• 대한한의학회지
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• 제28권2호통권70호
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• pp.1-12
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• 2007

Objective : Gagamchongmyung-tang is clinically one of the most popular prescriptions as an herbal medicine for the treatment of amnesia. In order to evaluate its neuroprotective effects on the ischemia-induced cognitive deficits caused by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), we examined its ability to reduce impairments of learning and memory of rats in the Morris water maze. Method and Result : Focal cerebral ischemia produced a decrease in acetylcholine transmission in the hippocampus, and deficits of learning and memory in the Morris water maze task. Treatment with two types of Gagamchongmyung-tang, methanol and water extracts, produced a substantial increase in acquisition in the Morris water maze. Treatment with methanol extract of Gagamchongmyung-tang increased the performance of the retention test in the Morris water maze. Consistent with behavioral data, immunohistochemical data showed that treatment with methanol extract, but not water extract, of Gagamchongmyung-tang significantly recovered reduction of AchE and ChAT reactivity in the hippocampal CAl area. Conclusion : These results demonstrated that methanol extract of Gagamchongmyung-tang has protective effects against ischemia-induced learning and memory impairments, and provided evidence of methanol extract of Gagamchongmyung-tang as a putative treatment for amnesia, vascular dementia, and longer memory.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제33권3호
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• pp.101-116
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• 2016

Objectives : This research was performed to investigate the effects of Ukgansan pharmacopuncture(U-PA) of focal brain ischemia induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO) in rats. Methods : The subjects were divided into 5 groups : A control group, acupuncture group, pharmacopuncture group U-PA1($2.571mg/250g/40{\mu}{\ell}$), pharmacopuncture group U-PA2($6.428mg/250g/40{\mu}{\ell}$), and pharmacopuncture group U-PA3($12.855mg/250g/40{\mu}{\ell}$). The focal brain ischemia was induced by intraluminal filament insertion into the middle cerebral artery. After 3 days of MCAO, Ukgansan(UGS) pharmacopuncture treatment was performed on the GB20, and the day after being treated with pharmacopuncture, the Morris water maze test was carried out by the assigned group. The series of processes were treated 6 times. Thereafter Bax, Bcl-2, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, mGluR5, density of neuronal cell, and ChAT were measured. Results : The results were as follows. 1. The intensity of Bax significantly decreased in the U-PA1, U-PA2, U-PA3 groups. 2. The Bax/Bcl-2 ratio significantly decreased in the U-PA3 group compared with the control group. 3. The neuroprotective effect on the hippocampal CA1 significantly increased in the U-PA1, U-PA2, U-PA3 groups compared with the control group. 4. The density of ChAT in the hippocampal CA1 significantly increased in the U-PA1, U-PA2, U-PA3 groups compared with the control group. Conclusion : These results suggest that UGS pharmacopuncture may have anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects on focal cerebral ischemia caused by intraluminal filament insertion into the middle cerebral artery in rats.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제26권3호
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• pp.7-14
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• 2011

Object : This study evaluated the effects of Daeseungkitang(DSK) on cerebral infarct of middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO). Method : Sprague-Dawley rats are used for observing to induce cerebral infraction closing its middle cerebral artery temporarily and take DSK by mouth the next 5 days, observe the amount of feces and urine. It is investigated the correlation between them after examining neurological score. Results : It is resulted the below. On the 2nd day of taking DSK, the total amount of feces of the cerebral infarct rats is increased significantly. After taking DSK, the urine volume of the cerebral infarct rats does not change at all. Taking DSK significantly improves neurological score of the cerebral infarct rats. There is a significant correlation between total amount of feces of the cerebral infarct rats and neurological score, otherwise there is no significant correlation between total amount of feces and neurological score which is taken DSK. By taking DSK, the volume of cerebral infarction does not decrease significantly. Taking DSK restrains the expression of iNOS in the cerebral cortex and striatum of the cerebral infarct rats. Taking DSK restrains the expression of MMP-9 in the cerebral cortex of the cerebral infarct rats. Taking DSK restrains the edema of astrocytes of the positive reaction of GFAP in the cerebral cortex of the cerebral infarct rats. Conclusion : According to above results, Daeseungkitang(DSK) is assumed that showing reaction of protecting neuron cell by restraint brain tissue edema thorough controlling water balance.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제39권4호
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• pp.337-344
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• 2016

Intravenous administration of mesenchymal stem cells (IV-MSC) protects the ischemic rat brain in a stroke model, but the molecular mechanism underlying its therapeutic effect is unclear. We compared genomic profiles using the mRNA microarray technique in a rodent stroke model. Rats were treated with $1{\times}10^6$ IV-MSC or saline (sham group) 2 h after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). mRNA microarray was conducted 72 h after MCAo using brain tissue from normal rats (normal group) and the sham and MSC groups. Predicted pathway analysis was performed in differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and functional tests and immunohistochemistry for inflammation-related proteins were performed. We identified 857 DEGs between the sham and normal groups, with the majority of them (88.7%) upregulated in sham group. Predicted pathway analysis revealed that cerebral ischemia activated 10 signaling pathways mainly related to inflammation and cell cycle. IV-MSC attenuated the numbers of dysregulated genes in cerebral ischemia (118 DEGs between the MSC and normal groups). In addition, a total of 218 transcripts were differentially expressed between the MSC and sham groups, and most of them (175/218 DEGs, 80.2%) were downregulated in the MSC group. IV-MSC reduced the number of Iba-$1^+$ cells in the peri-infarct area, reduced the overall infarct size, and improved functional deficits in MCAo rats. In conclusion, transcriptome analysis revealed that IV-MSC attenuated postischemic genomic alterations in the ischemic brain. Amelioration of dysregulated inflammation- and cell cycle-related gene expression in the host brain is one of the molecular mechanisms of IV-MSC therapy for cerebral ischemia.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제46권2호
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• pp.275-282
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• 2022

Background: Stroke is a neurological disorder characterized by brain tissue damage following a decrease in oxygen supply to brain due to blocked blood vessels. Reportedly, 80% of all stroke cases are classified as cerebral infarction, and the incidence rate of this condition increases with age. Herein, we compared the efficacies of Korean White ginseng (WG) and Korean Red Ginseng (RG) extracts (WGex and RGex, respectively) in an ischemic stroke mouse model and confirmed the underlying mechanisms of action. Methods: Mice were orally administered WGex or RGex 1 h before middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), for 2 h; the size of the infarct area was measured 24 h after MCAO induction. Then, the neurological deficit score was evaluated and the efficacies of the two extracts were compared. Finally, their mechanisms of action were confirmed with tissue staining and protein quantification. Results: In the MCAO-induced ischemic stroke mouse model, WGex and RGex showed neuroprotective effects in the cortical region, with RGex demonstrating superior efficacy than WGex. Ginsenoside Rg1, a representative indicator substance, was not involved in mediating the effects of WGex and RGex. Conclusion: WGex and RGex could alleviate the brain injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion, with RGex showing a more potent effect. At 1,000 mg/kg body weight, only RGex reduced cerebral infarction and edema, and both anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic pathways were involved in mediating these effects.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제28권3호
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• pp.239-252
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• 2024

Dexmedetomidine displays multiple mechanisms of neuroprotection in ameliorating ischemic brain injury. In this study, we explored the beneficial effects of dexmedetomidine on blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and neuroinflammation in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 1.5 h and reperfusion for 24 h to establish a rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Dexmedetomidine (9 ㎍/kg) was administered to rats 30 min after MCAO through intravenous injection, and SB203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor, 200 ㎍/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 30 min before MCAO. Brain damages were evaluated by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, hematoxylin-eosin staining, Nissl staining, and brain water content assessment. BBB permeability was examined by Evans blue staining. Expression levels of claudin-5, zonula occludens-1, occludin, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) as well as M1/M2 phenotypes-associated markers were assessed using immunofluorescence, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and gelatin zymography. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to examine inflammatory cytokine levels. We found that dexmedetomidine or SB203580 attenuated infarct volume, brain edema, BBB permeability, and neuroinflammation, and promoted M2 microglial polarization after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Increased MMP-9 activity by ischemia/reperfusion injury was inhibited by dexmedetomidine or SB203580. Dexmedetomidine inhibited the activation of the ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK pathways. Moreover, activation of JNK or p38 MAPK reversed the protective effects of dexmedetomidine against ischemic brain injury. Overall, dexmedetomidine ameliorated brain injury by alleviating BBB permeability and promoting M2 polarization in experimental cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury model by inhibiting the activation of JNK and p38 MAPK pathways.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제26권2호
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• pp.217-230
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• 2005

Objectives: Chungpaesagan-tang (CPSGT), which is frequently used for treating patients of cerebrovascular disease, has not been reported by clinical doctors concerning the effect of neuronal aptosis caused by brain ischemia. To study the effect of CPSGT on focal cerebral ischemia in normal and diabetic rats and SHR, focal cerebral ischemia was induced by transient MCAO, and after onset CPSGT was administrated. Methods: Rats (Sprague-Dawley) were divided into four groups: sham-operated group, MCA-occluded group, CPSGT­administrated group after MCA occlusion, and normal group. The MCA was occluded by intraluminal method. CPSGT was administrated orally twice (l and 4 hours) after middle cerebral artery occlusion. All groups were sacrificed at 24 hours after the surgery. The brain tissue Was stained with $2\%$ triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) or $1\%$ cresyl violet solution, to examine effect of CPSGT on ischemic brain tissue. The blood samples were obtained from the heart.~. Tumor necrosis $factor-\alpha$ level and interleukin-6 level of serum was measured from sera using enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). Then changes of immunohistochemical expression of $TNF-\alpha$ in ischemic damaged areas were observed. Results: In NC+MCAO+CP and DM+MCAO+CP, CPSGT significantly (p<0.01) decreased the number of neuron cells compared to the control group. CPSGT markedly reduced (p<0.01) the infarct size of the forebrain in distance from the interaural line on cerebral ischemia in diabetic rats. CPSGT significantly reduced the $TNF-\alpha$ expression in penumbra region of damaged hemisphere in diabetic rats. Conclusions: CPSGT had a protective effect on cerebral ischemia in SD rats, especially in diabetic rats compared with normal SD rats.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제21권1호
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• pp.116-125
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• 2000

Objectives : The aim of this study is to investigate that Sunghyangjeongki-San which has been frequently medicated in the early stage of stroke can protect against ischemic damage in rat brain Methods : Extracellular levels of amino acids(glutamate, aspartate, GABA, glycine, taurine, tyrosine, alanine), organic acids(pyruvate, lactate), and cerebral infarction volume were measured at the striatum of rats subjected to permanant focal cerebral ischemia induced by 2 hours of middle cerebral artery occiusion(MCAO). Rats were orally administered with Sunghyangjeongki-San at 30mins before MCAO and the microdialysate was collected by intracerebral microdialysis three times before MCAO and six times after MCAO at 20mins interval and analyzed by HPLC. After a microdialysis study, the brain was sliced and stained with cresyl violet buffer for the measurement of cerebral infarcted area and volume by image analyzer system Results : The concentrations of glutamate, aspartate, and tyrosine known as excitatory neurotransmitters were significantly decreased in Sunghyangjeongki-San group compared with control group, The concentrations of GABA, glycine, taurine and alanine known as inhibitory neurotransmitters were significantly increased in Sunghyangjeongki-San group compared with control group. The concentrations of pyruvate and lactate showed little significant change in Sunghyangjeongki-San group compared with control group. The measurement of cerebral infarcted area and volume by image analyzer system were significantly decreased in Sunghyangjeongki-San group compared with control group. Conclusions : Sunghyangjeongki-San can affect on protecting against cerebral ischemia by regulating extracellular levels of excitatory and inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitters and improve the conditions of the patients in the early stage of stroke.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제30권5호
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• pp.77-87
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• 2009

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of purgation therapy with Natrii sulfas, an oriental medical therapy for stroke patients with constipation, on physiological indexes and the brain edema of rats. Methods: Brain edema was induced by the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO); Natrii sulfas was administered once after the MCAO. At 3, 6, 15, 24, 48 hours after reperfusion, physiological indexes such as fecal weight, urine volume and water content in stool were assessed, and at 48 hours after reperfusion the edema index was measured. Results: 1. Purgation therapy with Natrii sulfas significantly improved the reduction of fecal weight caused by ischemic insult (P<0.05). 2. Purgation therapy with Natrii sulfas significantly improved the reduction of urine volume caused by ischemic insult (P<0.05). 3. Purgation therapy with Natrii sulfas significantly improved the reduction of water content in stool caused by ischemic insult (P<0.05). 4. Purgation therapy with Natrii sulfas did not improve the neurological symptom caused by ischemic insult. 5. Purgation therapy with Natrii sulfas did not attenuate the total infarct volume caused by ischemic insult. 6. Purgation therapy with Natrii sulfas attenuated the brain edema caused by ischemic insult (P<0.05). Conclusions: These results suggest that purgation therapy with Natrii sulfas improves some important symptoms and has a protective effect on the brain edema caused by ischemic insult.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제22권3호
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• pp.137-156
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• 2005

Objectives : Cnidium officinale(CO) has been used for medication for stroke in the Oriental Medicine. So this study was planned to investigate the effects of CO on the focal ischemia-induced by Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion(MCAO) in rats Materials and methods : The focal ischemia was induced by MCAO. CO extracts through oral administration and herbal acupuncture at GB2l was carried out during 3 weeks after focal ischemia-induced. Eight-arm radial maze was used for the behavioral task. For the neuroprotective effect of CO, we investigated AchE, ChAT, and NGF-expression by immnohistochemical method. Results : The error rate in the eight-arm radial maze task was significantly decreased in normal group compared to control group on 1-6days, OA-CO1(CO oral administration, 0.8g/kg) group on 1-6days, OA-CO2(CO oral administration, 1.6g/kg) group on 1-3,5,6days, HA-CO1(CO herbal acupuncture, 0.016g/kg) group on 2,3,6days, HA-CO2(CO herbal acupuncture, 0.008g/kg) group on 1-3,5,6days. The rate of correct choice was significantly increased in OA-CO1, HA-CO2. The density of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 was the most increased in OA-CO1, HA-CO1, HA-CO2. The density of ChAT in the hippocampal CA1 was increased in OA-CO1, HA-CO2. The density of ChAT in the hippocampal CA1 was significantly increased in OA-CO1, HA-CO2. The density of NGE in the hippocampal CAI was significantly increased in OA-CO1, OA-CO2, HA-CO2. Conclusions : These results suggest that CO oral administration with 0.8g/kg and CO herbal acupuncture with 0.008g/kg might be used as a regulator of cell death of cholinergic system induced by stroke.