• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.175-183
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• 1993

There are many report suggesting that influx and intracellular calcium concentration $([Ca^{2+}]_i)$ are related to cell signalling in various cells. However, it has not been reported that calcium channel activation is affected by the substances involved in signal transduction pathways in the mouse eggs. In this study, the effects of isoprenaline (ISP) and cyclic AMP on calcium influx through calcium channels were investigated to show their relationship with the signal transduction process in unfertilized mouse eggs. Using whole cell voltage clamp techniques, calcium currents, elicited by the depolarizing pulses of 300 ms duration (from -50 mV to 50 mV in 10 mV increments) from a holding potential of -80 mV, were recorded. The current-voltage (I-V) relation of calcium currents was shown to be bell-shaped; the current began to activate at -50 mV and reached its maximum $(-1.33{\pm}0.16\;nA:\;mean{\pm}S.E.,\;n=7)$ at -10 mV, then decayed at around 50 mV. Calcium currents were fully activated within $7\;ms{\sim}20\;ms$ and completely inactivated 200 ms after onset of the step pulse. ISP within the concentration ranges of $10^{-8}\;M{\sim}10^{-4}\;M$ dose-dependently increased the amplitude calcium current. The permeable cyclic AMP analogue,8-bromocyclic AMP, also increased its maximal amplitude by 46ft at $10^{-5}\;M$, while protein kinase inhibitor (PKI), which is known to inhibit 0.02 phosphorylating units of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) per microgram decreased calcium currents. Currents recorded in the presence of PKI were resistant to increase by the application of $10^{-5}\;M$. Also, PKI inhibited the calcium current increase elicited by ISP treatment. These results suggest that $\beta-adrenergic$ regulation of the calcium channel is mediated by the cAMP-dependent protein kinase. This signal transduction pathway might play a role in regulating $[Ca^{2+}]_i$, level due to the increase of calcium influx in mouse eggs.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.358-363
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• 2004

Background : Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves the use of photosensitizing agents for treatment of malignant disease. PDT is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the endobronchial microinvasive nonsmall cell lung cancer and for palliation in patients with obstructing tumors. We report our experience and results of PDT in lung cancer. Method : Ten patients with lung cancer who were diagnosed in Chosun university hospital by histologic confirm through bronchoscopy were included between August 2002 and May 2003. The photosensitizer (Photogem$^{(R)}$, Lomonosov institute of Fine Chemical, Russia/dose 2.0 mg/kg body weight) was injected 48 hours prior to the PDT session. For PDT with the photosensitizer (Photogem$^{(R)}$), Diode LASER system (Biolitec Inc., Germany, wavelength; 633nm) were used. PDTs were done at 48-72 hours after photogem injection. Follow up bronchoscopy and chest X-ray or thorax computerized tomography were done for evaluate PDT response. Results : 9 of 10 patients with endobronchial obstruction showed partial remission with bronchus opening after PDT. Direct reaction of the tumor to PDT was similar in despite of its localization. It was as follows; edema, hyperemia, in-situ bleeding, fibrin film occurrence. Any other complications such as sunburns of skin, inflammation within the PDT zone were not occurred by the end of the fourth week. Conclusion : In the advanced endobronchial disease, PDT has been shown to be useful in treating endobronchial tumors that are causing clinically significant dyspnea or are likely to progress and lead to further clinical complications, such as postobstructive pneumonia.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.146-150
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• 2000

Dental caries and periodontal disease continue to present unique problems in the dental management of the persons with disabilities because the chronicity of oral diseases complicates the primary physical or mental disability. The increased prevalence of dental disease in most persons with disabilities is probably not due to any inherent proclivity for dental disease but more likely evolves because dental care receives less attention. Prosthetic dentistry procedures are not contraindicated for most patients with physical and mental disabilities. Fixed bridges may be feasible if the patient or care provider can maintain adequate oral hygiene and the patient's disability dose not preclude this type of prosthesis. Removable partial or full dentures may be indicated if the patient or care provider can easily remove the prosthesis and care for it. Although most persons with disabilities need no additional behavior management modalities to complete dental care, some persons require professionally recognized behavior management techniques during treatment, such as physical restraint, pharmacologic agents, or general anesthesia. Hospitalization and the use of general anesthesia are sometimes required to deal effectively with the extreme management problem patient. This patient with mild mental retardation was fearful of dental treatment. Routine restorative, surgical and prosthetic dentistry procedures were performed under general anesthesia.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.384-388
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• 2006

A 29-year-old male patient was admitted due to his general weakness and poor oral intake for several months. He was diagnosed as having Crohn disease 16 years ago and total colectomy was performed 10 years ago. On the 3rd day after admission, gross hematuria and sudden hemoptysis combined with diffuse infiltration were noted on chest X-ray. His symptoms and the diffusely increased lung opacities improved with administering high-dose steroid therapy. Later, anti-GBM antibody was found to be positive on the laboratory findings. We report here on a rare case of Goodpsture syndrome combined with prolonged Crohn disease along with a review of literature.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.188-196
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• 2006

Background: Ma-huang (Ephedra sinica) has been widely used to treat respiratory disease in oriental medicine for over a hundred years. Ma-huang preparations contain approximately 1.25% ephedrine alkaloids. Recently, the ephedra alkaloids have received much press lately due to adverse effects in those using whole extracts as 'dietary supplements' for weight loss or athletic performance enhancement, and these reports are troubling given the increasing use of Ma-huang by the general public. The purpose of this report is to determine the proper dosage to minimize adverse effects and maximize the potential curative value. Objectives : The object of this study was to find an effective yet low risk dosage of Ma-huang. Methods : The study was designed as a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. The subjects of this study were 26 adults between 20 to 40 of age who agreed to participate in this study. They were allocated through randomization into three groups. Each group took three opaque capsules three times a day. A group (N=9) took one Ma-huang capsule and two placebo capsules, B group (N=8) took two Ma-huang capsules and one placebo capsule, C group (N=9) took three Ma-huang capsules. The total trial periods was two days. To compare the adverse effects of Ma-huang according to dosage, blood pressure and pulse were checked, and other adverse effects were assessed using a morning questionnaire, patient's global assessment scale and Wong-Baker faces pain rating. Results : The following result were obtained: 1. After taking 18 g of Ma-huang per day, pulse rate had a significant increase. 2. After taking more than 6 g of Ma-huang per day, palpitation would be increased significantly. 3. After taking more than 18 g of Ma-huang per day, tiredness would be increased significantly. Conclusion: According to the results, 12 g of Ma-huang per day will minimize adverse effects and maximize the potential curative value.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.317-321
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• 2006

A case is reported of a man with malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) in right thigh who developed streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) during postoperative radiotherapy. Before radiotherapy, a patient complained wax and wane lymphedema following wide excision of tumor mass which was confirmed as MFH. He took some nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) for about one month. He suffered preexisting hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, diabetes and well-controlled hypertension. The patient received conventional radiotherapy to right thigh with a total dose of 32.4 Gy at 1.8 Gy per day. At last radiotherapy fraction, cutaneous erythematous inflammation was suddenly developed at his affected thigh. At that time, he also complained of oliguria, fever and chills. The patient was consulted to internal medicine for adequate evaluation and management. The patient was diagnosed as suggested septic shock and admitted without delay. At admission, he showed hypotension, oliguria, constipation, abnormal renal and liver function. As a result of blood culture, Streptococcus pyogenes was detected. The patient was diagnosed to STSS. He was treated with adequate intravenous antibiotics and fluid support. STSS is one of oncologic emergencies and requires immediate medical intervention to prevent loss of life. In this patient, underlying HCV infection, postoperative lymphedema, prolonged NSAID medication, and radiotherapy may have been multiple precipitating factors of STSS.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.44-51
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• 2003

Objectives: Antidepressants are frequently associated with sexual dysfunction. Especially, there were few report of sexual dysfunction related with venlafaxine and mirtazapine in Korea. The purpose of this survey was to evaluate the frequency and nature of sexual dysfunction related with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs), venlafaxine and mirtazapine by the use of specific questionaires. Methods: In one hundred twenty two patients, sexual dysfunction was investigated cross-sectionally by using The questionaires for sexual dysfunction, which includes questions about decreased libido, delayed orgasm or ejaculation, premature ejaculation or orgasm, absence of orgasm or ejaculation, erectile dysfunction in men/vaginal lubrication dysfunction in women, sexual pain and patient's tolerance of the sexual dysfunction. BDI was also measured. Sexual dysfunction was analyzed in association with the duration and the dose of medications and the severity of depression. Results: The incidence of sexual dysfunction during antidepressants use in our survey was 37.7%. There were no difference of incidence in sexes(p=.746). In comparison of paroxetine, venlafaxine and mirtazapine, there were no significant differences of the incidence(p=.065) and the severity of any type of sexual dysfunction. Conclusion: Although there were no significant differences of sexual dysfunction in our survey, sexual dysfunction may be closely associated with antidepressants. Further prospective study of sexual dysfunction should be needed.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.147-151
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• 2007

AAPM TG43 report has recommended to measure air kerma strength with the strength of source. Main purpose of this study is to verify the accuracy of air kerma strength provided by manufacturer. Materials for this study were MAX-4001 Electrometer, HDR 1000 Plus of the corporation of standard imaging, and 6 french bronchial Applicator with 1000 mm. we measured ionization current in 10-90 mm range from the bottom of the central axis of chamber. The reference point of calibration displayed by the maximum ionization current in the ionization current curve was measured, and air kerma strength was computed from the maximum ionization current. we acquired 50 mm distance to correspond with the maximum ionization current in the ionization current curve. Its distance has perfectly fitted to the source reference point of calibration certificate of UW-ADCL. Air kerma strength computed value has measured about 0.5% more than calibration value provided by manufacturer. Air kerma strength of calibration certificate provided by manufacturer has acquired reliable results. This study shows that considering the move error of dwell position of source and the dead space length in well-type chamber is a good way to get an accurate result.

• Journal of fish pathology
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.119-127
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• 2007

Phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase Cδ (PLCδ) plays an important role in many cellular responses and is involved in the production of second messenger. The present study was conducted to characterize the catalytic and regulatory properties of the PLCδ of Misgurnus mizolepis (ML-PLCδ). The ML-PLCδ gene was cloned and expressed under according to the method of the previous report (Kim et al., 2004), and its recombinant protein was purified by successive chromatography using Ni2+-NTA affinity column. The recombinant ML-PLCδ showed a concentration-dependent PLC activity to phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) or phosphatidylinositol (PI). Its activity was absolutely Ca2+-dependence, which was similar to mammalian PLCδ isozymes. The Ca2+ concentration yielding maximal activation of ML-PLCδ was 100 μM. However, the activity was decreased interestingly by a polyamine, such as spermine and spermidine. In vitro assay using cholate-micelle cell, ML-PLCδ activity was inhibited in dose-dependent manner by sphinogosine but increased by phosphocholine . In the lipid-binding assay, ML-PLCδ was strongly bound to LPA, PI(3)P, PI(4)P, PI(5)P, PI(3,5)P2, PI(4,5)P2, PI(3,4,5)P3 and PA, but it showed the low affinity to S1P, PI(3,4)P2 and PS. Taken together our results, it is suggested that the general catalytic and regulatory properties of ML-PLCδ are similar with those of mammalian PLCδ1 isozymes, but the N-terminal extended piscine phospholipase Cδ1 (ML-PLCδ) might reflect some distinctions in regulatory properties and inositol-lipid binding specificity between piscine ML-PLCδ and mammalian PLCδ isozymes.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.119-131
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• 1998

It has been reported that the glycoprotein extracted from Aloe has strong anti-inflammatory response. However, there has been no research report yet about the effect of Aloe on allergic hypersensitivity reactivity. By using guinea pig lung mast cells, this study aimed to examine the effects of Aloe glycoprotein (NY945) on the mediator releases caused by mast cell activation, and also aimed to assess the effects of NY945 on the mechanism of mediator releases in the mast cell activation. We partially purified mast cell from guinea pig lung tissues by using the enzyme digestion, the rough and the discontinuous density percoll gradient method. Mast cells were sensitized with IgG1 (anti-OA) and challenged with ovalbumin. Histamine was assayed by fluorometric analyzer, leukotrienes by radioimmunoassay. The phospholipase D activity was assessed by the production of labeled phosphatidylalcohol. The amount of mass 1, 2-diacylglycerol (DAG) was measured by the $[^3H]DAG$ produced when prelabeled with $[^3H]myristic$ acid. The phospholipid methylation was assessed by measuring the incorporation of the $[^3H]methyl$ moiety into phospholipids of cellular membranes. Pretreatment of NY945 (10 ${\mu}g$) significantly decreased histamine and leukotrienes releases during mast cell activation. The decrease of histamine release was stronger than that of leukotriene during mast cell activation. The phospholipase D activity increased by the mast cell activation was decreased by the dose-dependent manner in the pretreatment of NY945. The amount of DAG produced by PLC activity was decreased by NY945 pretreatment. The amount of mass 1, 2-diacylglycerol produced by activation of mast cells was decreased in the pretreatment of NY945. NY945 pretreatment strongly inhibited the incorporation of the $[^3H]methyl$ moiety into phospholipids. The data suggest that NY945 purified from Aloe inhibits in part an increase of 1, 2-diacylglycerol which is produced by activating mast cells with antigen-antibody reactions, which is mediated via phosphatidylcholine-phospholipase D and phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C systems, and then followed by the inhibition of histamine release. Furthermore, NY945 reduces the production of phosphatidylcholine by inhibiting the methyltransferase I and II, which decreases the conversion of phosphatidylcholine into arachidonic acid and inhibits the production of leukotrienes.