• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.395-406
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• 1994

To study the conditions to enhance success of embryo transfer in the dog, 20 mixed-breed bitches were used for the experiment along with 4 male dogs for mating. The bitches were paired according to synchronism of natural estrus, or the counterpart as donor or recipient was treated with gonadotropin as FSH (follicular stimulating hormone) or PMSG (pregnant mare serum gonadotropin) for induction of estrus to be synchronized with estrus of the other bitch in natural estrus. Embryo recovery was performed in two ways for comparison, either by flushing each uterine horn after ovariohysterectomy or by flushing each horn in the state of non-ovariohysterectomy. In addition, the result of pregnancy according to the embryo stage and the repeatability of the experimental animals as donor or recipient were also investigated. FSH or PMSG was administered to the bitches which had passed over 4 months from last estrus, resulting in estrus-positive in 3 dogs of 6 FSH-treated dogs (50.0%), and in 5 dogs of 9 PMSG-treated dogs (55.6%), determined by proestrus signs and vaginal smear test. Estrus-positive bitches induced with gonadotropin were used as donor or recipient resulting in one embryo-recovered bitch as donor and one offspring-delivered bitch as recipient in 5 PMSG-treated dogs, whereas no result was obtained from 3 FSH-treated dogs. The rate of embryo recovery to be compared with number of corpus luteum was 68.2% in ovariohysterectomized dogs and 55.2% in non-ovariohysterectomized dogs, respectively. The number of dogs from which embryo was collected were 4 dogs of 6 ovariohysterectomized dogs (66.7%) and 6 dogs of 7 non-ovariohysterectomized dogs (85.7%), respectively. The result of parturition was obtained from one dog of 5 estrus-induced recipients, whereas no result was obtained from 3 natural-estrus recipients. The only dog which delivered a male puppy had been transferred 3 morulae and 2 blastocysts. Of 6 repeat-used bitches in canine embryo transfer, 3 dogs showed repeatability either as donor or recipient. These results indicated that inducing estrus of a dog with gonadotropin is feasible in canine embryo transfer to be synchronized with that of a natural-estrus dog, that embryo recovery is also possible in non-hysterectomized dogs, that the estrus-induced dog is also usable as recipient to result in parturition, and that repeat-use of a bitch as donor or(and) recipient is possible in canine embryo transfer.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.265-274
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• 1997

The purpose of this study was attempted to investigate the a, pp.arences of healthy or artretic follicles in ovaries following repeats of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin(PMSG) treatments for superovulation in nulliparous rats. Thirty two rats(Sprague-Dawely, about 200-250 gm) were randomized into 4 groups. Control group rats were sacrified at estrus phase confirmed by vaginal smear. PMSG-treated group 1 rats, PMSG-treated group 2 rats and PMSG-treated group 3 rats were sacrified at 48 hrs after injection once with PMSG 25 IU, after 2 repeated injection by a week interval, and 3 repeated injection, respectively. The ovaires of rats were removed and then sections by paraffin embedding were stained with H-E or immunohistochemical staining using proliferating cell nuclear antigen monoclonal antibody (PCNA m Ab) and apoptotic kit. The criteria of follicle classification was based as small follicles with preantral follicles with 2~4 layers of granulosa cells surrounding the oocyte, as secondary follicles with more than 5 layers of granulosa cells and early signs of antral cavity or with small clefts on either side of the oocytes, and as tirtiary follicles with a single medium sized antral cavity or large well-formed antral cavity, respectively. The proportions of atretic follicles from small and middle follicles in immunohistochemical staining using PCNA m Ab were 17.9% and 21.3% in control group, 15.5% and 23.5% in PMSG-treated group 1, 24.3% and 26.7% in PMSG-treated group 2, 18.1% and 30.2% in PMSG-treated group 3, respectively. Groups with atretic follicles of higher proportion were ordered as PMSG-treated group 3, PMSG-treated group 2, PMSG-treated group 1 and control group. The proportions of positive cells in small, middle and large follicles were 31.1%, 33.5% and 28.5% respectively. The follicles with positive cells of higher proportion were ordered middle, small and large follicles. In immunohischemical staining using apoptotic kits, small follicles in all 4 groups did not contain positive cells, and proportions of atretic follicles from middle and large follicles were 24.9, 30.7, 33.8 and 40.1% in control, PMSG-treated gruop 1, PMSG-treated group 2 and PMSG-treated group 3, respectively. These results suggested that repeats of PMSG treatment increased proportion of atretic follicles in ovaries, and middle follicles are more quickly developing than small or large follicles.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Embryo Transfer Conference
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• 2002.11a
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• pp.92-92
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• 2002

Considerable attention has been focused on the cryopreservation of semen and estrus induction in dog, as consequence of poor productivity caused by long anestrus period, in order to enhance the productivity of youngs and to preserve the breeds. The objectives of this study were to evaluate semen quality after cryopreservation and to evaluate the Pregnancy rate after insemination (AI). Fifty infertilie dogs (age 2∼3 years) were selected for the study and divided into three different estrus induction treatment groups. Group 1: dogs (n=15) were given clomifene (0.1 mg/kg) orally for five days at 12 hr intervals. Group 2: dogs (n=15) were given bromocriptine (50 $\mu\textrm{g}$/kg) orally for five days at 12 hr intervals, followed by single injection intravenously of 500 IU GnRH (Group 3, n=20) when pro-estrus occurred. The rates of pregnancy in estrus inducted dogs mated naturally compared to those inseminated artificially with ejaculated fresh semen and frozen-thawed semen. Estrus detection was performed using the method of vaginal smear and confirmed by the plasma progesterone assay. The ejaculated semen to freeze was exposed to a mixture of Tris extender with cryoprotectant (Trisma, 81 mM: TES, 209 mM: citric acid, 6 mM; glucose, 5 mM; glycerol, 8%) and cryopreserved gradually by slow-cooling at 17 cm above the surface of liquid nitrogen (LN$_2$) for 23 min. The motility of frozen-thawed spermatozoa was assessed by phase-contrast microscopy. To assess their viability and acrosome content, spermatozoa were stained with a vital stain and Fluorescence conjugated lectin Pisum Savitum Agglutinin (FITC/PAS), respectively. Pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasonograpy on day 25, 35 and 55 post insemination. The use of fresh semen, the pregnancy rates were observed 66.6, 66.6, 75.0 and 83.3% in natural estrus, clomifene induced, bromocriptine induced and a combination of GnRH and bromocriptine, respectively. The use of frozen-thawed semen, the pregnancy rates were observed 66.6, 33.3, 50.0 and 60.0% in natural estrus, clomifene induced, bromocriptine induced and a combination of GnRH and bromocriptine, respectively. No difference was observed in the number of offspring produced among natural estrus and treated groups inseminated with fresh or frozen-thawed semen. In conclusion, the pregnancy rate of dogs treated with a combination of GnRH and bromocriptine was more effective than use of clomifene or bromocriptine only. In addition, frozen-thawed semen can be used successfully far artificial insemination in dog.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.330-336
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• 2005

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of bisphenol A (BPA), an estrogen-like environmental endocrine disrupter, on the placental function and reproduction in rats. The mRNA levels of the placental prolactin-growth hormone(PRL-GH) gene family, placental trophoblast cell frequency and reproductive data were analyzed. Methods : The pregnancies of F344 Fisher rats ($160g{\pm}20g$) were detected by the presence of the copulatory plug or sperm in the vaginal smear, which marked Day 0 of pregnancy. Pregnant rats were divided into three groups. The control group was intraperitoneally injected with a sesame oil vehicle. The two remaining groups were injected with 50 or 500 mg/kg B.W/day of BPA, resuspended in sesame oil, on either days 7 to 11 or 16 to 20 of pregnancy, with the rats sacrificed on either day 11 or 20, respectively. The mRNA levels of PRL-GH and Pit-1a and b isotype genes were analyzed by Northern blot hybridization and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The hormone concentrations were analyzed by radioimmunoassay, and the frequency of the placental trophoblast cells observed by a histochemical study. Reproductive data, such as the placental weight and litter size, were surveyed on day 20. The fetal weight was surveyed for 4 weeks after birth. A statistical analysis was carried out using the SAS program (version 8.1). Results : The mRNA levels of the PRL-GH gene family, such as placental lactogen I, Iv and II, prolactin like protein A, C and Cv, and decidual prolactin-related protein were significantly reduced due to BPA exposure. The mRNA levels of the Pit-1a and b isotype genes, which induce the expression of the PRL-GH gene family in the rat placenta, were also reduced due to BPA exposure. The PL-Iv and PL-II concentrations were reduced in the BPA exposed group. During the middle to last stage of pregnancy (Days 11-20), a high dose of BPA exposure reduced the frequency of spongiotrophoblast cells, which are responsible for the secretion of the PRL-GH hormones. Reproductive data, such as the placental and fetal weights and the litter size, were reduced, but that of the pregnancy period was extended in the BPA exposed compared to the control group. Conclusions : BPA disrupts the placental functions in rats, which leads to reproductive disorders.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.157-165
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• 2004

Objectives : This study aimed to investigate the toxic effects of chromium (VI) on the placental function and reproduction in rats. For the study, the placental prolactin-growth hormone (PRL-GH) gene expression, placental trophoblast cell differentiation and reproductive data were analyzed. Methods : The pregnancies of F344 Fisher rats were checked by the presence of a copulatory plug or sperm in the vaginal smear, which was defined as day 0 of the pregnancy. Pregnant rats were divided into the three groups. The control group was given tap water (chromium level < 0.001 ppm) and the remaining groups were given 250 or 750 ppm of chromium (VI) [as potassium dichromate], from day 7 to 19 of the pregnancy. Rats were sacrificed at days 11 and 20 of pregnancy. The mRNA levels of PRL-GH and Pit-1a and b isotype genes were analyzed by Northern blot hybridization and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The hormonal concentration was analyzed by radioimmunoassay, and the differentiation of placental trophoblast cells were observed by histochemical studies. Reproductive data, such as placental and fetal weights, pregnancy period, and litter size, were surveyed at day 20 of pregnancy and after birth. A statistical analysis was carried out using the SAS program (version 8.1). Results : The mRNA levels of the prolactin-growth hormone (PRL-GH) family of genes were dose dependently reduced by chromium exposure. The mRNA levels of Pit-1a and b isotype genes that induce the expression of the PRL-GH family of genes were also reduced by chromium exposure. The PRL-GH hormonal concentration in the rat placenta, fetus and maternal blood were decreased by chromium exposure. In the middle stage of pregnancy (day 11), a high dose of chromium suppressed the differentiation of spongiotrophoblast cells that secret the PRLGH hormones. In the last stage of pregnancy (day 20), a high dose of chromium induced apoptosis of placental cells. Reproductive data, such as placental and fetal weights, litter size, were reduced, but the pregnancy period was extended in the group exposed to chromium compared with the controls. Conclusion : Chromium (VI) disrupts the ordered functions of the placenta, which leads to reproductive disorders in rats.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.255-264
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• 1997

The purpose of this study was attempted to investigate the number changes of the growing and mature follicles in ovary following repeats of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin(PMSG) treatments for superovulation in nulliparous rats. Thirty two rats(Sprague-Dawely, about 200~250 gm) were randomized into 4 groups. Control group rats were sacrified at estrus phase confirmed by vaginal smear. PMSG-treated group 1 rats, PMSG-treated group 2 rats and PMSG-treated group 3 rats were sacrified at 48 hrs after injection once with PMSG 25 IU, after 2 repeated injection by a week interval, and 3 repeated injection, respectively. The uteri and ovaries of rats were removed and weighed and then were observed grossly and serial sections of all ovaries and some sections of uteri by paraffin embedding were stained with H-E. Number of ovarian follicles about 3 grades of small, middle and large follicles from seondary and follicles were investigated by LM photographies of ovary preparations. The criteria of the small, middle, and large follicles were based as small follicle with preantral follicles with 2~4 layers of granulosa cells surrounding the oocyte, as secondary follicles with more than 5 layers of granulosa cells and early signs of antral cavity or with small clefts on either side of the oocytes, and as tirtiary follicles with a single medium sized antral cavity or large well-formed antral cavity, respectively. In gross findings, the wall of the uteri in control group were thin, and those in 3 PMS-treated group were markedly thickened and some uterine lumen of those filled with fluid. In histological findings, the walls of the uteri from 3 PMSG-treated groups were hypertrophied and their blood and lymph vessels were dilated than those of control group. The ovaries fo 3 PMSG-treated groups were more increased in size and the cortexes were more developed and increased in width but there are no difference of development and changes in 3 PMSG-treated groups. The weight of the uteri and ovaries per rat in PMSG -treated group 1, 2 and 3 were a, pp.ared to be significantly increased 171.4$\pm$47.6%, 162.3$\pm$43.9%, 206.9$\pm$30.4%, respectively than those of control groups. The mean number of follicle per ovary in control group were a, pp.ared to be 17.1$\pm$3.5, 46.2$\pm$14.5, and 74.3$\pm$22.7 at large, middle and small follicles, respectively and total number of these 3 grade follicles per ovary were a, pp.ared to be 137.7$\pm$31.7. The mean number of follicle per ovary in PMSG-treated group 1 were a, pp.ared to be 25.6$\pm$7.3, 78.1$\pm$29.9, and 83.2$\pm$34.0, at large, middle and small follicles, respectively and total number of these 3 grade follicles were a, pp.ared to be 187.5$\pm$58.8. The mean number of follicle per ovary in PMS-treated group 2 were a, pp.ared to be 21.9$\pm$5.2, 67.8$\pm$16.8, and 68.0$\pm$14.9 at large, middle and small follicles, respectively and total number of these 3 grade follicles were a, pp.ared to be 157.7$\pm$26.2. The mean number of follicle per ovary in PMS-treated group 3 were a, pp.ared to be 21.7$\pm$4.8, 61.5$\pm$17.0, and 59.7$\pm$16.2 at large, middle and small follicles, respectively and total number of these 3 grade follicles were a, pp.ared to be 143.5$\pm$29.6. The number of follicles in PMSG-treated group 1 a, pp.ared to be more number than other 2 PMSG-treated gruops and tended to be decreased by frequency of PMSG-treatment.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.61-68
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• 2003

Considerable attention has been focused on the cryopreservation of semen and estrus induction in dog, as consequence of poor productivity caused by long anestrus period, in order to enhance the productivity of youngs and to preserve the breeds. The objectives of this study were to improve reproductive efficiency of artificial insemination with fresh- and frozen-semen following estrus induction in dog. Fifty infertilie dogs (age 2~3 years) were selected fur the study and divided into three different estrus induction treatment groups. Group 1 : dogs (n=15) were given clomifene (0.1 mg/kg) orally f3r five days at 12 hr intervals. Croup 2: dogs (n=15) were given bromocriptine (50 $\mu$g/kg) orally for five days at 12 hr intervals, followed by single injection intravenously of 500 IU GnRH (Croup 3, n=20) when pro-estrus occurred. After being treated, the dogs were evaluated fur the rates of estrus induction and time interval lapses from treatment to beginning of the pro-estrus. The rates of pregnancy in estrus inducted dogs mated naturally compared to those inseminated artificially with ejaculated fresh semen and frozen-thawed semen. Estrus detection was performed using the method of vaginal smear and confirmed by the plasma progesterone assay. Pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasonograpy on day 25, 35 and 55 post insemination. The ejaculated semen was exposed to a mixture of Tris extender with cryoprotectant (Trisma, 81 mM; TES, 209 mM; citric acid, 6 mM; glucose, 5 mM; glycerol, 8%) and cryopreserved gradually by slow-cooling at 17 co above the surface of liquid nitrogen (L$N_2$) for 23 min. The use of fresh semen, the pregnancy rates were observed 66.6, 66.6, 75.0 and 83.3% in natural estrus, clomifene induced, bromocriptine induced and a combination of GnRH and bromocriptine, respectively. The use of frozen-thawed semen, the pregnancy rates were observed 66.6, 33.3, 50.0 and 60.0% in natural estrus, clomifene induced, bromocriptine induced and a combination of GnRH and bromocriptine, respectively. No difference was observed in the number of offspring produced among natural estrus and treated groups inseminated with fresh or frozen-thawed semen. In conclusion, there was no significant differences in the pregnancy rate of dogs between group treated with a combination of GnRH and bromocriptine and group treated clomifene or bromocriptine only. However, frozen-thawed semen can be used successfully fur artificial insemination in dog.