• Journal of Embryo Transfer
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.79-89
• /
• 2001

Steroid hormones control the expression of many cellular regulators, and a role thor estrogen in mouse oocytes has been well documented. The preovulatory $E_2$increment is generally accepted as the endocrine process regulating induction of in vivo oocyte maturation To address whether the activity of the T-type $Ca^{2+}$ channel is altered by 17 beta-estradiol ( $E_2$), we examined the actions of $E_2$on the calcium channel of mouse oocytes and early embryos. Oocrtes were collected from the oviduct of mice treated with pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and human choronic gonadotropin (hCG). Whole cell voltage clamp technique and confocal microscopy were used to examine that $E_2$increase intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration ([C $a^{2+}$]$_{i}$ ) via voltage dependent $Ca^{2+}$ channel (VDC) and estrogen receptor (FSR), and $E_2$concentration by the use of radioimmunoassay (RIA) were examined in mouse. The results obtained were as follows: The peak of $Ca^{2+}$ current induced by $E_2$increased 122% to 1.50$\pm$0.03 nA from 1.23$\pm$0.21 nA (n=15) in the presence of 5 mM extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration ([C $a^{2+}$]$_{o}$ ). The increased $Ca^{2+}$ current was temporally associated with $Ca^{2+}$ transients. The intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ level increased 207%~30 s following the addition of 1${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$ $E_2$(relative fluorescence intensity: 836.4$\pm$131.2 for control, n=10, 1736.4$\pm$192.0 in the presence of $E_2$, n=10). $E_2$increased amplitude of $Ca^{2+}$ current and [C $a^{2+}$]$_{i}$ . $E_2$-induced $Ca^{2+}$ current and $E_2$concentration in blood were showed difference on the stage of embryo. These results suggest that $E_2$modulate $Ca^{2+}$ channel to increase $Ca^{2+}$ influx.$Ca^{2+}$ influx.

• The Journal of Dong Guk Oriental Medicine
• /
• v.9
• /
• pp.139-154
• /
• 2000

This studies were examined in orther to investigate the object and the method of animal experimental papers on medicinal herbs of cancer therapeutic activities from the reported 23 literatures containing anti-cancer effects of medicinal herbs. The results were obtained as follows: 1. The oriental medicinal therapies on cancer were Pujeung(扶正法), Kuesa(祛邪法), Pujeungkuesa(扶正法邪法). 2. The experimental medicinal herbs of cancers therapy were 103 species, which was used for experimental cancer single or combine. Among then, Houttuyniae herba, Polyporus, Manitis squama, Evodiae fructus, Aucklandiae radix and Pharbitidis semen were effective for cancer treatment, while Houttuyniae herba inhibited tumor cells, but not normal cells. Also, Evodiae fructus, Aucklandiae radix and Pharbitidis semen showed strong cytoxicities on 20 different tumor cell lines, whereas Saururi herba seu rhizoma showed cytoxicity against HT-29 cell, melanoma, SK-MEL-5 cell, and Anemarrhenae rhizoma against ovarian tumor cell only, and Schizonepetae herba against HT-29 cell line only with a potent inhivitory activities. 3. P815 cell, Yac-1 cell, Sarcoma 180 cell, K 562 cell, and SNU-1 cells were frequently used as experimental cancer therapy.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.30 no.1
• /
• pp.47-55
• /
• 2003

Objectives: Bok, Bcl-2-related ovarian killer, is a proapoptotic Bcl-2 family protein identified in the ovary based on its dimerization with the antiapoptotic protein Mcl-1. The present study examined the hormonal regulation and localization of Bok messenger RNA levels in the mouse ovary during the follicle development. Methods: The animals were implanted subcutaneously with Silastic brand capsules containing the synthetic estrogen, DES at $21{\sim}23$ days of age. Ovaries were collected $1{\sim}3$ days after implantation for RNA analysis and in situ hybridization. Some mice were removed capsule for $1{\sim}2$ days to induce ovarian follicle apoptosis. Ovaries were also collected from 26 day-old immature mice at various times after treatment with 10 IU PMSG. Some mice received a single intraperitoneal injection of 10 IU hCG to induce ovulation, and ovaries were obtained at different time intervals for Northern blot and in situ hybridization analysis, respectively. Results: Treatment of immature mice with diethylstilbestrol (DES) for $24{\sim}48$ h increased ovarian Bok mRNA levels. Bok mRNA was remained the same levels in mice removed DES for $24{\sim}48$ h to induce apoptosis. High signals of Bok mRNA after DES treatment were detected in granulosa cells of early antral follicles. Treatment of immature mice with PMSG for 12 h increased markedly ovarian Bok mRNA expression which was detected mainly in preantral and atretic follicles. Interestingly, low levels of Bok mRNA were also expressed in granulosa cells of preovulatory follicles. Treatment of PMSGprimed mice with hCG stimulated strongly ovarian Bok mRNA expression at $6{\sim}9$ h. At that time, Bok mRNA was expressed in granulosa cells of atretic and small growing follicles. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that Bok is one of proapoptotic Bcl-2 members expressed in early growing and atretic follicles during the ovarian follicular development. Gonadotropins induce a transient increase of Bok gene expression in granulosa cells of preantral and preovulatory follicles indicating some role in the ovulatory process.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Developmental Biology Conference
• /
• 2003.10a
• /
• pp.117-117
• /
• 2003

체외에서 한우 난포란의 감수분열과 배발달 능력의 획득에는 단백질 합성이 수반되어야 한다. 그러나 이러한 변화와 관련된 연구 보고는 거의 전무한 실정이다. 본 실험은 난자의 핵성숙과 관련된 세포질내 단백질 변화를 파악하기 위하여, 체외성숙 시간에 다른 배발달율과 세포질내 단백질을 비교하여 배발달능력 획득과 관련 있는 단백질을 규명하고자 실시하였다. 한우 난소에서 2-8mm의 가시난포로부터 난포란을 회수하였다. 회수된 난포란은 10% FBS와 호르몬이 첨가된 TCM199 용액에서 18시간 또는 24시간 체외성숙을 실시하였다. 난자 세포질내 단백질 변화는 2D gel electrophoresis를 이용하였고, 유의적인 변화를 나타낸 spot은 peptide mass fingerprinting을 통하여 단백질 동정을 실시하였다. 체외수정은 fer-TALP 용액을, 체외배양은 CR1aa 용액을 배양 3일째까지는 0.3% BSA, 그 이후에는 10% FBS와 난관상피세포를 첨가하여 사용하였다. 통계분석은 t-test를 이용하였다. 난자의 세포질에 대한 이차원전기영동 결과 29개의 단백질 spot들을 확인하였다. 한편 체외성숙 18시간째에 PB가 출현된 난자는 PB가 출현되지 않은 난자에 비하여 15개의 spot에서 유의적인 변화를 나타냈다. 이들 중 4개의 단백질 spot은 낮았고, 11개 spot의 수준은 높은 경향이었다. 체외성숙 18시간째와 24시간째의 배발달율을 조사한 결과 18시간째에서 유의적으로 높은 배반포 발달율을 나타냈다. 그리고 체외성숙 18시간과 24시간째 난자의 세포질내 단백질 spot들의 변화를 비교한 결과 PB가 출현된 난자 세포질에서 단백질의 변화와 유사한 경향이었다. 그러나 2개의 단백질 spot은 상반된 경향을 나타냈다. 따라서 본 실험에서 난자의 핵성숙과 관련 있는 15개의 spot을 확인하였고, 이들 단백질 spot중에서 2개가 배발달 능력과 관련이 있을 것으로 사료된다.보다는 육질등급에 많은 영향을 받는 것으로 판단된다. 한편 육질 1등급에서 배발달율이 낮은 이유는 육질 향상을 목적으로 암소를 비육 하는 경우 발생하는 번식장애와 밀접한 관계가 있는 것으로 사료된다.각각 가장 높았다. 배양 8일째 배반포의 세포수에 있어서 총세포수와 TE 세포수는 차이가 없었으나, ICM 세포수가 l0mg 첨가군에서 가장 높았다. 본 실험 결과에서 체외성숙 배지에 NEAA와 EAA 첨가가 배발달율에는 효과가 없었지만, 첨가농도의 증가에 따라 ICM 세포수가 증가하였다. 한편 체외성숙 배지에 LAH 첨가는 첨가 농도가 높을수록 배발달율은 낮았지만 ICM 세포수는 증가하였다.에 Csk가 관여하고 있음을 알 수 있다. 결론적으로 성적 성숙에 따른 생쥐 정소 내 Src-Csk loop의 발현과 Src kinase 활성의 변동은 정소 내 간충조직, 세정관 상피의 증식 및 기능적 분화 과정을 매개하는 생리적 활성분자 수용체 하위의 신호전달 과정에 Src-Csk loop에 의한 조절가능성을 확인할 수 있었다.rugrene의 향기성분이 주요 성분군으로 확인되었다. 2. 생강나무에서 생강의 향기를 발산하는 성분으로는 $\beta$-myrcene, o-terpinolene, phellandrone, ι-limonene, $\beta$-eudesmol, $\delta$-cadinone, elemol, trans-caryophyllene으로 동정되었으며 그 중에서도 phellandrene, $\beta$-eudesmol이 주된 역할을 하는 성분으로 확인하였다. 유의적인 관련성이 나타났고, 복부 비만의 지표인 허리엉덩이둘레비는 GPT, alkaline phosphatase, 공복시 혈당 및 MCV 등 다양한 건강지표와 관련성을 나타내어 향후 비만에 있어 다양한 혈액 성상의 변화 및 역할규명에 대한 연구가 이루어져야 할 것으로 본다.hat

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
• /
• v.15 no.1
• /
• pp.9-14
• /
• 2000

This experiment was undertaken to investigate the effect of administration of Agyoju or Mokhyang on the maintenance of pregnancy, delivery and sex ratio in the mice in different gestation periods. Adult female mice were administered orally at three different periods, from ovulation to implantation (Exp.1), from post-implantation to organogenesis (Exp.2), and from fetal growth to parturition (Exp.3). In Experiment 1, number of fetus implanted and mean body weight were not significantly different. However, the delivery of male offspring was significantly increased in Agyoju and Mokhyang administrated groups than control group. In Experiment 2, the number of fetuses implanted, live offsprins and their body weight at delivery were significantly increased in the Agyoju administered group than Mokhyang and control groups. In Experiment 3, the number of live offspring and sex ratio were not different in both treatments and control group. However, mean body weight at delivery was significantly increased in both treatment groups than that of control group. These results suggest that 1) Agyoju and Mokhyang have beneficial effects in maintenance of pregnacy, and that 2) The action of unknown component(s) in Agyoju may be related to selection of male spermatozoa for fertilization in vivo, and that 3) the administration of Agyju of Mojhyang during mid-and late-pregnance periods were shown the increment of body weight of live offspring without decrease of litter size.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
• /
• v.42 no.4
• /
• pp.370-381
• /
• 1998

The effect of herbal medicine on osteoporosis was studied using ovariectomized rats as an animal model of Type I osteoporosis and SAM P6 mice as that of Type II. Each traditiona l boiling water extract of Achyranthis Radix, Psoraleae Radix, Rehmanniae Radix Preparat, Corni Fructus and Mycelia of Ganoderma, and systemic water fraction of Astragali Radix was given 5g(dried herbal weight)/kg/day p.o. for 30 days in each group of ovariectomized rats, SAM R1 and SAM P6. The extract of Cervi parvum Cornu was given for 14 days only. One ml of blood was taken by tail vein at day 0, 7, 14, 21 and 30 days after administration of the extract. Plasma levels of alkaline phosphatase, calcium, creatinine,inorganic phosphate, blood urea nitrogen, cortisol, total $T_3\;and\;total\;T_4$ were measured. In ovariectomized rats, administration of Achyranthis Radix or Corni Fructus decreased in alkaline phosphatase and that of Achyranthis Radix or Psoraleae Radix decreased in calcium comparing to the control (p<0.05). The administration of Psoralese Radix decreased in calcium and increased in urea comparing to day o(P<0.05)(Table I). There were not much changes in plasma calcium, inorganic phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase concentrations after uptake of these herbal medicine used in SAM P6(Table III). However, administration of Astragali Radix altered plasma inorganic phosphate and creatinine levels in SAM R1(p<0.01)(Table UU). The administration of Corni Fructus or Psoralease Radix induced the changes in plasma concentrations of cortisol, total $T_3$ and total $T_4$ in Type I(p<0.05) (Table IV). The uptake of Cervi parvum Cornu increased in total $T_3$ concentration and that of Mycelia of Ganodtragali Radix in SAM P6. However, the uptake of Mycelia of Ganoderma induced changes in cortisol and $T_4$ concentrations in SAM R1(p<0.05). Thus, there were significant differences in responses of herbal medicine in different types of osteoporosis.

• 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.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.33 no.3
• /
• pp.189-198
• /
• 2006

Objective: We previously described that Diva is highly expressed in matured metaphase II (MII) oocytes compared to immature germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes in mouse. We report here that the expression of Diva transcript as well as protein is oocyte-specific. To elucidate its physiological role in oocyte, the binding partner(s) of Diva has been identified by using immunoprecipitation (IP) followed by Mass Spectrometry. Methods: NIH/3T3 cells were transiently transfected for 24 h with either empty vector for control or FLAG-tagged mouse Diva construct, and IP was performed with anti-FLAG antibody. The immuno-isolated complexes were resolved by SDS-PAGE on a 12% gel followed by Coomassie Blue staining. For in-gel digestion, 15 bands of interest were excised manually and digested with trypsin. All mass spectra were acquired at a positive reflector mode by a 4700 Proteomics Analyzer (Applied Biosystems, Framingham, MA). Proteins were identified by searching the NCBI nonredundant database using MASCOT Peptide Mass Fingerprint software (Matrixscience, London). Results: Diva-associated complexes were formed in FLAG-tagged mouse Diva-overexpressed NIH/3T3 cells via IP using anti-FLAG-conjugated beads. Among the excised 15 bands, actin and actin-binding proteins such as tropomyosin, tropomodulin 3, and ${\alpha}$-actinin were identified. Binding between Diva and actin or tropomyosin was confirmed by IP followed by Western blot analysis. Both bindings were also detected endogenously in mouse ovaries, indicating that Diva works with actin and tropomyosin. Conclusions: This is the first report that immuno-isolated Diva-associated complexes are related to actin filament of the cytoskeletal system. When we consider the association of Diva with actin and tropomyosin, oocyte-specific Diva may play a role in modulating the cytoskeletal system during oocyte maturation.

• Development and Reproduction
• /
• v.5 no.2
• /
• pp.115-122
• /
• 2001

Production of a mature oocyte is a complex process that requires the close association between oocyte and follicular cells. The present study was conducted to investigate the difference between oocytes with and without close junctional communication with cumulus cells and the involvement of two connexins(CXs) in the interactions. Follicles at different sizes(small: 200～400 ㎛; large:>450 ㎛) were mechanically isolated from PMSG-primed mouse ovaries, and punctured to get cumulus-oocyte complex(COC). Oocytes were released themselves(denuded), with partially attached(partial), or with tightly attached(intact) cumulus cells. Maturation and fertilization capacity of the COCs were measured. Expression of CX 37 and CX 43 was examined by RT-PCR and in situ hybridization. The ratio between intact COC and denude/partial oocytes was 30％(SI) and 70％(SPD) in small follicles, while 55％(LI) and 45％(LPD) in large follicles, respectively. Maturation and fertilization rates of the released oocytes were similar among SI, LPD, LI groups, but those were significantly lower in SPD oocytes. In oocytes, CX 37 was the major CX and CX 43 was not expressed, whereas in the cumulus cells, CX 43 was the major, and CX 37 was the next. Results of the present study suggest that 1) immature oocytes from small follicles with intact cell-to-cell communication with cumulus have the similar quality to that of the oocytes from larger follicles, 2) gap junction between oocyte and cumulus cells may be the heterotypic channel, and 3) we could not explain the difference in the cell-to-cell communication between intact and partial/denuded COCs through the expression of the two CXs.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.27 no.3
• /
• pp.235-243
• /
• 2000

Objective: Our present studies were conducted to examine more effective isolating method of preantral follicles from mouse ovaries. Methods: ICR mice (3-6 weeks old) were sacrificed through cervical dislocation and their ovaries were removed and put into watch glasses containing Hams F-10 supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). Preantral follicles were isolated by three different methods; 1) enzymatical method and 2) mincing method, and 3) scraping method. Enzymatical method was carried out as following. Ovaries were bisected with a pair of fine 30G needles. Bisected ovaries were incubated at $37^{\circ}C$ and 5% $CO_2$ incubator in 2-well dish containing Hams F-10 supplemented with collagenase 600 lU/ml and DNAse 20 lU/ml. After 20 min., follicles were isolated by repeated pipetting. Isolated preantral follicles were collected, and the remnant of tissues was placed in incubator and previous procedure was repeated. Mincing method was carried out with a pair of fine 30G needles attached to 1 ml syringes and minced ovary. Scraping method was carried out with a pair of fine 30G needles and scratched to surface of ovary. The differences between isolating methods were analyzed using Student's t-test and Chi-square. Results were considered statistically significant when ${\rho}$ value was less than 0.05. Results: In handling time, mincing or scraping method ($28{\pm}3.42$ min or $16{\pm}1.58$ min) were significantly (p<0.00001) shorter than enzymatical method ($72{\pm}1.69$ min), and scraping method was significantly (p<0.01) shorter than mincing method. Total number of isolated follicles was significantly (p<0.0001) higher in enzymatical method ($49.8{\pm}3.91$) than in mincing or scraping method ($25.3{\pm}2.33$ or $20.5{\pm}1.75$). Isolated follicles in ${\leq}$90${\mu}m$ were significantly (p<0.005) higher in enzymatical method ($15{\pm}1.71$) than in mincing or scraping method ($7.8{\pm}0.98$ or $8.1{\pm}1.31$). In 91~130 ${\mu}m$, isolated follicles were significantly (p<0.0005) higher in enzymatical method ($33{\pm}3.27$) than in mincing or scraping method ($16.3{\pm}1.82$ or $10.7{\pm}1.38$). In ${\geq}$ 131 ${\mu}m$, isolated follicles were not significantly differences between all groups. In equal sizes, the rate of isolated follicles in ${\leq}$ 90 ${\mu}m$ was highest in scraping method (39.6% vs. enzymatical method: 30.1%, p<0.05; mincing method: 30.9%, p=0.11719, NS). Rate of follicles in $91{\sim}130$ ${\mu}m$ was significantly (p<0.05) lower in scraping method (52.7%) than in enzymatical or mincing method (66.3% or 64.5%). Rate of follicles in ${\geq}$131 ${\mu}m$ was highest in scraping method (8.3% vs. enzymatical or scraping method: 3.6%, p<0.05 or 4.6%, p=0.19053, NS). Conclusions: This study suggests that scraping method is simple and useful for isolation of preantral follicles, because this method reduced handling time and recovered enough follicles. The recovered rate of isolated follicles in diameter of 91 ~ 130 ${\mu}m$ was highest in all methods.