• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.39-44
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• 1988

A pathogenic free-living amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, is a causative protozoan parasite of primary amebic meningoencephalitis in human and experimental animals. It is known that humoral and cellular immunity contribute as the defence mechanism of host against this organism. Recently splenectomy has been argued on its effect on host defence mechanisms. The present study was aimed to observe the enact of immunization in splenectomized mice. For immunization, $5~10{\times}10^5$ trophozoites of Naegleria fewleri o 359 were intraperitoneally inoculated once a week for two weeks to BALB/c mice, and $5~10{\times}10^4$ of ameba trophozoites were intranasally inoculated for infection after splenectomy and/or immunization. ELISA technique was applied for the detection of seum IgG antibody levels. Experimental animals were divided into 4 groups; I. splenectomized and immuniEed; ll. splenectomized only; III. immunized only; IV. not splenectomized nor immunized. The results obtained were as follows: 1. Mortality rates of splenectomized and immunized mice in group I (38.1%) and immunized only in group III (25.0%) were lower than those of not immunized mice in group II (50%) and control group, IV (46.4%). 2. Survival times of mice in group I, II, III and IV were $20.1{\pm}3.6$, $17.3{\pm}4.5$, $20.4{\pm}7.0$ and $19.6{\pm}7.6$ days respectively, and there were no significant differences between them. 3. ELISA values (absorbance at 492nm) of group I (1, $10{\pm}0.29$) and group III ($1.31{\pm}0.28$) were significantly higher than that of group IV($0.24{\pm}0.37$) at day 31 of infection (p<0.05). Conclusively, it is presumed that humoral immunity against N. fowleri may operate as ever, after immunization, even though the mouse was splenectomized.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.653-660
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• 2000

In order to study the regional distribution and relative frequency of the immunoreactive endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract of the Mongolian gerbil, Meriones unguiculatus, the gastrointestinal tract was divided into 9 portions (cardia, fundus, pylorus, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, colon and rectum) and immunostained by immunohistochemical (PAP) method using 8 types of specific antisera against cholecystokinin (CCK)-8, gastrin, secretin, pancreatic polypeptide(PP), somatostatin, serotonin, glucagon and insulin. CCK-8-, gastrin-, somatostatin- and serotonin-immunoreactive cells were demonstrated in this study. These immunoreactive cells were found in the gastric gland regions of the pylorus or between parietal and chief cells of the fundus with round to spherical shaped, and in the interepithelial regions of the intestinal tract with spherical to spindle shaped except for jejunum where some of immunoreactive cells were also observed in the intestinal glands with round to spherical shaped. CCK-8-immunoreactive cells were restricted to the pylorus and duodenum with numerous and a few frequency, respectively. Gastrin-immunoreactive cells were restricted to the pylorus with numerous frequency. Similar to those of gastrin-immunoreactive cells, somatostatin-immunoreactive cells were restricted to pylorus with moderate frequency. Serotonin-immunoreactive cells were detected throughout whole gastrointestinal tract except for cardia and cecum with moderate or numerous frequency. However, no secretin-, PP-, glucagon- and insulin-immunoreactive cells were observed in this study. From these results, the appearance type, regional distribution and relative frequency of immunoreactive endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract of the Mongolian gerbils were somewhat lowered or restricted compared to those of other mammals and these differences were might be caused by feeding habits and species specification.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.479-491
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• 1999

This study was performed to investigate the distribution and differentiation of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-immunoreactive cells in the basal nucleus of Meynert of the postnatal and adult rat forebrains, utilizing techniques of immunocytochemistry. According to the cell shape and the ratio of long axis vs short axis of cell soma, the ChAT-immunoreactive nerve cells in the basal nucleus of Meynert of the adult rat were classified into six types. In the adult rat, the frequency distributions (FD) of round, oval, elongated, fusiform, triangular and polygonal cells were 9.4%, 35.5%, 32.1%, 5.9%, 9.1% and 8.0%, respectively. The FD of oval and round nerve cells on the postnatal day (PND) 14 were observed to be 18.7% and 51.5%, respectively. Those were shown to be progressively decreased during developmental process to the adult. Also, those of elongated and triangular nerve cells on the PND 21 were observed to be 30.4% and 10.1%, respectively. Those were shown to be same phenomenon a,1 those in the round and oval cells. Meanwhile, those of the triangular and polygonal nerve cells were progressively increased from the early postnatal stage to the adult. The total mean volumes of ChAT-immunoreactive cell somata in the PND 7 rat were the lowest $(1,083{\mu}m^3)$ and those in the PND 21 rat were shown to be the highest $(5,045{\mu}m^3)$. But in the adult, those were decreased to $(2,731{\mu}m^3)$. Those in the PND 21 rat were shown to be about 84.7% larger than those in the adult. On the electron micrography, the cell organelles such as ribosomes, polysomes, rough endoplasmic reticula (RER) and mitochondria were well developed in the PND 21 rat forebrains, but Golgi complexes were shown to be proliferating phase. Especially, ribosomes, polysomes and RER were immunoreactive in the tissues treated with 0.05% triton X-100. According to the observations in the present study, it is considered that the ChAT-immunoreactive nerve cells in the basal nucleus of Meynert of the rat forebrains are differentiated throughout the following processes of changes during the postnatal development: 1) increase of cell soma volumes with the differentiation of tell organelles and neurites, 2) increase in the FD of differentiated tell types and 3) cell schrinkage without cell loss. The ribosomes, polysomes and RER are considered to be closely related to the intracellular localization and biosynthesis of the ChAT but not Colgi complex.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.551-558
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• 2010

연구목적 : 미세전류 자극이 아주반트로 류마티스 관절염을 유발한 실험동물의 염증반응과 통증에 미치는 효과를 알아보기 위하여 실험동물의 발허리발가락관절내 염증반응 정도를 나타내는 인터루킨-6(interleukin-6)의 발현과 핫플레이트(hot plate)를 이용한 발도피지연시를 측정하여 미세전류의 효과에 대하여 알아보고자 하는데 목적이 있다. 연구방법 : 실험동물은 무작위로 대조군(n=18)과 미세전류를 적용한 실험군(n=18)으로 구분하였고, 각 군당 6마리씩 1일군, 7일군, 14일군으로 배정하였다. 류마티스 관절염 유발후 1일, 7일, 14일에 모든 실험동물의 열통각 역치를 나타내는 발도피지연시와 발허리발가락관절내 인터루킨-6의 발현정도를 측정하였다. 각 집단 내의 기간에 따른 발도피지연시와 인터루킨-6의 면역반응성은 일원배치 분산분석을 실시하였고, 사후분석으로는 Duncan의 다중범위검정을 실시하였다. 실험군과 대조군을 비교하기 위하여 독립표본 t-test를 실시하였다. 연구결과 : 실험결과는 다음과 같다. 1) 아주반트 주사 1일후, 실험군과 대조군에서 인터루킨-6 면역반응성과 발도피지연시는 비슷한 양상을 보였다. 2) 인터루킨-6 면역반응성은 아주반트 주사 7일, 14일 후 대조군이 실험군보다 유의하게 증가되었다(p<.05). 3) 발도피지연시는 아주반트 주사 7일, 14일 후 실험군이 대조군보다 유의하게 증가되었다(p<.05). 결론 : 이상의 결과로부터, 미세전류 자극이 아주반트로 유발된 류마티스관절염 모델에서 활액 조직내 염증반응을 감소시키고 열통각역치는 증가되는 것을 알 수 있었다.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.9
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• pp.1420-1425
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• 2010

Innate immunity is the first line of host defense consisting of various molecules against infectious challenges. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) belongs to the collectin protein family which takes part of innate immunity and is able to recognize specific carbohydrates on the surface of a variety of infectious agents acting as a pattern recognition molecule. In this way, MBL differentiates self from non-self and interacts with other molecules of the immune system. MBL genotype shows various MBL2 polymorphisms which are responsible for MBL deficiency in a substantial portion of the entire human population and for susceptibility to infectious disease. Therefore, it has been highlighted in the relationship between genetic variants and clinical significance. Here we focus on presenting anoverview of our understanding of MBL structure and functions.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.31-38
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• 1990

Cryptosporidium, a coccidian parasite first described by Tyzzer (1907) from a laboratory mouse, has become an important human enteric pathogen causing overwhelming diarrhea especially in immunocompromised patients such as AIDS. This parasite has been reported from over 20 countries and is recognized as a cosmopolitan species. In Korea, however, thEre has been no report on human as well as animal cryptosporidiosis. This study was performed so as to verify the presence of Cryptosporidium in Korea by activating the parasite from laboratory mice by immunosuppression. Total 65 conventionally.bred ICR mice including a control (5 mice) and 3 experimental groups (20 each) were used for this study. Group I was immunosuppressed with Prednisolone injection (1 mg IM, every other day) for 7 weeks. Group II (prednisolone injection and tetracycline administration) and Group III. (prednisolone injection and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole administration) were prepared to observe the effect of antibacterial agents on the activation of cryptosporidiosis. In fecal examinations of mice Cryptosporidium oocysts($4-6{\mu\textrm{m}}$ in size) were detected from 1 week after the start of immunosuppression and the mice began to die. In H-E stained tissue sections of the lower jejunum, numerous very small ($2~4{\;}{\mu\textrm{m}}$), dense, ovoid or spherical, slightly basophilic bodies were seen attached on the free border of mucosal epithelial cells. In scanning and transmission electron microscopic observations, these organisms were identified as various developmental stages of Cryptosperidium. The species is considered to be C. parvum. Cryptosporidiosis was activated not only in Group I but also in Group II and III, indicating no protective effects of the antibacterial agents used, although the mice in Group II and III lived longer than those in Group I. The present study confirmed that Cryptosporidium exists in laboratory mice bred in Korea, and predicts possible occurrence of human cryptosporidiosis in Korea.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.21-30
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• 1991

An immunohistochemical study was performed to demonstrate comparative antigenicity of each body structure of the liver fluke, Clonorchis sinensis, such as the digestive tract, reproductive organs, excretory system, tegument and suckers. Indirect immunoperoxidase technique was applied, rising formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded sections of C. sinensis as the antigen. Pooled cat sera obtained 10 weeks after an experimental infection with C. sinensis and peroxidase-conjugated goat anti-cat IgG were used as the primary and secondary antibodies, respectively. The intensity of immunohistochemical stain was very sensitive upon the titers of the primary and secondary antibodies, and their optimum dilutions were found to be 1:1,000∼1:2,000 and 1:1,000, respectively. The intestinal epithelial cells, intestinal content and excretory bladder showed strong positive coloring reactions even at lower titer (1 : 2,000) of the primary antibody, whereas the uterine wall and eggs, vitelline glands, and male reproductive organs showed only weak positive reactions despite an increase in the antibody titer (1:1,000). On the other hand, the suckers, tegument, subtegumental cells and other parenchyme portions did not reveal any positive immunoperoxidase reaction at the same antibody titers. From the above results, it is highly suggested that the most potent antigenicity of C. sinensis occur from their excretory-secretory substances originated from the digestive and excretory organs.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.41 no.7
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• pp.881-887
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• 2012

This study was designed to examine influence of bacteria and herbal applications of Lonicerae Flos on the permeability of intestinal epithelial cells. The HCT-116 human intestinal cell was used as an in vivo model of "leaky gut". Dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) was used to induce an increase in the permeability of epithelial cell tight junctions. Probiotics including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Salomonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus were used to evaluate bacterial influence on the intestinal epithelial cells. Herbal extract Lonicerae Flos was also assessed to find out what kind of effects it has when used alone or fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum. The permeability of intestinal cell lines was assessed using transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and horseradish peroxide (HRP) assessments. This data provides evidence for the probiotic benefits of intestinal permeability. The data also provides promising evidence of herbal effects on reducing intestinal permeability, especially when fermented with probiotics.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.655-659
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• 2008

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction (IPO) is a rare and poorly understood manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), especially in children. The characteristic clinical feature of IPO is obstruction without an identifiable obstructive lesion. The authors a 13-year-old girl whose first symptom of SLE was IPO. The patient presented with a 3-day history of nausea, bilious vomiting, abdominal distention, and no bowel movement. Simple abdominal radiographs revealed mild dilatation with partial air-fluid levels in the small intestine. Abdominal CT and methylcellulose small bowel studies showed massive ascites, engorgement of the small mesenteric vessels, pleural effusion, and diffuse bowel wall thickening of the gastric antrum, duodenum. and jejunum. The delayed passage of contrast for 15 days after the methylcellulose small bowel studies was suggestive of decreased bowel motility. Laboratory findings were positive for ANA, anti-double-stranded DNA, anti-Smith and lymphopenia. After 10-day treatment with high-dose corticosteroids, the symptoms improved. IPO associated with SLE should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with symptoms of intestinal obstruction. Early recognition of IPO in SLE and appropriate therapy are important for prevention of complications and unnecessary surgery. This case raises awareness among pediatricians that although rare, IPO can be the presenting symptom of SLE in children.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.11-19
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• 2018

The gut microbiome has been studied extensively over the past decade with most scientific reports focused on the adverse role of the gut microbiome on gastrointestinal diseases. For example, the altered gut microbiome exacerbates the development of immune system-mediated damage in many diseases. The most studied pathologies include irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases, and colitis-associated cancer. On the other hand, intestinal microflora is also beneficial and contributes to the intestinal physiology by the synthesis of vitamins, production of short chain fatty acids and bile acid metabolism, thereby maintaining gut homeostasis. Therefore, the balance between commensal and pathogenic bacteria populations influences mainly the maintenance of intestinal health. Changes in the intestinal microflora have been suspected to be the underlying causes of multiple diseases. Despite the immense amount of published data, the optimal gut microbiome composition is still controversial. This review briefly outlines the connection between the gut microbiome and critical gastrointestinal diseases focusing on three prominent intestinal disorders: irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases, and colitis-associated cancer disorders. Finally, intervention strategies using natural products for the alleviation of these diseases and the maintenance of a health gut microbiome are suggested.