• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.207-216
• /
• 2005

Objective: To understand the crucial requirement for the normal early folliculogenesis, we evaluated molecular as well as physiological differences during in vitro ovarian culture. Among the important regulators for follicle development, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and FSH Receptor (FSHR) have been known to be expressed in the cuboidal granulosa cells. Meanwhile, it is known that c-kit is germ cell-specific and GDF-9 is also oocyte-specific regulator. To evaluate the functional requirement for the competence of normal follicular development, we investigated the differential mRNA expression of several factors secreted from granulosa cells and oocytes between in vivo and in vitro developed ovaries. Materials and Methods: Ovaries from ICR neonates (the day of birth) were cultured for 4 days (for primordial to primary transition) or 8 days (for secondary follicle formation) in ${\alpha}$-MEM glutamax supplemented with 3 mg/ml BSA without serum or growth factors. The mRNA levels of the several factors were investigated by quantitative real-time PCR analysis. Freshly isolated 0-, 4-, and 8-day-old ovaries were used as control. Results: The mRNA of AMH and FSHR as granulosa cell factors was highly increased according to the ovarian development in both of 4- and 8-day-old control. However, the mRNA expression was not induced in both of 4- and 8-day in vitro cultured ovaries. The mRNA expression of GDF-9 known to regulate follicle growth as an oocyte factor was different between in vivo and in vitro developed ovaries. In addition, the transcript of GDF-9 was expressed in the primordial follicles of mouse ovaries. The mRNA expression of c-kit was not significantly different during the early folliculogenesis in vitro. Conclusion: This is the first report regarding endogenous AMH and FSHR expression during the early folliculogenesis in vitro. In conclusion, it will be very valuable to evaluate cuboidal granulosa cell factors as functional marker(s) for normal early folliculogenesis in vitro.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
• /
• v.32 no.4
• /
• pp.249-253
• /
• 2008

Interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT) is a valuable tool for studying the interactions between an oocyte and somatic nucleus. The object of this study was to investigate the developmental competence of in vitro-matured porcine oocytes after transfer of the somatic cell nuclei of 2 different species (goat and rabbit). Porcine cumulus oocytes were obtained from the follicles of ovaries and matured in TCM-199. The reconstructed embryos were electrically fused with 2 DC pulses of 1.1kV/cm for $30{\mu}s$ 0.3M mannitol medium. The activated cloned embryos were cultured in porcine zygote medium-3 (PZM-3), mSOF or RDH medium for 7 days. The blastocyst formation rate of the embryos reconstructed from goat or rabbit fetal fibroblasts was significantly lower than that of the embryos reconstructed from porcine fetal fibroblast cells. However, a significantly higher number of embryos reconstructed from goat or rabbit fetal fibroblasts cultured in mSOF or RDH, respectively, developed to the morular stage than those cultured in PZM-3. These results suggest that goat and bovine fetal fibroblasts were less efficacious than porcine-porcine cloned embryos and that culture condition could be an important factor in iSCNT. The lower developmental potential of goat-porcine and porcine-bovine cloned embryos may be due to incompatibility between the porcine oocyte cytoplasm and goat and bovine somatic nuclei.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.90-94
• /
• 2004

Objective : This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Panax Ginseng (인삼) on the sperm motility and spermatogenesis in the male rat. Methods : We used 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats, and administered the extract powder of Panax Ginseng to 5 rats (treated group) and normal saline (control group) once a day for 28 days. We isolated their testes surgically, then observed the change of the body weights before and after administration of Panax Ginseng extracts and normal saline. We observed the weight of the testes, epididymis, vascular gland, and prostate. Also, we examined the total, normal motile sperm concentration, and the concentration of testicular catalase and peroxidase. Results : We found that the concentration of normal, motile sperm in the testes of the Panax Ginseng group showed a significant difference compared with the control group. The angiogenesis of the seminiferous tubule was increased and the increasement of the number of spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocyte was observed in the Panax Ginseng group through a microscope. The body weight, the weight of the testes, epididymis, prostate and the concentration of testicular catalase and peroxidase were higher in the Panax Ginseng group but showed no significant difference. Conclusion : This study shows that Panax Ginseng may have an effect on the morphology and motility of sperm, the important factor in male fertility, and can promote the concentration of antioxidants, catalase and peroxidase, which is the important factor in spermatogenesis.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.249-254
• /
• 2012

This study aimed at investigating whether a porcine follicular fluid (pFF) supplementation positively affects the characteristics of donor cells and the developmental competence of porcine cloned embryos. Ear fibroblast cells (donor cell) from an Massachusetts General Hospital miniature pig were cultured in different culture methods: (1) Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM)+10% FBS (Control); (2) DMEM+0.5% FBS (SS); and (3) DMEM+10% FBS+10% pFF (pFF) for 72 h. In each conditioned medium, the concentrations of 4 amino acids (Thr, Glu, Pro, and Val) in the pFF group were significantly different from those in the control group (p<0.05 or p<0.01). The proliferation of the cells cultured in the SS group was significantly lower than that of the other treatment groups (p<0.01). The population of apoptotic and necrotic cells in the SS group was significantly higher than that of either the control or the pFF group (p<0.01). The number of embryos that cleaved (p<0.05) and developed into blastocysts (p<0.01) in the SS group was significantly lower than that of either the control or the pFF group. Compared to other groups, the blastocysts produced from the donor cells in the pFF group had higher total cells and lower apoptotic cells (p<0.05). It can be concluded that pFF supplementation in the donor cell culture medium positively affects cell death, cell cycle and quality of the cloned blastocyst.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.255-260
• /
• 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.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
• /
• v.45 no.3
• /
• pp.493-498
• /
• 2018

There has been widespread warming and a general increase in summer temperatures over the Korean peninsula ($0.5^{\circ}C$/10 years from 2001 to 2010). South Korea is transforming into a subtropical region, and the productivity of livestock is affected by the climatic changes. In this study, we investigated whether the summer heat waves affect the developmental competency of Korean native cattle (Hanwoo), a taurine type of cattle with a small portion of indicine varieties. We collected oocytes during the summer (heat stress, HS) and autumn (non-HS condition) and examined the developmental competencies including in vitro maturation and preimplantation embryo development. No significant differences were observed between the HS and non-HS oocytes in nuclear maturation (extrusion of the polar body); however, the cleavage and blastocyst rates were significantly lower in the HS group than those in the non-HS group. The lower developmental competence of the HS oocytes compared to the non-HS is, in part, due to insufficient cytoplasmic maturation because of a higher production of Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels as well as peri/cortical distributed mitochondria in the HS oocytes after in vitro maturation. Next, we examined the ROS and mitochondria distribution and found a significant increase in the levels of ROS in the HS oocytes and a polarized distribution (pericortical cytoplasm) of mitochondria in the HS oocytes. In summary, impaired cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes from exposure to HS affects the preimplantation embryo development by dysfunction of mitochondria. To improve reproductive performance, embryo transfer using cryopreserved embryos/oocytes is recommended in the hot summer season of South Korea.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
• /
• v.31 no.2
• /
• pp.61-69
• /
• 2007

This study was designed to evaluate effects of BSA, PVA, gonadotropins and follicle shell during IVM of porcine oocytes and subsequent development to the blastocyst stage after IVF. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were cultured in TCM-199 media containing 4 mg/ml BSA and 1 mg/ml PVA during IVM for 44 hr. To compare the effect of gonadotropins on oocyte maturation, COCs were cultured with FSH+LH, FSH, LH and FSH-LH-free media during IVM. respectively. Also, different number of follicle shells (0, 2, 4 and 6) was used to examine whether the presence of follicle shell in culture medium affects oocyte maturation. The percentages of fertilization and blastocyst formation, respectively, were higher in the medium containing the PVA (49.0 and 17.9%) than those containing the BSA (40.0 and 12.2%). Significantly higher rates of Mil oocytes were in the presence of FSH+LH and FSH (88.6 and 85.1 %) compared to other treatments (64.0 and 53.4% at LH and FSH-LH-free media). Co-culture with inverted follicle shells in 2 ml maturation medium enhanced the developmental competence of porcine oocytes. In conclusion, PVA could be used as a macromolecules instead of BSA, and FSH and follicle shell played important roles in maturation of porcine oocytes.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.20 no.4
• /
• pp.1-23
• /
• 2007

Purpose: These experiments were undertaken to evaluate the effect of Onpoeum on ovarian functions and differential gone expressions related with cell viabilities caspase-3, MAPK and MPG in female mice. Methods: We administered the Onpoeum to 6-week-old female ICR mice for 4, 8, or 12 days. With different concentration of Onpoeum, the female mice were injected PMSG and hCG for ovarian hyperstimulation. The mice divided into 3 different groups for each experiment. We chose the Caspase-3 for cell apoptosis, MAPK and MPG genes for cell viability and DNA repair. Results: In case of 4, 8, 12 day of Onpoeum, we were examined the mean number of total ovulated oocytes and the number of morphologically normal oocytes. We were also examined the embryonic developmental competence in vitro. In audition we were examined the differential expression of cell apoptosis, viability and DNA repair related genes, Caspase-3, MAPK and MPG according to concentration and duration of Onpoeum. From these results showed that the administration of Onpoeum played a role of prevention of cell apoptosis and DNA damages and also increased cell proliferation resulted in ovarian functions. Conclusion: It is suggested that the medication of Onpoeum may have beneficial effect on reproductive functions of female mice via prevention of cell apoptosis and DNA damaging and promotion of cell proliferation.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.21 no.1
• /
• pp.257-266
• /
• 2008

Purpose: These experiments were undertaken to evaluate the effect of Onpoeum on ovarian functions and differential gene expressions related with cell viabilities caspase-3, MAPK and MPG in female mice. Methods: We administered the Onpoeum to 6-week-old female ICR mice for 4, 8, or 12 days. With different concentration of Onpoeum, the female mice were injected PMSG and hCG for ovarian hyperstimulation. The mice divided into 3 different groups for each experiment. We chose the Caspase-3 for cell apoptosis, MAPK and MPG genes for cell viability and DNA repair. Results: In case of 4, 8, 12 day of Onpoeum, we were examined the mean number of total ovulated oocytes and the number of morphologically normal oocytes. We were also examined the embryonic developmental competence in vitro. In addition we were examined the differential expression of cell apoptosis, viability and DNA repair related genes, Caspase-3, MAPK and MPG according to concentration and duration of Onpoeum. From these results showed that the administration of Onpoeum played a role of prevention of cell apoptosis and DNA damages and also increased cell proliferation resulted in ovarian functions. Conclusions: It is suggested that the medication of Onpoeum may have beneficial effect on reproductive functions of female mice via prevention of cell apoptosis and DNA damaging and promotion of cell proliferation.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
• /
• v.36 no.3
• /
• pp.141-145
• /
• 2012

The present study was conducted to develop a simple method for porcine oocyte maturation without $CO_2$ regulation. In experiment 1, we evaluated that the effect of $CO_2$ non-supplement on porcine oocyte maturation. Cumulusoocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from 2~6 mm follicles and divided into three groups (Control, tube-$CO_2$, and tube-non-$CO_2$). For control, COCs were cultured in 4-well multidish in a $CO_2$ incubator. For tube-$CO_2$, COCs were cultured in a round-bottom tube in a $CO_2$ incubator, and for tube-non-$CO_2$, COCs were cultured in a round-bottom tube sealed tightly without $CO_2$ supplement in a dry incubator. The proportion of oocytes reached to metaphase II (M-II) was not significantly different among three groups (87.9% to 91.4%). In experiment 2, we evaluated the effect of $CO_2$ non-supplement during oocyte maturation on development of embryos. Oocytes with a polar body were divided into two groups (Control and tube-non-$CO_2$) and applied 1.1 kV/cm or 1.2 kV/cm voltages for parthenogenetic activation. After activation, embryos were cultured for 6 days and examined the development. The proportion of embryos cleaved was not significantly different among treatment (86.3% to 91.5%). The proportion of embryo reached to blastocyst stage was not significantly different among treatment (13.9% to 25.2%). The cell number of blastocysts was not significantly different among treatment (29.0 to 32.4). In conclusion, oocytes cultured in a dry incubator without $CO_2$ supplement have enough competence to development after parthenogenetic activation. These results would be useful for transporting oocytes or embryos a long distance.