• Development and Reproduction
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 1998

In mammalian ovary, major portion(>99%) of ovarian follicles undergo atresia. Recent studies have shown that this phenomenon is mediated via GC apoptosis. Ceramide, a product of sphingomyelin hydrolysis, has been proposed as a novel lipid second messenger with specific roles in mediating antiproliferative responses including apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. In the present study, we have examined the effect of ceramide on apoptotic cell death of GC in vitro. GCs were harvested by squeezing the antral follicles from the immature mice (3-4 weeks) and cultured in MEM medium with 10% fetal bovine serum. The cells were treated with various concentrations of ceramide (0 to 50 \mu M)and cultured up to 24 h.Cell death was determined by MTT cell viability assay and apoptosis was examined by acridine orange staining, in situ 3'-end labeling(TUNEL), and flow cytometry. Ceramid treatment induced apoptotic cell death of GC in a time- and a dose-dependent manner. Results of flow cytometric analysis showed that creamide-induced cell death was mostly confined to the $G_{0}$/$G_{1}$ cells. these results provide an evidence for ceramide as a lipid second messenger of apoptosis in mouse GC.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.243-250
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• 2008

Mast cells containing a variety of mediators in their cytoplasmic granules are widely distributed in connective tissues and mucosal surfaces of skin, airways, and guts. Within these tissues, mast cells are involved in the pathophysiological conditions such as inflammation, self-defense, tissue-remodeling, and autoimmunity. In order to understand the functional roles of master cells in the uterus, we histologically examined the distribution and density of uterine mast cells in the different aged mice. Until 6 weeks mast cells were sparsely detected in the uterus. But at 7 weeks after birth, when estrous cycle begins, the number of mast cells within uterine tissues increased dramatically and the increment of mast cell density continued up to 32 weeks-age. After then, uterine glandular tissue degenerated gradually and density of uterine mast cell decreased. Uterine mast cells were mainly found in the myometrium and they were closely associated with smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, and collagens, which contents were changed according to the uterine development in the myometrium. These results suggest that uterine mast cells could be involved in myometrial contractions mediated by smooth muscle cells and tissue reconstitution or remodeling during estrous cycle and parturition including the various immunological functions.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.187-190
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• 2004

Protein kinase C exists as a family of serine/threonine kinases which are broadly classified into three groups as cPKC nPKC and aPKC depending on their cofactor requirements. Previous studies have shown that the role of PKC in the process of mouse oocyte maturation. For example, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate which is known as an activator of cPKC and nPKC inhibits germinal vesicle break down and 1st polar body extrusion in maturing oocytes. In this study, the effect of thymeleatoxin, a specific activator of cPKC not nPKC, was tested comparing with PMA to address the roles of cPKC and nPKC during mouse oocyte maturation. Cumulus-oocyte complex were cultured in M16 medium for 6 or 12 hr with each of these PKC activators to investigate the effect of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) or the extrusion of 1st polar body. IC/sup 50/ of GVBD were at concentrations of 50nM in PMA and 400nM in thymeleatoxin and of 1st polar body extrusion were 20nM in PMA and 200nM in thy- meleatoxin. The results suggest that activation of nPKC is more closely related to the inhibition of GVBD and 1st polar body extrusion than activation of cPKC. Additionally, we found that the oocytes inhibited 1st polar body extrusion with PMA or thymeleatoxin were arrested in metaphase I of first meiosis.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.61
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• pp.81-107
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• 2020

This study reviews Bandura's vicarious reinforcement in observational learning process and implies this concept into Christian education in terms of spiritual role modeling. The first part of this study answers three questions: "what is vicarious reinforcement?" "how does vicarious reinforcement take place in observational learning?" and "how does vicarious reinforcement affect observer's behavior change?" Bandura conceptualizes the learning process with observational learning and imitative or non-imitative performance. Based on this concept, Bandura define the roles of vicarious reinforcement in the four steps of observational learning process: attention, retention, motor reproduction, and motivational process. Also, the three effects of vicarious reinforcements are explained in the following categories: the observational learning effect, inhibitory or disinhibitory effects, and eliciting effect. Adapting the structure of observational learning theory in terms of the effect of vicarious reinforcement and the function of role models, the second part of this study examines the biblical concept of imitation of Christ and the modeling strategy of discipleship. Especially Paul's spiritual role model serves as positive vicarious reinforcement for the Christian believers to perform the desired behaviors. Also, Paul's condemnation serves as explicit negative vicarious reinforcement. Then, the last part of this study covers the implication of these findings from observational learning and empirical studies in terms of spiritual role modeling to Christian education.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.57 no.6
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• pp.671-680
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• 2019

Cathepsin D (CatD, EC 3.4.23.5) is a member belonging to the subfamily of aspartic endopeptidases, which are classified into the MEROPS clan AA, family A1. Helminth parasites express a large set of different peptidases that play pivotal roles in parasite biology and pathophysiology. However, CatD is less well known than the other classes of peptidases in terms of biochemical properties and biological functions. In this study, we identified 2 novel CatDs (CsCatD1 and CsCatD2) of Clonorchis sinensis and partially characterized their properties. Both CsCatDs represent typical enzymes sharing amino acid residues and motifs that are tightly conserved in the CatD superfamily of proteins. Both CsCatDs showed similar patterns of expression in different developmental stages of C. sinensis, but CsCatD2 was also expressed in metacercariae. CsCatD2 was mainly expressed in the intestines and eggs of C. sinensis. Sera obtained from rats experimentally infected with C. sinensis reacted with recombinant CsCatD2 beginning 2 weeks after infection and the antibody titers were gradually increased by maturation of the parasite. Structural analysis of CsCatD2 revealed a bilobed enzyme structure consisting of 2 antiparallel β-sheet domains packed against each other forming a homodimeric structure. These results suggested a plausible biological role of CsCatD2 in the nutrition and reproduction of parasite and its potential utility as a serodiagnostic antigen in clonorchiasis.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.135-141
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• 2010

Embryoid bodies (EBs) generated from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) include spontaneously induced endodermal lineage cells (ELCs). Activin-A plays important roles in the endoderm differentiation of hESCs. Despite studies on the generation of ELCs from hESCs with treatment of Actvin-A, it was unclear for localization and pattern of ELCs by Activin-A during differentiation of hESCs. Accordingly in this study, we knew that Actvin-A increased the cystic EBs formation, including the highly enriched AFP (endoderm lineage specific marker)-expressing cells in the surface of cystic EBs. To induce the EBs formation from undifferentiated hESCs, cells were transferred onto petri-dish and cultured in suspension condition without bFGF removed hESC media (EB media) for 3 days. Next to investigate the effect of Activin-A, EBs were subsequently cultured in EB media supplement with 100 ng/ml Activin-A for 3 days. After 5~7 days of Activin-A treatment, cystic EBs began to appear which increased in numbers reaching ~60% of initially formed EBs over 5 days. Endoderm lineage marker, AFP were highly expressed and specifically localized at the surface region of cystic EBs comparison with normal EBs. We next attached the cystic EBs onto gelatin-coated plates and cultured for 5 days. In the results of real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry analysis, AFP-expressing cells migrated and localized at the outgrowth region of attached cystic EBs. To obtain the AFP-expressing cells of the outgrowth region, we manually isolated by using micro-dissection and cultured them. These cells strongly express AFP over 70% of isolated cells post re-plating. Here, we first showed an expression pattern of specifically localized ELCs by Activin-A during differentiation of hESCs. From this observation, we could highly purified ELCs from undifferentiated hESCs. Taken together, our system will provide a novel and efficient option to generate ELCs from hESCs.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.105-111
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• 1999

The effects of exogenous spleen cells on the progesterone and insulin like-growth factor-I (IGF-I) secretions in luteal cells were studied by using in vitro luteal cell culture system in the Hanwoo luteal cells. The corpora lutea(CL) were collected and pooled from the Korean native cattle(Hanwoo) ovaries from a local slaughter house. After enzymatic dissociation, combined large and small luteal cells(LLC and SLC)(1.0$\times$10$^{6}$ cells/$m\ell$) were incubated in D-MEM media containing antibiotics and 10% FCS. Spleen cells (1.0$\times$10$^{6}$ cells/$m\ell$) obtained from castrated adult male Hanwoo were added to luteal cells and co-cultured for 24 h in the absence or presence of luteinizing hormone (LH) (100 ng). Progesterone contents from luteal tissues were increased at CL-3 stage during each stage of estrous cycle. Progesterone secretion from luteal cell culture by the presence of LH (100 ng/$m\ell$) was positively stimulated compared with control. However, progesterone secretion was not changed by the addition of 5, 10 and 20% of spleen cells in the absence of LH. Co-culture of luteal cells with 10% of spleen cells in the presence of LH(l00ng/$m\ell$) significantly. enhanced after 24 h of culture. IGF-Isecretion from in vitro luteal cells co-culture by the addition of spleen cells (5%, 10% and 20%) was not significantly effected. Besides, in the presence of LH (100ng/$m\ell$), IGF-Isecretions from luteal cells by addition of spleen cells were higher than control media. However, LH alone significantly increased IGF-I secretion at 24 h of culture. These data provide the demonstrate that spleen cells can enhance LH action so as to stimulate progesterone secretion from Hanwoo luteal cells but have no effect to stimulate IGF-I secretion.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2009

Implantation itself is governed by an array of endocrine, paracrine and autocrine modulators, of embryonic and maternal origin. Window of implantation is the unique temporal and spatial expression of factors allows the embryo to implant via signaling, appositioning, attachment, and invasion in a specific time frame of $2{\sim}4$ days. When the embryo has arrived in the uterine cavity, a preprogrammed sequence of events occurs, which involves the production and secretion of a multitude of biochemical factors such as cytokines, growth factors, and adhesion molecules by the endometrium and the embryo, thus leading to the formation of a receptive endometrium. Cytokines such as LIF, CSF-1, and IL-1 have all been shown to play important roles in the cascade of events that leads to implantation. Integrin, L-selectin ligands, glycodelin, mucin-1, HB-EGF and pinopodes are involved in appositioning and attachment. The embryo also produces cytokines and growth factors (ILs, VEGF) and receptors for endometrial signals such as LIF, CSF-1, IGF and HB-EGF. The immune system and angiogenesis play an important role. The usefulness of these factors to assess endometrial receptivity and to estimate the prognosis for pregnancy in natural and artificial cycles remains to be proven. Integrins, pinopodes, glycodelin and LIF (from biopsies) are promising candidates; from uterine flushings, glycodelin and LIF are also candidates. The ideal serum marker is not available, but VEGF, glycodelin and CSF have some clinical implications. Further evaluation that includes larger groups of infertile women and fertile controls are needed to elucidate whether their presence in plasma, flushing fluid, or endometrial samples can be used as some kind of a screening tool to assess endometrial function and prognosis for pregnancy before and after artificial reproductive therapy. A better understanding of their function in human implantation may lead to therapeutic intervention, thereby improving the success rate in reproduction treatment. New molecular techniques are becoming available for measuring both embryonic and endometrial changes prior to and during implantation. The use of predictive sets of markers may prove to be more reliable than a single marker. Ultimately, the aim is to use these tools to increase implantation in artificial cycles and consequently improve live-birth rates.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.19-24
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• 2005

The low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) highly expressed in many tissues, including hepatocytes and pancreatic beta cells, can bind to apolipoprotein E. To evaluate in vivo roles of LRP5, we generated LRP5-deficient mice. LRP5 genomic DNA was isolated from TT2 embryonic stem (ES) cells. Targeting vector was constructed to disrupt an exon 18 of the mouse LRP5 gene and transfected into ES cells. Three homologous recombinants at LRP5 locus were identified from 178 G418-resistant clones. Chimeric males generated by morula aggregation technique were mated to C57BL/6 female mice. After achieving germ-line transmission, LRP5+/- females were crossed with LRP5+/- males to obtain LRP5-deficient mice. One line of mice lacking LRP5 gene was confirmed by Southern blotting. Such knock-out mice may serve as an effective animal model to study in vivo function of LRP5 gene.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.113-118
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• 2003

Follicular fluid(FF) of mammalian Graafian follicles contains various kinds of proteins and proteinases that are believed to play important roles during follicular growth oocyte maturation and ovulation of mature oocytes. Previous studies of human FF(hFF) demonstrated the presence of many serine/threonine proteinases and matrix metalloproteinases such as gelatinases, however, little is known about the caseinases. Present study was aimed to examine the presence and the property of caseinolytic enzyme in hFF. Using casein zymographic method, it was found that hFF, human adult serum and cord serum exhibited one intense 80 kDa and another weak 78 kDa bands having caseinolytic activity. When inhibitors were added to the zymographic substrate buffer, caseinolytic activity of both 80 kDa and 78 kDa proteins were inhibited by othylenediarnine tetraacetic acid(EDTA) or soybean trypsin inhibitor(SBTI), but not by E-64, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride(PMSF) or 1,10-phenanthroline. Thus both enzymes appear to belong to a family of trypsin-like enzyme. Addition of EDTA to the zymographic substrate buffer almost abolished the caseinolytic activity of both enzymes. However, further addition of a divalent metal ion such as CaC $l_2$, MgC $l_2$, MnC $l_2$ or ZnC $l_2$ to the same buffer fully restored the enzyme activity at 5 mM concentration despite the presence of EDTA. Based upon these observations, 80 kDa and 78 kDa caseinolytic enzymes are present in human follicular fluid and they appear to be trypsin-like enzymes of which caseinolytic activity needs the presence of $Ca^{++}$, aM $g^{++}$, M $n^{++}$ or Z $n^{++}$././././.