• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.229-246
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• 2008

Objectives : Acupoints of LR1(Dadun)${\cdot}$HT9(Shaochong), KI10(Yingu)${\cdot}$HT3(Shaohai) are used as controlling the diseases from heart problems. Especially, when they are used, tonification or sedation techniques method is taken as a controlling the medication for an early stroke in the Korean medicine. So the aim of this study is to investigate the anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects of Acupuncture techniques of tonification or sedation at LR1${\cdot}$HT9, KI10${\cdot}$HT3 on the focal ischemia induced by intraluminal filament insertion in rats. Materials and Methods : The focal ischemia was induced by intraluminal filament insertion into middle cerebral artery. The animals were divided into five groups (n=7 in each group) : Control group, no therapy group after ischemia induced; AT-1; acupuncture therapy group at LR1${\cdot}$HT9, KI10${\cdot}$HT3 after ischemia-induced. AT-2; acupuncture therapy at right LR1, HT9(forward direction), KI10${\cdot}$HT3(opposite direction) inserting to the direction of route of the each meridian. AT3; acupuncture therapy at right LR1, HT9(twirling forward with the thumb of right hand 9 times), KI10${\cdot}$HT3(twirling forward with the forefinger of right hand 6 times) AT-4; acupuncture therapy at right LR1, HT9(forward direction, twirling forward with the thumb of right hand 9 times), KI10${\cdot}$HT3(opposite direction, twirling forward with the forefinger of right hand 6 times) inserting to the direction of route of the each meridian. The anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects of Acupuncture techniques of tonification or sedation at LR1, HT9, KI10${\cdot}$HT3 were observed by Bax, Bcl-2, mGluR5, Cytochrome c, Cresyl violet and ChAT-stain. Results : The intensity of Bax and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were increased in ACU-2 and ACU-4 group but decreased in ACU-3 group. The intensity of mGluR5 was increased in ACU-1, ACU-2, ACU-3 and ACU-4 group. The intensity of cytochrome c was decreased in ACU-3 and ACU-4 group. The density of neurons stained by Cresyl violet and ChAT were increased in ACU-1, ACU-3 and ACU-4 group. Conclusions : Our study suggests that acupuncture therapy of tonification at LR1, HT9 by twirling forward with the thumb of right hand 9times, sedation at KI10${\cdot}$HT3 by twirling forward with the forefinger of right hand 6 times after perpendicularly inserting needle shows anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects on cholinergic neuron in focal cerebral ischemia of the stroke in rats.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.45-55
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• 1983

A role for brain serotonin(5-HT) in regulation of the HPA axis has been suggested but remains contoversial and poorly defined. The present experiments were designed to check kinetic parameters of 5-HT turnover in rat hypothalamus and remainder brain areas before and after stress and to test whether using various different pharmacologic approaches to stimulate or eliminate the control serotonergic system have any consistent effect on the stress-induced activation of HPA system. Steady state brain serotonin and 5-HIAA concentrations during 1 min ether stress were significantly elevated without significant rise in the levels of plasma corticosterone, which highly increased 2 minutes after stress. This suggests that the increase in serotonergic neuron activity precede that in HPA activity. Furthermore, during 1 ruin-ether stress or 30 min immobilization stress there is a marked increase in hypothalamic and remainder brain serotonin (5-HT) turnover or synthesis rates assessed by both the pargline/5-HT method and pargyline/5-HIAA method. The stress-induced corticosterone levels were increased by serotonin precursors and serotonin agonist in a dose-related fashion. The stress- induced corticosterone levels were highly elevated by L-tryptophan (100 mg/kg) and Potentiated by monoamine oxidase inhibitor, pargyline or serotonin agonist, 5-MeoDMT. The stress-induced elevation of corticosterone and 5-HT levels in rat brain were not significantly decreased by the administration of 5-HT synthesis inhibitor, PCPA and 5-HT neurotoxin, 5,7-DHT. However, the stress-induced elevation of corticosterone and 5-HT levels were decreased by the destruction of midline raphe nuclei. There was a strong positive correlation between plasma corticosterone and 5-HT concentrations changed by drugs which mainly manipulating 5-HT system in the hyhothalamus and in the remainder of the brain. In conclusion, our present data stongly suggest that 5-HT is an important key neurotransmitter involved in the stress-induced activation of the HPA system.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.25-38
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• 2006

Objectives : Acupuncture has been widely used in oriental medicine. The aim of this research is to study how does the interaction between reinforcement-reduction by twirling nine and six and subject's cold or heat tendency effect on Heart Rate Variability. Methods : We divided our subjects into 3 groups at random and classified subjects by their cold or heat tendency using questionnaire for cold-heat patternization. Group 1 is acupuncture at shinmun(HT7) reinforcement group, 2 is acupuncture at shinmun(HT7) reduction group, 3 in acupuncture at hapkok(LI4) group. According to their group, we acupunctured. Before and after acupuncture Heart Rate Variability raw data were measured during 5 minutes. LF, HF, LF norm HF norm were calculated. We analyzed these data using 3-way repeated ANOVA, Paired student T-Test. Results : 3-way repeated ANOVA showed significant interaction among LF, each group and subject's cold heat tendency(p<0.05). Paired student T-Test showed significant differences between before and after acupuncture at shinmun(HT7) reinforcement method in cold tendency men and acupuncture at shinmun(HT7) reduction method in heat tendency men(p<0.05). Conclusion : These results suggest that acupuncture at Shinmun(HT7) has an effect on declining sympathetic nerve function and has an effect on stabilizing mind through Interaction between reinforcement-reduction by twirling nine and six and subject's cold or heat tendency. We propose that more prudent care is needed about subject's cold or heat tendency and acupuncture technique of reinforcement-reduction to achieve the most suitable treatment effect.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.1-11
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• 2011

Objectives : The aim of this study was to examine the effect acupuncture by needle manipulation at acupoints, SP3 HT7, on the blood pressure and renin and atrial natriuretic peptide(ANP) in plasma, cardiac hypertrophy in hypertensive rats induced by two kidney one clip (2K1C). Materials and Methods : The experiments were performed on twenty-five Sprague Dawley rats, 2K1C hypertension model was prepared by constricting the left renal artery with a sliver clip. Animals were divided into five groups, control, AC-1a and AC-2a(acupuncture at SP3 HT7 bilaterally and the needle was twirled and rotated forward with the thumb and forefinger of the right hand 6 times), AC-3a(acupuncture at SP3 HT7 bilaterally and the needle was inserted in the opposite direction(body direction) as the channel runs), AC-4a(acupuncture at SP3 HT7 bilaterally and the needle was inserted in the opposite direction(body direction) as the channel runs and the needle was twirled and rotated forward with the forefinger of the right hand 6 times). The treatments were started on the 4 week after inducing 2K1C, and they were performed two times a week for 3 weeks in rats. Results : The results are that The blood pressure was significantly decreased at 4 times in Acu-1a, The cardiac hypertrophy was significantly decrease in Acu-2a and Acu-3a. The activity of plasma renin was decreased in all groups without control and Acu-1a, and that of plasma ANP was decrease in Acu-2a and Acu-3a than control group. Conclusions : These results suggest that acupuncture on SP3 HT7 mostly cause significant changes on controlling renal hypertension induced by 2K1C in the rats.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.40 no.7
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• pp.495-502
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• 2017

The $5-HT_6R$ has been considered as an attractive therapeutic target in the brain due to its exclusive expression in the brain. However, the mechanistic linkage between $5-HT_6Rs$ and brain functions remains poorly understood. Here, we examined the effects of $5-HT_6R$-mediated cell morphological changes using immunocytochemistry, Western blot, and live-cell imaging assays. Our results showed that the activation of $5-HT_6Rs$ caused morphological changes and increased cell surface area in HEK293 cells expressing $5-HT_6Rs$. Treatment with 5-HT specifically increased RhoA-GTP activity without affecting other Rho family proteins, such as Rac1 and Cdc42. Furthermore, live-cell imaging in hippocampal neurons revealed that activation of $5-HT_6Rs$ using a selective agonist, ST1936, increased the density and size of dendritic protrusions along with the activation of RhoA-GTP activity and that both effects were blocked by pretreatment with a selective $5-HT_6R$ antagonist, SB258585. Taken together, our results show that $5-HT_6R$ plays an important role in the regulation of cell morphology via a RhoA-dependent pathway in mammalian cell lines and primary neurons.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.51-58
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• 2010

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of laser acupuncture at $HT_7$ for reducing mental stress using power spectrum analysis of the heart rate variability. Methods : 36 healthy volunteers(control group: 18, treatment group: 18) participated in this study. After instrumentation and 5-minute rest period, 5-minute metal stress by operation was provided. HRV was recorded before and after the mental stress(1st, 2nd HRV). After 2nd HRV recording, the control group rested for 15 minutes without any treatments. Participants in the treatment group received laser acupuncture to $HT_7$ unilaterally and rested for 15minutes. Points were irradiated for 60seconds, and the intensity was 1.8J(output 20%). And then 3rd HRV was recorded. Results : In simple rest group, LF norm showed a significant change after mental stress. In laser acupuncture group, LF norm, HF norm, LF, HF and LF/HF ratio showed a significant change after mental stress. But there were no significant difference between two groups(ANCOVA test, p>0.05). In laser acupuncture group, LF norm, HF norm, HF and LF/HF ratio showed a significant change after laser acupuncture treatment. And there were significant differences between two groups(p<0.05). Conclusions : This study suggests that laser acupuncture at $HT_7$ can regulate and prevent the alternation of autonomic nervous system due to mental stress.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.75-84
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• 2005

Objectives : Acupuncture has been used as treatment of disease in the korean medicine. In this study, it was investigated that effects of reduction of acupuncture techniques of five evolutive phase for appling excess in the heart, kidney on cardiovascular system as blood pressure and renin and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in plasma, cardiac hypertrophy. Materials and methods : The experiments were performed on Sprague Dawley rats, 2K1C hypertension model was prepared by constricting the left renal artery with a sliver clip. Animals were then divided into seven groups, 2K1C induced and no treated group (Control), acupuncture on SP3 HT7(AC-1), LR1 KI1 (AC-2), SP3 HT7 LR1 KI1 (AC-3). The treatments were performed once a day for 10 days in rats. Results : The results are that the blood pressure was significantly decreased at 15days in AC-1 group. The cardiac hypertrophy was significantly decrease in AC-3 group. The activity of plasma ANP was increased in all groups without AC-1 group and the that of plasma Rein was decrease in AC-1, AC-2 groups than control group. Conclusions : These results suggest that acupuncture at SP3 HT7 and SP3 HT7 LR1 KI1 can be used as a therapy for controlling renal hypertension induced by 2K1C in the rats.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.471-476
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• 1998

The G protein-activated inwardly rectifying $K^＋$ channel (GIRK1) was coex-pressed in Xenopus oocytes along with the $5-HT_{1A}$ receptor, a 7-helix receptor known to be coupled to $K^＋$ channels in many neural tissues. Thus, the activation of the $5-HT_{1A}$ receptor by its agonist leads to the opening of GIRK1. The GIRK1 current was measured using the two electrode voltage clamp technique with bath application of 5-HT in the presence of various external potassium concentrations $[K^＋]_0$. GIRK1 showed a strong inward rectification since only hyperpolarizing voltages evoked inward currents. $K^{+}$ was the major ion carrier as evidenced by about 44㎷ voltage shift corresponding to a 10-fold external 〔$K^＋$〕 change. 5-HT induced a concentration-dependent inward $K^＋$ current ($EC_{50}{\equation omitted}10.7nM$) which was blocked by $Ba^{2＋}$. Pertussis toxin (PTX) pre-treatment reduced the $K^＋$ current by as much as about 70%, suggesting that PTX-sensitive G protein ($G_i or G_o$ type) are involved in the $5-HT_{1A}$ receptor-GIRK1 coupling in Xenopus oocytes.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.205-208
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• 2016

The aim of the present study is to investigate the potential influence of obesity as a factor in 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) concentration in myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) dogs. Fifty-five client-owned dogs were enrolled in a randomized trial. Dogs were classified by echocardiography into healthy (control), mild, and moderate to severe MMVD groups. Each group was subclassified by using a 9-point body condition score (BCS); lean (BCS 5-6/9) and obese groups (BCS 7.5-9/9). Dogs with moderate to severe MMVD had lower serotonin (5-HT) concentrations than the control group (p = 0.03). Dogs with moderate to severe MMVD (p = 0.017) had lower serum 5-HT concentrations than the control group in the obese group (BCS 7.5-9/9). Significant difference was found between the lean and obese groups (p = 0.015) which are not consider severe in the MMVD group. These results suggested that 5-HT concentration was decreased with the increasing severity of MMVD, and obesity might be taken into consideration when interpreting the serotonin concentration in MMVD dogs.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.85-98
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• 2000

Objective : There are four possible explanations for the sexual dysfunction of schizophrenics. The first is the possibility of a real structural aspect. The second possibility is that sexual function changes secondary to the illness. The third possibility is that there are medical and sociocultural barriers to sexual expression for chronic schizophrenics. The fourth possibility is that sexual dysfunction due to antipsychotic medication. However, we didn't know the precise cause of sexual dysfunction in schizophrenics. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism of illness itself and antipsychotics on sexual dysfunction in male schizophrenics. Methods : The serum prolactin(PRL), testosterone(TST), and the plasma serotonin(5-HT) concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay and high performance liquid chromatography method for 100 healthy male schizophrenics according to the DSM-IV. Concomitantly, the severity of psychotic symptoms using Clinical Global Impression(CGI), Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale(BPRS), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS), and the severity of side effects for antipsychotics using Extrapyramidal Side Effects Scale(EPSE), Anticholinergic Side Effects Scale(ACSE), the cognitive function using PANSS-Cognitive Function(PANSS-CF), Mini Mental State Exam-Korean(MMSE-K), and the sexual dysfunction using Sexual Functioning Questionnaire(SFQ), Questionnaire for Sexual Dysfunction in Men were assessed. The PRL, TST, and 5-HT levels of 50 healthy male controls who had no medical, neurological, and psychiatric illnesses were evaluated. The sexual function using SFQ(items FGa, FNa) were also assessed. Furthermore, the correlation with age, education, religion, economic status, age at onset, duration of illnesses, duration of admission, levels of PRL, TST, 5-HT, antipsychotic dosages, potency, benztropine, total duration of medication, EPSE, ACSE, CGI, BPRS, PANSS, PANSS-CF, MMSE-K and sexual dysfunctions were identified in male schizophrenics. Results : 1) The frequencies of sexual dysfunctions for schizophrenics(80%) were significantly(p<0.001) higher than those for controls(42%). The sexual dysfunctions according to sexual response cycle were 'low sexual desire' 76%, 'impairment of achieving erection' 75%, 'impairment of maintaining erection' 75%, 'impairment of obtaining orgasm' 32%, 'impairment in the quality of orgasm' 61%, 'impairment in quantity of ejaculate' 44%, 'premature ejaculation' 15%, and 'delayed ejaculation' 50%. 2) The PRL, 5-HT levels of schizophrenics($28.5{\pm}20.6ng/ml$, $298.5{\pm}89.1ng/ml$) were significantly(p<0.001) higher than those of controls($10{\pm}5.6ng/ml$, $169.2{\pm}37.8ng/ml$), while the TST levels of schizophrenics($4.3{\pm}1.5ng/ml$) and controls($4.5{\pm}1.2ng/ml$) were not significantly different. The sexual dysfunctions of schizophrenics who had abnormal 5-HT levels($4.7{\pm}1.3$ scores) were significantly(p<0.05) higher than those of who had normal 5-HT levels($3.8{\pm}1.6$ scores) on item D7. 3) The sexual dysfunctions of unmarried schizophrenics were significantly(p<0.01 : p<0.05) higher than those of married schizophrenics($6.1{\pm}2.8$ scores, $4.7{\pm}1.3$ scores on item FGa : ${\beta}$=-0.211 on item FNa). The sexual dysfunctions were positively correlated with the rise of 5-HT levels(r=0.209, p<0.05 on item D4 and r=0.241, p<0.05 on item D7), the higher age at onset(r=0.275, p<0.01 on item FNa : r=-0.202, p<0.05 on item FDa), the longer duration of illnesses(r=0.237, p<0.05 on item D6), the longer duration of admission(r=0.234, p<0.05 on item D4 : r=0.328, p<0.05 on item D6), the longer total duration of medication(r=0.237, p<0.05 on item D6). However, age, education, religion, economic status, PRL, TST levels, antipsychotics dosage, potency, benztropine, ACSE, CGI, BPRS, PANSS, PANSS-CF, MMSE-K scores were not correlated with increased sexual dysfunctions. Conclusions : Male schizophrenics have significantly more sexual dysfunction to compare with controls. The higher frequencies of sexual dysfunctions were low sexual desire and erectile disorder. The unmarried, higher age at onset, and longer duration of diseases were positively correlated with increased sexual dysfunctions. Also high 5-HT levels were positively correlated with increased sexual dysfunctions. This means that studies of plasma 5-HT levels, albeit questionable indicators of central 5-HT function, offer some additional support for the association of sexual dysfunction with excess 5-HT activity as primary pathology of schizophrenia. Our findings suggest that excess 5-HT activity seems to affect the patient's sexual function.