Difference of Second to Fourth Digit Ratio according to the Methods of Measuring Length / 체질인류학회지

The 2nd to 4th digit ratio (2D : 4D) reflects exposure level of sex hormones in fetal period and there are various methods for finger length measurement. The aim of this study is to identify an accurate and effective method for finger length measurement. This study was done on 272 individuals (115 males, 157 females). Data were collected by measuring index and ring finger length on both hands by calipers, ruler, photocopy, and radiography. The data were analyzed through independent t-test, paired t-test, Pearson correlation analysis using SPSS win 19.0. This study showed that the 2nd and 4th finger measured by radiography were the longest finger both of males and females and revealed the largest length difference between 2nd and 4th finger. There were significant sex differences all of 4 measurement methods in 2D : 4D, especially remarkable sex difference by radiography and photography. The 2D : 4D by indirect measurement was lower than that of direct measurement. Correlation between digit ratio by radiography and by photocopy was 0.590 and correlation between digit ratio by radiography and by calipers was 0.586. The results of this study suggest that indirect measurement by radiography can be alternated by photocopy primarily and by calipers secondarily.

Second to Fourth Digit Ratio as a Sex Determinant in Korean / 체질인류학회지

The 2nd to 4th digit ratio (2D : 4D) as a predictor of the degree of expression of sexually dimorphic and other sex-hormone-mediated traits differs between the sexes, ethnics and race. The aim of this study is to identify characteristics and role of 2nd to 4th digit ratio as a sex determinant in Korean. This study was done on 664 individuals (332 males, 332 females). Data were collected by measuring index and ring finger length on both hands with digital callipers. The data were analyzed through the frequency, descriptive statistics, X2 test, independent t-test, paired t-test, Pearson correlation analysis using SPSS win 19.0. This study showed that the 2nd to 4th digit ratio (2D : 4D) in Korean men (0.96) was significantly lower than that of women (0.97). There was a significant difference in the types of 2nd and 4th finger length according to sex. There was a significant difference between right 2D : 4D and left 2D : 4D both of Korean men and women. Correlation between right and left hand digit ratio was .530 in men and .556 in women. The 2nd to 4th digit ratio accurately determinated sex in 89.1% males and 89.2% females for the left hand, and in 91.8% males and 91.9% females for the right hand. The results of this study suggest that 2nd to 4th digit ratio in Korean differs between males and females, moreover, it will be able to perform a role as a sex determinant.

Influencing Anthropometric Values to Atd Angles on Palm Prints in European American / 체질인류학회지

American population consists of people of various race and ethnic group. Palm prints are different from each individual, ethnic group and race. The aim of this study is to investigate influencing anthropometric values to atd angles formed by triradii of palm prints in European American and develop a regression equation that can predict atd angle. This study was done on 208 European American (males: 102 individuals, females: 106 individuals). Data were collected by measuring atd angles using a protractor, distance from triradii a to d, length from triradius t to the distal wrist crease (DWC), palm breadth at metacarpals and palm length perpendicular using digital callipers. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, the frequency, independent sample t-test, paired t-test, Pearson correlation analysis, stepwise regression using SPSS win 18.0. This study showed that atd angles of males (38.6degrees) are significantly smaller than those of females (40.4degrees). Influencing anthropometric values to atd angles in males were distance from triradii a to d, the ratio of the length from triradius t to the DWC to palm length, palm length. Influencing anthropometric values to atd angles in females were the ratio of the length from triradius t to the DWC to palm length, the ratio of the distance from triradii a to d to palm breadth, and the ratio of palm breadth to palm length. In addition to, the regression equation predicted atd angle of males was 26.150+(0.741xdistance from triradii a to d)+(52.856xthe ratio of the length from triradius t to the DWC to palm length)-(0.332xpalm length), on the other hand, that of females was -42.935+(51.657xthe ratio of the length from triradius t to the DWC to palm length)+(63.314xthe ratio of the distance from triradii a to d to palm breadth)+(42.764xthe ratio of palm breadth to palm length). The results of this study suggest that there were differences in influencing anthropometric values to atd angles between males and females in European American. Especially, the ratio of the length from triradius t to DWC to palm length was a very significantly influencing anthropometric value to atd angles to all of males and females.

Characteristics of Fingerprints According to Type of Handedness / 체질인류학회지

Left handedness is known to be related with inheritance and is different from right handedness in brain development and various aspects of perceptive and cognitive performance. Fingerprints are also related with inheritance and do not change for the whole life. In addition, individuals have different fingerprints. The aim of the present study was to identify genetic correlation between fingerprints and handedness by examining how different fingerprints are between left handers and right handers. The study group to imprint fingerprints was composed of 55 left handers and 144 right handers of 1063 college students. The reliability of handedness assessment tool was Cronbach's alpha=0.948. The imprinted fingerprints were classified by fingerprint type (arch, radial loop, ulnar loop, whorl). Finger ridges and triradii in fingerprints were also counted. We performed frequency analysis, reliability analysis, cross-tabs analysis, chi-square test, independent t-test, paired t-test by SPSS win 15.0 for the data. The left handed males and females exhibited more arch types than the right handers and less whorl types than the right handers. The left handers in both hands exhibited more arch and ulnar loop types than the right handers and less whorl and radial loop types than the right handers. In the left hand, the 3rd (p<0.05), 4th (p<0.05), and 5th (p<0.01) fingerprints of the left handers were different from those of the right handers. The finger ridge counts of left handers were significantly less than those of the right handers in the 2nd and 3rd fingers of the left hand, and in the 3rd and 4th fingers in the right hand. The triradii counts of left handers were significantly less than those of right handers (p<0.05) in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th finger of the left and right hand. Total triradii counts of left handers were also significantly less than those of right handers (p<0.05). These results demonstrate that fingerprint type, finger ridge and triradius counts of the left handers are different from those of the right handers, and fingerprints may reflect genetic tendency for handedness.

The Effect of Memantine on Experimentally Gentamicin Induced Vestibulotoxicity in Guinea Pigs / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In general, aminoglycosides are known to cause ototoxicity through the glutamate induced nitric oxide production. The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) related glutamate receptors have a pivotal role in aminoglycoside induced ototoxicity. Memantine is known as a safe NMDA antagonist and is also used in some neurologic insults, such as the Alzheimer disease. In this study, we observed the effect of memantine on gentamicin induced vestibulotoxicity in an animal model. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Vestibulotoxicity was induced with intratympanic administration of gentamicin and memantine was injected intraperitoneally to a study group. Histomorphological studies for vestibule were performed via light and electron microscopy. Immunohistochemical studies were performed for iNOS, nitrotyrosine and apoptosis via TUNEL staining. RESULTS: The numbers of hair cells were decreased significantly in the gentamicin group than in the gentamicin-memantine group. Increased immunoreactivities for iNOS and nitrotyrosine were observed in the gentamicin group than in the memantine-pretreated gentamicin group. TUNEL positive cells were more frequently observed in the gentamicin group than in the memantinepretreated gentamicin group. CONCLUSION: This result shows that memantine has a protection effect on gentamicin-induced vestibulotoxicity in an animal model.

Relations of Atd Angles and Anthropometric Values of Palms according to Sex Distinction / 체질인류학회지

The palm prints are unique in each individual and permanent for a lifetime. The atd angle of palm is formed by triradii of palm prints. The aim of this study is to identify the reasons why males have smaller atd angles, even with larger palms than females have. This study was done on 379 individuals (males : 174 individuals, females : 205 individuals). Data were collected by measuring atd angles using a protractor, distance from triradii a to d, length from triradii t to the distal palmar crease (DPC), palm breadth at metacarpals and palm length perpendicular using digital callipers. The data were analyzed through the frequency, independent sample t-test, paired t-test, Pearson correlation analysis using SPSS win 14.0. This study showed that atd angles of 39.2 degrees in males are significantly smaller than those of females (40.5 degrees). Males' were wider than females' in palm breadth, palm length and distance from triradii a to d, however, there was no sexual difference in the length from triradii t to the DPC. In addition, the ratio of palm breadth to palm length was higher in males than in females, however, the ratio of the length from triradii t to the DPC to palm length, and the ratio of the distance from triradii a to d to palm breadth of males were lower than those of females. Especially, atd angles in males and females were more correlative with the ratio of the length from triradii t to the DPC to palm length. The results of this study suggest that the differences in the atd angles between males and females arise from the ratio of length from triradii t to the DPC to palm length and the ratio of distance from triradii a to d to palm breadth. In both of the cases, males exhibited lower ratios than females. Especially, the ratio of the length from triradii t to DPC to palm length affected more to the atd angle than any other ratios.

Expression of Fas-associated Factor 1 in the Developing Testis / 체질인류학회지

FAS associated factor 1 (FAF1) is a Fas-associating molecule, which enhances Fas mediated apoptosis. FAF1 gene is expressed most abundantly in the testis among the mouse organs. The aim of this study was to reveal the expression and the role of FAF1 in the developing testis. H-E stain and FAF1 immunohistochemistry were performed in the testis and epididymis of the E15.5 embryo, and 1, 2, and 8 week-old C57/BL6 mice. FAF1 was expressed in the testis from E 15.5 embryo to 8 week-old mice. Cell type of FAF1 positive cells was different among the developmental stage. Furthermore, cellular (cytoplasmic or nuclear) localization of FAF1 in the male germ cells was different during the developmental stage. FAF1 was expressed mainly in the nuclei of the germ cells 1 and 8 weeks after birth, when cell differentiation occurs actively in the testis. However, FAF1 was expressed in the cytoplasms of germ cells 2 weeks after birth, when apoptosis occurs maximally in the testis. Taken together, it can be suggested FAF1 expressed in male germ cells in the testis. FAF1 might be involved in regulation of the cellular function during spermatogenic cell differentiation and apoptosis in the testis.

The Type of Handedness and Correlation Analysis of Handedness Assessment Items on University Students in Korea / 체질인류학회지

The left handers are different from the right handers in brain development aspects and various perceptive or cognitive performance. There are known the types of handedness are under social and cultural influence. Moreover, the different races or countries show the different sensitivity to each item in assessment tool. The aim of the this study is to assess type of handedness and choose the best item of assessment tool for Korean. The subjects of this study were 1,063 persons. Data were collected by total 31 items including 20 items through reconstruction of the Oldfield Test, Annett Questionnaire and Croviz-Zener Questionnaire. The reliability of tool is Cronbach's alpha=0.948. The data were analyzed through frequency, reliability analysis, t-test, and Pearson's Correlation analysis by SPSS win 14.0. The 11.5% of total subjects was changed handedness through experience, 62.7% of these subjects changed from left handedness to right or mixed handedness, and 30.5% of these subjects changed handedness from sixth years old or more to below eighth years old. The mean of handedness score between parents and offspring revealed statistically significant difference (father and offspring t=-5.227, p<0.001, mother and offspring t=-4.515, p<0.001). The left handedness increased from the past ratio 4.8% (Kang 1994) to the present study 6.0% (64 persons) by handedness assessment tool. The mean of total items showed significant positive correlations with hammering a nail (r=0.892, p<0.001), gripping knife (r=0.871), using scissors (r=0.847), and writing exhibited the lowest correlation (r=0.563). These results demonstrate that left handers in Korea were increased than the results by previous researchers, and the best items for distinguishing the left handers from the right handers were the hand hammering a nail, gripping knife, using scissors, lighting a match, and throwing small ball.

c-fos Immunoreactivity at the Auditory and Visual Cortex in Experimentally Induced Deafness in Guinea Pigs / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recently, functional studies for auditory cortex are being watched with interest in accordance with development of many radiologic equipments and surgical devices for sensorineural hearing loss. Moreover, it is well known that the function of central auditory pathway is essential for hearing rehabilitation. There are some papers that reported about the functional or metabolic changes of auditory cortex in deafness and in patients with cochlear implantation. The aim of this study was to investigate indirectly the metabolic changes of primary auditory cortex and visual cortex in the c-fos immunoreactivity in an experimentally induced permanent threshold shift animal model. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Ototoxic drugs (kanamycin and furosemide) and noise were used for the induction of permanent threshold shift. Cochlear damages were evaluated with auditory brainstem responses (ABR) and morphologic studies. The c-fos immunoreactivity was observed with a lapse of time after deafening. RESULTS: After the administration of ototoxic drugs and noise exposure, ABR threshold shifts were not recovered until after three months. Cochlear damages were observed in broad areas of cochlea. The c-fos immunoreactivity in the primary auditory cortex was increased during the acute period but it was decreased after one month. In addition, it was recovered again within the level of control three months later. In the visual cortex, increased and sustained immunoreactivities were observed after the drug and noise exposure. CONCLUSION: This result shows the plasticity of auditory cortex and possibility of some kinds of auditory-visual cross modal plasticity.

Unusual Metastasis in Renal Cell Carcinoma / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Approximately one-third of all patients with renal cell carcinoma have metastasis at the time of diagnosis. Metastatic lesions of renal cell carcinoma are most commonly seen in the lung, and they are frequently seen in the bone and liver. However, spleen and rectal metastases are extremely rare. A 63-year-old man had undergone left radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma. About 22 months later, computed tomography revealed multiple enhanced masses in the spleen. Spleen metastasis was suspected and splenectomy was then performed. One year later, the patient visited with complaints of voiding difficulty. A huge pelvic mass was detected by performing prostate ultrasonography and MRI. The mass was 13cm in diameter and it was between the rectum and the prostate. Removal of the pelvic mass and lower anterior resection with end colostomy was done. Histologically, the resected specimens were diagnosed as metastases from the renal cell cancer. Herein, we report on a case of metachronous splenic and rectal metastasis from renal cell carcinoma.

An Immunohistochemical Study on the Macrophages in the Developing Corpora Lutea of the Rat / 대한해부학회지

Within the corpus luteum, macrophages exert luteotropic and luteolytic actions through secretion of TNF-alpha. However, the mechanisms of luteotropic actions on the development and maintenance of pregnant and nonpregnant corpora lutea are thoroughly unknown.In this experiment, TUNEL, macrophage, and TNF-alpha immunohistochemistry on the corpora lutea of pregnant and nonpregnant rats (Sprague-Dawley strain) were carried out to reveal the role of macrophages in the developing corpora lutea. The results were as follows; 1) In the nonpregnant corpora lutea, the number of macrophages was increased significantly, and the degree of ED1-immunoreactivity of macrophages was increased moderately. But lutein cells showed low-degree TNF-alpha-immunoreactivity. 2) In the pregnant corpora lutea, the number of macrophages was decreased significantly, and the degree of ED1- immunoreactivity of macrophages was low. But lutein cells showed moderate-degree TNF-alpha-immunoreactivity. Based on the above results, it was considered that macrophages in the nonpregnant corpora lutea exert phagocytic action mainly, and the macrophages in the pregnant corpora lutea exert TNF-alpha-secreting action to maintain the structure and function of lutein cells.

Left Minor Fissures of the Lungs in Korean / 체질인류학회지

Accessory fissures serve not only as natural barriers against infection but also help in localizing any focal pulmonary parenchymal diseases and in distinguishing pleural from parenchymal diseases. Knowledge of these fissures might be useful in differentiating unusual forms of atelectasis or consolidation occuring adjacent to the fissure. Left minor fissure (LMF) is a kind of unusual accessory fissures of the left lung, which separates adjacent segments of the upper lobe as clefts of various depths lined by two layers of visceral pleura. In this study, 4 cases of LMFs found in the left upper lobe during a routine dissection of 36 cadavers were observed. Of the 4 cases, 3 cases were true LMFs which located between the anterior segment of the upper lobe and superior segment of lingula, and 1 case was considered as left azygos fissure. Among the true LMFs, 2 LMFs coursed horizontally and 1 LMF coursed upward obliquely along the costal surface. The depth of LMFs was 0.5~1.2 cm and the length was 5~8 cm.

Changes of Apoptosis After X-irradiation During the Hindlimb Development in the Rat Fetus / 체질인류학회지

Ionizing radiation exerts harmful effect during the limb development, but the exact mechanism is still largely unknown. In this study, 2 Gy of X-ray irradiated to the rat fetuses on gestation day of 13.7 when the hindlimb buds appear, and sacrificed at GD 14.7, GD 15.7 and GD 16.7, respectively. To reveal the changes of apoptotic figures between control and experimental groups, TUNEL immunohistochemistry and confocal laser scanning microscopy were carried. Mean body weight of fetuses of irradiated groups were decreased significantly compared to the control group. Numerical digit anomalies and asymmetries between right and left sides were increased significantly in the irradiated group compared to control group. Some digit anomalies were increased significantly in the right side. Radiation-induced decrement of the density of apoptotic figures on GD 14.7 was presumed to be related with foot and digit anomalies.

Macrophages in the Corpus Luteum of the Rat : Immunohistochemical and Transmission Electron Microscopic Study / 대한해부학회지

Macrophages in the corpus luteum have many important roles during the periods of functional development and luteal regression. Not only phagocyte the apoptotic luteal cells, but also they secrete many cytokines and exert their effects via autocrine/paracrine actions.In this study, we investigated the changes of number and immunoreactivity of macrophages at various developmental periods of the corpus luteum in the rat ovary. The rats (Sprague-Dawley strain, female)at age of 8 weeks (ovulatory period), GD 6 (pregnant period), and postpartum 5 days (postpartum period)were sacrificed under ether anesthesia and obtained both ovaries, one used for macrophages immunohistochemistry and the other used for TEM. The results were as follows; 1.In the corpora lutea of the rat, macrophages were observed all the developmental periods including ovulatory, pregnant and postpartum periods. 2.In the corpora lutea of the rat, number of macrophages was highest in the ovulatory period, and decreased at postpartum period and pregnant period in order. The immunoreactivity of macrophages was high at ovulatory period, moderate at postpartum period, and low at pregnant period. 3.In TEM observations, two types of macrophages were observed: One type was non-phagocytic macrophage and the other type was phagocytic macrophage. Phagocytic macrophages were observed in the corpora lutea at ovulatory and postpartum periods and contained apoptotic bodies, phagocytic vacuoles and many lipid droplets. Non-phagocytic macrophages were observed in the corpora lutea at pregnancy period and showed slender cell body with long cytoplasmic processes and contained no apoptotic bodies. In the rat, the number and the degree of immunoreactivity of macrophages in the corpus luteum varied with the changes of functional state of the corpus luteum. It was suggested that the main function of the macrophages at the ovulatory and postpartum periods was elimination of apoptotic luteal cells and that at pregnancy period was autocrine/paracrine action.Ultrastructurally, two types, phagocytic and nonphagocytic types, of macrophages confirmed. These results will provide valuable informations on the study of the role macrophages during development and regression of corpus luteum.

Distribution and Role of Ovarian Follicle Macrophage in Rat Ovarian Follicular Atresia / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: Ovarian follicular atresia is initiated from ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis and macrophages exert their effects directly and/or indirectly on follicular atresia by phagocytosis of apoptotic bodies and secretion of various cytokines. In spite of the abundant data on ovarian macrophages, the presence of these cells within the follicles (i.e., among granulosa cells) remains controversial and the elimination methods of apoptotic bodies of atretic follicles, and the time and methods of penetration of macrophages into the follicles are not known completely. The aim of the present study is to demonstrate the presence of macrophage within the ovary as related to follicular atresia and the process of elimination of apoptotic granulosa cells by light and electron microscopy. METHODS: Using rat ovaries, immunohistochemical studies with rat macrophage monoclonal antibody ED1 for macrophages, and light and transmission electron microscopic observations were performed. RESULTS: In the rat, follicular atresia was initiated by the granulosa cell apoptosis which occured randomly within the all granulosa layers. Macrophages were observed within normal follicles, in antrum, granulosa and theca cell layers of atretic follicels, in interstium and in corpus luteum. Ultrastructurally, apoptotic granulosa cells showed characteristics, pyknotic nucleus and apoptotic body formation. Apoptotic bodies were eliminated by intact neighboring granulosa cells and macrophages. Intact granulosa cells ingested apoptotic bodies transiently, soon after they fell into the apoptosis. Finally, apoptotic bodies and degenerating oocytes were phagocytosed by macrophages. Macrophages entered the ovarian follicle at the time of initiation of granulosa cell apoptosis, and migrated with the progression of apoptosis. By elimination of theca cells, macrophages contributed the completion of follicular atresia. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates both intact neighboring granulosa cells and macrophages in the elimination of apoptotic bodies in atretic follicles of the rat ovary. Macrophages are present within normal follicles, in atretic follicles such as antrum, granulosa and theca cell layers and in corpus luteum but are in different appearances according to their location in ovary. A number of macrophages appearing in atretic follicles and in corpora lutea suggest a role for macrophages in follicular atresia and corpus luteum differentiation. The function of macrophage according to their location in follicular development should be further studied.

Changes of Macrophages in Rat Corpus Luteum: Immunohistochemical and Transmission Electron Microscopy Studies / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to assess morphologically the changes of macrophages during various developmental periods of the corpus luteum in the rat ovary. METHODS: The female rats (Sprague-Dawley strain) at age 8 weeks, ovulatory period; 6 days of gestation, early pregnancy period; 19 days of gestation, late pregnancy period; and postpartum 5 days, postpartum period were used. Removed ovaries were dissected and used for TdT-mediated dUTP biotin nick end labelling (TUNEL), macrophages immunohistochemistry, and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). RESULTS: Macrophages were observed in all the developmental periods. The number of apoptotic bodies and macrophages was highest at the ovulatory period, and decreased at postpartum period, early pregnancy period and late pregnancy period in order. The immunoreactivity of macrophages was high at ovulatory period, moderate at late pregnacy and postpartum period, and low at early pregnancy period. In TEM observations, two types of macrophages were observed. One was non-phagocytic macrophage which has slender cell body and long cytoplasmic processes and contained no apoptotic bodies, and the other was phagocytic macrophage which contained apoptotic bodies, phagocytic vacuoles and many lipid droplets and located near the capillaries. CONCLUSION: In the rat corpus luteum, the number and the degree of immunoreactivity of macrophages changed according to the functional developmental periods of the corpus luteum. The functions of the macrophages were suggested as the elimination of apoptotic bodies at the ovulatory and postpartum periods, and luteotropic action at the early and late pregnancy periods. Ultrastructurally, two types of macrophages, phagocytic and non-phagocytic, were confirmed.

Morphological Study on the Arterial Intimal Hyperplasia and the Inhibitory Action of Dexamethasone / 체질인류학회지

This study is performed to reveal the changes of the arterial wall, especially, tunica intima and tunica media, after endothelial denudation and the effects of dexamethasone sodium on intimal hyperplasia morphologically in the rat. After arterial denudation by modified air drying technique, dexamethasone 1, 200 mg/kg/day was administered intramuscularly daily from the day of operation for 14 days. At 5 DAT (days after treatment) and 14 DAT, tunica intima was greatly thickened in control groups compared with normal group, but not in the dexamethasone-treated groups. Light microscopically, greatly increased cells and intercellular matrix in the tunica intima are observed in control group, but not in the dexamethasone-treated group. In the TEM observation, the cells considered as myofibroblasts and extracellular matrix were greatly increased in both tunica intima and tunica media just below the internal elastic lamina in the control group. Myofibroblasts and extracellular matrix migrated through the apertures of internal elastic lamina into the endothelial layer. Characteristic false internal elastic lamina also found. In dexamethasone-treated group, myofibroblasts and extracellular matrix decreased significantly, and apoptotic electron-dense cells, fragmented nucleus and autophagic vacuoles are observed. Through the apertures of internal elastic lamina, comma-shaped fragmented nuclei migrated into the tunica intima. These results suggest that dexamethasone inhibits the myofibroblast-transformation and proliferation of smooth muscle cells, migration of myofibroblasts and matrix synthetic activity, and induces the apoptosis of smooth muscle cells under the internal elastic lamina.

Follicular Atresia and Macrophages in the Porcine Ovary; Immunohistochemical and Transmission Electron Microscopic Study / 대한해부학회지

Apoptosis of granulosa cells leads follicular atresia and macrophages have an important role during the apoptotic process. However, the propagation of apoptosis within the follicle, the ways of elimination of apoptotic bodies and degenerated oocyte, and the completion of follicular atresia are still controversial and unidentified clearly. Using adult porcine (Yorkshire-breed) ovary, in this morphological study, transmission electron microscopic observation and immunohistochemical study with pig macrophage monoclonal antibody 4E9 were performed. In light microscopy, the follicular atresia initiated with apoptosis of granulosa cells, followed by degeneration of oocyte and apoptosis of theca interna cells. Apoptosis occured in random fashion among the granulosa cells and propagated multidirectionally, and finally to the granulosa cells surrounding zona pellucida of degenerating oocyte. Pyknosis of granulosa cells was the first sign of apoptosis. In immunohistochemistry, macrophages were found only in the granulosa layer at the stage of beginning of apoptosis. With progression of apoptosis, they were proliferated greatly in number enough to eliminate all the apoptotic bodies, and found within the follicular antrum. In advanced stage of atresia, macrophages surrounded the zona pellucida of degenerating oocyte, and found also in the theca interna. In transmission electron microscopy, phagocytic granulosa cells maintained characteristic gap junctions with neighboring granulosa cells and contained several apoptotic bodies and lipid droplets within their cytoplasm. Macrophages kept many apoptotic bodies, vacuoles and autophagosomes in their cytoplasm. Apoptotic granulosa cells were ingested by intact granulosa cells and macrophages initially, but lately, all the apoptotic granulosa cells and degenerated oocyte were eliminated by macrophages. Ovarian follicular atresia completed with phagocytosis of apoptotic theca interna cells by macrophages, and the remnants of the atretic follicle became ovarian stroma. It is well known that macrophages may play an important role during follicular atresia, such as elimination of apoptotic granulosa cells, theca interna cells and degenerated oocytes, but, the valid action mechanisms of macrophages on the initiation of granulosa cell apoptosis and on the completion of atresia through the secretion of paracrine factors and autocrine factors still unclear.

The Effect of X-irradiation on the Developing Incisor Tooth of the Rat / 체질인류학회지

In the development of tooth, the first sign is the localized thickening of oral ectoderm to form the tooth bud, and then through the dialogue between the bud and underlying mesenchyme, proliferation and differentiation of bud cells and surrounding mesenchymal cells continue, and cap and bell stages follow. In each step of development, various teratogens may act directly and indirectly, and may result a certain congenital anomalies. To reveal the action mechanism of ionizing radiation on odontogenesis morphologically, 4 Gy X-ray irradiated on the rat (Sprague-Dawley strain) fetus on GD 12.7, and observed the histological changes of the upper incisor tooth from GD 13.5 to GD 20.5, daily. In the normal development of upper incisor tooth of rat, the bud stage was from GD 12.5 ~GD 15.5, the cap stage was from GD 16.5 to GD 17.5, and the bell stage was GD 18.5 to GD 20.5. After X-irradiation on GD 12.7, the development of incisor tooth was delayed markedly, the bud stage was prolonged from GD 13.5 to GD 17.5, and the cap stage was GD 18.5 and the bell stage was from GD 19.5 to GD 20.5. After X-irradiation, from GD 13.5 to GD 16.5, apoptosis is observed in the dental organ and surrounding mesenchyme, hemorrhagic necrosis began from GD 16.5 at the center of dental pulp, followed ischemic necrosis of dental organ and surrounding mesenchyme. After GD 19.5, the development of tooth was ceased. These suggest that at least 2 mechanisms involved during X-ray teratogenesis on developing tooth. After X-irradiation on GD 12.7, initially, X-ray induced apoptosis of the cells of dental lamina and dental bud, which resulted the delayed proliferation and differentiation of dental bud and shortage of the number of cells having signal molecules which induce aggregation of the underlying mesenchymal cells. Lately, disorganization of the endothelial cells differentiated from the damaged mesenchymal cells, which resulted in rupture of capillaries and the hemorrhagic necrosis.

Polymorphism of the Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor (CNTF) Gene in Korean / 체질인류학회지

Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is one of the important factors in neuronal survival. Mutation in CNTF gene was found first in Japanese. We analyzed the CNTF genotype of 187 healthy volunteer of Korean, and compared the frequency difference in CNTF gene mutation among Korean, Japanese, and other nations or race. The number of normal homozygote was 138 (73.8%), mutant homozygote 47 (25.1%), and mutant homozygote was 2 (1.1%). The mutated allele frequency of CNTF gene in Korean was 13.6%, which was not significantly different from that of other nations or race (10~20%).