Progesterone is a key steroid hormone secreted by the ovarian corpus luteum and plays a critical role in regulating the reproductive cycle and maintaining pregnancy in animals. Following ovulation, progesterone prepares the endometrium for embryo implantation by promoting glandular secretion and inhibiting uterine smooth muscle contractions, thereby creating a stable environment for gestation. It also exerts negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, suppressing the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, and preventing the maturation of additional follicles within the same reproductive cycle. In veterinary reproductive management, progesterone is widely applied through estrus synchronization and pregnancy diagnosis protocols. Hormonal control programs such as controlled internal drug release, Altrenogest, and Ovsynch utilize progesterone or its analogs to improve breeding efficiency, particularly in livestock. Thus, ovarian secretion of progesterone is not only essential for physiological reproduction but also serves as a central mechanism in modern reproductive biotechnology.

본 연구는 참문어 Octopus vulgaris의 생식잠재력을 평가하여 생물자원 관리를 위한 정보를 제공하고자 하였다. 시료는 2022년 5월부터 2023년 9월까지 여수 및 완도 인근 해역에서 문어단지 및 통발을 이용하여 전중 64.5-1,598.5 g의 1,821개체를 채집하였다. 성비(암:수)는 1:0.82 (n=1,001:820, 암컷 55.0%)로 암컷의 비율이 유의하게 높았다. 암컷에서 50% 군성숙 크기는 전중 169.3 g이었다. 암컷의 절대포란수는 평균 116,602.7개로 전중과의 상관관계가 있었으며, 상대포란수는 전중 g당 123.8개로 분석되었다. 수컷의 절대정포수는 평균 123.9개였으며, 상대정포수는 전중 g당 0.23개로 나타났다. 본 연구 결과는 추후 참문어의 자원량 추정에 사용될 것으로 판단된다.

본 연구는 수직농장에서 상업적 생산에 적합한 왜성 토마토 를 대상으로 음이온을 처리하고, 생육단계별(영양생장, 생식 생장) 생육 특성과 기체교환 활성 반응을 분석하여, 과채류에 대한 음이온의 적용 가능성을 평가하고자 수행되었다. 실험 을 위해 왜성 토마토 묘를 온도 24도, 습도60%, 이산화탄소 농도 600μmol·mol-1, 광도 320μmol·m-2·s-1 PPFD, white LED, 광주기16h의 수직농장 모듈에서 5주간 재배하였다. 음 이온은 광주기 시간동안 12 × 105ions∙cm-3의 음이온을 처리 하였다. 정식 후 5주 동안 매주 생육조사를 진행하였고, 정식 후 4주 동안 매주 광합성율과 증산율을 측정하였다. 정식 1주 차 광합성율은 음이온 처리구에서 유의적으로 높게 나타났으 나, 이후에는 광합성율과 증산율 모두 처리구간 유의 차이는 확인되지 않았으나, 전반적으로 음이온 처리구가 대조구보다 높은 수치를 나타내는 경향을 보였다. 영양생장 지표들은 처 리간 차이가 크지 않았으나, 생식 기관의 발달(화방수, 꽃수, 과실수)은 대조구에 비해 유의적으로 높은 값을 나타냈다. 이 러한 결과는 음이온 처리가 과채류인 왜성 토마토의 생식생장 을 촉진하고 과실 생산량을 증가시켰음을 확인하여, 과채류 에 음이온의 적용 가능성을 확인하였다. 향후에는 음이온 처 리 농도의 최적화 및 수확한 과실의 품질 비교를 포함한 후속 연구가 필요하다.

The purpose of this study was to provide basic data for evaluating the reproductive health of bivalves using intersexuality. We analyzed purplish bifurcate mussel Mytilisepta virgata (n = 67, shell height 37.1±8.3 mm), Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum (n = 288, shell length 28.6±4.2 mm) collected from coastal water near Yeosu, Korea. The sex ratio (female:male) of M. virgata and R. philippinarum were 1:1.5 and 1:0.8, respectively, and showed differences depending on the collection area. The total intersexuality of M. virgata was 20.9%. The intersexuality in female (33.3%) was higher than in male (12.5%), and the regional intersexuality was 72.7% in Sogyeongdo, 20.0% in Oesamdo and 5.6% in Jungsamdo with the highest in Sogyeongdo. The total intersexuality of R. philippinarum was 11.8%. The intersexuality in female (17.5%) was higher than in male (4.7%), and regional intersexuality was 20.0% in Neungchodo, 13.0% in Dokdo, 2.8% in Samdo, 5.9% in Orando, 19.6% in Oesamdo with the highest in Neungchodo. The incidence of intersexuality according to distance from cities and ports each sampling area showed no clear tendency. Intersex specimens were showed histological structure changes of digestive gland, such as digestive tubule disruption and necrosis of epithelial cells, accumulation of eosinophilic granules in lumen of tubule, necrosis of connective tissue. These results suggest that not only the histological structure of the digestive gland but also intersexuality should be used as important biomarker for toxicity assessment of pollutants.

The mammalian testis is a highly organized organ essential for male reproduction. Its structure comprises seminiferous tubules lined with Sertoli cells, which support spermatogenesis, surrounded by peritubular myoid cells. Within the connective tissue framework lie the Leydig cells, which synthesize testosterone in response to luteinizing hormone. Research has highlighted the importance of various ion channels and proteins in testicular function. The TWINK-related acid-sensitive potassium channel 1 (TASK-1), a two-pore channel, is vital for several physiological functions in the testis. Furthermore, Leydig cells uniquely express several key proteins, including c-kit, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor α. The co-expression of these proteins, including TASK-1, in Leydig cells suggest the presence of complex regulatory mechanisms critical for modulating testosterone production, release, and overall testicular function. Transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1), a member of the transient receptor potential channel family, also plays a crucial role in testicular function, influencing processes such as sensory function, steroidogenesis, and sperm function. Hormonal fluctuations and aging affect both the presence and function of TRPV1. This channel is thought to contribute programmed cell death within the testes, particularly impacting Leydig cell survival. Notably, testosterone appears to counteract these detrimental effects by downregulating TRPV1 expression, indicating a complex interplay between TRPV1, testosterone, and overall testicular function. Therefore, we aim to discuss the critical role of ion channels, specifically focusing on TASK-1 and TRPV1 channels, in the physiological and pathophysiological functions of testicular cells.

줄수염나방아과는 나비목 중에서 가장 큰 분류군 중 하나인 밤나방과에 속한다. 분류군 내에서 날개무늬가 비슷한 경우가 있어 동정에 어려움이 많은 그룹 중 하나이다. 또한, 이 들은 산림 지역, 초지 및 물가 등 다양한 환경에 서식하며, 생활 습성에 따라 일부는 임업 및 농업에 피해가 큰 해충으로 알려져 있는 중요한 경제곤충 그룹이라 할 수 있다. 본 연구는 이와 같이 분류동정이 어려운 줄수염나방아과 곤충을 대상으로 야외채집조사, 표본제작, 생식기 해부검경 및 DNA 바코드 등을 수행하여 최종적으로 분류학적 동정지침서를 작성하고자 수행 되었다. 연구결과 19속 63종으로 정리되었다. 본 연구를 통해 확보된 DNA바코드 데이터는 정확한 바코드를 활용한 진단 및 동정 연구 등에 활용되고, 이들의 분포정보 구축, 형태적 특징 및 분자분석 연구의 기초데이터 확보를 통한 관련 분야 활성화 등에도 기여할 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

Background: The biological information of fish, which include reproduction, is the prerequisite and the basis for the assessment of fisheries. Methods: The aim of this work was to know the reproductive biology with the first sexual maturity (TL50) and the spawning period for 58 mainly fish species in the waters around La Réunion Island (Western Indian Ocean). Twenty families belonging to the Actinopterygii were represented (acanthuridae, berycidae, bramidae, carangidae, cirrhitidae, gempylidae, holocentridae, kyphosidae, labridae, lethrinidae, lutjanidae, malacanthidae, monacanthidae, mullidae, polymixiidae, pomacentridae, scaridae, scorpaenidae, serranidae, sparidae; 56 species; n = 9,751) and two families belonging to the Elasmobranchii (squalidae, centrophoridae; 2 species; n = 781) were sampled. Between 2014 and 2022, 10,532 individuals were sampled covering the maximum months number to follow the reproduction periods of these species. Results: TL50 for the males and the females, respectively, ranged from 103.9 cm (Acanthurus triostegus ) to 1,119.3 cm (Thyrsitoides marleyi ) and from 111.7 cm (A. triostegus ) to 613.1 cm (Centrophorus moluccensis ). The reproduction period could be very different between the species from the very tight peak to a large peak covered all months. Conclusions: Most species breed between October and March but it was not the trend for all species around La Réunion Island.

Background: Reproductive management practices play crucial roles to maximize the reproductive performance of cows, and thus contribute to farm profitability. We aimed to assess the reproductive management of cows currently practiced in the dairy farms in an urban farming system. Methods: A total of 62 dairy farms were randomly selected considering all size of farms such as small (1-5 cattle), medium (6-20 cattle) and large farms (> 20 cattle) from selected areas of Dhaka city in Bangladesh. The reproductive managementrelated parameters viz. estrus detection, breeding method, pregnancy diagnosis, dry cow and parturition management, vaccination and treatment of reproductive problems etc. were obtained in a pre-defined questionnaire during the farm visit. Results: The visual observation method was only used (100.0%; 62/62) for estrus detection irrespective of size of the farms; while farmers observed cows for estrus 4-5 times a day, but only for 20-60 seconds each time. Regardless of farm size, 89.0% (55/62) farms used artificial insemination (AI) for breeding the cows. Intriguingly, all farms (100.0%) routinely checked the cows for pregnancy at 35-40 days post-breeding using rectal palpation technique by registered veterinarian. However, only 6.5% (4/62) farms practiced dry cow management. Notably, all farms (100.0%) provided nutritional supplements (Vit D, Ca and P) during late gestation. However, proper hygiene and cleanliness during parturition was not practiced in 77.4% (48/62) farms; even though 96.7% (60/62) farms treated cows by registered veterinarian for parturition-related problems. Conclusions: While farmers used AI service for breeding and timely check their cows for pregnancy; however, they need to increase observation time (30 minutes/ observation, twice in a day: early morning and early night) for estrus detection, consider dry cow management and ensure hygienic parturition for maximizing production.

본 연구는 낙지의 생식생태 이해에 필요한 수컷 생식기관과 정포의 미세해부학적 구조를 기재 하였다. 낙지는 교접완의 유무를 통하여 성을 구별할 수 있는 성적이형을 갖는 종이다. 수컷 생 식기관은 정소, 일차수정관, 저정낭, 이차수정관, 정포선, 정포낭으로 구성된다. 정소는 조직학 적으로 정세관형이었으며, 수컷 생식세포들은 층상배열상을 보였다. 일차수정관은 정소와 저정 낭을 연결하는 관으로 상피층과 결합조직으로 이루어져 있었다. 저정낭은 일차수정관과 이차 수정관의 사이에 위치하며, 상피층은 상피세포와 점액세포로 구성된다. 점액세포는 AB-PAS (pH 2.5) 반응에서 푸른색, AF-AB (pH 2.5) 반응에서 보라색으로 반응하였다. 이차수정관은 저정낭 과 정포선을 연결하는 짧은 관으로 내강에 주름이 발달하였다. 정포선은 다수의 관상선으로 이루어져 있었으며, 분비세포는 호산성 과립을 가지고 있었다. 정포낭은 주머니 모양으로 내강 에 주름이 발달하였으며, 상피층에 공포상의 분비세포가 존재하였다. 정포는 길이 약 83.5 mm 로 전방부의 당김사, 중간부의 발사체와 고정체, 후방부의 정자 저장부로 구성되어 있었다.

Background: The potential impact of aqueous extracts from Psidium guajava leaves on the reproductive system of female rabbits was evaluated. Methods: Twenty-eight rabbits, aged five to six months were utilized. Rabbits were divided into four groups and were randomly assigned to receive one of the following oral doses of the guava leaf extracts: 0 (control group), 10, 20, or 30 mg/kg of body weight. After a treatment period of 30 days, blood was collected via jugular venipunture and the serum was extracted for the assessment of serum biochemical traits levels. The females were bred and monitored throughout their pregnancy to ascertain reproductive outcomes. Results: The results indicated that the guava leaf extract significantly increased the body weight of the rabbits during both pre- and post-pregnancy compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The litter size at three weeks post-birth, prolificity rate, FSH, LH, and protein levels were notably higher (p < 0.05) at a dose of 20 mg/kg of body weight. The viability rate three weeks post-birth increased with escalating extract doses, and the highest values were observed at doses of 20 and 30 mg/kg of body weight (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that, the aqueous extract of guava leaves appears to stimulate the production of FSH, LH and enhance body weight, prolificity, and pregnancy outcomes in mammals. As such, it is suggested that a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight could be beneficial in improving the reproductive performance of female.

연구에서는 두족류의 생식생태를 이해하기 위하여 우리나라 주요 두족류인 살오징어 Todarodes pacificus 수컷의 생식기관과 정포의 미세해부학적 구조를 기재하였다. 살오징어는 자웅이체로 외투막에 투과되는 생식기관의 색과 교접완을 통하여 암, 수를 구분할 수 있는 성 적이형을 가진다. 수컷 생식기관은 정소, 1차 수정관, 정포선, 정포낭, 2차 수정관으로 구성된다. 살오징어의 수컷은 정포 형성기관인 정포선과 같은 특수화된 생식기관을 가진다. 정소는 조직 학적으로 정세관형이었다. 1차 수정관은 정소의 후방부터 정포선까지 연결된 가늘고 긴 역삼 각형의 용수철 형태였다. 내부에는 H-E 염색에서 호염기성으로 반응하는 정자가 가득 차 있었 다. 정포선은 1차 수정관과 정포낭에 연결된 불규칙한 타원형으로 내부에는 다수의 관상선이 존재하였다. 정포낭은 정포선과 2차 수정관 사이에 위치하는 관 구조로 내강에서는 다수의 정 포가 확인되었다. 2차 수정관은 정포낭의 후방부에 연결되며, 내부에 정포를 갖고 있었다. 정포 는 길이 약 22 mm의 길고 투명한 관 형태로 내부에는 정자 덩어리를 갖고 있었다.

The impact of heat stress (HS) on reproductive performance and its problems in cows remains to be investigated in Bangladesh. The study was, therefore, aimed to evaluate the effect of HS on fertility and reproductive health problems of dairy cows in a selected area of Bangladesh. A total of 1,095 cows from 500 farms were included in this study. The climate-related data were recorded daily basis for every month in a year and temperature-humidity index (THI) values were calculated to determine the level of HS. Concurrently, data on fertility parameters [number of services per conception (NSC), conception rate (CR) and calving to the first service interval (CFSI)], and reproductive problems were collected through a pre-defined questionnaire. The results show that crossbred [Native x Holstein-Friesian, (HF)] cows were more vulnerable (p < 0.05) to a magnitude of HS effects considering physiological parameters of cows [age, body condition score (BCS), parity and milk yield]. Regarding fertility, HS had no effect on NSC, CR and CFSI in both native and crossbred cows (p > 0.05). The findings on the reproductive problems indicate that HS had significant influence on the prevalence of anestrus (χ2 = 21.814, p < 0.05) and retained placenta (χ2 = 24.632, p < 0.05) in cows. Of note, the prevalence of repeat breeding syndrome was 2.5 folds higher in stress condition than in no stress condition. Abortion and dystocia were not influenced by HS. In conclusion, HS does not influence the fertility parameters of cows studied; however, anestrus and retained placenta are likely to occur under HS conditions in cows.