• Applied Microscopy
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.61-72
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• 2000

Three fertilization envelopes (FE) have been observed after the artificial insemination of U. unicinctus oocytes. The substances of the first fertilization envelope, which is an effective barrier against excessive sperm, come mainly from the surface coat of the oocyte. The secretions of the cortical granules take part in formation of the 2nd fertilization envelope. Histologically, the 3rd fertilization envelope is not amorphous as seen under light microscope, but contains numerous panicles under electron microscope, which would be contributed to harden the envelope by 60 min after the fertilization. With the substantial similarity between the 1st fertilization envelope and the surface coat of the oocyte, and the coincidence of retraction of microvilli and the formation of the 1st fertilization envelope, it is suggested that the microvilli contain the sperm receptors in U. unicinctus. Some granular substances from the distal part of the acrosome diffuse on the surface coat of the oocyte while the acrosomal tubules penetrate into the surface coat. The acrosomal tubules arise from the proximal part of the acrosome and pass through the acrosomal lumen.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.180-186
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• 2010

Aldosterone, mineralocorticoid hormone, has important functions related to the regulation of blood pressure and balance of fluids and electrolytes in the distal region of the nephron. By genomic and non-genomic action of aldosterone, the physiological kidney functions are modulated. However, many of them except several kind of sodium channel have not been identified and analyzed yet. In this study, proteomic technologies with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) gel using aldosterone rat model were applied to analyze and identify the aldosterone dependently expressed proteins in rat kidney cortex. As a result, the established aldosterone rat model exhibited the normal physiological responses to aldosterone and modulated proteins were identified, which included 15 increased and 3 decreased proteins on 2-DE analysis. Among them, 11 proteins were identified as changed proteins by LC-MS/MS analysis. These proteins identified as aldosterone induced proteins were involved in several cellular pathways such as cytoskeleton remodeling, energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and chaperone process. In conclusion, our data could provide the insights into the new mechanism underlying regulation of kidney functions by aldosterone.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.292-295
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• 2013

A 9-year-old, male, Doberman pinscher dog with 5-month history of intermittent hematuria, vomiting and glucosuria was referred to local animal hospital. Abdominal ultrasonography showed an irregular and hyperechoic mass in the renal medulla of the enlarged left kidney. Grossly atrophied renal cortex and medulla and marked hydronephrosis were observed on the cut surface of kidney. A single, numerous papillary projected, pedunculated mass 4~5.5 cm in diameter was occupied in renal pelvis, and extended from pelvis to the inlet of ureter. Histopathologically, the mass had numerous papillary structures with arboriform pattern. These papillae were consisted of fibro-vascular stalks that were lined by multiple layers of neoplastic urothelium (transitional epithelium) with marked cellular atypia. Immnohistochemical (IHC) staining demonstrated that the neoplastic cells showed strong positive reactions for cytokeratin (CK) 7, CK 19, CK clone MNF116 and CK high molecular weight, but negative signals for CK 8 low molecular weight. Based on the gross findings, histopathology and CKs profile using IHC staining, this mass was diagnosed as renal pelvis transitional cell carcinoma in a dog.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.90-100
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• 2004

Objective : Urinary tract infection(UTI) is a frequent serious bacterial infection in young infants. The clinical presentation may be non-specific and variable, depends on factors such as the age and the level of infection. Children with renal involvement may be at risk of permanent renal damage. Experimental studies have shown that renal lesions caused by acute febrile UTI may be prevented or diminished by early diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, it is important to find a method that can permit early diagnosis and identification of patients who are at risk for progressive renal damage. We designed this study to identify related factors in culture positive UTI infants, and also to identify related factors in culture negative UTI infants, who are febrile with pyuria, by using renal imaging and functional studies including renal sonography, DMSA scan and VCUG. Methods : Retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 136 febrile infants with pyuria over 2 years(from January 2001 to February 2003). Urine culture was done in all cases, and regardless of urine culture findings, renal imaging study was done if symptomatic UTI suspected. Results : Total 57 organisms were isolated in 53 patients. E. coli was the most common organism(86%), followed by E. faecalis, M. morganii, Proteus species, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and E. fergusonii. Most of the isolates had high sensitivity on cephalosporins or amikacin and had low sensitivities on aminopenicillins. Abnormal acute phase DMSA scan or VCUG findings were seen in both urine culture positive and negative group without statistical differences(P>0.05). In febrile infants with pyuria, fever over 48 hours, older age and high CRP related to abnormal acute phase DMSA scan findings regardless urine culture results. Conclusion : 1st or 3rd generation cephalosporins with amikacin could be the first choice of treatment for UTI. Febrile infants with positive urine culture dose mean urinary tract infection but not acute pyelonephritis which directly relates to cortical damage which could be confirmed by acute phase DMSA scan. Even cases with negative urine culture findings, acute pyelonephritis should be concerned in febrile infants with pyuria who are older than 3 months of age, has fever over 48 hours or high CRP level. And in such cases, acute phase DMSA scan and VCUG should be evaluated for early treatment and long term prognosis.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.15 no.1 s.68
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• pp.106-111
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• 2005

To investigate the antioxidant activity of extract from the raw walnut, Juglans sinensis Dode, we prepared five fractions (methanol (MeOH), dichloromethane $(CH_2Cl_2)$, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), n-buthanol (n-BuOH) and dehydrogen monooxide $(H_2O)$ fractions) and examined. The effect of walnut extract on the oxidative stress was investigated in vitro. The DPPH (2,2-Di (4-tert-octylphenyl)-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging activity of extract from raw walnut was shown in the following order: $EtOAc\;fraction layer. The result showed that the highest activity $(0.56{\mu}g/ml,\;IC_{50}.)$ was observed in EtOAc fraction, whereas n-BuOH fraction, MeOH fraction, $CH_2O_2$ fraction and $H_2O$ layer of $IC_{50}$ were $2.34{\mu}g//ml,\;3.88{\mu}g/ml,\;8.06{\mu}g/ml,\;and\;8.19{\mu}g/ml$, respectively. The radical scavenging activity assay of each fraction showed that the antioxidative activity was observed in the following order: EtOAc fraction $(74.27\pm1.56\%)>MeOH\;fraction\;(60.76\pm3.4\%)>n-BuOH\;fraction\;(59.32\pm0.88\%)>H_2O\;layer\;(41.69\pm2.06\%)$. These results revealed that all fractions, except for $CH_2Cl_2$ fraction, showed high antioxidative activity. Furthermore, the peroxynitrite $(ONOO^-)$ scavenging activity was assayed in each fraction. The result showed that the $ONOO^-$ scavenging activity of EtOAc fraction, MeOH fraction and n-BuOH fraction from raw walnut was $95.14\pm0.36\%,\; 90.02\pm1.19\%\;and\;89.41\pm0.81\%$, respectively. The tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BHP) treatment in vitro increased lactate dehydrogenase release and lipid peroxidation in renal cortical slices. Such changes were completely prevented by addition of MeOH fraction, EtOAc fraction and n-BuOH fraction of walnut. These results indicate that the walnut extract exerts the benedicial effect against t-BHP-induced cell injury and its effect may be due to antioxidant action. In addition, it is suggested that walnut extract might be developed as the effective scavenger for the prevention of oxidative stress.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.170-175
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• 1997

Purpose : Hemolytic uremic syndrome(HUS), known as a most common cause of childhood renal failure in western countries, has been a relatively rare disease in Korea. Although the reported cases were not related to any specific cause in Korea, there was an outbreak of HUS with bloody diarrhea in Japan last year. We report here that we experienced the several typical HUS last year. Patients : From Jan.1996 to Dec. 1996, five patients were diagnosed as HUS at Samsung Seoul Medical Center, Dept. Pediatrics. Results : 1) The age of onset was below 3 years in 3 cases and above 9 years in 2 cases. 2) All the cases happened between summer and autumn. Three patients had domestic travel and 4 patients drank well or spring water before the symptoms. 3) The clinical manifestation was generalized edema, oliguria, anuria and hematuria. The bloody diarrhea were present in 5 cases and 1 patient had operation with the impression of appendicitis. 4) There was no bacteria which was isolated from the blood or stool samples. 5) Renal biopsies were performed in 2 cases, because of protracted clinical course. One showed microthrombotic angiopathy and the other cortical necrosis with necrotizing glomeruli. 6) Complete recovery was the outcome in 4 cases and one case progressed to chronic renal failure. Conclusion : In conclusion, typical HUS associated with bloody diarrhea, epidemic and good prognosis can be found in Korea and careful surveillance of the pre-clinical cases will be necessary.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.32-37
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• 2012

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the renal ultrasonographic findings in children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 83 patients who were diagnosed with VUR and underwent ultrasonography at Ilsan hospital between January 2000 and December 2010. Results: Among 166 renal units, 108 (65.0%) were found to have vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Fifty-one (73.9%) had VUR in renal units with abnormal ultrasonography (USG), whereas 57 (58.7%) had VUR in renal units with normal USG. Abnormal USG findings were independent risk factors for VUR (Odds ratio, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.01-3.89; $P$=0.045). In renal units with VUR, the number of normal USG finding was 52.8%, and the abnormal findings were as follows; increased cortical echogenicity 16.7%, hydronephrosis 17.6%, megaureter or ureter dilatation 8.3%, hydronephrosis and ureter dilatation 1.9%, duplication of ureter 1.9%, and atrophic kidney 0.9%. The prevalence of VUR was relatively higher in renal units with hydronephrosis (23/19, 82.6%), ureter dilatation (9/9, 100%), duplication of ureter (2/3, 66.6%), and atrophic kidney (1/1, 100%). Conclusion: Our study indicates that VUR was associated with abnormal USG findings. When there are abnormal USG findings such as hydronephrosis, ureter dilatation, duplication of ureter, and atrophic kidney in children with UTI, VCUG is recommended to detect VUR after controlling UTI.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.307-318
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• 1988

Properties of succinate transport were examined in basolaterat membrane vesicles (BLMV) isolated from rabbit renal cortex. An inwardly directed $Na^+$ gradient stimulated succinate uptake and led to a transient overshoot. $K^+,{\;}Li^+,{\;}Rb^+$ and choline could not substitute for $Na^+$ in the uptake process. The dependence of the initial uptake rate of succinate on $Na^+$ concentration exhibited sigmoidal kinetics, indicating interaction of more than one $Na^+$ with transporter Hill coefficient for $Na^+$ was calculated to be 2.0. The $Na^+-dependent$ succinate uptake was electrogenic, resulting in the transfer of positive charge across the membrane. The succinate uptake into BLMV showed a pH optimum at external pH $7.5{\sim}8.0$, whereas succinate uptake into brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) did not depend on external pH. Kinetic analysis showed that a Na-dependent succinate uptake in BLMV occurred via a single transport system, with an apparent Km of $15.5{\pm}0.94{\;}{\mu}M$ and Vmax of $16.22{\pm}0.25{\;}nmole/mg{\;}protein/min$. Succinate uptake was strongly inhibited by $4{\sim}5$ carbon dicarboxylates, whereas monocarboxylates and other organic anions showed a little or no effect. The succinate transport system preferred dicarboxylates in trans-configuration (furmarate) over cis-dicarboxylates (maleate). Succinate uptake was inhibited by the anion transport inhibitors DIDS, SITS and furosemide, and $Na^+-coupled$ transport inhibitor harmaline. These results indicate the existence of a $Na^+-dependent$ succinate transport system in BLMV that may be shared by the other Krebs cycle intemediates. This transport system seems to be very similar to the luminal transport system for dicarboxylates.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2005

Objective : The present study was carried out to investigate the preventive effect of Several Herb-combind Prescription(SHP) on Streptozotocin (STZ) -induced Diabetes mellitus. Methods : SHP was given to rats with the combination of oral administration and herbal-acupuncture stimulation. The experimental animals were divided into 3 groups : normal group of rats, control group of STZ-induced diabetic rats, sample group with SHP treatment. In vitro test of SHP showed ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibition, DPPH radical scavenging activity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Experimental diabetes was induced by the injection of STZ(60mg/kg) to the rat via the peritoneum. The effect of SHP on STZ-induced diabetes was observed by measuring the seum level of insulin, glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol and lipid peroxides. Hepatic activities of catalase and reduced glutathione were examined and insulin granule was observed by immunohistochemical examination. Result : STZ caused hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia by a selectively destroying pancreatic ${\beta}$-cell. SHP treatment protected them from the hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia. STZ induced increase of serum triglyceride lowered by SHP treatment. And by SHP treatment, pancrease showed a big area with positive immuno-reactivity for presence of insulin with many insulin granules distributed in the ${\beta}$-cells in the islets of Langerhans. Contusions : The SHP treatment showed protective effect on diabetic rat model, and action mechanism of the effect was thought to be concerned with anti-oxidative stress.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.381-389
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• 2015

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a high fructose and fat diet on bone growth and maturation in growing female rats. Methods: Three-week-old female SD rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups; the control group (CON: fed control diet based on AIN-93G, n = 8); the high-fructose diet group (HFrc: fed control diet with 30% fructose, n = 8); the high-fat diet group (Hfat: fed control diet with 45 kcal% fat, n = 8); and the high-fat diet plus high fructose group (HFrc + HFat: fed diets 45 kcal% fat with 30% fructose, n = 8). Each group was assigned their respective diets for the remaining eight weeks. Bone-related parameters (bone mineral density (BMD) and structural parameters, osteocalcin (OC), deoxypyridinoline (DPD)) and morphologic changes of kidney were analyzed at the end of the experiment. Results: Final body weights and weight gain were higher in the HFat and HFrc + HFat groups and showed higher tendency in the HFrc group compared with those of the CON group (p < 0.05); however, no significant difference in caloric intake was observed among the four experimental groups. The serum OC levels of the HFrc and HFrc + HFat groups were lower than those of the CON and HFat groups (p < 0.05). Urinary levels of DPD did not differ among the experimental groups. BV/TV and Tb.N of trabecular bone were higher in the HFrc + HFat group and showed a higher tendency in the HFrc group than those of the CON and HFat groups (p < 0.05). Tb.Pf of trabecular bone were lower in the HFrc + HFat group than those in the CON and HFat groups (p < 0.05). However, no difference in trabecular BMD was observed among the experimental groups. Cortical bone volume was higher in the HFat and HFrc + HFat groups than in the CON and HFrc groups (p < 0.05). No morphology change in kidney was observed among the experimental groups. Conclusion: Our study suggests that 8 weeks of high-fructose and high fat intake could improve the bone quality (Structural parameters) of trabecular and cortical bone of tibia in growing female rats.