• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제36권4호
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• pp.441-449
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• 2023

Background: Hypertonic saline is used for treating chronic pain; however, clinical studies that aid in optimizing therapeutic protocols are lacking. We aimed to determine the concentration of intrathecally injected hypertonic saline at which the effect reaches its peak as well as the underlying γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor-related antinociceptive mechanism. Methods: Spinal nerve ligation (SNL; left L5 and L6) was performed to induce neuropathic pain in rats weighing 250-300 g. Experiment 1: one week after implanting the intrathecal catheter, 60 rats were assigned randomly to intrathecal injection with 0.45%, 0.9%, 2.5%, 5%, 10%, and 20% NaCl, followed by behavioral testing at baseline and after 30 minutes, 2 hours, 1 day, and 1 week to determine the minimal concentration which produced maximal analgesia. Experiment 2: after determining the optimal intrathecal hypertonic saline concentration, 60 rats were randomly divided into four groups: Sham, hypertonic saline without pretreatment, and hypertonic saline after pretreatment with one of two GABA receptor antagonists (GABA_A [bicuculline], or GABA_B [phaclofen]). Behavioral tests were performed at weeks 1 and 3 following each treatment. Results: Hypertonic saline at concentrations greater than 5% alleviated SNL-induced mechanical allodynia and had a significant therapeutic effect, while showing a partial time- and dose-dependent antinociceptive effect on thermal and cold hyperalgesia. However, pretreatment with GABA receptor antagonists inhibited the antinociceptive effect of 5% NaCl. Conclusions: This study indicates that the optimal concentration of hypertonic saline for controlling mechanical allodynia in neuropathic pain is 5%, and that its analgesic effect is related to GABA_A and GABA_B receptors.

• 한국동물학회지
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• 제33권3호
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• pp.247-254
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• 1990

GABA antagonist 를 닭의 열린 눈과 닫힌 눈에 차례로 주입한 후 monocular head와 eye optokinetic nystagmus을 관찰하고 코일 기록에 의해서 연구하였다. 주입전 이 visuomotor reflex를 일으키는데 있어서 닭은 N-T 자극에 대해서 보다 T-N 자극에 대해서 더욱 효과적인 OKN을 나타냈다. 열린눈에 주입한 GABA antagonist는 head와 eye OKN의 감소 또는 소멸을 일으키며, GABA antagonist를 닫힌 눈속에 주입했을 때는 head와 eye OKN은 증가 되었다. 이와 같이 GABA antagonist는 monocular OKN의 N-T 성분을 억제하는데 GABAergic 메카니즘이 관련되고 있다는 것을 지시함으로써 head와 eye OKN의 방향적 불균형성을 제거하였다.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제22권6호
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• pp.721-729
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• 2018

GABAergic control over dopamine (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra is crucial for determining firing rates and patterns. Although GABA activates both $GABA_A$ and $GABA_B$ receptors distributed throughout the somatodendritic tree, it is currently unclear how regional GABA receptors in the soma and dendritic compartments regulate spontaneous firing. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine actions of regional GABA receptors on spontaneous firing in acutely dissociated DA neurons from the rat using patch-clamp and local GABA-uncaging techniques. Agonists and antagonists experiments showed that activation of either $GABA_A$ receptors or $GABA_B$ receptors in DA neurons is enough to completely abolish spontaneous firing. Local GABA-uncaging along the somatodendritic tree revealed that activation of regional GABA receptors limited within the soma, proximal, or distal dendritic region, can completely suppress spontaneous firing. However, activation of either $GABA_A$ or $GABA_B$ receptor equally suppressed spontaneous firing in the soma, whereas $GABA_B$ receptor inhibited spontaneous firing more strongly than $GABA_A$ receptor in the proximal and distal dendrites. These regional differences of GABA signals between the soma and dendritic compartments could contribute to our understanding of many diverse and complex actions of GABA in midbrain DA neurons.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• 제33권4호
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• pp.217-221
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• 2008

Bicuculline is one of the most commonly used $GABA_A$ receptor antagonists in electrophysiological research. Because of its poor water solubility, bicuculline quaternary ammonium salts such as bicuculline methiodide (BMI) and bicuculline methbromide are preferred. However, a number of studies have shown that BMI has non-$GABA_A$ receptor-mediated effects. The substantia gelatinosa (SG) of the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc) is implicated in the processing of nociceptive signaling. In this study, we investigated whether BMI has non-GABA receptor-mediated activity in Vc SG neurons using a whole cell patch clamp technique. SG neurons were depolarized by application of BMI ($20{\mu}M$) using a high $Cl^-$ pipette solution. GABA ($30-100{\mu}M$) also induced membrane depolarization of SG neuron. Although BMI is known to be a $GABA_A$ receptor antagonist, GABA-induced membrane depolarization was enhanced by co-application with BMI. However, free base bicuculline (fBIC) and picrotoxin (PTX), a $GABA_A$ and $GABA_C$ receptor antagonist, blocked the GABA-induced response. Furthermore, BMI-induced membrane depolarization persisted in the presence of PTX or an antagonist cocktail consisting of tetrodotoxin ($Na^+$ channel blocker), AP-5 (NMDA receptor antagonist), CNQX (non-NMDA receptor antagonist), and strychnine (glycine receptor antagonist). Thus BMI induces membrane depolarization by directly acting on postsynaptic Vc SG neurons in a manner which is independent of $GABA_A$ receptors. These results suggest that other unknown mechanisms may be involved in BMI-induced membrane depolarization.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제20권2호
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• pp.106-110
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• 2007

Background: A phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, sildenafil, has been effective against nociception. Several lines of evidence have demonstrated the role of the GABAergic pathway in the modulation of nociception. The impact of the GABA receptors on sildenafil was studied using the formalin test at the spinal level. Methods: Male SD rats were prepared for intrathecal catheterization. The formalin test was induced by subcutaneous injection of formalin solution. The change in the activity of sildenafil was examined after pre-treatment with GABA receptor antagonists ($GABA_A$ receptor antagonist, bicuculline; $GABA_B$ receptor antagonist, saclofen). Results: Intrathecal sildenafil dose-dependently attenuated the flinching observed during phase 1 and 2 in the formalin test. The antinociceptive effect of sildenafil was reversed by the $GABA_B$ receptor antagonist (saclofen) but not by the $GABA_A$ receptor antagonist (bicuculline) in both phases. Conclusions: Intrathecal sildenafil suppressed acute pain and the facilitated pain state. The antinociception of sildenafil is mediated via the $GABA_B$ receptor, but not the $GABA_A$ receptor, at the spinal level.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제14권2호
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• pp.59-69
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• 2010

Impairment in spinal inhibition caused by quantitative alteration of GABAergic elements following peripheral nerve injury has been postulated to mediate neuropathic pain. In the present study, we tested whether neuropathic pain could be induced or reversed by pharmacologically modulating spinal GABAergic activity, and whether quantitative alteration of spinal GABAergic elements after peripheral nerve injury was related to the impairment of GABAergic inhibition or neuropathic pain. To these aims, we first analyzed the pain behaviors following the spinal administration of GABA antagonists ($1{\mu}g$ bicuculline/rat and $5{\mu}g$ phaclofen/rat), agonists ($1{\mu}g$ muscimol/rat and $0.5{\mu}g$ baclofen/rat) or GABA transporter (GAT) inhibitors ($20{\mu}g$ NNC-711/rat and $1{\mu}g$ SNAP-5114/rat) into naive or neuropathic animals. Then, using Western blotting, PCR or immunohistochemistry, we compared the quantities of spinal GABA, its synthesizing enzymes (GAD65, 67) and its receptors (GABAA and GABAB) and transporters (GAT-1, and -3) between two groups of rats with different severity of neuropathic pain following partial injury of tail-innervating nerves; the allodynic and non-allodynic groups. Intrathecal administration of GABA antagonists markedly lowered tail-withdrawal threshold in naive animals, and GABA agonists or GAT inhibitors significantly attenuated neuropathic pain in nerve-injured animals. However, any quantitative changes in spinal GABAergic elements were not observed in both the allodynic and non-allodynic groups. These results suggest that although the impairment in spinal GABAergic inhibition may play a role in mediation of neuropathic pain, it is not accomplished by the quantitative change in spinal elements for GABAergic inhibition and therefore these elements are not related to the generation of neuropathic pain following peripheral nerve injury.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• 제28권2호
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• pp.238-242
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• 2005

Many reports demonstrate that extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF MFs, 60 Hz) may be involved in hyperalgesia. In a previous investigation, we suggested that MFs may produce hyperalgesia and such a response may be regulated by the benzodiazepine system. In order to further confirm this effect of MFs, we used diazepam and/or flumazenil with MFs exposure. When testing the pain threshold of rats using hot plate tests, MFs or diazepam ($0.5\;{\mu}g$, i.c.v.; a benzodiazepine receptor agonist) induced hyperalgesic effects with the reduction of latency. These effects were blocked by a pretreatment of flumazenil (1.5 mg/kg, i.p.; a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist). When the rats were exposed simultaneously to MFs and diazepam, the latency tended to decrease without statistical significance. The induction of hyperalgesia by co-exposure to MFs and diazepam was also blocked by flumazenil. However, the pretreatment of GABA receptor antagonists such as bicuculline ($0.1\;{\mu}g$, i.c.v.; a $GABA_A$ antagonist) or phaclofen ($10\;{\mu}g$, i.c.v.; a $GABA_B$ antagonist) did not antagonize the hyperalgesic effect of MFs. These results suggest that the benzodiazepine system may be involved in MFs-induced hyperalgesia.

• 한국식품영양학회지
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• 제30권6호
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• pp.1364-1369
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• 2017

There is a growing demand for natural sleep aids due to various side effects of long-term administration of pharmacological treatments for insomnia. Honey has been reported to exhibit numerous potential health benefits, and it is hypothesized that honey may favorably affect insomnia treatment. Therefore, this study was performed to investigate the possible hypnotic effect of clover honey (CH) and to determine its in vivo mechanism. The total flavonoid content (TFC) of CH and fractions extracted with ethylacetate (EtOAc) and $H_2O$ was measured. The pentobarbital-induced sleep test using $GABA_A$-benzodiazepine (BZD) agonists and antagonists was conducted to evaluate the potential mechanism of action behind the sedative-hypnotic activity of CH in mice. The results showed that administration of 500 and 1,000 mg/kg of CH significantly (p<0.01) reduced the sleep latency to a level similar to that of diazepam (DZP, 2 mg/kg), and 1,000 mg/kg of CH significantly (p<0.01) prolonged the sleep duration, which was comparable to that of DZP (2 mg/kg). Administration of the EtOAc fraction with a higher TFC significantly reduced the sleep latency at 50 to 200 mg/kg and prolonged the sleep duration at 100 to 200 mg/kg, which were comparable to those after administration of DZP (2 mg/kg). However, co-administration of CH and EtOAc with flumazenil, a specific $GABA_A-BZD$ receptor antagonist, blocked the hypnotic effect. Our findings suggest that the hypnotic activity of CH may be attributed to allosteric modulation of $GABA_A-BZD$ receptors. The TFC of CH is expected to be a key factor that contributes to its hypnotic effect.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• 제9권2호
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• pp.359-381
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• 1992

Benzodiazepine계 약물들은 진정 최면제의 대표적인 약물로서, 중추신경계에서의 그 작용은 gamma amino butyric acid(GABA) 수용체와 짝지워져 있는 benzodiazepine 수용체를 통해서 나타나며 또한 뇌에 있는 synaptosome에서 전위 의존성 calcium channel을 통한 calcium의 섭취를 억제함으로써 진정작용 및 최면 작용이 나타난다. 이와 아울러 말초 장기에서도 benzodiazepine 수용체와 GABA 수용체가 발견 되었는데 이들의 기능과 상호관계는 잘 알려져 있지 않다. 이에 본 실험에서는 benzodiazepine계통의 대표적인 약물이며 중추신경과 말초 장기에 동시에 작용하는 diazepam이 흰쥐 적출자궁의 자발 수축 및 oxytocin 유발 수축에 미치는 영향을 검색하고, 이러한 diazepam의 효과와 GABA 수용체 및 calcium과의 상호관계를 검색함으로써 그 작용기전을 추구해 보기 위하여 다음과 같은 실험을 하였다. 난소를 제거한 후 estrogen(17 beta-estradiol : $500{\mu}g/kg/day$)을 4일 동안 전 처치한 흰쥐의 자궁을 적출하여 등척성 장력을 측정함으로써 그 수축력의 변화를 관찰하였다. Diazepam과 GABA 수용체 효현제 및 그 봉쇄제들이 자궁절편의 자발 수축과 oxytocin 유발 수축에 미치는 영향을 검색하였고, 또 이들 약물의 작용에 관련된 calcium 동원기전에 대하여 관찰하여 다음과 같은 결과를 얻었다. Diazepam은 흰쥐 적출자궁의 자발수축 및 oxytocin 유발수축을 농도 의존적으로 억제하였다. GABA, GABA A 수용체 효현제인 muscimol, GAGA A 수용체의 상경적 봉쇄제인 bicuculline, GABA A 수용체의 비상경적 봉쇄제인 picrotoxin, GABA B 수용체 효현제인 boclofen, 그리고 GABA B 수용체 봉쇄제인 delta-aminovaleric acid는 흰쥐 적출 자궁의 자발 수축 및 oxytocin 유발수축에 아무런 영향을 미치지 않았다. 자발 수축 및 oxytocin 유발수축에 대한 diazepam의 억제 작용은 GABA 수용체 효현제 및 봉쇄제의 영향을 받지 않았다. 그러나 bicuculline은 diazepam의 억제 작용에 상가적으로 작용하였는데, bicuculline의 이러한 작용은 muscimol에 의해서 길항되지 않았다. 정상 PSS 내에서 diazepam에 의해 억제되었던 자발수욱 및 oxytocin유발수촉은 calcium의 첨가 및 calcium inophore인 A23187의 첨가로 일부 회복되었다. Calcium 배제 용액내에서는 diazepam이 calcium 첨가로 인한 수축력 회복을 방해하였으며 calcium inophore인 A23187에 의한 수축력 증가는 막지 못하였다. 또 세포외액에 calcium이 결핍된 상태에서는 oxytocin 자체에 의한 수축을 방해하지 못하였으나 이어 첨가된 calcium에 의한 oxytocin 유발 수축의 증가는 일부 억제하였다. 이상의 실험결과로 미루어 볼 때 diazepam은 자궁의 자발수측 및 oxytocin 유발 수축을 억제할 수 있으며, 이러한 작용은 GABA 수용체 의존성이 아닌 세포외액의 calcium의 유입을 억제함으로써 나타나는 것으로 사료된다.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제10권1호
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• pp.13-17
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• 2006

Experimentally induced cortical disorganization exhibits many anatomical features which are characteristic of cortical malformations in children with early-onset epilepsy. We used an immunocytochemical technique and extracellular field potential recordings from the dorsal hippocampus to determine whether the excitability of the CA1 pyramidal cells was enhanced in rats with exnerimentallv induced hippocampal dysplasia. Compared with control rats, the MAM-treated rats displayed a decrease of paired pulse inhibition. When $GABA_A$ receptor antagonists were blocked with $10{\mu}M$ bicuculline the amplitude of the second population spike of the MAM-treated of rats was similar to that of the first population spike, as was in the control rats. The MAM-treated rats had fewer somatostatin and parvalbumin-immunoreactive neurons than the control rats. These results suggest that the enhanced neuronal responsiveness of the in vivo recording of the CA1 in this animal model may involve a reduction of CA1 inhibition.