• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.653-664
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• 1999

This study was undertaken to determine the normal appearance of the postpartum uterine involution. Postpartum changes in uterine shape, architecture, echogenicity and diameter were monitored with ultrasonography in 11 Korea Jin-do dogs. Serial ultrasonographic examination was done daily during the first week, 3 days interval from 8 to 30 days, and weekly from 31 to 100 days postpartum, respectively. Of 11 postpartum bitches, 10 bitches (90.9%) had normal involution and 1 bitch (9.1%) had subinvolution of the placental sites (SIPS) by gross findings, vaginal discharges, and by ultrasographic findings, uterine shape and echogenicity. The excretory period of vaginal discharges in 10 normal bitches of uterine involution was finished completely at $20.2{\pm}4.6$ days (Mean${\pm}$SD) postpartum, but in 1 SIPS at 50 days postpartum. The short axis shape of the uterus was initially often flaccid-appearing. It varied from circular to crescent shaped to polygonal. This lasted until $16.5{\pm}3.7$ days postpartum, during which time the short axis uterine shape gradually changed to circular. Also, the long axis shape of the uterus was created a beaded appearance of the horns until $29.9{\pm}3.2$ days postpartum. After 30 days, it was appeared as tubular shape without distinguished between placental and interplacental sites. The ultrasonographic image of the postpartum uterus consisted of four echogenicity distinct layers. Uterine wall was represented the very hyperechoic serosa, hypoechoic myometrium, hyper echoic endometrium and anechoic structures of fluid in the uterine cavity until 7 days postpartum. The individual uterine layers were most prominent during the first week postpartum, and they became progressively less distinct throughout the course of uterine involution. Anechoic structures of fluid in the uterine cavity was detected until $25.0{\pm}6.4$ days postpartum, after which time it was not reliably detected. The uterine diameter was decreased not only in the placental sites frorm $24.1{\pm}2.5mm$ at 1 day to $15.4{\pm}1.4mm$ at 7 days postpartum, but also in the interplacental sites $14.9{\pm}1.5mm$ at 1 day, $10.6{\pm}0.8mm$ at 7 days postpartum. There was a general trend of decreasing uterine diameter, which occurred more rapidly at the placental sites. At 31 days pastpartum, these diameter reached almost same size, after that time, they could be not distinguished between placental and interplacental sites. At 87 days postpartum, the uterine diameter was $5.6{\pm}0.6mm$ both placental and interplacental sites, and the uterine horns were uniform hypoechoic, tubular structures without enlargement. Therefore, complete involution of the uterus occurred at that time. It was concluded that normal postpartum uterine involution in Korea Jin-do bitches appeared to be completed around 87 days postpartum by gross findings such as vaginal discharges, and by ultrasonographic findings, uterine shape and echogenicity. Also ultrasonographic characteristics of the postpartum uterine involution were described. Therefore, these result suggest that ultrasonographic assessment is a reliable method for diagnosing the SIPS and uterine dysfunction, such as pyometra in bitch.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.61-83
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• 2007

Purpose: This study was performed to investigate the effects of Keukhachukeo-Tang (KCT) on the development of experimentally-induced endometriosis in rats. Methods : Endometriosis was induced in rats by autotransplanting uterine tissue to the peritoneum and devided them into three groups: (1) sham-operated group (n=8), (2) surgically induced endometriosis and untreated control group (n =8), (3) surgically induced endometriosis and KCT treated group. KCT (1,200 mg/head) was orally administrated for 15 days after operation. Then we measured the body weight, the volumes of endometriotic implants. The weight (body, left uterus and ovaries) and concentrations of cytokines (MCP-1, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-l${\beta}$) in serum and peritoneal fluid were also measured. Histopathology, immunohistochemistry for COX-2, and histochemistry for mast cells in transplanted uterine tissue were performed. Results : - The volumes(mm$^3$) of endometriotic implants in KCT-treated group (107${\pm}$66) were significantly decreased (p<0.05) compared with control group (405${\pm}$318). - The contents(pg/ml) of MCP-1 in peritoneal fluid in KCT-treated group (6,940${\pm}$893) were significantly decreased (p<0.01) compared with control group (8,632${\pm}$1,245). - The contents(pg/ml) of TNF-${\alpha}$ in peritoneal fluid in KCT-treated group (847${\pm}$330) were significantly decreased (p<0.05) compared with control group (1,245${\pm}$362). - The percentages(%) of positive epithelial layers for COX-2 in KCT-treated group (31${\pm}$10) were significantly decreased (p<0.01) compared with control group (50${\pm}$8). - The numbers of mast cells in adjacent tissue of transplanted uterine tissue in KCT-treated group (69${\pm}$18) were significantly decreased (p<0.01) compared with control group (109${\pm}$30). - The numbers of mast cells in stroma of transplanted uterine tissue in KCT-treated group(16${\pm}$5) were significantly decreased (p<0.01) compared with control group (26${\pm}$8). - Histopathologically, proliferation of endometriotic epithelia and stroma, and infiltration of inflammatory cells in transplanted uterine tissue of KCT-treated group were weakly observed than those of control group. Conclusion : From the above results, Keukhachukeo-Tang (KCT) have inhibiting effects on the development of transplanted uterine tissue. And these effects are related to the decreased concentration of MCP-1 and TNF-${\alpha}$, decreased expression of COX-2, and decreased infiltration of mast cells by administration of Keukhachukeo-Tang.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.331-336
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• 2017

A 2-year-old female Maltese dog was presented with a history of anemia and vaginal hemorrhagic discharge. Physical examination revealed severe vaginal hemorrhagic discharge, abdominal pain, pale mucous membranes, low blood pressure and dehydration. Results of serum biochemistry, hematology, venous blood gas, and electrolyte canine C-reactive protein (CRP) test revealed severe normocytic normochromic anemia, severe neutropenia, a high level of CRP, hypoglycemia, and imbalanced electrolytes. Abdominal ultrasound examination showed focal hypoechoic defect with loss of layering in uterine horn wall. A laparotomy revealed a clear reddish fluid in the abdomen, the fistula of left and right uterine horn, the purulent discharge from fistula, and symptoms of septic peritonitis near by the fistula site. The bitch underwent ovariohysterectomy and recovered without complication. Histopathological diagnosis of the uterine fistula site was adenocarcinoma.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.427-430
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• 2012

An infertile, three-year-old primiparous cow was diagnosed preliminarily with pyometra by rectal palpation at 180 days postpartum. Ultrasonography showed that the cranial portion of the right uterine horn was distended with fluid, while the base portion of the horn was missing. A dense band of tissue connected the cranial portion of the uterine horn to the uterine body. However, the left uterine horn was normal. Gross postmortem analysis of the reproductive organs confirmed the ultrasonographic observations. Histopathological observations also showed that dark red-brown mucus filled the thin-walled right uterine horn, where neither caruncles nor uterine glands were observed. Finally, this primiparous Holstein cow was diagnosed with segmental aplasia of the right uterine horn.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.139-145
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• 2001

This study was undertaken to determine the normal serial ultrasonographic appearance of the postpartum uterine involution in small pet dogs (Yorkshire terrier and Maltese). Postpartum changes in uterine shape, architecture, echogenicity and diameter were monitored by ultrasonography in 12 small pet dogs. Serial ultrasonographic examinations were done daily during the first week, 3 days interval from 8 to 30 days, and weekly from 31 to 100 days postpartum. The excretory period of vaginal discharge in 12 normal bitches of uterine involution was finished completely within 3 weeks postpartum. The short axis shape of the uterus was initially often flaccid-appearing. It varied from circular to polygonal. This lasted until 15.75$\pm$3.84 days postpartum, during which time the short axis uterine shape gradually changed to circular. Also, the long axis shape of the uterus was a beaded appearance until 30.89$\pm$4.25 days postpartum. After 30 days, it was appeared as tubular shape between placental and interplacental sites. The ultrasonographic image of the postpartum uterus consisted of four echogenicity distinct layers. Uterine wall was represented as very hyperechoic serosa, hypoechoic myometrium, hyperechoic endometrium and anechoic structures of fluid in the uterine cavity until 7 days postpartum. The individual uterine layers were most prominent during the first week postpartum, and they became progressively less distinct throughout the course of uterine involution. The thickness of myometrium was decreased rapidly in the placental sites from 4.47$\pm$1.42 mm at 1 day to 1.92$\pm$0.26 mm at 16 day, and in the interplacental sites from 3.19$\pm$0.61 mm at 1 day to 1.39$\pm$0.61 mm at 16 day. And it was decreased slowly until 94 day and was been minimum thickness at 94 day. The thickness of endometrium was also decreased like that of myometrium. The uterine diameter in the placental sites was decreased from 22.28$\pm$3.01 mm at 1 day to 16.11$\pm$1.46 mm at 7 day, and in the interplacental sites was decreased from 13.65$\pm$2.34 mm at 1 day to 9.41$\pm$1.59 mm at 7 day postpartum. From 7 day to 93 day, the change of diameter was more and more slow. At 94 days postpartum, the uterine diameter was 5~6 mm both placental and interplacental sites, and the uterine horns were uniform hypoechoic, tubular structures without enlargement. Therefore, complete involution of the uterus occurred at 94 days. It was concluded that normal post partum uterine involution in small pet dogs appeared to be completed 94 days postpartum by gross findings such as vaginal discharges, and by ultrasonographic findings, uterine shape and echogenicity.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.103-108
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• 2013

An uterus is female reproductive tract organ that affected estrus cycle. During a various changes occur at uterus in estrus cycle, one of them is body fluids secretion be called uterine fluid. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the changes of protein patterns using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis in uterus fluids during the follicular and luteal phases in estrus cycle of pigs. In changes of protein spots were confirmed during the follicular and luteal phases. The 136 spots were expressed in follicular phase, the 57 spots of them showed reproducibility. On the other hand, the 140 spots were expressed in luteal phase, the 73 spots of them showed reproducibility. Also, spots expressed in follicular phase were number 69 and 94 spots and spots expressed in luteal phase only were number 156, 157, 184~187, 190 and 191 spots. The spots which of higher expression levels in the luteal phase than in follicular phase were number 76 and 79 spots. In conclusion, the spots expressed in follicular and luteal phases were confirmed with difference levels and these differences are function of RNA resolving, protein synthesis and cytoskeletal architecture.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.83-93
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• 1998

The purposes of the present study were to evaluate the effect of estrone on the prevention of implantation and pregnancy and the concentrations of estradiol and progesterone or sodium and potassium in the plasma or uterine fluid of pregnant rats injected a single dose of 0, 0.1, 0.4 or 1.0 mg on days 5, 9, or 13 of pregnancy. The body weight gains of pregnant rats were significantly decreased in administering estrone on day 5 of pregnancyi no effect obtained on days 9 or 13. Numbers of viable fetuses were significantly decreased and pre- and post-implantation loss increased by administering estrone 0.1, 0.4 or 1.0 mg and numbers of implantation sites significantly increased by administering estrone 0.1 mg but significantly decreased or not occurred by 0.4 or 1.0 mg on day 5 of pregnancy, respectively, but no effect obtained on days 9 or 13. Plasma estradiol concentrations of pregnant rats were significantly increased on 1, 2 or 18 days after treatment with estrone (1.4 or 1.0 mg and 3 days after 0.4 mg on day 5 of pregnancy, respectively. But plasma progesterone concentrations had no effect on the treatment with estrone. Plasma sodium contents were significantly increased on 1 day after treatment with estrone 0.1 or 1.0 mg and 3 days after 0.1 mg on day 5 of pregnancy, respectively, except potassium content were no detectable change. Sodium contents in uterine fluid were significantly increased on 1 day after treatment with estrone 1.0 mg and 3 days after 0.1, 0.4 or 1.0 mg on day 5 of pregnancy, respectively. And potassium contents were significantly increased on 1 or 2 days after treatments with estrone 0.1 mg but significantly decreased on 3 days after 0.4 or 1.0 mg on day 5 of pregnancy, respectively. It is suggested that the prevention of implantation and failure of pregnancy could be induced by treatment with estrone 0.4 mg on day 5 of pregnancy and might be interrelated with changes of plasma estradiol concentration and sodium and potassium contents in uterine fluid.

• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.131-137
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• 2024

Background: Porcine embryonic development is widely utilized in the medical industry. However, the blastocyst development rate in vitro is lower compared to in vivo. To address this issue, various supplements are employed. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play the role of communicators that carry many bioactive cargoes. Additionally, the contents of EVs can vary on the estrous cycle. Methods: We compared the effects of adding EVs derived from porcine uterine fluid (UF), categorized as non-EV (G1), EVs in estrus (G2) and EVs in diestrus (G3). After in vitro culture (IVC) was performed in three different groups, cleavage rate and blastocyst development rate were examined. In addition, glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured 2 days after activation to assess oxidative stress. Results: Using NTA and cryo-TEM, we confirmed the presence of EVs with sizes ranging from 30 nm to 200 nm, that the particles were suitable for analysis for analysis. In IVC data, the highest cleavage rate was observed in G2, which was significantly different from G1 but not significantly different from the next highest, G3. Similarly, the highest blastocyst development rate was observed in G2, which was significantly different from G1 but not significantly different from the next highest, G3. Conclusions: These results indicate that estrus derived EVs contain biofactors beneficial for early blastocyst development, including GSH which protects the blastocyst from oxidative stress. Additionally, although diestrus-derived EVs are expected to have some effect on blastocyst development, it appeared to be less effective than estrus-derived EVs.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.523-527
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• 1997

The fatty acid compositions of oocytes, follicular, oviductal and uterine fluids of pig and cow were analyzed using gas chromatography. Myristic (C 14: 0), palmitic (C 16: 0), palmitoleic (C 16: 1), stearic (C 18 : 0), oleic (C 18: 1), linoleic (C 18: 2), linolenic (C 18: 3) and arachidonic (C 20: 4) acids were identified as the common fatty acid constituents with little exception. Oleic acid composition was the highest (21.90 to 36.24%) in both pig and cow followed by palmitic (18.61 to 31.90%) and stearic (10.34 to 20.39%) acid. The three polyunsaturated fatty acids like linoleic, linolenic and arachidonic acids were detected in both pig and cow reproductive fluid samples. Myristic acid was not detected in pig oviductal fluid. Similarly, in cow oocytes myristic, palmitoleic and linolenic acids were not detected. Moreover, palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acid comprised about 80% (73.74 to 88.00%) of the total fatty acids in the different samples analyzed in both animals.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.121-130
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• 2003

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of breeding conditions on reproductive efficiency of thoroughbred broodmares by ultrasonography. The mean age and breeding career of 120 mares used in this study were 11 years old and 6 years, respectively. The average pregnancy rate and embryonic loss rate were 87.5%, 11.8%. The groups that were 8-10 years old, 4-6 years, maiden and mated on May showed the highest pregnancy rate. While mares mated on 1st estrus post partus had the highest ovulation rate but showed the highest embryonic loss rate and he lowest pregnancy rate. And broodmares that had more intrauterine foreign bodies such as cyst and fluid with age and breeding career had represented lower pregnancy rate and higher embryonic loss rate than those having normal uterine condition. These results suggest that the breeding condition and uterine environment of mares had a significant influence on reproductive efficiency.