• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
• /
• v.42 no.3
• /
• pp.299-308
• /
• 2002

The purpose of this morphometric study was to obtain detailed quantitative information on all cell types in the testis interstitium of Korean ring-necked pheasants combined with data on changes in the steroidogenic function of the testis during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. Animals collected during the breeding season, testis weights, sperm production, serum testosterone levels, leuteinizing hormone-stimulated testosterone secretion, and the length of the seminiferous tubules were significantly (p < 0.05) increased as compared to the nonbreeding season. Seminiferous tubules occupied 93.25% of testis volume in the breeding season. Leydig cells constituted 0.82% of the testicular volume. The mean volume of an Leydig cell was $1039{\mu}m^3$, and each testis contained about 24.53 million Leydig cells. Testes of the pheasants during the nonbreeding season displayed a 98% reduction in testis volume that was associated with a decrease in the absolute volume of seminiferous tubules (98% reduction), tubular lumen(100%), interstitium(90%), blood vessels(84%), lymphatic spaces(97%), Leydig cells(79%), mesenchymal cells(51%), and myoid cells(61%). The number of Leydig cells, mesenchymal cells, myoid cells per testis in the breeding season was higher (p < 0.05) than in the nonbreeding season. Although the average volume of a Leydig cell was 74% lower in the nonbreeding season, the average volume of a myoid and mesenchymal cell remained unchanged. These results demonstrate that there are a striking differences in the testicular structure of the Korean ring-necked pheasant in the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. Every structural parameter of the Leydig cell was pasitively correlated with both serum and LH-stimulated secretion concentrations of testosterone. Correlation of changes in hormonal status with morphometric alterations of all Leydig cell suggests that the Korean-ring necked pheasant may be used as a model to study structure-function relations in the avian testis.

• Biomedical Science Letters
• /
• v.17 no.3
• /
• pp.245-251
• /
• 2011

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of soybean peptide on muscle damage index and hormone (testosterone and cortisol) concentration. Subjects of this study were 23 high school male taekwondo players who had participated in regular exercise. They were randomly divided into two groups, one group took soybean peptide (S-peptide, n=13) 4 g a day for 4 weeks and the other took placebo (placebo, n=10) for the same time. We obtained blood samples before and after experiment and analyzed for CPK (Creatine phosphokinase), LDH (Lactate dehydrogenase), ALD (Aldolase), myoglobin, testosterone and cortisol. As for body composition, there was no significant difference in weight, body fat rate and LBM (lean body mass) between the S-peptide and the S-peptide group and placebo group. In CPK, LDH, ALD and myoglobin, S-peptide group was significantly lower than the placebo group and showed significant decrease before and after intaking soybean peptide (P<0.05~0.01). In the concentration of plasma testosterone, S-peptide group was increased from two weeks but not significant difference. The concentration of plasma cortisol showed significantly decrease in the S-peptide (P<0.01). These results indicate that the intake of soybean peptide have positive effect on index of muscle damage and changes of hormone concentration.

• Toxicological Research
• /
• v.21 no.4
• /
• pp.309-318
• /
• 2005

Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) has been used as a food supplement and a traditional herbal medicine. In this study, we prepared various flavonoid fractions (RS, RW1, RW2 and RWE) from a hot water extract of RVS and their influence on male reproductive organs and spermatogenesis were studied in rats which were orally administered 200 mg/kg of them for 8 weeks. All experimental groups did not show any significant changes in body weight and blood clinical chemistry for liver function. Plasma testosterone level was elevated about 3.7, 5.2 and 6.3 folds in RW1, RW2 and RWE groups, respectively. The weights of testes and epididymides tended to increase slightly without the statistical significance in RW2 and RWE. The spermatozoon motility and epididymal sperm concentration were significantly increased (P<0.05) in RWE and RW1, respectively, when compared to the control group. There was no significant difference in histology and apparent shape of testes and epididymides among the control and the experimental groups. Collectively, RWE showed effectively the elevation of plasma testosterone level, spermatozoon motility and the epididymal sperm concentration without the significant increase of testis and epidiymides weights. When the component HPLC profile among the flavonoids fractions of RVS was compared, the ratio of components were only different. These findings suggest that the Rhus flavonoid fraction, particularly RWE, can stimulate the androgen-dependent male sexual function and it can be applied to the material of functional food for enhancing the sexual function.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
• /
• v.29 no.3
• /
• pp.223-229
• /
• 1989

These studies were carried out to investigate the changes of blood pictures, hitological findings and testosterone concentrations after orchidectomy in ageing rat. The results obtained were summarized as follows: 1. The total W.B.C. counts were $9.27{\pm}12{\times}10^3/mm^3$ in the control group, $9.54{\pm}34{\times}10^3/mm^3$ in the sham-operation group and $12.08{\pm}28{\times}10^3/mm^3$ in the orchidectomy group when it was checked 50days after the operation. 2. The number of lymphocytes after orchidectomy began to increase gradually as time passes, thereafter markedly increased $10.12{\pm}03{\times}10^3/mm^3$ at 50days after orchidectomy. 3. The concentration of testosterone in serum began to decrease gradually after orchidectomy showed lowest level $1.68{\pm}0.61pg/ml$ at 50days after orchidectomy while it was $5.82{\pm}0.39pg/ml$ in control group. 4. The histological findings of thymus after orchidectomy were marked increase of thymic lymphocyte, disapearance of fat cells and appearance of mitotic figures.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• v.49 no.2
• /
• pp.133-138
• /
• 2011

This study was undertaken to investigate the hematological and biochemical changes in experimentally infected goats with Besnoitia caprae from the time of infection till 360 days post-infection (PI). Six male goats were inoculated subcutaneously with $13{\times}10^7$ bradyzoites of B. caprae, and blood samples were collected from the jugular vein. The total erythrocyte and total leukocyte counts, hematocrit value, and differential leukocyte counts were determined. Serum biochemical analysis, including the total protein, albumin, total globulin, cholesterol, triglyceride, chloride, testosterone, calcium ($Ca^{2+}$), inorganic phosphorus, sodium ($Na^+$), potassium ($K^+$), iron ($Fe^{2+}$), glucose, serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), fibrinogen, ceruloplasmin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase, was undertaken. Skin biopsy from the limbs were collected at weekly intervals and histologically examined for Besnoitia cysts. Cysts were present in the skin biopsies of the leg of the infected goats from day 28 PI. There were variations in hematological analyses, but no significant difference was seen. From day 30 to 360 PI, results showed that SAA, Hp, fibrinogen, and ceruloplasmin concentrations increased, whereas testosterone concentrations decreased. Infected goats exhibited decrease of albumin and increase of serum total protein and globulin concentrations. By contrast, there were no significant differences in the remained analyses concentrations.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
• /
• v.24 no.3
• /
• pp.177-182
• /
• 2009

This study was conducted to investigate the variation of growth characteristics and reproductive physiology in cloned Hanwoo male calves during growing stage. The hematological parameters, body weight, and plasma hormonal levels, birth to 12 months, were analyzed in the cloned calves (n=3). Differences among treatment means were determined by a student t-test. A probability of P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The hematological parameters, such as white blood cell, red blood cell, and platelet, were not different in both normal and cloned calves. The difference of body weight, however, was significantly higher in the cloned calves, $5{\sim}6$ months (p<0.05) and $7{\sim}12$ months (p<0.01), than that of the comparators, respectively. The plasma IGF-1 level was statistically significant in the cloned calves, $5{\sim}10$ months, compared to that of the normal calves (p<0.05). However, the plasma testosterone level was not different in both normal and clone calves according to growing stage. Taken together, the cloned Hanwoo male calves are growing faster and maintaining a normal reproductive physiology.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.59-64
• /
• 2008

The objective of this study is to investigate the changes in concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and sex steroid hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone in Korean cattle (Hanwoo) with reproductive disorders and to examine the relationship between BUN and body condition score (BCS) in Hanwoo. The concentration of BUN was 16.2 mg/dl, 17.8 mg/dl, 15.1 mg/dl, 17.9 mg/dl, and 28.3mg/dl in pregnancy, repeat breeding, follicular cyst, luteal cyst, and ovarian atrophy, respectively. In Hanwoo with BCS $2.0{\sim}2.9$, $3.0{\sim}3.5$ and $3.6{\sim}4.0$, the concentration of BUN was 15.8 mg/dl, 17.0 mg/dl, and 17.6 mg/dl, respectively. Fluoroimmunoassay showed that serum estrogen and progesterone levels were decreased in reproductive disorders Hanwoo, such as ovarian atrophy, endometritis, and weak estrus. The testosterone level was significantly decreased in Hanwoo with reproductive disorders compared to that in pregnant Hanwoo ($0.02{\sim}0.03\;ng/ml$ vs 0.13 ng/ml, p<0.05). The progesterone and estrogen concentrations in follicular fluid obtained from ovary with follicular cyst were significantly higher (p<0.05) than those in normal follicle fluid. These results show that there is no relationship between BUN and BCS in Hanwoo, and the concentration of sex steroid hormone in serum and follicular fluid are changed in reproductive disorders Hanwoo.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
• /
• v.21 no.4
• /
• pp.287-297
• /
• 2006

Concentration of hormones and blood components at the last fatting stage was changed before slaughter in Hanwoo steers and bulls. Two months before slaughter and shipment, concentration of cortisol and creatinine was increased, but that of calcium was decreased. Concentration of insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) was decreased after shipment, and inorganic phosphorus (IP) was decreased at slaughter. It is unclear that changes of concentration in between 2 months before slaughter and shipment were either caused by aging or stresses (abstinence, environmental change, blood drawing, and shipment). Changes of blood concentration between shipment and slaughter may be accounted for overall responses from abstinence, shipment, and unfamiliar environment. A positive correlation between 2 months before slaughter and before shipment was detected for IGF-1, total protein (TP), albumin, creatinine, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), and globulin in steers, and creatinine and globulin in bulls. A positive correlation between 2 month before slaughter and slaughter was detected for IGF-1, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), IP and HDLC in steers, and creatinine in bulls. A positive correlation between before shipment and slaughter was detected for testosterone, IGF-1, creatinine, triglyceride, HDLC and globulin in steers, and TP, creatinine, HDLC and globulin in bulls.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
• /
• v.5 no.1
• /
• pp.109-122
• /
• 2002

The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the effects of the Nuegra on enhancement of the masculine and physical activities in general through measuring changes of the testosterone, FSH and subjective symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, urinary stream, muscular weakness, libido and erectile dysfunction. Total 168 male subjects were enrolled from 12 urology, internal medicine clinics and general practitioner, During the 6-week investigational period, 2 capsules of Nuegra were given to the subjects right after meal for 4 weeks, and 1 capsule of Nuegra was added each time in subjects with no or minimal effect. Testoster-one and FSH levels were measured at first visit and last visit, for evaluating masculine activities. To avoid bias and standardize the test results, only one clinic was assigned as a central lab, and all blood samples were transferred. General information and subjective symptoms were evaluated at first visit and at 2 weeks interval, week 2, 4 and 6 using VAS (Visual Analogue Scale). The mean age of the subjects were 51.8${\pm}$8.2 years old (range: 36.1-82.1). Based on the subjects who were tested on testosterone and FSH levels at day l and week 6, the means were 4.4${\pm}$1.4 nmol/L (range: 2.6-7.7), 8.6${\pm}$9.6 mIU/mL (range: 0.3-40.4), respectively at day 1. At week 6, the results were 4.9 ${\pm}$1.6 (2.6-8.9 range), 9.4${\pm}$13.1 (1.0-53.9 range), respectively. Marginally significant difference between pre-dose and post-dose was present. Statistically significant differences were revealed in general assessment for subjective symptoms, fatigue, insomnia, erectile dysfunction, etc. In fatigue, response rates were 39.6, 65.4 and 76.4% at week 2, 4 and 6, respectively (P < 0.0001). Response vates for erectile dysfunction were 13.4, 41.2 and 72.7% at week 2, 4, and 6 (P < 0.0001), respectively, Response rates for libido were 13.6, 51.6 and 73.5% at week 2, 4, and 6 (P < 0.0001), respectively. For urinary stream response rates were 26.9, 44.7 and 66.8% at week 2, 4, and 6 (P < 0.0001), respectively. VAS for muscular weakness did not show significant results that response rates were 40, 60 and 80% at week 2, 4, and 6 from 8.2 (P ＝ 0.24), respectively. Response rates for insomnia were 50, 60, 100% at week 2, 4, and 6 (P < 0.0001), respectively. The results shows that Nuegra tends to enhance masculine activities including libido, erectile dysfunction and urinary stream and also effective for improving general conditions especially insomnia, muscular weakness and fatigue. In conclusion, this investigation has demonstrated that Nuegra does not only have tendency to increase masculine activities through increased secretion of the testosterone and FSH but also improve general conditions such as erectile dysfunction, libido, fatigue and muscular power.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
• /
• v.20 no.3
• /
• pp.239-253
• /
• 2005

Serum concentrations of Hanwoo steers and bulls as possible indicators of beef quality were analyzed to estimate their correlations with carcass traits. Blood samples were taken 2 months and right before shipping to abattoir and at the time of slaughter. And phenotypic correlation coefficients between serum concentrations and carcass traits were estimated. Beef yield index of steers was positively correlated with serum concentrations of total Protein (0.23), albumin (0.26), and calcium (0.31). But it was negatively co..elated with BUN (-0.30). Loin eye area was positively correlated with BUN (0.17) or with globulin (0.16). Back fat thickness was positively correlated with BUN (0.42) and inorganic phosphorus (0.20) being negatively correlated with total protein (-0.23), albumin (-0.33) and calcium (-0.33). Marbling score in the scale of 1 (scarcely marbled) through 9 (extremely marbled) was positively correlated with BUN (0.28) and negatively with IGF-I and calcium concentrations. Phenotype correlation coefficient of loin eye area with total protein concentration in the serum taken from steers right before shipment was estimated to be -0.16 and that with BUN was estimated to be -0.15. Serum concentrations of IGF, glucose, creatinine and on organic phosphorus from steers measured right before shipment were negatively correlated with respective correlation coefficient estimates as -0.21, -0.21, -0.19 and -0.18. Marbling score was negatively co..elated with serum creatinine (-0.16) measured at that time. Beef yield index of steers was positively correlated (0.31) with age adjusted calcium concentration in the serum taken at the time of slaughter. Correlation between body weight and BUN at slaughter was 0.17 At slaughter, loin eye area was negatively correlated with albumin (-0.19) and back fat thickness was also negatively correlated with age adjusted calcium concentration (-0.38). Marbling was negatively correlated with age adjusted calcium concentration(-0.17). Serum concentrations of testosterone, calcium and inorganic phosphorus taken in 2 months before slaughter were negatively but highly correlated with yield index(0.71, 0.67 and -0.71), respectively. Body weight at slaughter was positively was negatively correlated (0.67) with calcium level while dressing percentage was negatively (-0.69) correlated with serum glucose concentration, 2 months prior to slaughter. Correlation coefficients between back fat thickness and cortisol, between back fat thickness and inorganic phosphate were both positive (0.29 and 0.69). Marbling score was negatively correlated with creatinine (-0.81) and positively with BUN (0.87). Body weight loss during shipping was positively correlated with albumin and inorganic phosphate (0.77, 0.83). Yield index of bulls was positively correlated with serum testosterone concentration (0.66). Dressing percentage was positively and highly correlated with globulin (0.73). Back fat thickness of bulls, however, was negatively correlated with testosterone (-0.60). Loin eye area of bull carcasses was positively correlated with testosterone (0.40). Mar-blaine was negatively co..elated with creatinine (-0.55). Yield index of bulls and age adjusted HDLC concentration at slaughter was negatively correlated (-0.71). Dressing percentage of bulls was positively and highly correlated with globulin concentration (0.70). Back fat thickness was also positively correlated with HDLC (0.69) in the serum taken at slaughter. Correlation coefficients between carcass weight and triglyceride, between loin eye are and testosterone and between marbling score and creatinine or glucose were 0.51, -0.91 and -0.58, respectively.