We observed MMPs expression in all sperm groups, with pro-MMP showing lower expression than active MMPs. According to the results from each freezing extender, the sperm membrane integrity (HOST: Hypoosmotic Swelling Test) analysis in TCGGD (Tris 250 mM, Citric acid 88 mM, Glucose 47 mM, Glycerol 3%, Dimethylsulpoxide 3.5 M) is 59.8 ± 0.7, TCGSD (Tris 250 mM, Citric acid 88 mM, Glucose 47 mM, Sucrose 0.1 M, Dimethylsulpoxide 3.5 M) is 59.3 ± 0.5 were significantly higher (p < 0.05) among the experimental groups. And MMPs analysis result, we observed MMPs expression in all sperm groups, with pro-MMP showing lower expression than active MMPs. The expression of active MMP-2 was the highest in sperms frozen in TCGSD and TCGD (Tris 250 mM, Citric acid 88 mM, Glucose 47 mM, Dimethylsulpoxide 3.5 M), Meanwhile, sperms from the TCGGD and TCGED (Tris 250 mM, Citric acid 88 mM, Glucose 47 mM, Ethylene glycol 3%, Dimethylsulpoxide 3.5 M) group showed lower level of active MMP-2 expression. Together, these results indicate that adding glycerol or sucrose to the sperm freezing buffer would not only suppress MMPs expression but also minimize DNA fragmentation, providing a mean to improve the success rate in the in vitro manipulation of rabbit sperms. Therefore, these results suggest that TCGGD or TCGSD extender method for freezing-thawing of rabbit sperm increased the viability after thawing.

The purpose of this study is to examined the electrofusion and activation conditions for the production of porcine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos. In this study, immature oocytes were cultured in TCM-199 with and without hormones for 22 hours. Skin fibroblasts cells of porcine were transferred into the perivitelline space of enucleated in vitro matured oocytes. Cell fusion was performed with two different pulses that each one pulse (DC) of 1.1 kV/cm or 1.5 kV/cm for 30 μsec. After fusion subsequent activation were divided into three groups; non-treatment (control) and treatment with 2 mM 6-DMAP or 7.5 μg/ml cytochalasin B for 4 hours. Transferred embryos were cultured in PZM-3 (Porcine Zygote Medium-3) in 5% CO₂ and 95% air at 39℃ for 7 day. Apoptosis-related genes (Caspase-3, BCL-2, mTOR, and MMP-2) were analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. There was no significant difference between two different electrofusion stimuli in the cleavage rate; 64.9±4.8% in 1.1 kV/cm and 62.7±4.0% in 1.5 kV/cm. However, blastocyst formation rate (%) was significantly different among three different activation groups (no treatment, 2 mM 6-DMAP or 7.5 μg/ml cytochalasin B) combined with electrofusion of 1.1 kV/cm. The blastocyst formation rate was 12.6±2.5, 20.0±5.0, and 34.9±4.3% in control, 2 mM 6-DMAP, and 7.5 μg/ml cytochalasin B, respectively. Immunofluorescence data showed that expression levels of caspase-3 in SCNT embryos undeveloped to blastocyst stage were higher than those in the blastocyst stage embryos. Expression levels of Bcl-2 in blastocyst stage embryos were higher than those in the arrested SCNT embryos. These results showed that the combination of an electric pulse (1.1 kV/cm for 30 μsec) and 7.5 μg/ml cytochalasin B treatment was effective for production of the porcine SCNT embryos.

The purpose of this study is to expression pattern of melanogenesis associate genes on cultured melanocyte layer cells in Korean Brindle Cattle(Dark, Brindle and Yellow) were analyzed to evaluate the effects of sex hormones on the control of melanogenesis pathways. Korean Brindle Cattle(Dark, Brindle and Yellow) melanocyte in the skin cells was collected. after the addition of estrogen and testosterone, the culture was analyzed for expression of cell activity and melanin genes for 72 hours. For the analysis of estrogen in different coat color other than the melanogenesis-related genes it is increasingly yellow showed low expression. in particular, the cells of the brindle coat color is low active and expression of genes. However, the testosterone was low, the expression of cell activity inhibiting MMP-2. the expression of melanin genes actually showed a tendency to increase gradually, which is testosterone compared with the estrogen to be considered that affect the skin cell layer brindle coat color. In this study, stimulation with estrogen triggered the inhibition of MC1R of the melanocyte in brindle coat color, but testosterone is induced MC1R in melanocyte. Therefore, considered the eumelanin or phaeomelanin activation are controlled caused by differential expression of sex hormones on melanocyte in Korean Brindle Cattle.

ompared the expression of MMPs in these oocytes and cumulus cell throughout oocytes maturated. In an attempt to investigate the effect of MMP activation and inhibitors in total protein of cumulus cell and, oocytes during oocytes maturation, we examined and monitored the localization and expression of MMPs (MMP-2 and MMP-9), TIMPs (TIMP-2 and TIMP-3), as well as their expression profiles (Real-time PCR, Gelatin Zymography and ELISA). Our results that the bovine oocytes MMP-2 and MMP-9 level was significantly associated with the rate of maturity of oocytes (P<0.05). In cumulus cell, MMP-2 was highly expressed in all stages of the oocyte’s maturation. The final oocytes maturation exhibited strong gelatinase activity. There was no significant correlation between cumulus cell MMP-9 and the maturation rate of oocytes. However, for the oocyte cytoplasm MMP-9 expression was significant correlation to the maturation oocytes. There was no significant correlation between cumulonimbus cells MMP-9 and oocyte maturation rates; however, for oocyte cytoplasm, MMP-9 expression was significantly correlated with mature oocyte. However, the TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 protein expression patterns are not correlated with the maturation rate of the oocyte. Our results suggest that MMP different expression pattern may regulate the morphological remodeling of oocyte's in the cumulus cell. Further, the MMP-2 expression has a strong relation with a higher maturation rate of the oocyte.

The nature of molecular mechanisms governing embryonic cell block is largely unknown, but recent reports have demonstrated that proper execution of programmed cell death is crucial for this process. The main objective of this study is to determine effects of programmed cell death on porcine oocytes development in vitro after parthenogenesis. Among the blastocysts matured in 3MA, MAP1LC3A and ATG5 RNA gene expression level increased in the order of Cyst < 3MA < RP. However, Casp-3 and TNF-r RNA gene expression level decreased in the order of RP < 3MA < Cyst. Expression of mTOR within the RP-cultured blastocyst was the most highly to the inner cell mass, while 3MA-cultured blastocyst showed very lowest expression in inner cell mass. The expression of mTOR showed a pattern opposite to that of MAP1LC3A. That is, its expression was the lowest in Cyst group. When the enzymatic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was assessed in culture, the level of active MMP-9 was higher expression in the medium of each RP treatment group, with the level of another treatment group being relatively higher. Analyses of TIMP-2 and TIMP-3 revealed that their expression was higher in groups that did not receive RP treatment. More specifically, the level of TIMP-2 was not affected by Cyst treatment, while the level of TIMP-3 was higher in 3MA and RP treatment group. There was highly cell division activation efficiency of parthenogenesis on cultured system of RP supplement IVC medium. Therefore, these results suggest that embryo development was significantly increased in conditional culture medium with active autophagy as compared to common cultured condition. Further investigation of this distinction may enable the development of innovative improvements for the production of porcine somatic cell nuclear transfer.

The main purpose of this study is to estimate the effect of adding Tea-N-Tris (TES) to the freezing buffer for miniature pig sperm. In particular, we attempted to identify the association between the MMPs expression and the fertility and viability of frozen sperm from each extender (LEY (Lactose Egg-Yolk), TLE (TES + LEY), TFGE (TES + Fructose + Glucose Egg-Yolk)). In accordance with this, Hypoosmotic Swelling Test (HOST) respond test was the lowest among sperms frozen in LEY while the highest HOST respond was observed among sperms frozen in TLE. Furthermore, we observed MMPs expression in all sperm groups, with pro-MMP showing lower expression than active MMPs. The expression of MMP-9 and MMP-2 was the highest in sperms frozen in LEY, Meanwhile, sperms from the TFGE and TLE group showed lower level of MMP-9 and MMP-2 expression in the order of TLE being the lowest. LEY group showed lower rate of blastocyst development than the TES supplement group, although the difference was not statistically significant. Meanwhile the rate of blastocyst development appeared similar when sperms from TLE and TFGE group were used for IVF. Together, these results indicate that adding Tea-N-Tris to the sperm freezing buffer only suppresses MMPs protein activation but also maximize in-vitro fertility, providing a means to improve the success rate in the in vitro manipulation of miniature pig sperm.

To describe the macroscopic anatomy and ovarian-physiological difference of the genital organs of the female Korean water deer, organs from captured animals in a wild area of Korea were dissected. The ovary of estrus group was about 1.10 ± 0.02 mm long and weighed about 0.50 ± 0.02 g. And pregnant group was about 1.3 ± 0.10 mm long and weighed about 0.40 ± 0.05 g. And the crowns of corpora lutea were found in the estrus group, but we couldn't find crowns at the pregnant group. Especially, the estrus ovaries tended (p=0.04) to be heavier than the ovaries during pregnancy. The MMP-9 activity was higher at the Graafian follicles of pregnant group than that in estrus group. However, with regard to follicles of estrus group, MMP-2 level was higher than that in pregnant group. Furthermore, apoptosis detection marker (Casp-3) was highly expressed in Graafian follicle of the pregnant group and the corpora lutea of estrus group. Thus, the differential expression of MMPs observed in this study suggests that the reflected the mechanisms underlying of monovulatory in estrus and/or pregnancy. Our results may be very useful as it provides with information that may be considered for the development of reproductive biotechnologies in endangered animals.

Bovine coat color is decided by the melanocortin receptor 1 (MC1R) genotype mutation and melanogenesis. Specially, in the various cattle breeds, dominant black coat color is expressed by dominant genotype of ED, red or brown is expressed in the frame shift mutation of recessive homozygous e by base pair deletion and wild type of E+ is expressed in various coat colors. However, not very well known about the effected of MC1R genotype mutation on the coat color through family lines in KBC. Therefore, this study were to investigate effect of MC1R genotype mutation on the coat color, and to suggest mating breed system in accordance with of MC1R genotype for increased on brindle coat color appearance. Parents (sire 2 heads and dam 3 heads) and offspring (total : 54 heads) from crossbreeding in KBC family line with the MC1R genotype and phenotype records were selected as experimental animals. The relationship between melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) genotypes expression verified by PCR-RFLP, and brindle coat color appearance to the family line of the cross mating breed from MC1R genotype pattern was determined. As a result, 4MC1R genetic variations, E+/E+ (sire 1), E+/e (sire 2 and dam 3), E+/e with 4 bands of 174, 207 and 328 bp (dam 1) and E+/e with 3 bands of 174, 207, 328 and 535 bp (dam 2) from parents (sire and dam) of KBC. However, 3 genetic variations, e/e (24%), E+/E+ (22%) and E+/e (56%) were identified in offspring. Also, brindle coat color expressrated was the e/e with the 0%, E+/E+ with 67% and E+/e with 77% from MC1R genotype in offspring on the cross mating of KBC. Furthermore, when the sire had E+/e genotype and the dam had E+/E+ with the 3 bands or E+/e genotype, and both had whole body-brindle coat color, 62% of the offspring had whole body-brindle coat color. Therefore, the seresults, the mating system from MC1R genotype patterns of the sires (E+/e) and dams (E+/E+ with the 3 bands or E+/e) with brindle coat color may have the highest whole body-brindle coat color expression in their offspring.

The present study was conducted to compare on embryo survival rates by blastomere isolation methods, and establish the optimal PCR procedure for perform the sexing of bovine blastocysts produced by IVF. IVF embryos used in the study was used the Bisected or Sliced methods for blastomere isolation, and the survival rates of blastocyst with rapid way of sexing PCR was assessed. In the present study for survival rates in blastocyst was the total cleavage rate was 75% and a blastocyst development among cleaved embryos was 40%. Survival rate of embryos treated with intact, bisected or sliced method was 100, 63.3 or 81.3%, respectively. Therefore, survival rate of embryos treated with sliced method was higher compared to that of embryos treated with bisected method. The sexing rate of female or male was not significantly different between S4BFBR primer and BSY + BSP primer (1.75 : 1 vs. 1.43 : 1), respectively. Because of the PCR amplification using the S4BFBR primer was simpler method than multiplex PCR amplification method. Furthermore, the accuracy of sexing rate and reduction of PCR work time between 2-step and 3-step of PCR methods was 98.0% / 1.5 hr and 97.0% / 3.5 hr, respectively. Based on these results, it can be suggested that the sliced and PCR methods we developed was very effective method to reduce time consuming and procedure of PCR amplification for sexing with the increase of survival rate on the blastocyst.

The objective of this study is to estimate the effect of adding TES to LEY and FGE freezing extender for the sperm viability, acrosomal morphology and DNA fragmentation from miniature pig sperm, we evaluated sperm characteristics in TFGE, TLE and LEY with various thawing condition ( for 20 sec, 45 sec and for 5 sec, respectively), and in different concentration of glycerol at 1%, 1.5%, 3%. The sperm viability and normal acrosome intact(NAI) in TFGE (Viability : , NAI : ), TLE (, ) extender significantly(p<0.05) increased than that in LEY (, ) extender thawed at for 5 sec. According to the results from glycerol concentration, the viability and NAI of miniature pig sperm in 1.5% glycerol TLE (, ) was highest among the experimental groups. In accordance with this, DNA fragmentation rates was the lowest in TLE () while that in LEY () is the highest. Therefore, these results suggest that TLE extender method for freezing- thawing of miniature pig sperm increased the viability after thawing.

쇠고기의 육질 등급을 좌우하는 요인으론 육색, 지방색, 조직감 및 상강도(마블링, 근내 지방도) 등이 있는데 그중 근육 내 지방 축적도는 고기의 연도 및 다즙성에 영향을 미치 며 등급을 결정하는 중요한 요인 중 하나이다. 최근 들어 근육 내 지방 합성에 관련된 유전자 연구 및 SNP 탐색을 통한 DNA maker 개발 등 분자생물학적으로 많은 연구보고 가 있으나 등급 간 유의성에 대한 정확한 증명에 관한 연구는 미비하다. 따라서 본 연구는 한우등급 판정소에서 공인하여 선정된 1++의 등급을 판정받은 한우 6두와 2등급으로 판정받은 한우 6두에서 근내지방도와 관련된 유전자로 알려져 있는 GPAT, ACSS2, MGAT, EXT1, FABP4, BCO2, LPL, DGAT, PLIN2, ADSF, TG와 연도와 관련된 유전자인 CAST와 CAPN3의 mRNA 발현양상을 분석하고 유의적 차이점을 확인 하여 경제 형질 선발 마커의 사용 가능성을 선발하기 위하여 등심조직 내 mRNA를 추출 하였고, 각 유전자를 탐침으로 이용하여 sqRT-PCR 및 양적 분석을 위한 nano-spector mate fluorescence system으로 발현양상을 측정하였다. 이후 유의적 평가를 검증 위하여 SAS program (V9.1)의 t-test 검정을 실시하였다. 각 경제 형질 유용 유전자의 발현양상을 분석한 결과 ADSF와 LPL의 경우 평균 근내 지방도가 8±1인 1++등급보다 2±1인 2등급에서 높은 발현양상을 보이고 있었으며, 그 값 이 유의적 차이를 보이지 않았다. 이 외 근내지방도 및 연도와 관련된 유전자 그룹의 경 우 1++등급이 2등급보다 발현양상이 높게 측정되었다. 근내지방도 및 연도에 관련된 유 전자로 선발한 GPAT, ACSS2, DGAT, PLIN2의 경우 유의성 분석결과 유의적 차이점이 없는 것으로 나타났으며, MGAT, EXT1, CAPN3, FABP4, BCO2, CAST, TG의 경우 유의 성(p<0.05)이 있었다. 따라서 본 연구 결과에 의하여 근내지방도 선발 표지 마커로 사용이 가능한 MGAT, EXT1, TG, FABP4, BCO2와 연도 측정에 관련한 CAST, CAPN3의 총 7개의 유전자를 선발 할 수 있었다.

칡소의 고유유전자표현형 방식은 E+/E+와 E+/e 2개의 유전자형만이 출현하고, e/e 유 전자형을 가지는 개체는 전혀 출현하지 않아 제주재래흑우에서와 같이 흑색 호반모가 발 현되기 위해서는 기본적으로 E+ allele이 필요한 것으로 보고됨에 따라 본 연구는 수정란 이식 기법을 이용한 울릉칡소 특화단지 조성 연구용역에 의해 생산되어진 칡소의 모색발 현의 현황에 대해 조사하여 칡소의 우량유전자원의 선발과 증식을 통하여 칡소의 고정과 복원을 위해 실시되었다. 조사에 공시한 칡소는 2007년 수정란 이식 기법을 이용한 칡소 울릉특화단지 조성 연 구용역에 의해서 생산되어진 칡소를 대상으로 실시하였으며, 수정란 이식 후 임신 5-6개 월에 울릉관내 농가에 입식된 한우에서 생산된 칡소(이하 입식우) 159두와 울릉도 관내 의 한우에 칡소 수정란을 이식하여 생산된 칡소(이하 관내이식) 117두를 조사 대상으로 공시하였다. 먼저 울릉칡소의 모색 분포는 황모 24.3%(67/276두), 흑모 13.0%(36/276두) 와 호반모 62.7%(173/276두)의 분포를 보였으며, 입식우의 호반모 출현율이 66%(105/ 159두)로 관내이식에 의해 생산된 칡소의 호반모 비율 58.1%(68/117두)보다 다소 높은 경향이었으며, 성별에 따른 모색의 분포를 조사한 결과 수컷의 경우 황모의 비율이 18.1 %(25/ 138두)로 암컷의, 31.4%(43/137두)에 비해 출현율이 낮은 반면 호반모의 비율은 68.1% (94/138두)로 암컷의 56.9%(78/137두)에 비해 다소 높게 나타났다. 을릉도 칡소 모색 분포에 따른 조사를 바탕으로 비경의 흑반점의 강약에 따른 호반모 의 발현 양상을 분석한 결과 비경에 흑반점이 강한 개체들 중 호반모의 발현 정도를 분 석한 결과 호반모 1, 호반모 2, 호반모 3, 호반모 4, 호반모 5의 비율이 각각 2.3% (3/ 109), 24.8%(27/109), 43.1%(47/109두), 19.3%(21/109두), 10.1%(11/109두)로 나타났으며 흑반점이 중인 개체는 각각 7.9%(3/38), 52.6%(20/38), 34.2%(13/38두), 5.3%(2/38두), 0 %(0/38두)로 나타났다. 또한, 흑반점이 약한 개체는 각각 42.5%(17/40두), 45%(18/40두), 7.5%(3/40두), 0%(0/40두), 5%(2/40두)로 나타났다. 이 결과로 미루어 볼 때 비경에 있는 흑반점의 강약이 호반모 발현에서 황모와 흑모의 비율에 영향을 미치는 것으로 판단된다.

MMP-2, 9의 경우 난포의 발달, 난자의 성장, 그리고 배란 시 extracellular matrix를 재 구성하는 중요한 역할을 하는 것으로 알려져 있으며, 혈청배지 및 무혈청배지를 이용한 체외수정란의 배아발달 과정에 따른 MMPs(2, 9)와 TIMPs(2, 3)의 발현양상의 차이가 있 을 것으로 사료된다. 따라서 본 연구는 소의 체외성숙난자와 체외수정방법에 따른 체외수정란의 발달율과 cumulus cell(CC), single oocyte cell(SOC), cumulus oocyte complex(COC) 및 blastocyst 에서 MMPs와 TIMPs의 활성 및 단백질발현양상을 zymography와 ELISA에 의하여 분석 하였으며, immunofluorescence를 이용하여 발현위치분석을 실시하였다. 체외성숙 이후 Real-time PCR을 이용하여 mRNA의 발현양상을 분석한 결과 MMP-2, 9은 CC가 SOC보 다 높은 발현을 보였으며, TIMP-2, 3의 경우 상반된 발현양상을 보이고 있었다. MMPs의 활성도 분석결과도 mRNA의 결과와 같았으며, 배양배지의 MMPs의 단백질양적분석에서 도 같은 양상을 나타내고 있었으나, TIMP-2의 경우 SOC가 높은 발현을 보였으며, TIMP-3는 CC에서 높은 발현을 나타냈다. 위의 결과를 토대로 COC의 MMPs와 TIMPs의 단백질 작용위치를 분석한 결과 MMP-2는 난자의 세포질을 중심으로 발현양상을 나타내 고 있었으며, MMP-9에 비하여 높은 발현을 확인할 수 있었다. TIMPs의 경우 난자의 세 포질보다 난구세포에서의 발현이 높게 나타났으며, TIMP-3의 발현이 높게 나타났다. 체 외배양방법에 따른 blastocyst의 발달율은 무혈청배지(ES)(61.22% 60/98)가 혈청배지(CR- 1aa)(48.28% 28/58)보다 높은 발달율을 보였다. 체외수정배양배지의 MMPs의 단백질양적 분석결과 MMP-2는 ES가 CR-1aa보다 상대적으로 높은 발현을 보였고, MMP-9은 CR- 1aa가 ES보다 높은 발현을 보였다. TIMPs의 발현양상의 경우 대체적으로 TIMP-3의 발 현이 높게 나타났으며, apoptosis의 활성도 분석에서 Casp-3의 발현이 CR-1aa배양에서 높게 나타남을 확인할 수 있었다. MMPs와 TIMPs의 단백질작용위치를 분석한 결과는 ES는 MMPs와 TIMPs의 발현이 inner cell mass를 중심으로 발현이 높게 나타났으며, trophoblast에서는 낮은 발현이 나타났다. 이와 반대로 CR-1aa의 경우 ES와 다른 위치의 발현을 나타냈으며, TIMPs의 발현은 대체적으로 낮게 발현되었다. 따라서 본 연구 결과 는 무혈청배양 방법이 수정란의 발달 시 MMPs의 활성을 높여 배아형성에 영향을 줄 수 있을 것이라 사료된다.

This study was performed to the expressions of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and 20alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (-HSD) in bovine corpus luteum during early pregnancy. To determine the function of PAPP-A gene during early pregnancy, we collected corpus luteum samples on 30, 60 and 90 days of pregnancy in bovine. The mRNA expression of PAPP-A, -HSD, progesterone-receptor (PR) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein4 (IGFBP4) gene was conducted by Real-time PCR. In parallel with mRNA levels, The protein expressions of PAPP-A and -HSD were detected by immunological analysis. The mRNA expressions -HSD and PAPP-A significantly increased on day 90 in the corpus luteum during pregnancy. The mRNA expression of PR and JGFBP4 in the corpus luteum progressively was enhanced at 30 to 60 day, but decreased on 90 day of pregnancy in the corpus luteum. The expression patterns of these genes, PAPP-A and -HSD were similar pattern in these tissues. In conclusion, PAPP-A and -HSD activity in corpus luteum could be played a role for early pregnancy manifestation.

This study was performed to comprehend the plasma proteins expressed specifically during early pregnancy in pregnant or non-pregnant Hanwoo using proteomic analysis technique. Plasma samples (0, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 11 weeks after AI) were obtained from pregnant (P, n=3) or non-pregnant (NP, n=4) Hanwoo, respectively. To evaluate proteins differentially expressed, 2-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) was conducted. Normalized protein spots were selected for the significant expression variation deviated over two fold in its expression level between two groups. Molecular functions of the proteins were DNA binding, protein binding, hemoglobin binding, ferrochelatase and transporter activity and arylestera, respectively. According to western blotting, haptoglobin was specifically expressed only in NP group during early pregnancy; however, paraoxonase 1 was highly expressed in pregnant group. Based on these results, pregnancy was maintained successfully by the activation of specific plasma proteins associated with immune system and antioxidant regulation during early pregnancy in Hanwoo

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) play important roles in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling during ovarian follicular development, oocytes development and ovulation. In an attempt to investigate the effect of MMP activation in development cumulus-oocytes complexes, we examined the localization and expression of MMP, and monitored MMP expression profile. Cumulus-oocytes complexes were collected and matured in vitro for 24 hr, 36 hr and 48 hr. A mRNA expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-2 and TIMP-3 was detected in all culture medium regardless of CC, OC and COCs. Activity of MMP-2 in the OC progressively was increased from 24 hr to 48 hr. But MMP-9 was not detected in all culture medium. The localization of MMP-2 was also measured by immunohistochemistry analysis. The MMP-2 and TIMP-2 was detected in cumulus cell and oocyte zone pellucida. Expression of MMP-2 protein in the COCs was progressively increased from 24 hr to 48 hr. However, MMP-9 protein was progressively decreased from 24 hr to 48 hr. And TIMP-2 protein was most highly expressed in the COCs 36 hr. Expression of TIMP-3 protein in the COCs was progressively increased from 24 hr to 48 hr. In conclusion, these results suggest that MMP-2 plays a role in maintaining normal maturation and development by controlling the ECM inhibitor concentration on cumulus cell and oocytes.

This study was conducted to investigate the specific expression genes in the cloned bovine tissues. Donor cells, cloned tissues were analysed by RAPD-RFLP method. The results were detected three genes (CH-U7B, CH-U7M and CH-U7P) in the cloned fetus. It was found a single copy genes by southern hybridization. Sequence analysis of CH-U7M gene was shown 99% homology to a previously reported EST from a cloned bovine fetus. The putative ORF was encode a protein of hydrophobicity index 0.03. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR by using the CH-LS001 specific primer was remarkably detected in the lung tissue of cloned fetus. Further investigation of these genes may provide one of the key information to explain the early death, abnormal fetus, large off-spring and the low pregnancy rate in the production of cloned bovine.

This study was conducted to analyze the expression pattern of inhibitor of DNA binding proteins (Id)1 and Id2 mRNA on folliculogenesis in rat ovary. The ovaries were obtained from 27 days old Sprague-Dawley rat, fixed, dehydrated, and paraffin embedded. For in situ hybridization, anti-sense and sense Idl and Id2 cRNA probes were prepared and applied to the ovarian section. The ovarian sections were coated with NTB-2 emulsion. After that, the slides were developed and counterstained with hematoxylin and eosin staining. In oocytes, the hybridizational signals of Id1 mRNA were strong in primordial and primary follicles, however, there were no signals in that of atretic or preovulatory follicles. The Id2 mRNA signals were also strong in the oocytes of primordial, primary and secondary follicles. Interestingly, the Id2 mRNA was expressed specifically granulosa cells, but nor in oocyte or theca cells in dominant and preovulatory follicles. Based on these results, Id1 and Id2 mRNA was expressed specifically at follicle stages and follicular tissue and might be closely related with follicle development.

This study was performed to investigate the effects of hCG treatment on pregnancy and delivery rates in the Hanwoo recipients. There were significantly higher pregnancy and delivery rates in the recipients treated with hCG at 7 days after artificial insemination (p<0.05), respectively. The SCNT embryos from bovine fetal fibroblast cells were transferred into the synchronized recipients. The recipients were administered saline (n=89) or hCG (1,500 IU) (n=48) at 7 days after heat, respectively. The pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the recipients treated with hCG compared to that of saline treated group (p<0.01), however, the delivery rate was not different in both treated groups. The concentration of plasma progesterone (P4) was not different in both groups before hCG treatment, but the P4 level was increased significantly in hCG treated group after hCG injection (p<0.05). Although the pregnancy rate was very high in early stage of pregnancy, it was decreased dramatically after 50 days of pregnancy and maintained basal level. Taken together, the treatment of hCG in the SCNT recipients after day 7 of heat was effective method to increase the P4 concentration and to increase the pregnancy rate. But it did not affect directly to delivery.

본 연구는 체세포 복제란 이식우의 분만에 있어서 혈중 스테로이드호르몬, TGF-β1 농도와 분만지연의 상관 관계를 살펴보고자 실시하였다. 대조군으로는 인공수정(AI)을 통하여 임신한 암소(cow)들을 사용하였다(AI-R). 모든 AI-R들은 자연분만(n=5, 임신 284+-0.71일)을 하였다. 분만징후를 보이지 않는 체세포 복제란 이식우(n=5, SCNT-R)들은 분만 예정일보다 10일 정도 지난 임신 292일째에 제왕절개(Caesarean section, C-sec)를 실시하여 분만하였다. 혈액 및 태반 샘플을 분만 전.후에 채취하여 형태 및 중량 등을 측정하였다. 혈장호르몬인 Progesterone(P4)와 Estradiol-17β (E2) 농도는 방사선동위원소 면역 분석 시험(RIA) 방법을 이용하여 측정하였다. 혈장 및 태반분엽의 TGF-β1 농도는 ELISA 방법으로 측정하였다. SCNT-R에서 회수한 태반의 무게는 AI-R의 것과 비교하여 유의적으로 무거웠다(p<0.05). 분만 직전 SCNT-R들의 혈장 내 P4 농도는 AI-R들의 그것과 비교하여 유의하게 높았다(p<0.01). 하지만 SCNT-R들의 혈장 내 E2 농도는 AI-R과 비교하여 상대적으로 낮게 나타났다(p<0.01). 한편, 분만 전.후 SCNT-R들에서 혈장 또는 태반분엽의 TGF-β1 단백질 발현 수준은 AI-R들과 비교하여 각각 유의적으로 높은 수준을 유지하였다(p<0.01). 이상의 결과를 종합하여 보면, 분만 시 P4 및 E2의 이상 발현과 높은 수준의 혈장 및 태반 내 TGF-β1 단백질은 체세포 복제태아의 분만지연을 야기하는 중요한 요인들 중의 하나일 것이라 사료된다.