• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.19-23
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• 1983

Present studies were conducted to investigate the developmental stage and the location of embryos in the reproductive tract at various times after ovulation, the morphologically normal after thawing of embryos preserved in liquid nitrogen, and the survival after transferring frozen-thawed embryos. The results obtained were as follows: 1. Embryo stage and location in the reproductive tract after hCG administration. For the investigation of embryo stage and location in the reproductive tract after ovulation, rabbits were laparotomized at 24, 40, 48, 72 and 120 hrs post hCG injection, simultaneously with mating. the oviducts and uteri were flushed out with PBS medium containing 50% rabbit serum, respectively. 1) Most of embryos was remained in the oviduct within 48 hrs, with the lapse of time, embryos were started to move to uterus and shifted in uterus at 72 hrs after hCG injection. 2) The representatives of embryos stage collected at 24, 40, 48, 72 and 120 hrs were 1-cell(60.4%), 8-cell to early morula (52.3, 39.3%), late blastocyst (95.5%) stages, respectively. 2. Morphological normality and survival of the frozen-thawed embryos. For the evalution of the quality and viability on the frozen-thawed embryos, immediately after thawing, embryos were assessed by morphologically normal under a dissecting microscope, and a further test of frozen-thawed embryos was made by transferring the morphologically normal embryos to the uteri of recipient rabbit induced pseudopregnancy by the injection of hCG at the time of hCG injection in donor rabbits. 1) The propotions of embryos which a, pp.ared morphologically normal was higher when 8-cell (85.7%) and morula(90.5%) were used for freezing than when 4-cell (66.7%) and blastocyst (75.8%) were used. 2) Preganacies were observed at Day 15 after transfer of frozen-thawed 8-cell (7/13), morula (19/42) and blastocyst (3/19) but not after transfer of embryos at 4-cell stage.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.13-19
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• 1980

This experiment was carried out to observe early morphological changes of luteal cells in Korean native cattle treated with prostaglandin F2$\alpha$. Twenty five gram of prostaglandin F2$\alpha$ was administrated per cow at 10 days after ovulation and luteal cells were removed 30, 60, 120 and 180 minites after administration. Morphological changes of each luteal cell was observed by electron microscope. the results obtained were summarized as followings: 1. Many electron-dense granules were observed in luteal cells obtained from control cow but those granules were decreased rapidly after 30 minutes of administration and no granules were obresved after 180 minutes of administration. 2. In control, the shape of mitochondria were begining to collapse from the time of 60 minutes after administration. After 180 minutes of administration, mitochondria were swelled extreamly. 3. Lipid droplets in luteal cell were increased in its size and number with the duration of time after administration. 4. Shape of smooth endoplasmic recticulum was vesicular and its dimension and number were increased according to time course after administration.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.69-74
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• 2007

This study was performed to determine the estrous cycles by macroscopic observation of the ovarian changes using the laparoscopy and to make use of these results for embryo transfer in Korean black goat (Copra hircus aegagrus). Laparoscopic examinations of the ovaries were performed from 2 days after $CIDR^(R)$ removal to 22 days after ovulation. The serial morphological changes of follicles and corpus luteum (CL) were observed. CL was classified corpus hemorrhagicum(CH), corpus luteum (CL) and corpus albicans (CA) by its maturation and regression. On the day before ovulation (Day 0), Graafian follicles (GF) were found on one or both ovaries. On the day (Day 1) and $2^{nd}$day (Day 2) of ovulation, and ovulation depression (OD) and an early stage corpus hemorrhagicum $(CH_1)$ were observed at the site of GF, respectively. On Days 3 to 4, more developed and enlarged corpus hemorrhagicum $(CH_2\;and\;CH_3)$ arised from the ovulation of the GF with well vascularization. On Days 5 to 6, it was identified that mature corpus luteum $(CL_3)$ was grown on the ovary, and fully developed CL with adjacent follicles were occupied most part of the ovary on Days 17 and 18. Then the size of CL was diminished, and completely luteal regression $(CL_1\;or\;CA)$ with new large follicle was identified on Days 20 and 22. From these results, the 4 stages of the estrous cycle in Korean black goats were 1) estrus (Day 0) for 1 day, 2) metestrus $(Day\;1{\sim}4)$ for 4 days (stage of CH development), 3) diestrus $(Day\;5{\sim}16/17)$ for 12 or 13 days (luteal stage), and 4) proestrus $(Day\;17/18{\sim}20/22)$ for 4 or 5 days (stage of luteal regression and follicular growing). Laparoscopy for observation of ovarian changes was invasive than laparotomy. Additionally, it had advantages of reduced adhesion and quick operation time. It was considered that laparoscopic examination of ovarian changes will be useful for embryo transfer in the Korean black goats.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.5-11
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• 2008

Serial ultrasonographic examinations were daily performed from 15 days after ovulation until parturition to determine the time of first detection and ultrasonographic appearance of the fetal and extra-fetal structures in pregnant 10 Maltese, 10 Yorkshire Terrier, 15 Shih-tzu, and 10 Miniature Schnauzer bitches, respectively. Gestational age was timed from the day of ovulation (day 0), which was estimated to occur when plasma progesterone concentration was first increased above 4.0ng/ml. The gestational length was $63.4{\sim}63.6$ (range: $61{\sim}65$) days and the geatational length was no statistically significant difference among bitches (p>0.05). The initial detection of the extra-fetal structures were; gestational sac at days $18.9{\sim}19.5\;(17{\sim}22)$, zonary placenta at days $24.6{\sim}25.5\;(23{\sim}28)$, yolk sac membrane at days $24.6{\sim}25.5\;(23{\sim}27)$, yolk sac tubular shape at days $26.1{\sim}26.3\;(24{\sim}28)$, and amniotic membrane at days $26.1{\sim}28.2\;(24{\sim}31)$, respectively. The time of the first detection of the extra-fetal structures were no statistically significant difference among bitches (p>0.05). The initial detection of the fetal structures were; embryo initial detection at days $22.5{\sim}22.9\;(21{\sim}24)$, heartbeat at days $23.2{\sim}23.8\;(21{\sim}25)$, embryo bipolar shape $27.6{\sim}28.9\;(26{\sim}30)$, fetal movement at days $31.9{\sim}32.8\;(27{\sim}34)$, limb buds at days $29.1{\sim}30.7\;(27{\sim}33)$, stomach at days $31.1{\sim}33.1\;(29{\sim}34)$, urinary bladder at days $32.4{\sim}33.2\;(29{\sim}35)$, skeleton at days $34.7{\sim}35.9\;(34{\sim}39)$, and kidney at days $42.1{\sim}44.7\;(41{\sim}48)$, respectively. The the time of the first detection of the fetal structures were no statistically significant difference among bitches (p>0.05). These results indicate the evaluation of the time of first detection and ultrasonographic characteristics of the gestational structures might be useful for pregnancy diagnosis, estimating fetal age, embryonic resorption, fetal monster, abnormal fetal growth and fetal viability, respectively.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.207-213
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• 2003

This objective of this experiment were to evaluate the effect of various estrus synchronization programs on estrus detection rate and pregnancy rate in Hanwoo. After Postpartum 60 Days, a total of 150 cows divided into 2 groups. Cows Group 1 were treated with one luteolytic dosage of PGF$_2$$\alpha$(25 mg, im; lutalyse. USA) on Day 0, and with a second dosage 14 d later; cows in Group 2 were treated with GnRH(l00 $\mu\textrm{g}$, im; Conceral. Korea) on Day 0, PGF$_2$$\alpha$ 7 d later, GnRH 2 d later, and then time-inseminated approximately 16 h after this second treatment with GnRH. Ovarian morphology was monitored cows by trans-rectal ultrasonography from 24 hr to 32 hrs after second GnRH injection. The result obtained summarized as follows: 1. Cows synchronization of estrus with GnRH+PGF$_2$$\alpha$+GnRH(Ov-synch) and PGF$_2$$\alpha$ were 91.3 and 40.0%, respectively. 2. Induced ovulation were 24 to 32hr after the second GnRH injection, but high induced ovulation was 28hr. 3. High conception rate were 24hr insemination after the second GnRH injection. 4. Conception rate with PGF$_2$$\alpha$, CIDR and GnRH treatment were 50.0, 36.0 and 76.9%, respectively.

• 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 Aquaculture
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.55-61
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• 1997

The experiment was conducted to understand the effect of HCG upon ovulation induction and egg maturation in the sevenband grouper, Epinephelus septemfasciatus, as a part of the research for its resources management and seed production. Three different size groups of sevenband groupers showing 300~400g, 1,500~2,000g and 2,500~4,000g, were collected from June to August, 1996. They were treated two or three times with HCG (500~1,000 IU/kg). Gonadal development of the sevenband groupers were examined using the paraffin section method and then stained with haematoxylin and eosin. When smaller groups of sevenband grouper having 300~400g, 1,500~2,00g and 2,500~3,200g in weight were treated two or three time with HCG 9500~1,000 IU/g), their gonads contained oogonia, oocytes with the size of 20~30${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$, and stroma tissues. However, in case of two HCG treatments with a dosage of 1,000 IU/kg on sevenband groupers of 3,400~4,000g, both healthy eggs of $800\mu$m in diameter and regressing eggs were ovulated. A sevenband grouper of 4,000g obvulated 4,252 eggs in total. Of these, healthy and regressing eggs turned out to be 20.8% and 79.2%, respectively. In addition, previtellogenic oocytes of around $50\mu$m, oocytes of 20~$30\mu$m, and ovulation trace were also observed in the gonad.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.73-81
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• 2010

Objective: To examine the efficacy of letrozole in infertile women showing a poor endometrial development at previous ovulation induction cycle by using clomiphene citrate. Methods: Eighteen infertile women were selected who showed a poor endometrial development (endometrial thickness$\leq$6.5 mm) after clomiphene treatment (50~100 mg) as ovulation induction for timed coitus. The mean age of the patients was $30.7{\pm}2.8$ years old and the mean duration of infertility was $33.1{\pm}26.6$ months. The infertility factors were identified as corrected endometriosis (n=1), polycystic ovary syndrome (n=5) and unexplained (n=12). Letrozole was given orally in a dose of 2.5 mg for 5 days starting 3~5 of menstrual cycle. Results: The number of follicles was significantly lower in the letrozole cycle when compared with previous clomiphene cycle ($1.1{\pm}0.3$ vs. $2.2{\pm}1.5$, p=0.011). The endometrial thickness (mm) at the time of triggering or LH surge was significantly greater in the letrozole cycle ($8.4{\pm}1.7$ vs. $5.8{\pm}0.5$, p<0.001). The endometrial pattern 'type C' was significantly higher in the letrozole cycle (94.4% vs. 50%, p=0.036). The pregnancy was achieved in 11.1% of the letrozole cycle. Conclusion: Use of letrozole was associated with more thick and improved endometrium than previous clomiphene cycles in which thin endometrium was identified. Use of letrozole appears to be an effective strategy for second-line treatment in women with inadequate endometrial response to clomiphene.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.19-28
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• 1987

35 patients of normal reproductive age group (22-37 yrs) were selected for ovulation induction using $Clomid^{(R)}$ and HMG. Correlation between canalization of cervical mucus and estradiol level in plasma. morphological ovarian follicular change by ultrasonogram, Ferning and Spinnbarkeit were studied in the induced ovulatory menstrual cycles. By retrospective analysis, the results were following; 1. Canalization appeared on the eighth day of the menstrual cycle in $Clomid^{(R)}$ group, and seventh day of HMG group. And the number of the channels increased gradually until the ovulation time. 2. The mean number of channels increased from 12${\pm}$12 in $Clomid^{(R)}$ group, 19${\pm}$14 in HMG group (Day-6) to a maximum of 46${\pm}$22 in $Clomid^{(R)}$ group (Day-1). 3. The maximum plasma estradiol(E2) level was 812${\pm}$722pg/ml in $Clomid^{(R)}$ group (Day-1), 1792${\pm}$504 pg/ml in HMG group (Day-1), and there was a good statistical correlation between the number of channels and the plasma E2 level. 4. The maximal follicular diameter was 19.4${\pm}$6.7 mm in $Clomid^{(R)}$ Group (Day-1) 19.3${\pm}$4.6mm in HMG group (Day-1) and after than decreased. There was a good statistical correlation between the number of channels and the follicular diameter. 5. When grade of ferning was I, the number of channels were 19.4${\pm}$6.7 in $Clomid^{(R)}$ group, 38${\pm}$26 in HMG group. When grade of ferning was III, the number of channels were 54${\pm}$30 in $Clomid^{(R)}$ group, 71${\pm}$36 in HMG group. 6. The maximum score of Spinnbarkeit was 2.6${\pm}$0.5 in Clomid group (Day-0), 2.6${\pm}$0.5 in HMG group (Day-2). In conclusion, the phenomenon of cervical mucus canalization showed the value of the clinical use as an ovulatin marker.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.59 no.10
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• pp.21.1-21.6
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• 2017

Background: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of thermographic monitoring, using the temperature changes of perianal and perivulvar areas for the determination of estrus in Anatolian Shepherd bitches. Fifteen bitches were used in the study. Blood and vaginal smear samples were collected and thermographic monitoring of perianal and perivulvar areas were carried out starting from proestrus to early diestrus. Also, external signs of estrus were investigated. Smear samples were evaluated by light microscopy after Diff-Quik staining method and superficial and keratinized superficial cells were determined as percentage (S + KS%). Progesterone and luteinizing hormone measurements were done by radioimmunoassay. The difference in temperature between perianal and perivulvar areas was evaluated through thermographic images by FLIR ResearchIR Software. Results: According to the results obtained from the study, differences between progesterone and S + KS% were statistically significant (P < 0,05). Although temperature showed increase and decrease with progesterone and S + KS%, the differences were not important statistically (P > 0,05). Serum luteinizing hormone levels did not sign any difference (P > 0,05). Conclusions: As a result, thermographic monitoring alone is not enough for estrus detection in Anatolian Shepherd bitches. However, it can be used to assist the actual estrus detection technique in terms of providing some foreknowledge by evaluating the differences in temperature.