• Animal cells and systems
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.114-120
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• 2012

In echinoderms, the SALMFamide neuropeptides sharing the SxL/FxFamide motif seem widespread throughout the phylum and may be important signalling molecules that mediate various physiological functions. Recent identification of S1 and its analogues, MagS3 and MagS4, along with the S2 analogue, MagS2 from the starfish $Marthasterias$ $glacialis$, indicated that SALMFamides in the class Asteroidea are more diverse than previously thought. Further, isolation of the neuropeptides from the radial nerve cord and studies on pharmacological actions of the neuropeptides on the cardiac stomach warrant studies on the tissue distributions of these peptides in both the nervous and digestive systems. In the present study, antisera raised against an S1 analogue, KYSALMFamide, and an S2 analogue, KYSGLTFamide, were used to localize the distribution patterns of the S1- and S2-like immunoreactivities (S1-IR/S2-IR) in the nervous and digestive systems of the starfish. In the nervous system, cell bodies in the ectoneural part were immunostained for both S1 and S2 peptides, while in the digestive system, the basiepithelial plexus and mucosal cell bodies were immunoreactive. These immunocytochemical data support the notion that the SALMFamides may play a neuroendocrine role in mediating feeding behaviour of the starfish. Further studies including identification of peptide binding sites and differential expression pattern of mRNAs encoding the peptides are required to elucidate their physiological functions.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.13-20
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• 2007

In all female mammals, reproductive system is one of the first biological systems to show age-related decline. Female mammals in reproductive aging, though the phenomena is somewhat species-specific, start to show declining fertility and changes of numerous physiological functions. This review will present a current information on the aging of the female reproductive hormonal axis and introduce three useful rodent models for studying this field. Middle age($8{\sim}12$ months old) in female rats and mice is comparable to the stage prior to the entry of menopause in human. In this period pulsatile and surge GnRH secretion from hypothalamus gradually attenuated, then reduced pulsatile and surge LH secretion is followed consequently. This age-related defects in GnRH-LH neuroendocrine axis seem to be highly correlated with the defects in brain signals which modulate the activities of GnRH neuron. Many researchers support the idea which the age-related hypothalamic defects are the main cause of reproductive aging, but some ovarian factors such as inhibin response also could contribute to the induction of reproductive senescence. Some rodent models are quite valuable in studying the reproductive aging. The follitropin receptor knockout(FORKO) mice, both of null and haploinsufficient state, could produce depletion of oocyte/follicle with age. Dioxin/aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AhR) knockout mice also show severe ovarian defects and poor reproductive success early in their life compared to the age-matched normal mice. Further studies on the reproductive aging will be a great help to evaluate the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy(HRT) and to improve the safety of HRT.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.175-185
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• 2008

Accumulating evidence has suggested the existence of reciprocal communication between immune, endocrine, and neurotransmitter system. Cytokine hypothesis of depression implies that increased pro-inflammatory cytokine such as -1, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-${\alpha}$, and IFN-${\gamma}$ in major depression, acting neuromodulators, play a key role in the mediation of behavioral, neuroendocrine, and neurochemical disturbances in depression. Concerning the relation between cytokines and serotonin metabolism, pro-inflammatory cytokines have profound effects on the metabolism of brain serotonin through the enzyme indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase(IDO) that metabolizes tryptophan, the precursor of 5-HT to neurodegenerative quinolinate and neuroprotective kynurenate. The neurodegeneration process is reinforced by the neurotoxic effect of the hypercortisolemia during depression. From this perspective, it is possible that efficacy of antidepressants in the treatment of depression may, at least in part, rely on downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine synthesis. So, the use of cytokine synthesis inhibitors or cytokine antagonists may be a new treatment approach in depression. However, at present the question whether cytokines play a causal role in the onset of depression or are mere epiphenomena sustaining depressive symptoms remains to be elucidated. Nevertheless, cytokine hypothesis has created new perspectives in the study of psychological and pathophysiological mechanism that are associated with major depression, as well as the prospect for developing a new generation antidepressants.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.15-21
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• 1995

Several populations of lymphocytes possess receptors for autonomic neurotransmitter, which make lymphocytes susceptible to autonomic stimulation. This study was to evaluate the functional alternation of effector cells of the immune system. Female Balb/C mice, 15-20 g, were injected with MA subcutaneously under various conditions. Mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) showed certain T cell subsets were affected by MA. The level of interleukin-2 (IL-2) production was inhibited due to a defect in expression of the IL-2 receptor. In mice injected with 20 mg MA/kg, 1 day before assay, phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophages showed $14.07\pm3%$, which was similar degree to 5 mg MA/kg treatment for 4 consecutive days. Phagocytosis was almost recovered to that of control after 4 day in 20 mg/kg injected mice. Maximum inhibition of plaque forming cell (PFC) occurred when MA was given early, indicating the inductive time point of antibody production was affected. The cortisol level increased in the MA treated group (0.05, 0.20, and $0.08{\mu}g$/dl for control, low, and high dose-MA treated mice, respectively). Based on these results, MA has general suppression effects on the immune systems by functional alteration of effector cells. Considering the increment of serum cortisol levels, MA partially impacts the neuroendocrine system to lead to failure of immune response.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.143-153
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• 2023

Objective: Men's sexual health plays an important role in male fertility and childbearing, as it is associated with factors such as sexual desire, healthy spermatogenesis, and erectile function. In various cultures, medicinal plants have been utilized to address male sexual issues, including infertility and erectile dysfunction. Despite recent advancements in medical science for treating male impotence, some men opt for herbal supplements as an alternative, given that numerous herbs have the potential to enhance male sexual performance. The Apiaceae family is one of the oldest plant families used for medicinal purposes. Ferula, a genus within this family, comprises approximately 170 different species worldwide. Members of this genus possess numerous therapeutic properties due to the presence of various compounds. This article aims to explore the potential impacts of Ferula plants on the male reproductive system. Methods: This review article was prepared by searching for terms including Ferula and "aphrodisiac," Ferula and "spermatogenesis," and Ferula and "male reproductive system." Relevant information was gathered through electronic databases, including ISI Web of Knowledge, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Results: The findings indicated that relatively comprehensive studies have been conducted in this area, revealing that certain Ferula species have been employed in folk medicine to boost fertility and libido. Recent research has corroborated these effects. Conclusion: It is hoped that new aphrodisiac compounds with fewer side effects can be isolated from Ferula plants in the future.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 2005

The hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal hormone axis is centrally controlled by a complex regulatory network of excitatory and inhibitory signals, that is dormant during infantile and juvenile periods and activated at puberty. The kisspeptins are the peptide products of the KiSS-1 gene and the endogenous agonists for the G protein-coupled receptor 54(GPR54). Although KiSS-1 was initially discovered as a metastasis suppressor gene, a recent evidence suggests the KiSS-1/GPR54 system is a key regulator of the reproductive system. Yet the actual role of the KiSS-1/GPR54 system in the neuroendocrine control of gonadotropin secretion remains largely unexplored, the system could be the first missing link in the reproductive hormonal axis. Central or peripheral administration of kisspeptin stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, increasing circulating gonadotropin levels in rodents, sheep, monkey and human models. These effects appear likely to be mediated via the hypothalamic GnRH neuron system, although kisspeptins may have direct effects on the anterior pituitary gland. The loss of function mutations of the GPR54(GPR54-/-) have been associated with lack of puberty onset and idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism(IHH). So kisspeptin infusion may provide a novel mechanism for HPG axis manipulation in disorders of the reproductive system.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.196-202
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• 2014

Depression is one of the most common neuropsychiatric disorders and has been associated with the neuroendocrine system and alterations in behavior. Schisandra chinensis Baillon is one of major medicinal plants used as a Korea medicine and food sources, and has been processed in the fields of various food products and medicinal herbs. The chronic mild stress (CMS) protocol is widely used to evoke depressive-like behaviors in laboratory mice or rat. The CMS procedure induced some behavioral changes that are compatible with the common expectations, i.e. 'anhedonic' behavior and can affect corticosterone level. The present study, Schisandra chinensis extract administration by daily gavage from the 3 weeks exhibited an antidepressant-like effect on CMS-induced depression in mice. Schisandra chinensis extract administration at dose of 200mg/kg significantly increased the sucrose consumption, and decreased the immobility durations in forced swim test and tail suspension test. Furthermore the corticosterone level decreased than control group. In conclusion, Schisandra chinensis extract showed antidepressant-like effects on sucrose preference test, forced swimming test and tail suspension test based on CMS model.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.440-448
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• 1996

Bronchial carcinoid tumors are uncommon, constituting approximately 3-5% of all primary lung cancers. Classification of these tumors has evolved substantially as our understanding of the cellular, biologic, and clinical aspects of these neoplasms has improved. Initially, bronchial carcinoids were thought to be benign and therefore were classified as bronchial adenomas. Currently, however, they are well recognized as having the potential for both local invasion and distant metastatic involvement. Consequently, carcinoid tumors are frankly malignant. Thus bronchial adenoma is a misnomer that should no longer be used for bronchial carcinoids. Most investigators currently favor classifying carcinoid tumors as a type of neuroendocrine neoplasm because of their potential to secrete a variety of chemical substances found in both the central nervous system and the epithelial cells of numerous organs. Bronchial carcinoids are usually characterized by a slow growth pattern and a low incidence of metastasis, and histologically conformed by the azurophil staining and the presence of the characteristic neurosecretary granule on electron microscopy. Atypical carcinoid tumor was first defined by Arrigoni et al, who proposed the following criteria for separation of atypical carcinoid from typical carcinoid tumor : 1) increased mitotic activity with 1 mitotic figure per 1-2 high power fields(or 5-10 mitoses /10 HPF), 2) nuclear pleomorphism, hyperchromatism, and an abnormal nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio, 3) areas of increased cellularity with disorganization of the architecture, and 4) tumor necrosis. In contrast, typical carcinoid tumor may have focal cytologic pleomorphism, but necrosis is absent and mitotic figures are rare. Recently we experienced a case of atypical bronchial carcinoid with multiple distant metastasis, so we report this case with a review of the literature.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.75-82
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• 2016

The immune system and neuroendocrine systems are the two key components that maintain bodily homeostasis. Peripheral blood specimens can indicate abnormalities in a body, which often cause various threats to human health, including devastating autoimmune or metabolic diseases. To develop a treatment regimen for such diseases, experimental animal models are indispensable to researchers in academic fields. In this study, we examined the peripheral blood of 3 representative mouse strains (ICR, Balb/c, and C57Bl/6), which are widely used, to investigate whether there is a difference in reference range according to animal model. We performed hematological and chemistry analysis on individuals of both genders. The results of hematology analysis showed that the number of most types of blood cells was lower in ICR than in the other two strains. The results of chemical analysis revealed no specific pattern, but different patterns according to the individual indicator. Although the distinction between ICR and B6 was prominent, differences between Balb/c and B6 were also observed for several indicators. For some indicators, totally different patterns existed between females and males. Conclusively, this study provides the information that 3 experimentally representative mouse models have their own basal levels of blood components, suggesting the importance of a careful choice of a proper mouse model in research into immune or metabolic diseases, to exclude any biases.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.35 no.10
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• pp.1053-1059
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• 2002

In post-genome period, the technique for identifying gene expression has been changed to high throughput screening. In the field of molecular nutrition, the need for this technique to clarify molecular function of the specific nutrient is essential. In this study, we have tested the zinc-regulated gene expression in zinc-deficient U937 cells, using cDNA microarray which is the cutting-edge technique to screen large numbers of gene expression simultaneously. The study result can be used for the preliminary gene screening data for clarifying, using monocyte U937 cell line, molecular Zn aspect in atherosclerosis. U937 cells were cultured in Zn-adequate (control, 12 $\mu$M Zn) or Zn-deficient (experimental, 0 $\mu$M Zn) ESMI media during 2 days, respectively. Cells were harvested and RNA was extracted. Total RNA was reverse-transcriptinized and synthesized cDNA probe labeled with Cy-3. fluorescent labeled cDNA probe was applied to microarray slide for hybridization slide, and after then, the slide was scanned using fluorescence scanner. ‘Highly expressed genes’ in Zn-deficient U937 cells, comparing to Zn-adequate group, are mainly about the genes for motility protein, immune system protein, oncogene and tumor suppressor and ‘Less highly expressed genes’ are about the genes for transcription, apoptosis associated protein, cell cycle, and several basic transcription factors. The results of this preliminary study imply the effectiveness of cDNA microarray for expression profiling of a singly nutrient deficiency, specially Zn. Furthur study, using tailored-cDNA array and capillary endothelial cell lines, would be beneficial to clarify molecular Zn function, more in detail.