• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.318-325
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• 1996

Background: Sympathectomy relieves pain in sympathectically maintained pain, and subcutaneous injection of norepinephrine(NE) can rekindle mechanical allodynia. However, the mechanism of rekindling is not clear. The purpose of this study is to investigate which subtype of $\alpha$-adrenoceptor is involved in NE-induced rekindling of mechanical allodynia in sympathectomized neuropathic rats. Methods: Neuropathic injury was produced by tightly ligating the left L5 and L6 spinal nerves of 36 male Sprague-Dawley rats and bilateral lumbar sympathectomy was done at two weeks postoperatively. Starting at 7 days after sympathectomy, rekindling of mechanical allodynia was induced by NE and clonidine injected into the left paw, which was reversed by pretreatment of phentolamine and idazoxan. Mechanical allocynia was quantified by measuring the frequency of foot lifts to two von Frey filaments applied to the paw. Results: All tested rats displayed well-developed signs of mechanical allodynia at the left paw that were abolished by a bilateral lumbar sympathectomy. Subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of NE (0.05 ${\mu}g$) into the affected paw of sympathectomized neuropathic rats rekindled previous mechanical allodynia. These effects could be mimicked by an ${\alpha}_2$-receptor agonist clonidine, but not by an ${\alpha}_1$-receptor agonist phenylephrine. The NE-induced rekindling of mechanical allodynia was significantly reduced by prior s.c. injection of a mixed $\alpha$-receptor antagonist phentolamine (20${\mu}g$) and ${\alpha}_2$-receptor antagonist idazoxan(20${\mu}g$), but not by a ${\alpha}_1$-receptor antagonist terazosin (20${\mu}g$). The pretreatment of idazoxan produced dose-related inhibition of NE-induced rekindling of mechanical allodynia. The rekindling induced by ${\alpha}_2$-receptor agonist clonidine (5${\mu}g$) was also reversed by prior s.c. injection of ${\alpha}_2$-receptor antagonist idazoxan (20${\mu}g$). Conclusion: Subcutaneous injection of NE into the paw of sympathectomized neuropathic rats rekindles mechanical allodynia, which is reversed by an ${\alpha}_2$-, but not by an ${\alpha}_1$-receptor antagonist. Therefore, rekindling of mechanical allodynia in sympathectomized neuropathic rats is mediated by ${\alpha}_2$-adrenoceptor.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.319-325
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• 2001

Several recent studies demonstrate that cAMP accumulation evokes marked changes in magnesium ($Mg^{2+}$) homeostasis. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of melatonin, the principal hormone of the vertebral pineal gland, on $Mg^{2+}$ regulation in perfused guinea pig hearts. We hypothesized that melationin would regulate $Mg^{2+}$ efflux induced by adrenergic drugs and cAMP analogues because melatonin inhibites adneylate cyclase (AC) and phospholipase C(PLC) in the hearts. The $Mg^{2+}$ content in the perfusate was significantly higher in the presence than in the absence of melatonin. The addition of forskolin, isoproterenol or dimaprit to perfused hearts induced a marked $Mg^{2+}$ efflux. These effluxes were not inhibited by melatonin. The $Mg^{2+}$ efflux could also be induced by phenylephrine, a ${\alpha}_1$-adrenoceptor agonist. This phenylephrine-induced $Mg^{2+}$ efflux was inhibited by melatonin. In addition, the phenylephrine-induced $Mg^{2+}$ efflux was potentiated by PMA, a protein kinase C(PKC) activator. This $Mg^{2+}$ efflux was inhibited by melatonin. In conclusion, these data suggest that melatonin regulates $Mg^{2+}$ homeostasis and the inhibitory effect of melatonin on ${\alpha}_1$-adrenoceptor-stimulated $Mg^{2+}$ efflux may occur through an inhibition of PLC pathway in perfused guinea pig hearts.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.1073-1080
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• 1999

Previous studies suggested that the inhibition of thyroxine ($T_4$) release by ${\alpha}_1$-adrenoceptor and muscarinic receptor stimulation results in activated protein kinase C (PKC) from mouse and guinea pig thyroids. In the present study, the effect of carbachol, methoxamine, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), and R59022 on the release of $T_4$ from the mouse, rat, and guinea pig thyroids was compared to clarify the role of PKC in the regulation of the release of $T_4$. The thyroids were incubated in the medium containing the test agents, samples of the medium were assayed for $T_4$ by EIA kits. Forskolin, an adenylate cyclase activator, chlorophenylthio-cAMP sodium, a membrane permeable analog of cAMP, and isobutyl-methylxanthine, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, like TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), enhaced the release of $T_4$ from the mouse, rat, and guinea pig thyroids. Methoxamine, an ${\alpha}_1$-adrenoceptor agonist, inhibited the TSH-stimulated release of $T_4$ in mouse, but not rat and guinea pig thyroids. In contrast, carbachol, a muscarinic receptor agonist, inhibited the release of $T_4$ in guinea pig, but not mouse and rat thyroids. These inhibition were reversed by prazosin, an ${\alpha}_1$-adrenoceptor antagonist or atropine, a muscarinic antagonist or $M_1$- and $M_3$-muscarinic antagonists, in mouse or guinea pig thyroids. In addition, staurosporine, a PKC inhibitor, reversed methoxamine or carbachol inhibition of TSH stimulation. Furthermore, PMA, a PKC activator, and R59022, a diacylglycerol (DAG) kinase inhibitor, inhibited the TSH-stimulated release of $T_4$ in mouse, rat, and guinea pig thyroids. These inhibition were blocked by staurosporine. These findings suggest that the activation of receptor or DAG inhibits TSH-stimulated $T_4$ release through a PKC-dependent mechanism in thyroid gland.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.353-359
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• 2000

${\alpha}_2$-Adrenoceptor antagonists, which can enhance synaptic norepinephrine levels by blocking feedback inhibition processes, are potentially useful in the treatment of disease states such. as depression, memory impairment, impotence and sexual dysfunction. (10bS)-1,2,3,5,6,10b-Hexahydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline oxalate (YSL-3S) was evaluated in several in vitro biological tests to establish its pharmacological profile of activities as an ${\alpha}_2$-adrenoceptor antagonist. Saturation binding assay revealed that$^{3}[H]$rauwolscine bound to the $\alpha$$_2$-adrenoceptors with a Kd value of 6.3$\pm$0.5 nM and a Bmax value of 25l$\pm$39 fmol/mg protein in rat cortical synaptic membranes. Competitive binding assay showed that YSL-3S inhibited the binding of$^3[H]$rauwolscine (1 nM) in a concentration-dependent manner with a Ki value of 98.2$\pm$12.1 nM while it did not inhibit the binding of [$^3$H]cytisine (1.25 nM) to neuronal nicotinic cholinergic receptors. The Ki values of yohimbine, clonidine and norepinephrine for $^3[H]$rauwolscine binding were 15.8$\pm$1.0, 40.1$\pm$5.9 and 40.0$\pm$11.5 nM, respectively. In addition, the binding affinity of YSL-3S for ${\alpha}_2$-adrenoceptors was higher than that of its antipode and the racemic mixture. The functional activity of YSL-3S at the presynaptic ${\alpha}_2$-adrenoceptors was assessed using the prostatic portion of the rat vas deferens. Clonidine inhibited field-stimulated contractions of the vas deference in a dose-dependent manner. The presence of YSL-3S or yohimbine caused a parallel, rightward the dose-response curve of clonidine in a dose-dependent manner, indicating an antagonistic action at the presynaptic ${\alpha}_2$-adrenoceptors. The $pA_2$values of yohimbine and YSL-3S were 7.66$\pm$0.13 and 6.64$\pm$0.18, respectively. The results indicate that YSL-3S acts as a competitive antagonist at presynaptic ${\alpha}_2$ -adrenoceptors with a potency approximately ten times lower than yohimbine, but is devoid of binding affinity for neuronal nicotinic cholinergic receptors.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.59-71
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• 1984

To explore the regulatory roles of CNS on the renal function, clonidine, a specific presynaptic ${\alpha}-adrenoceptor$ agonist, was administered into a lateral ventricle of the brain (icv) and the changes of renal function were studies in urethane-anesthetized rabbits. $5{\mu}g/kg$ icv elicited no significant changes in renal function. However, $15{\mu}g/kg$ induced marked natriuresis and kaliuresis for 20 min. Neither RPF nor GFR changed significantly. The fractional sodium reabsorption was significantly reduced, indicating that the renal action was of the tubular origin. Changes of systemic blood pressure were not contributory to the renal action. Yohimbine, a specific antagonist for presynaptic ${\alpha}-adrenoceptor$, when given icv in doses of $100{\mu}g/kg$ 20 min prior to clonidine, completely abolished the renal action of icv clonidine. Yohimbine icv did not produce any significant changes in renal function. Intravenous clonidine, $15{\mu}g/kg$, elicited antidiuresis and decrement of renal function immediately after administration, followed by a slight tendency toward natriuresis, but no natriuresis corresponding to those seen after the icv clonidine were observed, indicating that in the renal action of icv clonidine no direct action is involved. These observations indicate that the central sympathetic tone plays a role in the regulation of renal function in the rabbit.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.313-320
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• 2014

Dexmedetomidine, an imidazoline compound, is a highly selective ${\alpha}_2$-adrenoceptor agonist with sympatholytic, sedative, amnestic, and analgesic properties. In order to minimize the patients' pain and anxiety during minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) when compared to conventional surgery under general anesthesia, an adequate conscious sedation (CS) or monitored anesthetic care (MAC) should be provided. Commonly used intravenous sedatives and hypnotics, such as midazolam and propofol, are not suitable for operations in a prone position due to undesired respiratory depression. Dexmedetomidine converges on an endogenous non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep-promoting pathway to exert its sedative effects. The great merit of dexmedetomidine for CS or MAC is the ability of the operator to recognize nerve damage during percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy, a representative MISS. However, there are 2 shortcomings for dexmedetomidine in MISS: hypotension/bradycardia and delayed emergence. Its hypotension/bradycardiac effects can be prevented by ketamine intraoperatively. Using atipamezole (an ${\alpha}_2$-adrenoceptor antagonist) might allow doctors to control the rate of recovery from procedural sedation in the future. MAC, with other analgesics such as ketorolac and opioids, creates ideal conditions for MISS. In conclusion, dexmedetomidine provides a favorable surgical condition in patients receiving MISS in a prone position due to its unique properties of conscious sedation followed by unconscious hypnosis with analgesia. However, no respiratory depression occurs based on the dexmedetomidine-related endogenous sleep pathways involves the inhibition of the locus coeruleus in the pons, which facilitates VLPO firing in the anterior hypothalamus.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.331-338
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• 1997

최근 동물의 진통 및 진정을 목적으로 널리 사용되고 있는 imidazole 유도체인 clonidine, medetomidine, etomidate 등의 약물과 xylazine의 효과를 발정정지기의 척출 돼지 자궁근에서 검토하였다. Clonidine($10^{-8}{\sim}10^{-6}M$)이나 medetomidine($10^{-8}{\sim}10^{-6}M$)은 xylazine과 비슷한 정도로 용량의존적인 자궁근의 수축을 일으켰다. Clonidine, medetomidine, xylazine 등의 $EC_{50}$는 각각 24.7nM, 19.9nM, 45.1nM이었다. 그러나 etomidate는 $10^{-6}M$ 미만의 농도에서 반응이 거의 없었으며, $10^{-6}M$ 이상에서 수축반응을 일으켰다. 이들 agonists의 효과는 yohimbine($10^{-8}{\sim}10^{-6}M$), idazoxan($10^{-7}{\sim}10^{-5}M$), tolazoline($10^{-7}{\sim}10^{-5}M$) 등의 ${\alpha}_2-adrenoceptor$ antagonists에 의해서 차단되었으나, ${\alpha}_1-adrenoceptor$ antagonist인 prazosin ($10^{-6}M$)에 의해서는 차단되지 않았다. 또한 $Ca^{2+}-free$ medium이나 verapamil($10^{-5}M$)의 전처치에 의해서 이들 agonist의 효과가 완전히 차단되었다. 결론적으로 발정정지기의 돼지 자궁근에서 clonidine, medetomidine, etomidate, xylazine 등은 ${\alpha}_2-adrenoceptors$의 흥분을 통해 자궁근의 수축을 일으키며, 이 효과는 voltage-dependent $Ca^{2+}$ channels을 통한 extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ influx의 증가에 의한 것으로 추론하였다.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.27-33
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• 1985

Either the contraction of isolated was deferens or the increase of heart rate in the pithed rats induced by electrical stimulation was significantly augmented by cadmium administration (10 ${\mu}mols$ of cadmium acetate every other day for 2 weeks i.p.). These stimulation-induced responses were diminished by ${\alpha}_2$-adrenoceptor agonist, clonidine, and the inhibition was antagonized by yohimbine. Furthermore, the increase in diastolic blood pressure by clonidine was also significantly reduced after cadmium administration, whereas that by methoxamine was not influenced with this dose range of cadmium. With these results it may be postulated that the long-term cadmium exposure may preferentially affect the responsiveness of the presynaptic as well as the postsynaptic ${\alpha}_2$-adrenoceptors.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.461-469
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• 1998

Tetrahydroisoquinoline (THI) alkaloids can be considered as cyclized derivatives of simple phenylethy-lamines, and many of them, especially with 6,7-disubstitution, demonstrate relatively high affinity for catecholamines. Two -OH groups at 6 and 7 positions are supposed to be essential to exert ?${\beta}-receptor$ activities. However, it is not clear whether -OH at 6,7 substitution of THIs also shows ?${\alpha}-adrenoceptor$ activities. In the present study, we investigated whether -OH or $-OCH_3$ substitutions of 6,7 position of THIs differently affect the ?1-adrenoceptor affinity. We synthesized two 1-naphthylmethyl THI alkaloids, $1-{\beta}-naphthylmethyl-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline$ HBr (YS 51) and $1-{\beta}-naphthylmethyl-6, 7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline$ HCl (YS 55), and their pharmacological actions on ?${\alpha}_1-adrenoceptor$ were compared. YS 51 and YS 55, concentration-dependently relaxed endothelium-denuded rat thoracic aorta precontracted with phenylephrine (PE, 0.1 ${\mu}M$) in which $pEC_{50}$ were $5.89{\pm}0.21$ and $5.93{\pm}0.19$, respectively. Propranolol (30 nM) did not affect the relaxation-response curves to YS 51 and YS 55. Concentration-response curves to PE were shifted to right by the pretreatment with YS 51 or YS 55. The $pA_2$ values of YS 51 and YS 55 showed $6.05{\pm}0.24$ and $5.88{\pm}0.16$, respectively. Both probes relaxed KCl (65.4 mM)-contracted aorta and inhibited $CaCl_2-induced$ contraction of PE-stimulated endothelium- denuded rat thoracic aorta in $Ca^{2+}-free$ solutions. In isolated guinea pig papillary muscle, 1 and 10 ${\mu}M$ YS 51 increased contractile force about 4- and 8- fold over the control, respectively, along with the concentration-dependent increment of cytosolic $Ca^{2+}$ ions. While, 10 ${\mu}M$ YS 55 reduced the contractile force about 50 % over the control and lowered the cytosolic $Ca^{2+}$ level, in rat brain homogenates, YS 51 and YS 55 displaced $[^3H]prazosin$ binding competitively with Ki 0.15 and 0.12 ${\mu}M$, respectively. However, both probes were ineffective on $[^3H]nitrendipine$ binding. Therefore, it is concluded that two synthetic naphthylmethyl-THI alkaloids have considerable affinity to ?1-adrenenoceptors in rat aorta and brain.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.323-330
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• 1998

Tetrahydroisoquinoline (THI) alkaloids can be considered as cyclized derivatives of simple phenylethylamines. Many of them, especially with 6,7-disubstitution, demonstrate a relatively high affinity for catecholamines. Present study examines the pharmacological action of limited series of THI, using rats' isolated atria and aorta. In addition, a $[^3H]$ prazosin displacement binding study with THI compounds was performed, using rat brain homogenates to investigate whether these probes have ?${\alpha}$-adrenoceptor affinity. We also compared the vascular relaxation potency of these probes with dobutamine. YS 49, YS 51, higenamine and dobutamine, concentration-dependently, relaxed endothelium-denuded rat thoracic aorta precontracted with phenylephrine (PE, 0.1 ${\mu}M$) in which $pEC_{50}$ were $5.56{\pm}0.32$ and $5.55{\pm}0.21$, $5.99{\pm}1.16$ and $5.57{\pm}0.34$, respectively. These probes except higenamine also relaxed KCl (65.4 mM)-contracted aorta. In isolated rat atria, all THIs and dobutamine increased heart rate and contractile force. In the presence of propranolol, the concentration response curves of YS 49 and YS 51 shifted to the right and resulted in $pA_2$ values of $8.07{\pm}0.84$ and $7.93{\pm}0.11$, respectively. The slope of each compound was not deviated from unity, indicating that these chemicals are highly competitive at the cardiac ?${\beta}-adrenoceptors$. YS 49, YS 51, and higenamine showed ?${\alpha)-adrenoceptor$ affinity in rat brain, in which the dissociation constant $(K_i)$ was 2.75, 2.81, and 1.02 ${\mu}M$, respectively. It is concluded, therefore, that THI alkaloids have weak affinity to ${\alpha)_1-adrenoceptor$ in rat aorta and brain, respectively, while these probes show relatively high affinity for cardiac ${\beta}-adrenoceptors$. Thus, these chemicals may be useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure.