Earticle

본 연구는 기독교 윤리가 제시하는 규범근거의 기본적 틀을 ‘질서의 윤리’라 규정하고, 이와는 대조적인 접근의 사고방식을 ‘결과의 윤리’라 명명하여 ‘결과의 윤리’와 ‘질서의 윤리’ 사이의 본질적인 사고방법의 상이성이 무엇인지 밝혀보았다. 결과의 윤리는 행위의 옳음과 그름을 행위가 낳는 결과의 옳음과 그름으로서만 규정하려고 한다. 이에 반하여 질서의 윤리는 행위의 옳음과 그름이 행위를 낳는 행위자의 내적 성질에서 규정되어진다. 이렇듯 결과의 윤리와 질서의 윤리는 행위의 옳고 그름의 규정에 대해 완전히 다른 윤리적 사고방식을 따른다. 하지만 이러한 차이에도 불구하고 아이러니컬하게도 기술의 이용에 관한 규범근거로서 작동될 때는 이들 서로가 보완적 관계를 구성하고 있음을 알 수 있었다. 그런데 이와 같은 결과는 몇 가지 의문을 남긴다. 특히 생식기술에 대한 윤리적 문제에 관해서는 기독교 윤리가 왜 결과주의적 원리를 도입한 것인가? 결과주의 윤리는 모든 윤리적 접근을 자신의 윤리 틀 속에서 재파악하려는 기획과 독자적인 강력한 전략을 내포하고 있는 것인가? 아니면 기독교 윤리는 자신의 윤리적 정당성을 이 세상 가운데서 호소하기 위해 본래적 의도와는 달리 이 세상의 지배적인 결과주의적 윤리에 스스로 적합하도록 변모한 것인가? 이것도 아니라면 기독교가 오로지 하나님의 절대 주권과 창조적 절대성만을 강조하여 창조주인 하나님으로부터 ‘인간에게 부여된 창조적 본성’을 무시하고 신학적 접근에 있어서 과학신학 및 기술신학을 외면한 것의 반대급부적인 결과는 아닌지 의문을 품게 한다. 그러나 이러한 의문에도 불구하고 한 가지는 분명해 보인다. 그것은 작금의 시대에 있어 기독교 윤리가 ‘혼인의 성애(sexual love)적 기능과 생식적 기능의 통합’을 개별적인 행위로서 이해하고 통합적으로 파악하려 도모했던 것이 아니라 가톨릭교회의 자연법적 접근과 같이 단지 성애를 생식에 종속시키는 결합으로서 파악하려 했기에 독자적인 윤리적 정당성 확보와 논증에 실패한 것으로 보인다는 사실이다. 따라서 이러한 실패를 반복하지 않기 위해서는 성애적 행위와 생식적 행위의 통합을 통섭(consilience)의 관계 안에서 파악하려 시도해야 할 것이다. 왜냐하면 그럴 때 생식기술에 대한 도덕적 규범의 확립을 위한 새로운 지평이 열릴 것이기 때문이다.

This study defined the fundamental framework of norms proposed by Christian ethics as "ethics of order", named the contrasting idea as "ethics of result", and examined the dissimilarity of essential way of thinking between "ethics of result" and "ethics of order". Ethics of result regulate the right and wrong of behavior by the result. On the contrary, ethics of order regulate the right and wrong of behavior by internality of the performer. Likewise, ethics of result and ethics of polite regulate right and wrong of behavior in totally different ethical way of thinking. However, despite the difference, it was confirmed that they were in supplementing relation when they act as the basis of norms regarding the use of technology ironically. However, this result leaves several questions. Especially, why did Christian ethics adopted consequential principle regarding the ethical problem about reproductive technology. Does consequential ethics involve a plan to apprehend all ethical approach inside own ethics again, and strong independent strategy? Or did Christian ethics change itself suitable to dominant consequential ethics unlike it original intention in order to urge its ethical legitimacy. Or if this is not the case, it makes one wonder if this is the considerative result of disregarding scientific theology and technical theology in theoretic approach and ignoring the "creative nature given to man" from the Creator, the God by emphasizing the absolute power and creative absoluteness by the Christianity. Despite all the doubts, one thing seems clear. It is that Christian ethics did not understand "function of sexual love and integration of reproductive function" as individual behavior and apprehend comprehensively but tried to apprehend as combination subordinating sexual love to reproduction just like the natural approach of Catholic church and led to failure of securing the ethical legitimacy. Therefore, in order to not repeat the failure, there is a need to understand the sexual love and reproductive behavior in relationship of consilience because it will open the new prospect for settlement of ethical standard about reproductive technology.

Our previous study showed that transgenic (TG) pigs harboring human EPO (hEPO) gene have been shown to have reproductive disorders, including low pregnancy rates, irregular estrus cycle and low little size. To investigate these reasons, we assessed estrus behavior (standing response) and plasma 17B-estradiol (E2) level, which partly reflect reproductive function, during the estrus cycles after synchronization and superovulation by hormone treatments. Then, we analysed blood composition and expression of hEPO gene in TG pigs. Pigs were injected with PG600. After 10 days, pigs were fed with Regumate porcine for 6 days. Blood samples were collected from jugular vein. Analysis of blood composition and E2 level were measured by Hemavet 950 and E2 ELISA kit, respectively. And, the expression of hEPO gene in reproductive organs was quantitated by real-time RT-PCR. The percentage of estrus behavior in TG was significantly decreased. Hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and red blood cell (RBC) number were significantly higher in TG than wild type (WT). On the other hand, high expression of hEPO gene in TG was observed in the mammary gland as well as in the uterus. Moreover, plasma E2 level was significantly higher in TG than WT. These results suggest that nonspecific expression of hEPO gene in the other organs of TG may affect blood composition and plasma E2 level, thereby causing reproductive disorders.

Beta-catenin (CTNNB1, catenin (cadherin-associated protein), beta 1) is involved in various biological processes, including embryogenesis, tumorigenesis, angiogenesis and progression of metastasis. CTNNB1, as a multifunctional and oncogenic protein, has important roles in adhesion between Sertoli cells through an N-cadherin- dependent manner and in various cancer types through its over-activation. In addition, CTNNB1 can interact with estrogen/estrogen receptor alpha complex, which regulates the transcription of WNT (wingless-type MMTV integration site family)/CTNNB1 target genes. Recently, we investigated the functional roles and expression pattern of CTNNB1 during the morphological changes of embryonic gonads of chickens and the estrogen-dependent regulation of CTNNB1 in oviduct development and potential functions as a biomarker of CTNNB1 in human epithelial ovarian cancer using the chicken as a biological research model. Therefore, in this review, we provide a new insight of potential role of CTNNB1 in the development of the female reproductive tract during early embryogenesis and ovarian carcinogenesis of laying hen models.

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 실험은 한우 종빈우의 임신말기에 Se과 Vit. E 투여가 종빈우의 번식기능에 미치는 요인과 종빈우에서 태어난 송아지의 발육능력을 조사하였다. 1 분만 1개월전 Se과 Vit. E을 투여한 구에서 송아지의 발육성적을 조사한 결과, 생시체중은 각각 23.33, 24.00, 24.00, 24.50, 24.00 및 25.60㎏으로서 처리구가 대조구보다 다소 높은 성적을 나타냈다. 또한 이유시 체중과 일당증체량도 투여구가 대조구보다 다소 높은 성적을 나타냈으며, 이유시 일령은 투여구가 대조구보다 이유시 일령이 다소 적었으나 처리구간 유의적인 차이는 없었다(P>0.05). 2. 종빈우의 번식능력을 조사한 결과, 분만 후 초발정과 인공수정 휫수는 투여구가 대조구보다 초발정이 빨리 도래하였고, 수태당 인공수정 휫수도 적었으나 처리구간 유의적인 차이는 없었다(P>0.05). 3. Se과 Vit. E를 분만 2개월전에 4회 투여한 한우 종빈우에서 태어난 송아지의 생시체중, 이유시 체중 및 일당증체량은 투여구가 대조구보다 높은 성적을 나타냈으며, 이유시 일령은 투여구가 대조구보다 이유시 일령이 짧았으나 처리구간 유의적인 차이는 없었다(P>0.05). 4. 한우 종빈우의 번식능력을 조사한 결과, 분만 후 초발정은 유의적인 차이는 없었으며(P> 0.05), 수태 당 인공수정 횟수는 각각 2.00, 1.63, 1.25, 1.50, 1.33 및 1.46회로서 투여구가 대조구보다 인공수정 횟수가 적었으나 처리구간 커다란 차이가 없었다(P>0.05).

The objective of this study were to investigate the effects of Se and Vit. E administration at last month or two month before parturition on the reproductive function of dams and developmental ability of calves. On developmental ability of calves obtained afier Se and Vit. E administration at the last month of pregnancing periods, the birth weight were significantly higher in administration groups than in control group(P<0.05). However, the weaning weight, average daily gain and weaning age were not significantly difference in all experimental groups. In the comparision of reproductive function in dams, estrus postpartum was faster in treatment groups than control groups(P>0.05). However, the number of A.1 service fur conception were lower groups injected than control group(P>0.05), there were not significantly differences in all experimental groups. The developmental ability of calves obtained after Se and Vit. E administration at two months before parturition were also examined. The birth weight, weaning weight, average daily gain and weaning age were higher in treatment groups than control group, but there were not significantly differences in all experimental groups. In reproductive function of dams, the days to 1 st estrus postpartum was slightly faster injected groups than control group(P>0.05). Number of A.I. service for conception in each groups were lower in treatment groups than control group.

프탈레이트 에스테르는 플라스틱 가소제로서 이용되며 또한 유제품과 같은 음식에서 미량으로 발견되고, 종종 내분비 교란물질로 의심되고 있다. 본 연구의 목적은 DBP, DINP 또는 DEHA의 주산기 노출이 랫트에 있어 성 성숙 후, 번식기능 특히 뇌의 성분화에 어떤 영향을 끼치는 지에 대해 조사하였다. 이를 수행하기 위해서, 어미에게 식물성 에스트로겐의 함유가 낮은 분말 사료에 다음과 같은 단계적 농도의 DBP (20, 200, 2000, 10000 ppm), DINP (40, 400, 4000, 20000 ppm), DEHA (480, 2400, 12000 ppm)를 혼합한 후, 임신 15일째부터 출생 후, 21일째 (이유기)까지 섭취 시켰고, 성 성숙 후, 혈청 성호르몬 및 성선자극호르몬의 레벨과 교배행동 및 성주기 회귀를 분석하였다. 그 결과, DBP, DINP 또는 DEHA의 주산기 노출에 의한 생후 20~21주째의 암수 랫트에 있어, 성호르몬 및 성선자극호르몬의 레벨뿐만 아니라 암컷의 성주기의 회귀에 대해 어떠한 영향을 주지 않았다. 이것은 시상하부－하수체－성선축의 내분비계를 제어하는 뇌의 성분화에는 이들 화학물질이 영향을 주지 않았다는 사실을 시사한다. 하지만, 수컷의 성행동 특히, 사정 (ejaculation)과 암컷의 로도시스 반응이 억제되는 것이 관찰되었다. 이러한 결과로부터 DBP, DINP 또는 DEHA의 주산기 노출은 성선자극 호르몬의 분비에는 영향을 주지 않지만, 성행동을 제어하는 시상하부의 어떤 영역에 직접적으로 작용할 가능성 즉, 뇌의 성분화에 영향을 끼쳐 성 성숙 후, 성 특이적 행동을 억제시킬 가능성을 시사한다.

Phthalate esters that are used as plasticizers and also found at low levels in foods such as dairy products are often mentioned as suspected endocrine disrupters. The purpose of the present study is to elucidate whether perinatal exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate(DBP), diisononyl phthalate (DINP) and di-2-ethylhexyl adipate (DEHA) affects several aspects of reproductive function in rats especially sexual differentiation of the brain. To this end, the dams were provided with pulverized soy-free diet containing 20, 200, 2,000 and 10,000 ppm of DBP, 40, 400, 4,000 and 20,000 ppm of DINP, or 480, 2,400 and 12,000 ppm of DEHA from gestational day (GD) 15 to postnatal day (PDN) 21, the day of weaning, and serum sex steroid hormone, gonadotropin levels and sexual behaviors after maturation were assessed. At Postnatal week (PNW) 20-21, serum levels of sex steroids and gonadotropins in both male and female rats, as well as estrous cyclicity in females, were not changed by perinatal exposure to DBP, DINP and DEHA, indicating that these chemicals did not affect sexual differentiation of the brain controlling the endocrine system of hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. On the other hand, inhibitory influences on sexual behaviors, especially on ejaculation in males and lordosis in females, were observed by perinatal exposure to these chemicals. These results suggest that these chemicals may act directly on discrete regions of the hypothalamus regulating sexual behaviors, but not regulating gonadotropin secretion, thereby affect sexual differentiation of the brain with a resultant decrease in sex-specific behaviors in adulthood.

부신(副腎)의 기능(機能)이 생식기관(生殖器官)에 미치는 영향(影響)을 구명(究明)코자 21일령(日齡)의 암흰쥐(體重(체중): ) 210마리를 정상(正常)흰쥐실험군(實驗群)(이하(以下) Int.-)과 부신척출실험군(副腎剔出實驗群)(이하(以下) Adx.-)으로 나누고, 각군(各群)을 다시 대조군(對照群)(이하(以下)-Cont.), PMS 투여군(投與群)(이하(以下) - PMS) 및 PMS와 cortisol의 병용투여군(이하(以下)-PMS+corti)의 3개군(個群)으로 나누어 35마리씩 배치(配置)한 다음 부신척출실험군(副腎剔出實驗群)에 대(對)하여 부신척출(副腎剔出)을 실시(實施)한 5일후(日後)(흰쥐 일령(日齡) : 26일(日))에 PMS투여군(投與群)에는 마리당 25IU의 PMS를, PMS와 Cortisol의 병용투여군에는 마리당 25IU의 PMS와 의 Cortisol의 처리후(處理後) 48, 54, 60, 66, 72, 78 및 84시간(時間)에 5마리씩 도살(屠殺)하여 생식기능(生殖機能)의 중량(重量)을 측정(測定)하였다. 1. 난소(卵巢)의 중량(重量)은 모든 처리군(處理群)이 처리후(處理後) 기간(期間)이 경과(經過)할수록 증가(增加)하여 전관찰시간(全觀察時間)에서 비교군간(比較群間)에 고도(高度)의 유의성(有意性)(P<0.01)이 인정(認定)되었으나 대조군(對照群)인 Int.-Cont. 군(群)과 Adx.-Cont. 군(群)은 변화(變化)가 인정(認定)되지 않았다. 다중검정결과(多重檢定結果) 부신(副腎)을 척출(剔出)한 Adx.-PMS군(群)과 Adx.-PMS+Corti. 군(群)은 정상(正常)흰쥐 실험군(實驗群)인 Int.-PMS군(群)과 Int.-PMS+Corti. 군(群)에 비하여 유의(有意)(P<0.05)하게 낮은 값을 보였고, Cortisol 투여(投與)에 따른 효과(效果)는 인정(認定)되지 않았다. 2. 자궁(子宮)의 중량(重量)은 모든 관찰시간(觀察時間)에서 비교군간(比較群間)에 고도(高度)의 유의성(有意性)(P<0.01)이 인정(認定)되었는데, 처리후(處理後) 66시간(時間)까지는 정상(正常)흰쥐 실험군(實驗群)인 Int.-PMS군(群)과 Int.-PMS+Corti.군(群)이 높은 값을 보였고, 72시간(時間) 후(後)부터는 반대(反對)로 부신척출실험군(副腎剔出實驗群)인 Adx.-PMS군(群)과 Adx.-PMS+Corti.군(群)이 높은 값을 나타냈으며, 다중검정결과(多重檢定結果) Int.-PMS군(群)과 Int.-PMS-Corti.군(群), 그리고 Adx.-PMS군(群)과 Adx.-PMS군(群)과 Adx.-PMS+Corti.군(群) 상호간(相互間)에는 유의성(有意性)이 인정(認定)되지 않았다. 3. 정상(正常)흰쥐 실험군(實驗群)에서의 부신(副腎)의 중량(重量)은 Int.-PMS 군(群)에서 근소(僅少)하게 높은 값을 나타냈으나 비교군간(比較群間)에는 통계적(統計的)인 유의성(有意性)은 인정(認定)되지 않았고, 조직소견(組織所見)에서도 특기(特記)할 만한 변화(變化)를 인지(認知)할 수 없었다.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of the adrenal function on the reproductive organs in immature rats treated with PMS. Two hundred and ten female rats (Wistar-Imamichi albino rats) of 21 days old (body weight : ) were disposed in the intact rat group (Int.-) and adrenalectomized rat group (Adx.-) and then each group was devided into 3 subgroups, such as control (-Cont.), PMS treated (-PMS) was administered subcutaneously with 25 IU PMS, and and PMS cortisol treated groups (-PMS+Corti.) with 25 IU PMS and cortisol on 5 th day (aged 26 days old) after adrenalectomy, while the control groups with physiological salt solution by the same way. The reprodutive organs were observed at 48, 54, 60, 66, 72, 78 and 84 hours after hormone treatments. The results obtained were as follows ; 1. The measurments of time average ovary weight in all treated groups were increased with the elapse of time after treatment, and the difference among the treatments was significant (p<0.01) in the all observation time. But the difference of those was not recognized in Int.-Cont. and Adx.-Cont. groups. In the multiple range test. ovary weight of adrenalectomized rat groups (Adx.-PMS and Adx.-PMS+Corti. groups) was significantly (p<0.05) lighter than those of intact rat groups (Int.-PMS and Int.-PMS+Corti. groups), and the effect of cortisol administration was not reconized. 2. The difference of uterus weight was significantly reconized (p<0.01) in all observation time. The weight in Int.-PMS and Int.-PMS+Corti. groups was heavier until 66 hours after treatment, but the values in the adrenalectomized Adx.-PMS and Adx.-PMS+Corti. groups were heavier after 72 hours. The multiple range test showed that the significant difference was not found between Int.-PMS and Int.-PMS+Corti. groups, and Adx.-PMS and Adx.-PMS+Corti. groups. 3. The adrenal weight was not significantly different among the compared groups.

To clarify the reproductive function of vibration signals in Hynobius, which has externally fertilized eggs, we quantitatively analyzed the body and tail undulations of male Korean salamanders (Hynobius leechii) in sixteen mating events. One large and one small male, and one female were used in each mating event. We analyzed behaviors recorded over a total of 3 hrs for each mating event; 2 hrs before and 1 hr after female's oviposition. Males touched females using their snouts or body trunk throughout the entire mating periods, but females touched males increasingly more after approximately 1 hr before oviposition. Males conducted body undulations more than 50 times per 10 minutes at a mean frequency of 0.64 Hz. Large males conducted more body undulations than small males, particularly on the tree twig where females attached their egg sacs. Males responded to other males' body undulation throughout the mating period by orienting their head towards, approaching, and touching the undulating male. Females only responded for about 10-20 min before ovipositing, and most responses were directed to the large male's body undulation. Males conducted tail undulations 3.0 times per 10 min at a mean frequency of 1.7 Hz and most tail undulations occurred after one male bit the other male. These results suggest that body undulations function in both male-female and male-male interactions, while tail undulations mainly functions in male-male competition. Also, male H. leechii appear to actively attract females, while females respond to the males only at times close to oviposition.

Present study was conducted to investigate potential effects of epichlorohydrin on testicular and epididymal function in male rats. The test chemical was administered to adult male rats by gavage at dose levels of 0, 3.125, 12.5, and 50 mg/kg/day for 7 days. Testicular and epididymal function were assessed by measurement of reproductive organ weight, testicular spermatid count, epididymal sperm count, motility and morphology, and histopathology in rats. At 50 mg/kg, a decrease in the sperm motility and an increase in the incidence of sperm abnormalities were observed. Histopathological examinations revealed an increase in the incidence of histopathological changes including cell debris in the ducts, vacuolization of the epithelial cells, oligospermia, and epithelial disruption in the proximal caput epididymidis. At 12.5 mg/kg, an increase in the incidence of histopathological changes of the epididymidis was found. There were no treatment-related effects at 3.125 mg/kg. These results show that 7-day repeated oral administration of epichlorohydrin to male rats results in adverse effects on sperm motility, sperm morphology, and epididymal histology at $\geq$ 12.5 mg/kg/day.

This study investigated structure and function of the reproductive system in Aplysia kurodai by means of anatomical, histological, and histochemical observation. Reproductive system of this species is consisted of ovotestis, small hermaphroditic duct, ampulla, accessory genital mass and large hermaphroditic duct. The ovotestis is composed of a large number of follicles, and both oocytes and spermatocytes matured in the same follicle. The small hermaphroditic duct is a single tube and contains a swelling, the ampulla, which functions as a storage organ for endogenous sperm and an oviduct. The accessory genital mass is connected to both the small and large hermaphroditic duct, and consisted of three glands: albumen, membrane (winding) and mucus gland. The albumen gland is consisted of granular cells producing basophilic and neutral mucopolysaccharides. The membrane and mucus gland are consisted of granular cells producing acidophilc and sulfated mucopolysaccharides. The large hermaphroditic duct is a single tubular gonoduct linking the accessory genital mass to the common genital aperture but is consisted of two parallel compartments. Internally, these two compartments are incompletely divided by internal septum or fold, which are called as the red hemiduct and white hemiduct, respectively. The red hemiduct functions as an oviduct and the white hemiduct functions as a copulatory duct. The reproductive system of A. kurodai is externally comprised a single tube, i.e., monaulic type. However, internal structure of duct is incompletely divided into oviduct and copulatory duct, i.e., the oodiaulic type.

The ovary is susceptible to harmful environmental factors. Tumor progression (TP) is an intracorporal harmful environmental factor. It is known that TP could impair adjacent tissues through pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, it is unclear whether and how non-reproductive tumor progression (NRTP) impairs ovarian function. In this study, we used MCA205 (mouse fibrosarcoma) cell-allotransplanted B6 mice as a basic model (M group); meanwhile, we established two popular therapeutic models ? PD-1 monoclonal antibody injection in allotransplanted mice (PD-1 group) and whole cancer cell vaccine (WCV) injection in allotransplanted mice (WCV group) ? to facilitate the discovery process. As expected, TP in M group decreased ovarian function multifacetedly. Interestingly, WCV injection significantly reversed these abnormalities, whereas PD-1 did not. Next, plasma cytokine microarray characterized CXCL10 with both the biggest increment in M group and best rescue in WCV group. Next, we baited the only CXCL10 receptor, IL18R1, within ovaries. Next, we found that CXCL10 directly bound to IL18R1 to impair ovarian function through three pathways: inducing ovarian fibrosis through p-JNK→p-JUN → COL1A1, promoting primordial follicle overactivation through p-AKT→p-FOXO3A, and increasing ovarian inflammation through p-P65 → IFNγ. We have also preliminarily verified the CXCL10?IL18R1 axis and the upper three downstream pathways in MC38 (mouse colon cancer cells)-allotransplanted and B16F10 (mouse melanoma cells)-allotransplanted B6 mice. Finally, we rescued the decreased ovarian function in the M group by blocking the CXCL10 → IL18R1 pathway with CXCL10 antibody or a CXCL10?IL18R1 interface peptide, CIBB. This study provides mechanical evidence and translational strategies of how NRTP impairs ovarian functions and how to target-protect ovaries under NRTP.

Known as a female hormone, estrogen, performs important functions, and the activities of the hormone are mediated via the estrogen receptor. The principal objective of the present study was to assess the effects of a estrogen receptor agonist in male reproductive organs. In this study, the estrogen receptor alpha agonist, PPT, was injected subcutaneously into adult male mice. The effects of PPT on the murine reproductive system were histologically assessed at 3,5, and 8 weeks after treatment. In the treatment group, reductions were observed in the weight of the body, testis and epididymis. Microscopic examination revealed a reduction in seminiferous tubular diameter in the testis, and epithelial cell height in the epididymis during the experiment. 8 weeks after treatment, spermatogenesis was not detected, nor was the lumen of the seminiferous tubules. In the fertility test, 1 week after PPT injection, the fertilizing ability of males was decreased, and on the 2nd and 3rd weeks, complete infertility was observed. In conclusion, the injection of high concentrations of PPT into adult males induced physiological changes, including infertility, and also induced morphological changes, including a reduction in the height of epithelial cells within the reproductive system.

골든 햄스터의 생식활동은 광주기(하루 중 조명 시간)에 의해 결정된다. 광주기는 일년 동안 예측할 수 있는 환경요인이다. 주간 길이가 야간 길이보다 긴 여름에 햄스터의 생식 활동은 왕성하다. 생식 기능을 유지시키는 조명 시간은 하루에 적어도 12.5시간이다. 송과선을 제거시키면 광주기의 정보가 억제되기 때문에, 광주기의 정보는 송과선을 통하여 중재된다. 송과선을 제거 당한 핼스터는 생식 활동이 유지되고, 생식소 기능을 억제하는 상황에서도 생식 기능을 촉진시킨다. 송과선은 멜라토닌을 분비하고 멜라토닌은 광주기 정보를 반영 한다. 멜라토닌을 적절히 투입하면 송과선과 무관하게 생식소 퇴화가 유도된다. 생식체계를 기능적으로 통합하는 신경내분비 신호로 환경 정보가 전환하는 기전을 멜라토닌이 조절함을 시사한다. 광범위한 연구에도 불구하고, 멜라토닌의 작용부위는 알려지지 않았다. 이는 멜라토닌이 생식 호르몬의 분비에 미치는 즉각적인 효과가 없기 때문이다. 그러나, 성적으로 퇴화된 동물들은 생식 호르몬 수준이 낮고 시상하부 내 GnRH 양이 증가한다. 광주기 혹은 멜라토닌 처리가 생식 기능을 억제하는 효과는 GnRH 신경계에 의해 중재됨을 의미한다. 멜라토닌이 GnRH 신경에 미치는 작용 기전이 조사되어야 한다. 멜라토닌 수용체가 클로닝되어, 목적 조직에 미치는 멜라토닌의 작용 기전과 해부학적 위치를 통하여 멜라토닌의 다양하고 잠재적인 능력을 분자수준에서 연구하는데 공헌할 것이다.

Golden hamsters show the reproductive activity that is determined by the photoperiod (length of light per day). Photoperiod is an environmental factor that is predictable through an entire year. The hamsters are sexually active in summer during which day length exceeds night time. The critical length is at least 12.5 hours of light in a day where reproductive function is maintained. The information of photoperiod is mediated by the pineal gland because removal of pineal gland blocks the influence of photoperiod on reproductive activity. The hamsters without pineal gland maintain sexual activity and promote it in a situation that suppresses gonadal activity. The pineal gland secretes melatonin that reflects the photoperiod. The appropriate administrations of melatonin into both pineal intact and pinealectomized hamsters lead to a gonadal reression. The results suggest that melatonin constitutes a part of control mechanism whereby environmental information is transduced to neuroendocrine signal respensible for the functional integrity of the reproductive system. Despite of the intense studies, the action site of melatonin is on the whole unknown. It is mainly due to the lack of acute efffct of melatonin on the secretion of reproductive hormones. However, sexually regressed animals display the low levelsof gonadotropins and the augmentation of the hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) content, implying that the antigonadotropic effects either by photoperiod and/or by the treatment of melatonin are mediated by the GnRH neuronal system. The action mechanism by which melatonin exerts its effect on GnRH neuron needs to be investigated. Recent cloning of melatonin receptor will contribute to examine various and putative potencies of melatonin via its anatomical identification and the action mechanism of melatonin on target tissues at the molecular level.

This study was performed using histochemical and immunohistochemical methods to investigate the effect of Gami-Shinkiwhan(GS) on reproductive function of male aged mice. 8-weeks-old ICR mice were used as control group, without any treatment, and 15-month-old ICR mice were used as aging elicited group(AE) and Gami-Shinkiwhan treatment group(GS). AE group didn't restrict diets and drinking for 6 months without any treatment. GS was administered 0.56g/kg/day for 6 months. Compared with AE group, the cell division of sertoli cells, spermatids, and spermatogonial cells was increased and the apoptosis of sertoli cells was decreased on GS group. Androgen receptor positive reaction and $17{\beta}$-HSD positive reaction were significantly increased in the GS group compared to AE group. In addition, the DJ-1 positive reaction was significantly increased and the HDAC3 positive response was significantly decreased in the GS group compared with AE group. Based on the above results, GS prevented the apoptosis of sertoli cells in the tubules, and increased the production of sertoli cells, spermatozoa and testosterone. Based on this, it is thought that it improves male reproductive dysfunction caused by late-onset hypogonadism.

The toxicity of aristolochic acid (ArA) has attracted considerable attention since the case of nephropathy regarding diet pill preparations was reported. The present study was performed to determine the reproductive toxicity of ArA in female SD rats. ArA was administered orally to female rats at 2, 8 or 16 mg/kg b.w./day and the females were mated with untreated males and their reproductive status was determined. ArA is well known as PLA2 inhibitor, toxic effects of such a relationship are not yet clear, and in vivo study on this matter are scarce. For this study, ArA was administered to pregnant rats at 10 or 20 mg/kg b.w./day, because premating treatments were not conducted. Administration of 20 mg/kg b.w./day caused infertility or abortion. In ArA-treated groups, PGF2a productions were inhibited and apoptosis were suppressed. Collectively, this study may help to further define the roles of sPLA2 in reproductive organs and to determine the toxic mechanisms of ArA.

This study was performed using histochemical and immunohistochemical methods to investigate the effect of Gami-Shinkiwhan(GS) on reproductive function of male aged mice. 8-weeks-old ICR mice were used as control group, without any treatment, and 15-month-old ICR mice were used as aging elicited group(AE) and Gami-Shinkiwhan treatment group(GS). AE group didn’t restrict diets and drinking for 6 months without any treatment. GS was administered 0.56g/kg/day for 6 months. Compared with AE group, the cell division of sertoli cells, spermatids, and spermatogonial cells was increased and the apoptosis of sertoli cells was decreased on GS group. Androgen receptor positive reaction and 17β-HSD positive reaction were significantly increased in the GS group compared to AE group. In addition, the DJ-1 positive reaction was significantly increased and the HDAC3 positive response was significantly decreased in the GS group compared with AE group. Based on the above results, GS prevented the apoptosis of sertoli cells in the tubules, and increased the production of sertoli cells, spermatozoa and testosterone. Based on this, it is thought that it improves male reproductive dysfunction caused by late-onset hypogonadism.