• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.127-132
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• 2004

This study was conducted to examine the effects of electric stimulation conditions on in vitro developmental ability of caprine embryos after somatic cell nuclear transfer. Recipient oocytes were surgically collected after superovulation by using CIDR and FSH, PMSG, hCG and estrous synchronization in Korean native goats. The caprine ear cells were cultured in vitro in serum-starvation condition (TCM-l99 + 0.5% FBS) for 3 to 5 days of cell confluence. The zona pellucida of in vivo and in vitro matured oocytes were partially drilled using laser system. Single somatic cell was individually transferred into the enucleated oocyte. The reconstructed oocytes were electrically fused with 0.3M mannitol. After the electofusion, embryos were activated by electric stimulation or Ionomycin + 6-DMAP. Nuclear transfer embryos were cultured in mSOF medium supplemented with 0.8% BSA 6∼7 days at 39 , 5% $CO_2$, 5% $O_2$, 90% $N_2$. The fusion rate of donor cells was 60.4% and 40.3 % in ear cell and fetal fibroblast, and cleavage rate were 40.6% and 48.2%, respectively. No significant difference was found in the fusion and cleavage rate in different donor cells. Nuclear transferred oocytes were fused by electric pulses of 1.30∼1.40, 2.30∼2.39 and 2.40∼2.46 ㎸/cm. There was no significant difference among different electric pulses in fusion rates (26.7, 34.8 and 43.8%). The cleavage rate was higher (p<0.05) in 1.30∼1.40 ㎸/cm (82.9%) than 2.30∼2.39 ㎸/cm (43.8%) and 2.40∼2.46 ㎸/cm. (51.8%). The fusion rates of recipient oocyte source were 1st (43.5% and 23.6%), 2nd (55.7％ and 39.2%) and 3rd (66.1% and 52.8%) in in vivo and in vitro oocytes. However, fusion ratee were significantly higher (p<0.05) in in vivo than in vitro oocyte. The cleavage rate of fused oocytes from in vivo and in vitro sources were 52.6% and 54.4%, respectively. No significant difference was found in the cleavage rate according to the recipient oocyte source. These results suggest that factors such as field pulse of electric stimulation and oocyte source could affect in vitro developmental ability of nuclear transplanted caprine oocytes.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.211-220
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• 2018

Nitric oxide (NO) has an important role in oocyte maturation and embryonic development in mammals. This study examined the effect of exogenous NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) in a maturation medium on meiotic progression and embryonic development after parthenogenesis (PA) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) in pigs. When oocytes were exposed to $0.1{\mu}M$ SNAP for first 22 h of in vitro maturation (IVM) in Experiment 1, SNAP significantly improved blastocyst development in both defined and standard follicular fluid-supplemented media compared to untreated control (48.4 vs. 31.7-42.5%). SNAP treatment significantly arrested meiotic progression of oocytes at the germinal vesicle stage at 11 h of IVM (61.2 vs. 38.7%). However, there was no effect on meiotic progression at 22 h of IVM (Experiment 2). In Experiment 3, when oocytes were treated with SNAP at 0.001, 0.1 and $10{\mu}M$ during the first 22 h of IVM to determine a suitable concentration, $0.1{\mu}M$ SNAP (54.2%) exhibited a higher blastocyst formation than 0 and $10{\mu}M$ SNAP (36.6 and 36.6%, respectively). Time-dependent effect of SNAP treatment was evaluated in Experiment 4. It was observed that SNAP treatment for the first 22 h of IVM significantly increased blastocyst formation compared to no treatment (57.1% vs. 46.2%). Antioxidant effect of SNAP was compared with that of cysteine. SNAP treatment significantly improved embryonic development to the blastocyst stage (49.1-51.5% vs. 34.4-37.5%) irrespective of the presence or absence of cysteine (Experiment 5). Moreover, SNAP significantly increased glutathione (GSH) content and inversely decreased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and mitochondrial oxidative activity in IVM oocytes. SNAP treatment during IVM showed a stimulating effect on in vitro development of SCNT embryos (Experiment 7). These results demonstrates that SNAP improves developmental competence of PA and SCNT embryos probably by maintaining the redox homeostasis through increasing GSH content and mitochondrial quality and decreasing ROS in IVM oocytes.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.227-237
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• 2021

Artificial insemination of Korean native cattle (KNC) is the predominant method for breed improvement. However, industrialization of embryo production and transfer is necessary to utilize the genetic potential of KNC. The aim of this study was to examine associations between KNC donor cows and ovum pick-up (OPU) conditions, in-vivo oocyte recovery, and embryo development. Oocyte recovery and blastocyst development rates were higher at 50 and 60 mmHg OPU vacuum pressure than at 40 mmHg, which was, however, not significant. Regarding follicle growth, injection of 500 ㎍ GnRH 36 hours before OPU significantly increased the number of OPU oocytes from an average of 4.6 to 7.6 (P<0.05); no significant difference in embryo development rates was observed. Significant differences were observed in the numbers of OPU oocytes, embryo development rates, and transplantable blastocysts per individual among nine KNC donors (P<0.05). Furthermore, although there was no difference in OPU oocyte recovery intervals in approximately 2~8 weeks, the number of recovered oocytes significantly decreased at the 12-week interval (P<0.05); there was no difference in embryo development rates. The number of oocytes and embryonic development rates only tended to decrease until the seventh OPU session, but decreased significantly until the eighth session (P<0.05). The average pregnancy rate after transfer of OPU-derived in-vitro embryos into recipient cows was 41.8%. To improve the efficiency of OPU egg recovery and in-vitro embryo production, considering KNC donor characteristics, vacuum pressure of 60 mmHg, GnRH pretreatment to induce follicle growth, and effective OPU egg recovery up to seven times at intervals of 2~4 weeks appears to be most suitable. This study may facilitate the industrialization of KNC embryo production and transfer using high-quality cows.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.511-518
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• 2011

To avoid hyperacute rejection of xenografts, ${\alpha}1,3$-galactosyltransferase knock-out (GalT KO) pigs have been produced. In this study, we examined whether Sia-containing glycoconjugates are important as an immunogenic non-Gal epitope in the pig liver with disruption of ${\alpha}1,3$-galactosyltransferase gene. The target cells were then used as donor cells for somatic cell nuclear transfer (scNT). A total of 1,800 scNT embryos were transferred to 10 recipients. One recipient developed to term and naturally delivered two piglets. Real-time RT-PCR and glycosyltransferase activity showed that ${\alpha}2,3$-sialyltransferase (${\alpha}2,3ST$) and ${\alpha}2,6$-sialyltransferase (${\alpha}2,6ST$) in the heterozygote GalT KO liver have higher expression levels and activities compared to controls, respectively. According to lectin blotting, sialic acidcontaining glycoconjugate epitopes were also increased due to the decreasing of ${\alpha}$-Gal in heterozygote GalT KO liver, whereas GalNAc-containing glycoconjugate epitopes were decreased in heterozygote GalT KO liver compare to the control. Furthermore, the heterozygote GalT KO liver showed a higher Neu5Gc content than control. Taken together, these finding suggested that the deficiency of GalT gene in pigs resulted in increased production of Neu5Gc-bounded epitopes (H-D antigen) due to increase of ${\alpha}2,6$-sialyltransferase. Thus, this finding suggested that the deletion of CMAH gene to the GalT KO background is expected to further prolong xenograft survival.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.15-20
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• 2010

This study was performed to identify the optimal timing for oocyte donor replacement during OPU procedure. OPU was carried out to collect oocytes from every donor at an interval of $3{\sim}4$ days (2 times a week). The collected oocytes were matured in vitro in TCM-199 supplemented with 10% FBS, 10 mg/ml of FSH and 1 mg/ml of estradiol for 24 h. After 24 h of exposure to sperm, the presumptive zygotes were cultured in CR1aa medium supplemented with 4 mg/ml of BSA for 3 days before being changed to CR1aa medium with 10% of FBS for another $3{\sim}4$ days. The mean numbers of retrieved oocytes were remained constantly up to 3 months ($6.0{\pm}0.5$, $6.2{\pm}0.7$, $5.2{\pm}0.6$), but significantly decreased at over 4 to 6 months ($3.7{\pm}0.5$, $2.8{\pm}0.4$, $1.2{\pm}0.2$) (p<0.05). The blastocyst development potential was also very similar rate from 1 to 3 months (37.2%, 40.4% and 44.6%), but significantly decreased from 4 to 6 months (24.8%, 29.3% and 28.6%, respectively) (p<0.05). The production of OPU derived embryos in periods of 1 to 3 months ($2.2{\pm}0.3$, $2.5{\pm}0.3$ and $2.3{\pm}0.4$) were significantly higher than those in 4 to 6 months ($0.9{\pm}0.2$, $0.8{\pm}0.2$ and $0.3{\pm}0.2$, respectively) (p<0.05). In conclusion, the efficient periods for the production of OPU derived embryos was until 4 months, twice per week to produce over 64 transferable embryos and then replace new donor after 3 months use. The best replacement time is 3 months and could be maximized production of OPU derived embryos.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.149-154
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• 2010

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of abnormal ovarian cycles after superovulation treatment of Hanwoo donors. Thirty six, at random stages of the estrous cycle, received a CIDR. Four days later, the animals were superovulated with a total of 28AU FSH (Antorin, 2AU=1 ml) administered twice daily in constant doses over 4 days. On the 3th administration of FSH, CIDR was withdrawn and 25 mg $PGF_2{\alpha}$ was administered. Cows were artificially inseminated twice after estrous detection at 12 hr intervals. The cows received $100\;{\mu}g$ GnRH at the time of Ind insemination. Embryos were recovered 7 or 8 days after the 1st insemination. The cows were considered to have resumed ovarian cyclicity on the day of ovulation if followed by regular ovarian cycles. 50.0 percentage of the cows (18/36) had normal resumption of ovarian cyclicity (resumption within 40 days after superovulation), and 50.0% (18/36) had delayed resumption(resumption did not occur until>40 days after superovulation). Delayed resumption Type II (first ovulation did not occur until $\geq$ 40 days after superovulation, i.e. delayed first ovulation 33.3%) were the most common types of delayed resumptions. The mean numbers of total ova from < 10 and 10$\leq$ of corpora lutea (CL) was 7.3 and 13.9, respectively. The number of transferable embryos differed between < 10 and 10$\leq$ CL was 4.2 and 5.1, respectively. 11.1 percentage of the cows (4/36) did not resumption their ovarian cyclicity until 60 days after superovulation treatment.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.265-269
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different feeding ratios of whole crop barley silage on the embryo production in Hanwoo donors. All donors were basically fed 2.5 kg concentrate daily. Donors were divided into three groups according to the different feeding of forage; hay 70% and rice straw 30% (control, n = 21), whole crop barley silage 80% and rice straw 20% (T1, n = 25), and whole crop barley silage 60% and rice straw 40% (T2, n = 23) fed based on TDN 6.70/ BW 500 kg. All Hanwoo donors received a CIDR together with injections of 1 mg estradiol benzoate and 50 mg progesterone ($P_4$, Day 0). Four days later, they were superovulated with 28 mg FSH twice daily IM in decreasing doses over 4 days. Then donors received 2 doses of $PGF_2{\alpha}$ (25 and 15 mg) with the 5th and 6th injections of FSH on Day 6. CIDR were withdrawn at the 6th FSH injection and the donors received $100\;{\mu}g$ GnRH 36 h after the second $PGF_2{\alpha}$ injection. The donors were artificially inseminated twice, at 8 and 24 h after GnRH, and embryos were recovered 7 or 8 days after the 1st insemination. The flush rate of the donors following positive superovulation responses did not differ among groups (76.2~96.0%, p>0.05). The number of corpus luteum (CL) at embryo recovery also did not differ among groups (10.6~14.0, p>0.05). Furthermore, the mean numbers of total ova (9.4, 10.5 and 12.0) and transferable embryos (5.3, 12.0 and 6.5) did not significantly differ among the control, T1 and T2 groups, respectively (p>0.05). However, mean concentrations of serum $P_4$ of the T1 (64.2 ng/ml) and T2 groups (55.7 ng/ml) were higher than that of control group (43.3 ng/ml, p<0.01), while serum cholesterol concentrations in the control (105.8 mg/dl) and T2 groups ($96.9\;{\pm}\;mg/dl$) were significantly lower than in the T1 group (121.1 mg/dl, p<0.05). Conclusively, whole crop barley silage can be fed a good substitute for hay forage for Hanwoo donors. Furthermore the ratios of whole crop barley silage 60% and rice straw 40% might be more worthful for embryo production.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.67-77
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• 2002

This study was carried out to assess the effect of superovulation response and quality of embryos recovered from donor cows after a single subcutaneous injection of FSH dissolved in polyethylene glycol (PEG). Cows were allocated into control and 3 experimental treatment groups. In control, cows were injected intramuscularly 50 mg FSH twice daily for 4 days. Group 1 were injected subcutaneously with a single dose of 400 mg FSH dissolved in 30% PEG solution. Group 2 were injected subcutaneously with a single dose of 200 mg FSH dissolved in 30% PEG solution. Finally in group 3, cows were injected twice 200 mg FSH dissolved in 30% PEG solution by subcutaneous. Superovulation was initiated by injection of FSH between Day 8 and 14 of the estrus cycle (Day 0, the day of estrus), and followed by injection of 25 mg PGF$_2$$\alpha$ at 48 h after first FSH injection. Cows were then artificially inseminated (AI) with semen twice at 48 and 60 h after PGF$_2$$\alpha$ injection. At 7 days after the second AI, embryos collected non-surgically by flushing the uterine horns and were counted and compared morphologically as being transferable and degenerated among different superovulation treatments. Furthermore, progesterone and estradiol -17 $\beta$ in plasma were measured by radioimmunoassay following different treatments at given days All cows of treated groups were observed heat. but control group was showed 77.8%. Superovulation response was observed as 77.8, 87.5, 88.9, and 100% in control, Groups 1, 2 and 3 The mean number of corpus lutea (CL) detected in Group 1 were 19.6, which was, respectively significantly (P<0.05) higher than those of other groups (11.1, 13.4 and 7.6, respectively). However, there did not differ on the mean number of total embryos recovered and of transferable embryos between control and treated groups.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.167-177
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• 1997

Oocyte donation program developed to reach the pregnancy in those patients suffering from premature ovarian failure or surgery induced menopause, particularly in their reproductive age. With technical advances and popularity of ART (assisted reproductive technology), the indication of oocyte donation program extended to low responders, and even to naturally menopaused patients that has led them quite successfully to getting in pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate which one is involved in the decline of fertility between the oocyte and uterine factor. One hundred five cycles of oocyte donation program were performed in 84 patients from Jan., 1993 to Dec., 1996. Oocytes were donated from healthy, young, fertile anonymous donors or relatives or infertile patients with supernumerary oocytes. The study population was divided into 3 groups according to the age of recipients. Group 1 was less than 35 years old, Group 2 was between 35 to 39 years old, and Group 3 was more than 39 years old. The results were as follows: The mean age of oocyte donor was $31.5{\pm}3.3$ (range; 25-36). The mean concentration of basal serum FSH and peak serum estradiol were not different among groups. The mean number of oocytes retrieved from donors, embryos transferred to recipients, and fertilization rate were not different among groups. The clinical pregnancy rate was 37.3% in Group 1, 31.6% in Group 2, and 31.6% in Group 3, respectively. The spontaneous abortion rate was 16.0% in Group 1, 16.7% in Group 2, and 16.7 in Group 3, respectively. The multiple pregnancy rate was 20.0% in Group 1, 16.7% in Group 2, 16,7% in Group 3, respectively, The implantation rate was 11.3% in Group 1, 10.3% in Group 2 and 10.0% in Group 3, respectively. All of the pregnancy outcomes were not different statistically among groups. In conclusion, endometrial receptivity does not seem to be impaired as age increases with transfer of good quality embryos and adequate endometrial preparation.