• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.219-222
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• 2011

Eight female Himalayan tahrs (Hemitragus jemlahicus) were estrus-synchronized, and transcervically inseminated with frozen-thawed semen in September, 2009, about 2 to 3 months earlier than their natural breeding season. Intravaginal progesterone-releasing devices were inserted into vaginas of six Himalayan tahrs on September 7, and the other two on September 8 to suppress luteal function of ovaries. The devices had been placed deep inside the vagina prior to withdrawal on September 23. A day before CIDR removal, a combination of PMSG 400 IU and hCG 200 IU was intramuscularly injected. Forty hours later, frozen-thawed semen was transcervically inseminated. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed 39 days later by analyzing progesterone level of serum. Every treatment was done under anesthesia inducted by xylazine injection. In conclusion, vaginal discharge of cervical mucus, hormonal changes induced by implant-typed or muscularly injectable hormones and widening of cervix enough to insert an insemination gun into uterine body were achieved in non-breeding season. Moreover, the first inseminated Himalayan tahr, 36 hours after CIDR removal was assumed to be pregnant but the fetus may have been lost due to the use of anesthetic drug.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.47-52
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• 2011

Objectives : The present study has been undertaken to investigate the effects of Leonuri Sibirici Herba and Pruni Persicae Semen on pregnant rats. Method : In this experiment, the pregnant rats were administered by water extracts of Leonuri Sibirici Herba and Pruni Persicae Semen. The levels of weights, ALT, AST, ALP, BUN, creatinine, progesterone, Na and K in serum and reproductive indices of the rats were measured after treatment. Results : 1. The levels of body weight gains were not significantly changed in comparison with Control group in Leonuri Sibirici Herba group and Pruni Persicae Semen group. 2. In the levels of reproductive indices of the rats, the number of corpora lutea, implantation, viable fetuses, pre-implantation loss, post-implantation loss, fetal weight and placental wight were not significantly changed in comparison with Control group in Leonuri Sibirici Herba group and Pruni Persicae Semen group. 3. The levels of BUN, creatine, ALT, AST and ALP were not significantly changed in comparison with Control group in Leonuri Sibirici Herba group and Pruni Persicae Semen group. 4. The level of progesterone was not significantly changed in comparison with Control group in Leonuri Sibirici Herba group and Pruni Persicae Semen group. 5. The levels of Na and K were not significantly changed in comparison with Control group in Leonuri Sibirici Herba group and Pruni Persicae Semen group. Conclusion : Reviewing these experimetal results, it appeared that Leonuri Sibirici Herba and Pruni Persicae Semen had not toxicity on pregnant rats.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.33-38
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• 2013

Objectives : The present study has been undertaken to investigate the effects of Carthami Semen and Jogyeongjongok-Tang on pregnant rats. Method : In this experiment, the pregnant rats were administered by water extracts of Carthami Semen and Jogyeongjongok-Tang. The levels of weights, ALT, AST, ALP, BUN, creatinine, progesterone, Na and K in serum and reproductive indices of the rats were measured after treatment. Results : The levels of body weight gains were not significantly changed in comparison with Control group in Carthami Semen group and Jogyeongjongok-Tang group. In the levels of reproductive indices of the rats, the number of corpora lutea, implantation and viable fetuses, post-implantation loss, fetal weight and placental wight were not significantly changed in comparison with Control group in Carthami Semen group and Jogyeongjongok-Tang group. But pre-implantation loss was significantly increased in comparison with Control group in Carthami Semen group. The levels of BUN, creatine, ALT, AST and ALP were not significantly changed in comparison with Control group in Carthami Semen group and Jogyeongjongok-Tang group. The level of progesterone was not significantly changed in comparison with Control group in Carthami Semen group and Jogyeongjongok-Tang group. The levels of Na and K were not significantly changed in comparison with Control group in Carthami Semen group and Jogyeongjongok-Tang group. Conclusion : Reviewing these experimetal results, it appeared that Carthami Semen and Jogyeongjongok-Tang had not toxicity on pregnant rats.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.10
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• pp.5257-5261
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• 2012

Background: High incidence of breast cancer and its fatal effect has reached an alarming stage across the globe, including the third world countries. Many factors have been reported to be associated with the development of breast cancer but detailed structural and functional information is missing. CA 15-3 is one of the known potential tumor marker of breast cancer; however little is known about structure and functional site of this protein. Present study aims to investigate the functional role of CA 15-3 in breast cancer, especially in development and metastasis. Material and Methods: Hundred female breast cancer patients confirmed by histopathological reports were included in the study. Their physiological characters were recorded in a performa. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was used to estimate serum CA 15-3 level. Immunohistochemistry was done for estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR) and Her2/neu receptors expression. Results: The study revealed the details of physiological characteristics of female breast cancer. Mean age was $37.72{\pm}5.99$ and $55.05{\pm}7.28$ years and serum CA 15-3 (MUC1) level was $60.47{\pm}8.59$ and $63.17{\pm}4.58$ U/ml in pre and post-menopause respectively, and both groups of women had sedentary life style. Their receptor status especially of progesterone, estrogen and HER-2/neu were positive in 50% of premenopausal women and 65% of postmenopausal women. Conclusion: There are multiple physiological factors promoting breast cancer. High serum CA 15-3 level and hormonal imbalance of ER, PR and Her2/neu appears to be the main cause of breast cancer. It may be possible that the functional sites of these proteins may be altered which may increase the chances of metastasis in breast cancer.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.179-188
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• 2000

The present study was carried out in order to investigate the effects of antler extract on hormone concentration, Ca, P and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in ovariectomized rats. Rats were ovariectomized bilaterally and were fed up with Ca- and P-free diet in order to induce osteoporosis. Osteoporosis was determined by the extent of density of bone mineral and lowering the concentrations of serum Ca and P. Male or female antler extract were administrated for 5 weeks to elucidate the protective and therapeutic effects for osteoporosis. The serum concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, calcitonin, osteocalcin, Ca and P, and the activities of ALP of ovariectomized rats were examined for 5 weeks. 1. After administration of female or male antler extract to osteoporosis-induced rats at the doses of 625 mg/kg and 1,250 mg/kg, respectively, the levels of the serum estradiol of the ovariectomized rat significantly decreased from 40.50$\pm$3.34 pg/$m\ell$ to 20.80$\pm$1.86 pg/$m\ell$ for 5 weeks, the levels of serum estradiol were a signigicant lower than those of control group (49.50$\pm$2.70~50.80$\pm$3.l3 pg/$m\ell$). 2. After administration of female or male antler extract to osteoporosis-induced rats at the doses of 625 mg/kg and 1,250 mg/kg, respectively, the levels of serum progesterone were didn't show significant differences. 3. After administration of female or male antler extract to osteoporosis-induced rats at the doses of 625 mg/kg and 1,250 mg/kg, respectively, the levels of serum calcitonin were a little higher than those of control group (0.64$\pm$0.03 ~0.68$\pm$0.04 pg/$m\ell$). 4. After administration of female or male antler extract to osteoporosis-induced rats at the doses of 625 mg/kg and 1,250 mg/kg, respectively, the levels of serum osteocalcin were little higher than those of control groups (0.28$\pm$0.02~0.31$\pm$0.02 ng/$m\ell$). In addition, the levels of serum osteocalcin of female antler extract administered group were little higher than those of male antler extract administered group. 5. The levels of serum Ca and P in osteoporosisinduced rats, administered with male or female antler extract, were little higher than those of control group. However, the levels of serum Ca and P in ovariectomized rats were significantly higher than those of control group (p＜0.05). 6. After administration of female or male antler extract to osteoporosis-induced rats, the activities of serum ALP increased compared with those of normal control group. There were significant differences between the serum ALP activities of FA 1,250 and 625 groups (p＜0.05). These findings suggest a possible protective and therapeutic effects of female or male antler extract against bone loss in ovariectomized rats, associated with a significant increase of serum estradiol level.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.137-143
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• 1998

The effects of continuous GH(hGH) secretion on the female reproduction was studies in adults female transgenic rats expressing the hGH gene with a mouse whey acid protein (mWAP) promotor. Two line of transgenic female rats carrying the mWAP/hGH gene were established and used in the study. One was characterized by relatively high levels of serum hGH (high line), and the other had relatively low levels (low line). 1. High line female rats had recurring, Pseudopregancy-like estrous cycles accompanied by increased serum progesterone level for 2 weeks after ovulation, and they were fertile. 2. In the rats, luteinization occurred spontaneously without cervical stimulation, probably due to high levels of serum hGH, which has prolactin (PRL)-like activity in the rat. 3. Low line female rats had recurring, regular 4-days estrous PRL surge following cervical stimulation were not, detected and PRL secretion was not induced by a dopamine antagonist. 4. The ovarian tissue in this line had a much higher number of corpora lutea and grew much heavier than in normal littermates, suggesting impairment of PRL induced structural luteolized. Su, pp.ession of PRL secretion in the low line rats was, at least in part, due to a marked decrease in the number of lactotrophs in the pituitary. The present study shows that the serum hGH level plays a crucial role in regulating luteal function in female transgenic rats expressing the hGH gene.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.453-457
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• 2006

This study determined the effects of several reproductive factors at prostaglandin $F_{2{\alpha}}\;(PGF_{2{\alpha}})$ administration on the subsequent estrous exhibition and conception. Three hundreds and twenty six dairy cows in seven dairy herds received a 25 mg $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ after confirming the presence of corpus luteum (CL) by ultrasonography, and the cows exhibited estrus within 7 days following $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ administration were artificially inseminated (AI). Two hundreds cows among the 326 cows received additional ultrasonography at $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ administration to measure the diameters of the largest follicle and CL on ovaries, and blood samples collected from the cows were analyzed for serum progesterone (P4) level. Cow parity, days open, body condition score (BCS), season and herd variables were recorded. Of the treated 326 cows, 171 cows (52.5%) showed estrus within 7 days after treatment, and the conception rate following AI was 37.4% (64/171). There were significant differences on the estrous exhibition ($31.3{\sim}65.8%$, p<0.01) and conception rates ($23.1{\sim}66.7%$, p<0.05) among the herds, while cow parity, days open, BCS and season did not affect the subsequent estrous exhibition and conception rates. The diameters of the largest follicle and CL on ovaries, and serum P4 level at the $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ administration were not related to the subsequent estrous exhibition and conception. The results indicate that the improved outcomes of synchronization of estrus using a single $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ administration may be related to the appropriate management of the herd.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.64-71
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• 1981

The present study was carried out to study the serum concentration of peptide and steroid hormones in puerperal sow. Eight crossbred sows were used for collection of blood samples from day 20 prepartum to day 20 postpartum. FSH, LH, prolactin, estradiol-$17{\beta}$, progesterone and cortisol were assayed by radioimmunoassay methods. The mean serum FSH did not vary during the puerperal period and ranged from $8.1{\pm}1.8mIU/ml$ to $9.0{\pm}2.3mIU/ml$. LH concentrations increased from $2.6{\pm}0.3mIU/ml$ at day 20 prepartum to $3.9{\pm}1.1mIU/ml$ at the time of parturition, reached $3.2{\pm}0.9mIU/ml$ by day+2 and remained quite constant therafter. Prolactin reached a peak mean level of $68.5{\pm}9.5ng/ml$ at day 0. Estradiol-$17{\beta}$ increased from $205.0{\pm}29.5pg/ml$ at day 6 prepartum to $425.0{\pm}35.0pg/ml$ at the time of parturition. Progesterone remained fairly constant ($18.4{\pm}1.6$ to $20.2{\pm}2.1ng/ml$) from 20 to 6 days before parturition, began to decline on day-2, reached $0.9{\pm}0.3ng/ml$ by day+2 and remained quite constant thereafter. Cortisol reached a peak level of $86.5{\pm}10.5ng/ml$ at the day 0.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.9-16
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• 1998

This study was performed to investigate the stimulating effect on oocyte maturation and cumulus cell expansion in TC199 media by human cord serum (HCS) supplementation. Immature mouse oocyte cumulus complexes (OCCs) were cultured in TC199 media supplemented with bovine serum albumin (BSA), HCS and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) instead of luteinizing hormone (LH) respectively, and the expression of cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation were observed. After 4hr and 24hr culture with or without OCCs, media containing 0.4% BSA, 10% HCS and 10 IV hCG respectively were collected and analyzed for changing concentrations of estradiol $(E_2)$, progesterone $(P_4)$, testosterone (T), and $PGF_{2\alpha}$. There were no elevation of $E_2$, T, and $PGF_{2\alpha}$ by OCCs culture, but minute elevation of $P_4$ level by 24hr OCCs culture in hCG supplementation (p=0.048). The stimulating pattern of cumulus expansion of OCCs by HCS and hCG supplementation was similar to our previously report using Ham's F-10 media, however oocyte maturation rates after 24hr OCCs culture in all media were increased by $20\sim30%$ compared to Ham's F-10 media. These results suggest that LH in HCS induce cumulus expansion probably by $P_4$ secretion of OCCs, and TC199 is efficient media for immature mouse oocyte maturation.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.155-161
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• 1995

The present investigation has been undertaken to elucidate the differentiation mechanism the uterus which is the environment of the embryo development, by demonstrating the role of ovarian steroids hormone in the decidualization of the pseudopregnant rat uterus. To determine the effect of ovarine steroids and artificial stimulation (trauma) on the differenciation of the uterine endometrium and decidualization for implantation, attempt was made to measure concentrations of serum estradiol($E_2$), progesterone($P_4$) and nuclear $P_4$ receptor in the traumatized and non-traumatized uterine tissue of the pseudopregnant rat. The results obtained are as followings : The concentration of serum $E_2$ on day 9(implantation stage) was similar in both of intact pseudopregnant rat(47.63pg/ml) and normal pregnant rat(40.71pg/ml). And among the treated groups, $E_2$ concentration was highest in the $E_2$ treated group in comparision with intact control group(relative value; 73.27%). The concentration of serum $P_4$ was also highest in the $P_4$ treated group(23.12pg/ml). Relative value of $P_4$ treated group in comparision with intact group(24.88pg/ml) was 92.93%. The nuclear $P_4$ receptor levels in the artificial traumatized groups were higher compared with the non-traumatized control groups. This study, therefore, clearly demonstrates that the methods for inducing pseudopregnant (vagina tapping;120/min) and inducing decidualization(oil injection; 0.1ml/uterine horn) appear to be effective, $P_4$ appears to be effective in the differenciation of the uterine endometrial tissue for the implantation process. Concentration of serum $P_4$ seems to be well correlated with the level of the nuclear $P_4$ receptor during the early embryo development. These results seem to be well correlated with ALPase activities in the normal and pseudopregnant rat uterus shown in the previous study.