• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제8권4호
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• pp.219-225
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• 2004

The pelvic ganglia provide autonomic innervations to the various urogenital organs, such as the urinary bladder, prostate, and penis. It is well established that both sympathetic and parasympathetic synaptic transmissions in autonomic ganglia are mediated mainly by acetylcholine (ACh). Until now, however, the properties of ACh-induced currents and its receptors in pelvic ganglia have not clearly been elucidated. In the present study, biophysical characteristics and molecular nature of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) were studied in sympathetic and parasympathetic major pelvic ganglion (MPG) neurons. MPG neurons isolated from male rat were enzymatically dissociated, and ionic currents were recorded by using the whole cell variant patch clamp technique. Total RNA from MPG neuron was prepared, and RT-PCR analysis was performed with specific primers for subunits of nAChRs. ACh dose-dependently elicited fast inward currents in both sympathetic and parasympathetic MPG neurons $(EC_{50};\;41.4\;{\mu}M\;and\;64.0\;{\mu}M,\;respectively)$. ACh-induced currents showed a strong inward rectification with a reversal potential near 0 mV in current-voltage relationship. Pharmacologically, mecamylamine as a selective antagonist for ${\alpha}3{\beta}4$ nAChR potently inhibited the ACh-induced currents in sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons $(IC_{50};\;0.53\;{\mu}M\;and\;0.22\;{\mu}M,\;respectively)$. Conversely, ${\alpha}-bungarotoxin$, ${\alpha}-methyllycaconitine$, and $dihydro-{\beta}-erythroidine$, which are known as potent and sensitive blockers for ${\alpha}7$ or ${\alpha}4{\beta}2$ nAChRs, below micromolar concentrations showed negligible effect. RT-PCR analysis revealed that ${\alpha}3$ and ${\beta}4$ subunits were predominantly expressed in MPG neurons. We suggest that MPG neurons have nAChRs containing ${\alpha}3$ and ${\beta}4$ subunits, and that their activation induces fast inward currents, possibly mediating the excitatory synaptic transmission in pelvic autonomic ganglia.

• 생약학회지
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• 제34권4호통권135호
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• pp.318-323
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• 2003

Extracts of Black cohosh (Cimicifugae rhizoma) have been used for the treatment of climacteric complaints for decades. A significant number of woman entering menopause exhibit the following symptoms: getting hot flushes, night sweats, irritability, depression, and anxiety, A reduction of the frequency of hot flushes equivalents and hints on the antidepressant activity of Cimcifuga extracts. In the present work, we have screened several 80% ethanol extracts from medicinal plants and found that the extracts from Cimicifugae Rhizoma(Black cohosh:승마) have inhibitory effect on catecholamine secretion in bovine chromaffin cell. Since this extract inhibited 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium iodide (DMPP)-induced catecholamine secretion, but did not inhibit KCl, bradykinin, and veratridine-evoked case, this inhibitory effect is mediated by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors with noncompetitive manner.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• 제27권11호
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• pp.1741-1746
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• 2006

3D-QSARs on the neuroblocking activities by 1-(6-chloro-3-pyridylmethyl)-2-nitroiminoimidazolidine analogues as agonist at the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) were studied quantitatively using CoMFA and CoMSIA methodologies. The statistical results of CoMFA (A5: $r^2\;_{cv.}\;=\;0.707\;&\;r^2\;_{ncv.}$= 0.986) and CoMSIA model (A3: $r^2\;_{cv.}$ = 0.715 & $r^2\;_{ncv.}$ = 0.961) showed the best predictability and fitness for neuroblocking activity based on the cross-validated value and non-cross validated value. The steric and H-bond acceptor nature of a compound were essential for high activity. The study on 3D-QSARs between substrate molecules and their neuroblocking activities appears to be an useful approach for designing better neuroblocking drug development.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제27권5호
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• pp.591-599
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• 2009

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) play important roles in nervous system functions and are involved in a variety of diseases. We previously demonstrated that ginsenosides, the active ingredients of Panax ginseng, inhibit subsets of nAChR channel currents, but not ${\alpha}7$, expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Mutation of the highly conserved Leu247 to Thr247 in the transmembrane domain 2 (TM2) channel pore region of ${\alpha}7$ nAChR induces alterations in channel gating properties and converts ${\alpha}7$ nAChR antagonists into agonists. In the present study, we assessed how point mutations in the Leu247 residue leading to various amino acids affect 20(S)-ginsenoside $Rg_3$ ($Rg_3$) activity against the ${\alpha}7$ nAChR. Mutation of L247 to L247A, L247D, L247E, L247I, L247S, and L247T, but not L247K, rendered mutant receptors sensitive to $Rg_3$. We further characterized $Rg_3$ regulation of L247T receptors. We found that $Rg_3$ inhibition of mutant ${\alpha}7$ nAChR channel currents was reversible and concentration-dependent. $Rg_3$ inhibition was strongly voltage-dependent and noncompetitive manner. These results indicate that the interaction between $Rg_3$ and mutant receptors might differ from its interaction with the wild-type receptor. To identify differences in $Rg_3$ interactions between wild-type and L247T receptors, we utilized docked modeling. This modeling revealed that $Rg_3$ forms hydrogen bonds with amino acids, such as Ser240 of subunit I and Thr244 of subunit II and V at the channel pore, whereas $Rg_3$ localizes at the interface of the two wild-type receptor subunits. These results indicate that mutation of Leu247 to Thr247 induces conformational changes in the wild-type receptor and provides a binding pocket for $Rg_3$ at the channel pore.

• 대한핵의학회지
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• 제36권4호
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• pp.261-270
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• 2002

목적: nAChRs의 ${\alpha}_4{\beta}_2$ 아형에 높은 친화력과 선택성을 갖는 리간드인 $2-[^{18}F]fluoro-A85380([^{18}F]1)$의 효율적인 합성과정을 연구하여 방사화학적 수율, 비방사능, 합성시간, 마우스에서 생물학적 평가의 측면에서 문헌에 보고된 결과들과 비교 평가하였다. 대상 밀 방법: 전구물질의 I을 $^{18}F$으로 치환한 다음 중간물질을 분리하지 않고 trifluoroacetic acid를 가하여 보호기를 제거하였다. 반응혼합액을 HPLC로 정제하여 얻은 방사성리간드($[^{18}F]1$)를 마우스의 꼬리 정맥에 주사한 후에 정해진 시간별로 6개의 뇌조직 (소뇌, 해마, 선조체, 피질, 시상, 상구)을 분리하여 무게를 측정하고 감마계수기를 이용하여 방사능을 측정하였다. 또한 스코폴라민, 메카밀아민, 사이티신, (-)니코틴, 비방사성 표준물질(1)을 마우스에 피하주사로 투여하고 방사성리간드 주사 후 90분에 6개의 뇌조직을 분리하여 무게 및 방사능을 측정하여 %ID/g으로 나타내었다. 이 결과를 대조군과 비교하였다. 결과: $^{18}F$ 표지 후 중간물질을 분리하지 않고 한 번의 HPLC 정제를 통하여 $[^{18}F]1$을 15-20%의 방사화학적 수율로 합성하였으며 비방사능은 $38-55GBq/{\mu}mol$이었다. 이 방사성리간드의 마우스 뇌에서의 분포결과, 주사 후 30분에 nAChRs가 풍부하게 분포되어 있는 시상과 상구에서 가장 많은 섭취를 보였고 이 수용체가 부족한 소뇌에는 거의 섭취되지 않았다. 여러 리간드를 사용하여 $[^{18}F]1$ 섭취의 억제효과를 본 실험에서는 nAChRs 작용제인 사이티신 및 (-)니코틴의 전처리가 시상 및 상구에서 $[^{18}F]1$의 섭취를 70-90% 감소시켰으며, 소뇌에서는 억제효과가 관측되지 않았다. 결론: 이 연구에서 사용된 방법으로 얻어진 $[^{18}F]1$의 방사화학적 수율, 비방사능, 뇌에서의 분포 그리고 여러 리간드에 의한 억제효과는 문헌에 보고된 결과와 유사하였다. 따라서 중간물질을 분리하지 않고 한번의 HPLC를 사용하는 방법이 $[^{18}F]1$의 상용생산에 유용하게 사용될 수 있을 것으로 기대한다.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제41권3호
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• pp.244-255
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• 2018

Low-grade pro-inflammatory state and leptin resistance are important underlying mechanisms that contribute to obesity-associated hypertension. We tested the hypothesis that Astragaloside IV (As IV), known to counteract obesity and hypertension, could prevent obesity-associated hypertension by inhibiting pro-inflammatory reaction and leptin resistance. High-fat diet (HFD) induced obese rats were randomly assigned to three groups: the HFD control group (HF con group), As IV group, and the As IV + ${\alpha}$-bungaratoxin (${\alpha}-BGT$) group (As IV+${\alpha}-BGT$ group). As IV ($20mg{\cdot}Kg^{-1}{\cdot}d^{-1}$) was administrated to rats for 6 weeks via daily oral gavage. Body weight and blood pressure were continuously measured, and NE levels in the plasma and renal cortex was evaluated to reflect the sympathetic activity. The expressions of leptin receptor (LepRb) mRNA, phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (p-STAT3), phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (p-PI3K), suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) mRNA, and protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) mRNA, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA and neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA were measured by Western blot or qRT-PCR to evaluate the hypothalamic leptin sensitivity. Additionally, we measured the protein or mRNA levels of ${\alpha}7nAChR$, inhibitor of nuclear factor ${\kappa}B$ kinase subunit ${\beta}/nuclear$ factor ${\kappa}B$ ($IKK{\beta}/NF-KB$) and pro-inflammatory cytokines ($IL-1{\beta}$ and $TNF-{\alpha}$) in hypothalamus and adipose tissue to reflect the anti-inflammatory effects of As IV through upregulating expression of ${\alpha}7nAChR$. We found that As IV prevented body weight gain and adipose accumulation, and also improved metabolic disorders in HFD rats. Furthermore, As IV decreased BP and HR, as well as NE levels in blood and renal tissue. In the hypothalamus, As IV alleviated leptin resistance as evidenced by the increased p-STAT3, LepRb mRNA and POMC mRNA, and decreased p-PI3K, SOCS3 mRNA, and PTP1B mRNA. The effects of As IV on leptin sensitivity were related in part to the up-regulated ${\alpha}7nAchR$ and suppressed $IKK{\beta}/NF-KB$ signaling and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the hypothalamus and adipose tissue, since co-administration of ${\alpha}7nAChR$ selective antagonist ${\alpha}-BGT$ could weaken the improved effect of As IV on central leptin resistance. Our study suggested that As IV could efficiently prevent obesityassociated hypertension through inhibiting inflammatory reaction and improving leptin resistance; furthermore, these effects of As IV was partly related to the increased ${\alpha}7nAchR$ expression.

• 대한약리학회지
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• 제32권1호
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• pp.13-21
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• 1996

세포내 칼슘농도는 신경세포의 다양한 기능에 매우 중요한 역할을 하고 있다. 본 연구에서는 일차배양한 마우스 소뇌과립세포에서 니코틴성 아세틸콜린 수용체가 특정 발생단계에 발현되고 세포내 칼슘의 농도조절에 관여하는 것을 관찰하였다. 니코틴에 의한 세포내 칼슘농도의 변화는 $^{45}Ca^{2+}$나 fura-2를 사용하여 형광법으로 측정하였다. 니코틴은 마우스 소뇌과립세포내 칼슘의 농도를 최대한 증가시키는 것으로 보인다. 반면에 일차배양한 Glia 세포들에서는 $^{45}Ca^{2+}$ 농도를 증가시키지 않았다. 세포내 칼슘농도에 미치는 니코틴의 효과는 NMDA 수용체에 대한 길항제에 의하여 억제되었다. 또한 Glutamate pyruvate transminase (GPT)를 사용하여 배양액의 글루타민산을 제거하면 니코틴효과가 소실되는 것이 관찰되었다. 이러한 결과는 니코틴에 의한 세포내 칼슘농도의 변화가 세포에서 유리된 글루타민산에 의한 간접적인 효과임을 암시한다. Fura-2를 사용한 형광법으로 실험한 결과 니코틴은 two phase로 세포내 칼슘농도를 증가시키는 것을 보여주었다. NMDA 수용체 길항제와 GPT는 단지 후기 plateau상만 억제하였다. 따라서 본 연구결과는 니코틴이 직접 니코틴성 아세틸콜린 수용체를 자극하여 일시적으로 세포내 칼슘농도를 증가시키고 글루타민산을 유리하여 NMDA 수용체를 활성화시킴으로써 세포내 칼슘농도를 지속적으로 증가시키는 것으로 보여진다. 이러한 결과는 니코틴성 아세틸콜린 수용체가 특정한 발생과정에 발현되어 세포내 칼슘농도 조절에 관여함으로써 신경발생과정에서 중요한 역할을 할 수 있음을 보여주고 있다. state를 나타내는 것을 알 수 있다. 또한 $[^3H]DPCPX$를 이용한 competitive binding assay에서 0.1 mM GTP는 효현제인 PIA의 apparent affinity를 감소시켰으며, DPCPX의 apparent affinity는 증가시키고, CGS-15943에는 아무런 영향을 미치지 않았다. 이것은 상기의 $[^{35}S]GTP_{\gamma}S$ binding의 결과를 뒤받침해 주는 결과라고 생각된다.요한 역할을 할 수 있으리라 사료된다.X>$Ca^{2+}$에 의하여 활성화되는 $K^+$ 통로를 개방시킴으로 세포내 $Ca^{2+}$을 감소시켜 뇌 기저동맥의 이완반응을 매개하는 것으로 사료된다. 함량을 조정하므로, 흉선세포의 apoptosis에 억제적으로 작용할 수 있음을 시사하는 것으로 사료된다. 영양액에 의하여는 회복됨을 볼 수 있었으며 $Mg^{++}$ 증가 영양액에서는 억제, TTX 동시 투여시에는 완전히 소실되었다. 이상의 실험결과로 흰쥐 해마에서 $A_1-adenosine$ 수용체를 통한 adenosine의 NE 유리 감소는 TEA 및 4AP에 예민한 $K^+$-통로가 관여하고 여기에는 세포외액의 Ca^{++}의 농도가 중요한 인자의 하나로 관여 하는 것으로 사료된다. 영상의 질을 크게 향상 시켜 줌으로 비가역 3구획모델에서의 PGA방법을 대체할 새로운 파라메터 영상구성방법으로 적합할 것이다.관계되며, YH439는 중금속으로 유도된 조직독성에 방어효과가 있음을 지지한다.총 아미노산의 순은

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제4권4호
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• pp.270-275
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• 2010

Catecholamines are among the first molecules that displayed a kind of response to prolonged or repeated stress. It is well established that long-term stress leads to the induction of catecholamine biosynthetic enzymes such as tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine ${\beta}$-hydroxylase (DBH) in adrenal medulla. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of ginseng on TH and DBH mRNA expression. Repeated (2 h daily, 14 days) immobilization stress resulted in a significant increase of TH and DBH mRNA levels in rat adrenal medulla. However, ginseng treatment reversed the stress-induced increase of TH and DBH mRNA expression in the immobilization-stressed rats. Nicotine as a ligand of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) in adrenal medulla stimulates catecholamine secretion and activates TH and DBH gene expression. Nicotine treatment increased mRNA levels of TH and DBH by 3.3- and 3.1-fold in PC12 cells. The ginseng total saponin exhibited a significant reversal in the nicotine-induced increase of TH and DBH mRNA expression, decreasing the mRNA levels of TH and DBH by 57.2% and 48.9%, respectively in PC12 cells. In conclusion, immobilization stress induced catecholamine biosynthetic enzymes gene expression, while ginseng appeared to restore homeostasis via suppression of TH and DBH gene expression. In part, the regulatory activity in the TH and DBH gene expression of ginseng may account for the anti-stress action produced by ginseng.