiles of miRs in oocytes and G-cells differed according to gonadotropin groups and adding hCG. The profiles of miRs showed divergent changes between oocytes and G-cells. Conclusion: miR expression profiles are altered by gonadotropins and supplementation of hCG during in vitro maturation of murine follicles. Target gene study must be necessary to validate these findings.

• Proceedings of the KSAR Conference
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• 2000.10a
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• pp.10-12
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• 2000

Members of the glycoprotein family, which includes CG, LH, FSH and TSH, comprise two noncovalently linked $\alpha$- and $\beta$-subunits. Equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), known as PMSG, has a number of interesting and unique characteristics since it appears to be a single molecule that possesses both LH- and FSH-like activities in other species than the horse. This dual activity of eCG in heterologous species is of fundamental interest to the study of the structure-function relationships of gonadotropins and their receptors. CG and LH $\beta$ genes are different in primates. In horse, however, a single gene encodes both eCG and eLH $\beta$-subunits. The subunit mRNA levels seem to be independently regulated and their imbalance may account for differences in the quantities of $\alpha$ - and $\beta$ -subunits in the placenta and pituitary. The dual activities of eCG could be separated by removal of the N-linked oligosaccharide on the $\alpha$-subunit Asn 56 or CTP-associated O-linked oligosaccharides. The tethered-eCG was. efficiently secreted and showed similar LH-like activity to the dimeric eCG. Interestingly, the FSH-like activity of the tethered-eCG was increased markedly in comparison with the native and wild type eCG. These results also suggest that this molecular can implay particular models of FSH-like activity not LH-like activity in the eCG/indicate that the constructs of tethered molecule will be useful in the study of mutants that affect subunit association and/or secretion. A single-chain analog can also be constructed to include additional hormone-specific bioactive generating potentially efficacious compounds that have only FSH-like activity. The LH/CG receptor (LH/CGR), a membrane glycoprotein that is present on testicular Leydig cells and ovarian theca, granulosa, luteal, and interstitial cells, plays a pivotal role in the regulation of gonadal development and function in males as well as in nonpregnant and pregnant females. The LH/CGR is a member of the family of G protein-coupled receptors and its structure is predicted to consist of a large extracellular domain connected to a bundle of seven membrane-spanning a-helices. The LH/CGR phosphorylation can be induced with a phorbol ester, but not with a calcium ionophore. The truncated form of LHR also was down-regulated normally in response to hCG stimulation. In contrast, the cell lines expressing LHR-t63I or LHR-628, the two phosphorylation-negative receptor mutant, showed a delay in the early phase of hCG-induced desensitization, a complete loss of PMA-induced desensitization, and an increase in the rate of hCG-induced receptor down-regulation. These results clearly show that residues 632-653 in the C-terminal tail of the LHR are involved in PMA-induced desensitization, hCG-induced desensitization, and hCG-induced down-regulation. Recently, constitutively activating mutations of the receptor have been identified that are associated with familial male-precocious puberty. Cells expressing LHR-D556Y bind hCG with normal affinity, exhibit a 25-fold increase in basal cAMP and respond to hCG with a normal 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 LHR 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 LHR-L435R is due to the fast rate of internalization of the bound hCG. This statement is supported by the finding that hCG responsiveness is restored when the cells are lysed and signal transduction is measured in a subcellular fraction (membranes) that cannot internalize the bound hormone.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.357-364
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• 2000

Members of the glycoprotein family, which includes CG, LH, FSH and TSH, comprise two noncovalently linked $\alpha$- and $\beta$-subunits. Equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), known as PMSG, has a number of interesting and unique characteristics since it appears to be a single molecule that possesses both LH- and FSH-like activities in other species than the horse. This dual activity of eCG in heterologous species is of fundamental interest to the study of the structure-function relationships of gonadotropins and their receptors. CG and LH $\beta$ genes are different in primates. In horse, however, a single gene encodes both eCG and eLH $\beta$ -subunits. The subunit mRNA levels seem to be independently regulated and their imbalance may account for differences in the quantities of $\alpha$ - and $\beta$-subunits in the placenta and pituitary. The dual activities of eCG could be separated by removal of the N-linked oligosaccharide on the $\alpha$-subunit Asn 56 or CTP-associated O-linked oligosaccharides. The tethered-eCG was efficiently secreted and showed similar LH-like activity to the dimeric eCG. Interestingly, the FSH-like activity of the tethered-eCG was increased markedly in comparison with the native and wild type eCG. These results also suggest that this molecular can implay particular models of FSH-like activity not LH-like activity in the eCG/indicate that the constructs of tethered molecule will be useful in the study of mutants that affect subunit association and/or secretion. A single-chain analog can also be constructed to include additional hormone-specific bioactive generating potentially efficacious compounds that have only FSH-like activity. The LH/CG receptor (LH/CGR), a membrane glycoprotein that is present on testicular Leydig cells and ovarian theca, granulosa, luteal, and interstitial cells, plays a pivotal role in the regulation of gonadal development and function in males as well as in nonpregnant and pregnant females. The LH/CGR is a member of the family of G protein-coupled receptors and its structure is predicted to of a large extracellular domain connected to a bundle of seven membrane-spanning a-helices. The LH/CGR phosphorylation can be induced with a phorbol ester, but not with a calcium ionophore. The truncated form of LHR also was down-regulated normally in response to hCG stimulation. In contrast, the cell lines expressing LHR-t631 or LHR-628, the two phosphorylation-negative receptor mutant, showed a delay in the early phase of hCG-induced desensitization, a complete loss of PMA-induced desensitization, and an increase in the rate of hCG-induced receptor down-regulation. These results clearly show that residues 632~653 in the C-terminal tail of the LHR are involved in PMA-induced desensitization, hCG-induced desensitization, and hCG-induced down-regulation. Recently, constitutively activating mutations of the receptor have been identified that are associated with familial male-precocious puberty. Cells expressing LHR-D556Y bind hCG with normal affinity, exhibit a 25-fold increase in basal cAMP and respond to hCG with a normal increase in cAMP accumulation. This mutation enhances the internalization of the free and agoinst-occupied receptors ~2- and ~17- fold, respectively. We conclude that the state of activation of the LHR 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 LHR-L435R is due to the fast rate of internalization of the bound hCG. This statement is supported by the finding that hCG responsiveness is restored when the cells are lysed and signal transduction is measured in a subcellular fraction (membranes) that cannot internalize the bound hormone.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.48-57
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• 1991

Changes of the activities of the hepatic cells of female mud skipper, Boleophthalmus pectinirostris were investigated under transmission electron microscopy. Monthly changes of gonadosomatic index(GSI) and hepatosomatic index(HSI), variations of protein and nucleic acid contents(total RNA and DNA) of the liver tissues with the gonadal development phase were also studied. GSI began to increase from May(the growing stage), reaching the maximum value in late June(the mature stage), and then it began to decrease from late July(the degenerative stage), reaching the lowest value in late September. Monthly variations of HSI were negatively related to GSI. HSI decreased in the summer season when the ovary was getting mature and reached the maximum in mid October when the ovary was degenerating. In June(the mature stage), the female hepatic cells of the liver tissues became large and nuclei were hypertrophic. The amounts of glycogen particles and lipid droplets in the cells gradually decreased, while a number of granular endoplasmic reticulum increased. It was assumed that well-developed granular endoplasmic reticulum binding ribosomes are supposed to play the leading role in protein synthesis and deposition for vitellogenin in the cytoplasm. In July(the spawning period), glycogen particles and lipid droplets gradually increased, and then these substances were still observed in large quantity in August(the degenerative stage). The protein contents of the liver tissues with the gonadal phases of the ovaries were shown the maximum value($4.720{\pm}0.103\;mg/g$) in June, and afterwards gradually decreased being the minimum($3.640{\pm}0.130\;mg/g$) in July, and then gradually increased in August. The mean total RNA contents per gram of the liver tissues appeared the maximum($0.523{\pm}0.040\;mg/g$) in June, and afterwards gradually decreased to the minimum($0.158{\pm}0.006\;mg/g$) in July and slightly increased in August again. From these results, it could be assumed that protein contents were closely related to RNA contents. The mean total DNA contents per weight (gr) of the liver tissues appeared to be similar although there were some monthly fluctuations. The ratio of the mean total RNA/DNA were 0.745 in June, 0.262 in July, 0.341 in August respectively.

• The Korean Journal of Zoology
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.273-281
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• 1996

Previously, we have proposed a two-cell type model for follicular steroidogenesis inamphibians with Rana nigromacu lota. Present experiments were carried out to ascertain whether the model Is applicable to R. dybowskii. The role of theca layer were also reassessed by using granulosa cell-free pure theca layer (P-THEP). Theca/epithelium (THEP) layers, P-THEP layers, and granulosa cell enclosed-oocytes () were obtained from ovarian follicles of R. dybowskii by microdissection. Intact follicles (IFs) and different types of tissues were cultured for 6 hour in amphibian Ringer's m the presence or absence of FPII (0.05 gland/mi) or various steroid precursor (100 ng/ml). The amounts of product steroids converted by the components were measured by RIA. Exogenously added pregnenolone (P5) resulted in a marked increase in progesterone (P$_4$) by GCEOs (2143 pg/follicle) and IFs (2346 pg/follicle) but a smaller increase in P4 by THEP layer (495 pg/follicle). Addition of P$_4$ increased 17 a-hydroxyprogesterone (17 $\alpha$-OHP$_4$) levels by GCEOs (1118 pg/follicle) and IFs (1333 pg/follicle) but less by THEP layer (290 pg/follicle). However, much less amounts of P$_4$ or 17 $\alpha$-OHP$_4$ were producad by P-THEP layers than THEP in the presence of P5. Exogenous 1 7$\alpha$-OIIP$_4$ increased androstenedione (AD) levels by GCEOs (1415 pg/follicle) and IFs (561 pg/follicle) but not by THEP layers. In contrast, addition of AD resulted m a marked increase in testosterone (T) levels by TIIEP (2594 pg/follicle) and IFs (2223 pg/follide) but much less by GCEOs (339 pg/follicle). Exogenous T increased estradiol (E$_2$) levels by GCEOs (551pg/follicle) and IFs (887 pg/follicle), but not by THEP layer (<10 pg/follicle). Without addition of FPH or steroid precursors, very low or nondetectable levels of steroids were produced (< 20 pg/follicle) by all the types of follicular components examined. The data presented here indicate that the two-cell type model based on the study with R. nigromacu Iota is applicable to R. dybowskii and also suggest that the minor pathway, which convert P5 to 17$\alpha$-OHP$_4$, is not present in theca layer.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2009

Experimental induction of polycystic ovary (PCO) resembling some aspects of human PCO syndrome was produced using the long-acting compound estradiol valerate (EV). Our previous study on the role of Korean red ginseng total saponins (GTS) in a steroid-induced PCO rat model demonstrated that electro-acupuncture modulates nerve growth factor (NGF) concentration in the ovaries. In fact, the involvement of a neurogenic component in the pathology of PCO-related ovarian dysfunction is preceded by an increase in sympathetic outflow to the ovaries. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that therapeutic GTS administration modulates sympathetic nerve activity in rats with PCO. This was done by analyzing NGF protein and NGF mRNA expression involved in the pathophysiological process underlying steroid-induced PCO. EV injection resulted in significantly higher ovarian NGF mRNA expression in PCO rats compared to control rats, and PCO ovaries were counteracted by GTS administration with significantly lower expression of NGF mRNA compared to EV treated ovaries. However, NGF protein was unaffected in both EV and GTS treated ovaries compared to control rats. These results indicate that EV modulates the neurotrophic state of the ovaries, which may be a component of the pathological process by which EV induces cyst formation and anovulation in rodents.