• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.323-333
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• 2009

Parabens are alkyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, which are widely used in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutic products as preservatives. Absorbed parabens are metabolized fastly and excreted. Actually human body is exposed to complex mixture of parabens. Safety assessment at various toxicological end points revealed parabens have a little acute, subacute and chronic toxicities. Some reports have argued that as parabens have estrogenic activity, they are associated with the incidence of breast cancer through dermal absorption by cosmetics. There is an inference that antiandrogenic activity of parabens may give rise to a lesion of male reproductive system, but also there is an contrary. At cellular level, parabens may inhibit mitochondrial function of sperms and androgen production in testis, but also there is an contrary. Parabens seem to have little or no toxicity in embryonic development. Parabens can cause hemolysis, membrane permeability change in mitochondria and apoptosis, suggesting cellular toxicity of parabens. Parabens evoked endocrine disruption in several fish species and have toxic effect on small invertebrates and microbes. Therefore, the toxicity of parabens should be considered as a potentially toxic chemical in the freshwater environment. In conclusion, though parabens may be considered as a low toxic chemical, more definite data are required concerning the endocrine disrupting effect of parabens on human body and aquatic animals according to route and term of exposure as well as the residual concentration of parabens.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.209-214
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• 2011

Endometrium undergoing hormonal change plays important roles in preparation for implantation, fetal growth, and well-being. During pregnancy, cellular remodeling and hormonal changes in endometrium could change two-pore domain K$^+$ channel (K$_{2P}$) expression. This study was performed to identify whether K$_{2P}$ channel expression is changed in endometrium of pregnant Korean cattle, and whether the expression level is modulated by progesterone treatment. We investigated changes in the mRNA and protein expressions of K$_{2P}$ channel in pregnant endometrium using RT-PCR and Western blot analyses. The expression levels of all K$_{2P}$ channel mRNAs tested in this study, except that of TREK-1, were changed in the pregnant endometrium. mRNA levels of TASK-3 and TRAAK were significantly down-regulated, whereas those of TREK-2 and TRESK were up-regulated in the pregnant endometrium. In parallel with the RT-PCR results, Western blot analysis revealed up-regulations of TREK-2 (7.9-fold) and TRESK (2-fold) proteins levels in the pregnant endometrium. In addition, TREK-2 and TRESK protein levels were up-regulated in bovine endometrial cells by progesterone treatment (10 ${\mu}g$/ml). From these results, we suggest that the up-regulation of TREK-2 and TRESK by progesterone may contribute to the regulation of physiological changes during pregnancy.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2013

COP9 signalosome (CSN), which is originally identified as the regulator of the photomorphogenic development in plant, is highly conserved protein complex in diverse eukaryotic organisms. Most eukaryotic CSN complex is composed of 8 subunits, which is structurally and functionally similar to the lid subunit of 26S proteasome and eIF3 translation initiation complex. CSN play important functions in the regulation of cell cycle and checkpoint response by controlling Cullin-Ring E3 ubiquitin ligases (CRL) activities. CSN exhibits an isopeptidase activity which cleaves the neddylated moiety of cullin components. In fission yeast, S-phase cell cycle progression was delayed and the sensitivity to g-ray or UV was increased in CSN1 and CSN2 deletion mutants, indicating that yeast CSN is also involved in the checkpoint regulation. CSN in fungal system more closely resembles that of the higher organisms in the structure and assembly of their components. Functionally, CSN is associated with the regulation of conidiation rhythms in Neurospora crassa and the sexual development in Aspsergillus nidulans. Recent studies also revealed that CSN functions as an essential cell cycle regulator, playing key roles in the regulation of DNA replication and DNA damage response in Aspergillus. Overall, CSN of microorganisms, such as fission yeast and fungi, share functionally common aspects with higher organisms, implying that they can be useful tools to study the role of CSN in the CRL-mediated diverse cellular activities.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.49-55
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• 2004

Aquaporins(AQPs) are a family of transmembrane water channel proteins that are widely distributed in various tissues throughout the body and play a major role in Oanscellular and Oansepithelial water movement. Uterine endometrium undergoes recurrent uterine stromal edema in response to hormonal stimuli, however, the mechanism regulating the fluid transport during the estrous cycle has not been fully understood. To investigate the possible role of AQPs in water movement in uterus during the estrous cycle, expression patterns of AQP -1, -3, -4, -5, -8, and -9 UMh in mouse uterus were analyzed by using semiquantitative reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction(RT-nR). We employed a combination of laser capture microdissection(LCM) and RT-PCR to examine the expression patterns in specific uterine cell types luminal epithelial cells(LE) and stromal cells(S). Our results showed that the level of AQP-4 mRNA was significantly increased while the level of AQP-3 mRNA was significantly decreased during the proestous through the estrus stage. In addition LCM revealed that AQP-4 and -8 mRNAs were highly expressed in LE compared with S. Taken together, these results suggest that AQPs may have an important function in physiological changes of mouse uterus during the estrous cycle.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.107-112
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• 2008

To investigate the $C_{21}$-steroids produced from maturating oocytes in the longchin goby, Chasmichthys dolichognathus, the oocytes ($0.74{\sim}0.97\;mm$) were incubated with radiolabeled $17{\alpha}$-hydroxyprogesterone ($^3H-17{\alpha}OHP$) for 24 hours. The resulting metabolites were analyzed by thin layer chromatography and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Two $C_{21}$-steroids, $17{\alpha}$-hydroxy, $20{\alpha}$-dihydroprogesterone ($17{\alpha}20{\alpha}P$) and $17{\alpha}$-hydroxy, $20{\beta}$-dihydroprogesterone ($17{\alpha}20{\beta}P$), were converted from $^3H-17{\alpha}OHP$ in the maturing oocytes. These two main metabolites were detected at 0.80 mm diameter oocytes or greater. In addition, the effects of these metabolites on in vitro germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) were tested. The sensitivity of oocytes to the induction of GVBD was greater at $17{\alpha}20{\beta}P$ than $17{\alpha}20{\alpha}P$. This result showed that $17{\alpha}20{\beta}P$ is a major maturation inducing steroid (MIS) in longchin goby, suggesting $17{\alpha}20{\alpha}P$ may play a role in regulating the oocyte maturation process.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.115-121
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• 2010

The in vitro effects of nonylphenol (NP) and 2,2',4,6,6'-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB104) on ovarian steroidogenesis of the ribbed gunnel, Dictyosoma burgeri were investigated. Oocytes taken during maturation stage were incubated with 100 ng/$m{\ell}$ of NP and PCB104 in the presence of exogenous precursor, $[^3H]-17{\alpha}$-hydroxyprogesterone ($[^3H]-17{\alpha}OHP$). Steroids were extracted from the media and the isolated oocytes, and the extracts were separated and identified by thin layer chromatography. The identities of the major metabolites were testosterone (T) and estradiol-$17{\beta}$ (E2). NP treatment inhibited production of E2 metabolite in the oocytes of 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4 mm although NP inhibited production of T metabolite at the oocytes of 1.1, 1.3 and 1.4 mm. PCB104 treatment inhibited production of T metabolite in the oocytes of all groups and E2 metabolite in the oocytes of 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4 mm. In conclusion, these results suggested that NP and PCB104 had an inhibitory effects on conversion of $[^3H]-17{\alpha}OHP$ to T and E2 during the oocyte maturation process of ribbed gunnel.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.79-86
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• 2001

Objective: Mouse pre-antral follicles require the addition of gonadotropins (Gns) to complete maturation and ovulation of oocyte and antrum formation in vitro. However, we tried examination of in vitro growth of mouse pre-antral follicles in medium without Gns and/or phygiological factors. And also, pre-antral follicles were isolated from ovaries by mechanical method. Our present studies were conducted to evaluate on the growth of follicles and intra-follicular oocytes and antrum formation in vitro of mouse pre-antral follicles in two different media. Methods: Pre-antral follicles ($91{\sim}120{\mu}m$) were isolated mechanically by fine 30G needles not using enzymes from ovaries of 3-6 week-old female ICR mice. Isolated pre-antral follicles were cultured in $20{\mu}l$ droplets of TCM (n=17; follicles: $107.8{\pm}1.58{\mu}m$; oocytes: $57.9{\pm}1.2{\mu}m$) or MEM (n=12; follicles: $109.3{\pm}2.53{\mu}m$; oocytes: $55.4{\pm}1.6{\mu}m$) under mineral oil on the 60 mm culture dish. All experimental media was supplemented with 10% FBS without Gns and/or physiological factors. Pre antral follicles were individually cultured for 8 days. Antram formation and growth of pre-antral follicles and intra-follicular oocytes were evaluated using precalibrated ocular micrometer at X200 magnifications during in vitro culture. Results were analyzed using combination of Student's t-test and Chi-square, and considered statistically significant when p<0.05. Results: Antrum formation had started in two culture media on day 2. On day 8, antrum formation had occurred in 58.3% of pre-antral follicles cultured in DMEM, but only in 23.5% of those cultured in TCM (p=0.0364). Growth of pre-antral follicles and intra-follicular oocytes were observed on day 4 and 8. On day 4, follicular diameter was similar (p=0.1338) in TCM ($119.4{\pm}2.58{\mu}m$) and MEM ($125.4{\pm}4.52{\mu}m$). However, on day 8, diameters of pre-antral follicles cultured in MEM ($168.9{\pm}17.29{\mu}m$) were significantly bigger (p=0.0248) than that in TCM ($126.7{\pm}4.28{\mu}m$). On day 4 and 8, diameters of intra-follicular oocytes were similar in TCM ($67.1{\pm}1.3$ and $72.4{\pm}0.9{\mu}m$) and MEM ($65.2{\pm}1.7$ and $73.3{\pm}1.5{\mu}m$), respectively. Conclusion: We can conform that medium without Gns and/or physiological factors can be used for in vitro antrum formation and growth of pre-antral follicles and intra-follicular oocytes in mouse. In conclusion, MEM supplemented with FBS can be used for growth in vitro of mouse pre-antral follicles isolated mechanically.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.159-166
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• 2002

연구목적: 본 연구에서는 생쥐 Dazla 유전자의 난소내 발현 위치를 확인하고, 배아의 발달에 따른 Dazla 유전자의 발현 양상을 관찰하고자 하였다. 연구재료 및 방법: 임신 제 7일, 10일, 11일, 14일의 태자 (각각 n=9)와 생후 27일된 암컷 미성숙 생쥐 (n=32), 8주령의 암컷 성숙 생쥐 (n=9)로 부터 난자, 과립막세포, 난소 조직을 획득하였으며, 9주령의 수컷 성숙 생쥐 (n=3)로부터 고환 조직을 획득하였다. 각각의 획득된 조직과 세포에서 Dazla mRNA의 발현 여부를 RT-PCR, in situ hybridization (ISH) 방법 등으로 확인하였다. 성선자극호르몬을 투여하지 않은 미성숙 및 성숙 생쥐에서 획득한 미성숙 난자 (GV)와 PMSG와 hCG를 투여한 미성숙 및 성숙 생쥐에서 획득한 성숙 난자 (MII)에서 RT-PCR로 Dazla 유전자의 발현 여부를 확인하였다. 미성숙 및 성숙 생쥐의 난소 조직과 성숙 생쥐의 고환 조직에서 RT-PCR 및 ISH 방법으로 Dazla 유전자의 발현 여부를 확인하였다. 결 과: 난소의 과립막세포에서는 미성숙 및 성숙 생쥐, PMSG와 hCG 투여 여부 등과 상관없이 모두 Dazla 유전자의 발현은 음성으로 판정되었다. PMSG 및 hCG를 투여하지 않은 난소에서 획득한 미성숙난자 (germinal vesicle, GV) 또는 PMSG 및 hCG 투여 후 채취한 성숙 난자 (metaphase II, MII) 모두 Dazla 유전자가 발현되었다. Dazla 유전자의 발현은 수정 직후 (2PN) 음성으로 전환되었으며, 착상 직전의 배반포 시기까지 유전자 발현이 음성으로 지속되었다. Dazla 유전자는 임신 제 7일 (PCD 7), 10일 (PCD 10), 11일 (PCD 11)의 태자에서도 유전자 발현이 계속 음성으로 관찰되었으나, 성 분화가 일어나기 시작하는 임신 제 $12{\sim}14$일 (PCD $12{\sim}14$)의 태자에서 유전자 발현이 다시 관찰되었다. 결 론: Dazla 유전자는 난소 내 난자에서만 특이적으로 발현하는 난자 특이 유전자 (oocyte specific factor)로서 Dazla 유전자가 난소 내 난포 생성과 관련성이 있음을 제시하고 있다. 향후 조기 폐경 환자에서의 연관성 등을 확인한다면 임상적으로 유용한 지표가 될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.121-130
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• 1994

Expression of gonadotropin releasing hormone(GnRH) has been described in the rat ovary. It remains, however, unkown whether GnRH is synthesized as a prohormone. Therefore, this study was performed to verify the expression of pro-GnRH by in situ hybridization and further to investigate the effect of gonadotropin on GnRH or GnRH mRNA in rat ovary by immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization techniques. Adult female Sprague-Dawely rats were used and the estrous cycle was synchronized by intraperitoneal injection of pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin(PMSG). Ovaries were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde and embedded with G.C.T. compound and cut by cryostat. For immunohistochemistry, avidin-biotin peroxidase complex(ABS) method was employed and for in situ hybridization, $^{35}S$-end labeled oligonucleotide was used and followed by autoradiography. By in situ hybridization using GnRH oligomer and GAP(GnRH associated protein) oligomer, GnRH mRNA and GAP mRNA were co-localized in the fullicular cells, luteal cells, interstitial cells and theca cells. GnRH or GnRH mRNA signals in the ovary increased by human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG) injection. At the 3 and 6 hrs after hCG injection, the number of GnRH and GnRH mRNA containing cells increased rapidly and the density of GnRH and GnRH mRHA culminated at 9 hrs after heG injection. With the follicular development, the high expression of GnRH and GnRH mRNA was also observed within the follicles. After ovulation, the density of GnRH or GnRH mRNA decreased in the follicles but increased in the corpus lutea.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.16-23
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• 1987

The cyprinid loach, Misgurnus mizolepis $G\ddot{u}nther$, a freshwater teleost, is a member of the family Cobitidae and is known to distribute in Korea and China. This fish is considered to be an excellent food fish in Korea. This report is a description of the gross morphology of the embryos and larvae up to the development of juvenile period of life. The eggs were obtained by injecting gonadotropin and fertilized by wet method in the laboratory on July 10 in 1986. The inseminated eggs were rinsed with tap water and incubated at $25^{\circ}C$. Live, freshly laid eggs were separative, demersal, adhesive, light yellow and average 1.1mm in diameter. The hatching took place in about yellow and average 1.1mm in diameter. The hatching took place in about 24 hours after fertilization. The newly hatched larvae were average 2.7 mm in total length possessing yolk sac and 35-36 myotomes. Ten hours after hatching, the prelarvae attained 3.5 mm in total length. The first heart pulse and melanophores at the side of the body were observed at this stage. Yolk sac was completely reserved at four days after hatching. The larvae that was cultured 24 days after hatching, 15.4-16.4 mm in total length, entered the juvenile period of life. All the un rays were already peresent; D. III 6, A. III, 5, P.10, V. 4-5, C.14.