• Applied Microscopy
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• 제42권1호
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• pp.27-33
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• 2012

Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1)은 $17^{\circ}C$보다 낮은 유해한 온도 및 자극적인 화합물에 의해 활성화되며 통각을 조절한다. 그러나 TRPA1에 의한 통각정보가 어떻게 처리되는지에 대한 정보는 많이 알려져 있지 않다. 본 연구에서는 흰쥐의 삼차신경절에서 TRPA1을 발현하는 신경세포의 특성을 규명하기 위해서, 면역형광기법을 사용하여 TRPA1을 발현하는 신경세포에서 다른 통각수용기들에서 발현되며, 특징적인 기능을 수행하는 수용기인 transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)와 $P2X_3$와의 발현양상을 조사하였다. TRPA1을 발현하는 신경세포에서 열감각수용기이며, 통각표지자인 TRPV1과의 공존을 조사해 본 결과, TRPA1 면역양성 신경세포 중에서 58.8% (328/558)가 TRPV1을 동시에 발현하였으며, 41.2% (230/558)가 TRPA1만 발현하고 TRPV1을 발현하지 않았다. TRPA1을 발현하는 신경세포 중 TRPV1을 동시에 발현하는 신경세포는 대부분 작거나 중간크기였다. 또한 TRPA1과 조직의 손상, 그리고 염증 시 분비되는 ATP와 결합하는 $P2X_3$와의 공존을 조사해 본 결과, TRPA1 면역양성 신경세포 중에서 26.1% (310/1186)의 신경세포에서 $P2X_3$을 동시에 발현하였으며, 73.9% (876/1186)의 신경세포에서 TRPA1만 발현하였다. TRPA1을 발현하는 신경세포 중 $P2X_3$을 동시에 발현하는 신경세포는 대부분 작거나 중간크기였다. 이러한 결과는 TRPA1을 발현하는 신경세포가 TRPV1 또는 $P2X_3$를 동시에 발현함으로써 동일한 신경세포가 구강안면영역에서의 냉통각 및 열통각을 조절할 뿐 아니라, 냉통각 및 염증성동통을 동시에 전달하는 등 하나의 신경세포가 여러 가지 통각의 전달에 관여하는 것을 시사한다.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제21권4호
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• pp.361-370
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• 2017

Previous reports have suggested that physical and psychological stresses may trigger fibromyalgia (FM). Stress is an important risk factor in the development of depression and memory impairments. Antidepressants have been used to prevent stress-induced abnormal pain sensation. Among various antidepressants, tianeptine has been reported to be able to prevent neurodegeneration due to chronic stress and reverse decreases in hippocampal volume. To assess the possible effect of tianeptine on FM symptoms, we constructed a FM animal model induced by restraint stress with intermittent cold stress. All mice underwent nociceptive assays using electronic von Frey anesthesiometer and Hargreaves equipment. To assess the relationship between tianeptine and expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB), western blotting and immunohistochemistry analyses were performed. In behavioral analysis, nociception tests showed that pain threshold was significantly decreased in the FM group compared to that in the control group. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus showed downregulation of BDNF and p-CREB proteins in the FM group compared to the control group. However, tianeptine recovered these changes in behavioral tests and protein level. Therefore, this FM animal model might be useful for investigating mechanisms linking BDNF-CREB pathway and pain. Our results suggest that tianeptine might potentially have therapeutic efficacy for FM.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제14권1호
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• pp.45-53
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• 2014

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by a progressive loss of cartilage. And, increased oxidative stress plays a relevant role in the pathogenesis of OA. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a used drug for liver diseases known for its free radical-scavenging property. The objectives of this study were to investigate the in vivo effects of UDCA on pain severity and cartilage degeneration using an experimental OA model and to explore its mode of actions. OA was induced in rats by intra-articular injection of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) to the knee. Oral administration UDCA was initiated on the day of MIA injection. Limb nociception was assessed by measuring the paw withdrawal latency and threshold. Samples were analyzed macroscopically and histologically. Immunohistochemistry was used to investigate the expression of interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$), IL-6, nitrotyrosine and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in knee joints. UDCA showed an antinociceptive property and attenuated cartilage degeneration. OA rats given oral UDCA significantly exhibited a decreased number of osteoclasts in subchondral bone legion compared with the vehicle-treated OA group. UDCA reduced the expression of IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, nitrotyrosine and iNOS in articular cartilage. UDCA treatment significantly attenuated the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), -13, and ADAMTS5 in IL-$1{\beta}$-stimulated human OA chondrocytes. These results show the inhibitory effects of UDCA on pain production and cartilage degeneration in experimentally induced OA. The chondroprotective properties of UDCA were achieved by suppressing oxidative damage and inhibiting catabolic factors that are implicated in the pathogenesis of cartilage damage in OA.

• 대한물리치료과학회지
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• 제13권2호
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• pp.99-119
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• 2006

Endothelin (ET) is a 21 amino acid peptide with multifunctional effects on the vasculature as well as a variety of other cell types such as respiratory, gastrointestinal, urogenital, endocrine, central nervous systems, and others. Endothelin has emerged as a modulator by autocrine and paracrine actions for many cellular activities, including vasoconstriction, cell proliferation, hormone production, neurotransmitter and/or neuromodulator. The endothelin family consists of three closely related peptides, ET-1, ET-2, and ET-3 derived from separate genes, such as chromosome 6, 1, and 20, respectively. ET-1 is the predominant isoform produced in the cardiovascular system and about which most is known. Endothelin receptors are seven-transmembrane GTP-binding protein-coupled receptors, which are classified into endothelin-A (ETA) and endothelin-B (ETB) receptors. Interestingly, recent evidence is accumulating to suggest that ET -1 may contribute to a variety of pain states such as allodynia and hyperalgesia in animals and humans. Therefore, in this review the biological characteristics and contraction-related mechanism of endothelin-1 in mammalian cells will be summarized. Especially, we focus on multifunctional roles for ET-1 in noxious stimulation-induced pain for the study of pain specialized physical therapy.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제20권3호
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• pp.315-324
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• 2005

Pain is an unpleasant sensation experienced when tissues are damaged. Thus, pain sensation in some way protects body from imminent threat or injury. Peripheral sensory nerves innervated to peripheral tissues initially respond to multiple forms of noxious or strong stimuli, such as heat, mechanical and chemical stimuli. In response to these stimuli, electrical signals for conducting the nociceptive neural signals through axons are generated. These action potentials are then conveyed to specific areas in the spinal cord and in the brain. Sensory afferent fibers are heterogeneous in many aspects. For example, sensory nerves are classified as $A{\alpha}$, $-{\beta}$, $-{\delta}$ and C-fibers according to their diameter and degree of myelination. It is widely accepted that small sensory fibers tend to respond to vigorous or noxious stimuli and related to nociception. Thus these fibers are specifically called nociceptors. Most of nociceptors respond to noxious mechanical stimuli and heat. In addition, these sensory fibers also respond to chemical stimuli [Davis et al. (1993)] such as capsaicin. Thus, nociceptors are considered polymodal. Recent advance in research on ion channels in sensory neurons reveals molecular mechanisms underlying how various types of stimuli can be transduced to neural signals transmitted to the brain for pain perception. In particular, electrophysiological studies on ion channels characterize biophysical properties of ion channels in sensory neurons. Furthermore, molecular biology leads to identification of genetic structures as well as molecular properties of ion channels in sensory neurons. These ion channels are expressed in axon terminals as well as in cell soma. When these channels are activated, inward currents or outward currents are generated, which will lead to depolarization or hyperpolarization of the membrane causing increased or decreased excitability of sensory neurons. In order to depolarize the membrane of nerve terminals, either inward currents should be generated or outward currents should be inhibited. So far, many cationic channels that are responsible for the excitation of sensory neurons are introduced recently. Activation of these channels in sensory neurons is evidently critical to the generation of nociceptive signals. The main channels responsible for inward membrane currents in nociceptors are voltage-activated sodium and calcium channels, while outward current is carried mainly by potassium ions. In addition, activation of non-selective cation channels is also responsible for the excitation of sensory neurons. Thus, excitability of neurons can be controlled by regulating expression or by modulating activity of these channels.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제31권2호
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• pp.109-116
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• 2007

Korean red ginseng has broad efficacious effects against hypertension, diabetes, nociception, and cancer, and it counteracts weakness. It has been reported that Korean red ginseng is able to normalize blood pressure, improve cholesterol and lower blood glucose levels. We have recently reported that Korean red ginseng extract (KRGE) significantly prevented rat carotid arterial thrombosis in vivo, and inhibited platelet aggregation ex vivo and in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of KRGE on blood circulation in human by measuring ex vivo platelet aggregation, plasma coagulation and serum lipid profiles in healthy volunteers. Subjects were randomly divided into three groups (placebo-group, KRGE-low dose group, KRGE-high dose group). Administration of KRGE to subjects significantly inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregations both in KRGE-low dose group from $72.79{\pm}20.53$ to $62.00{\pm}23.06%$ (p=0.0009), and in KRGE-high dose group from $75.14{\pm}21.86$ to $64.52{\pm}24.72%$ (p=0.0039), respectively. Administration of KRGE to subjects also significantly inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregations both in KRGE-low dose group from $85.52{\pm}12.57$ to $79.62{\pm}20.47%$ (p=0.0916), and in KRGE-high dose group from $80.24{\pm}18.11$ to $70.31{\pm}25.93%$ (p=0.0565), respectively. Whereas, KRGE has no significant effects on coagulation system, such as prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and serum lipid profiles, such as total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride. KRGE also has no significant effects on hematological and serum biochemical profiles. These results suggest that KRGE has a potential to improve blood circulation through antiplatelet activity in human, and KRGE intake may be beneficial for the individuals with high risks of thrombotic and cardiovascular diseases.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• 제40권3호
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• pp.117-125
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• 2015

The present study investigated the role of central $GABA_A$ and $GABA_B$ receptors in orofacial pain in rats. Experiments were conducted on Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 230 and 280 g. Intracisternal catheterization was performed for intracisternal injection, under ketamine anesthesia. Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)-induced thermal hyperalgesia and inferior alveolar nerve injury-induced mechanical allodynia were employed as orofacial pain models. Intracisternal administration of bicuculline, a $GABA_A$ receptor antagonist, produced mechanical allodynia in naive rats, but not thermal hyperalgesia. However, CGP35348, a $GABA_B$ receptor antagonist, did not show any pain behavior in naive rats. Intracisternal administration of muscimol, a $GABA_A$ receptor agonist, attenuated the thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia in rats with CFA treatment and inferior alveolar nerve injury, respectively. On the contrary, intracisternal administration of bicuculline also attenuated the mechanical allodynia in rats with inferior alveolar nerve injury. Intracisternal administration of baclofen, a $GABA_B$ receptor agonist, attenuated the thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia in rats with CFA treatment and inferior alveolar nerve injury, respectively. In contrast to $GABA_A$ receptor antagonist, intracisternal administration of CGP35348 did not affect either the thermal hyperalgesia or mechanical allodynia. Our current findings suggest that the $GABA_A$ receptor, but not the $GABA_B$ receptor, participates in pain processing under normal conditions. Intracisternal administration of $GABA_A$ receptor antagonist, but not $GABA_B$ receptor antagonist, produces paradoxical antinociception under pain conditions. These results suggest that central GABA has differential roles in the processing of orofacial pain, and the blockade of $GABA_A$ receptor provides new therapeutic targets for the treatment of chronic pain.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제23권4호
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• pp.271-279
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• 2019

The lamina II, also called the substantia gelatinosa (SG), of the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc), is thought to play an essential role in the control of orofacial nociception. Glycine and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) are the important neurotransmitters that have the individual parts on the modulation of nociceptive transmission. However, the electrophysiological effects of 5-HT on the glycine receptors on SG neurons of the Vc have not been well studied yet. For this reason, we applied the whole-cell patch clamp technique to explore the interaction of intracellular signal transduction between 5-HT and the glycine receptors on SG neurons of the Vc in mice. In nine of 13 neurons tested (69.2%), pretreatment with 5-HT potentiated glycine-induced current ($I_{Gly}$). Firstly, we examined with a $5-HT_1$ receptor agonist (8-OH-DPAT, $5-HT_{1/7}$ agonist, co-applied with SB-269970, $5-HT_7$ antagonist) and antagonist (WAY-100635), but $5-HT_1$ receptor agonist did not increase $I_{Gly}$ and in the presence of $5-HT_1$ antagonist, the potentiation of 5-HT on $I_{Gly}$ still happened. However, an agonist (${\alpha}$-methyl-5-HT) and antagonist (ketanserin) of the $5-HT_2$ receptor mimicked and inhibited the enhancing effect of 5-HT on $I_{Gly}$ in the SG neurons, respectively. We also verified the role of the $5-HT_7$ receptor by using a $5-HT_7$ antagonist (SB-269970) but it also did not block the enhancement of 5-HT on $I_{Gly}$. Our study demonstrated that 5-HT facilitated $I_{Gly}$ in the SG neurons of the Vc through the $5-HT_2$ receptor. The interaction between 5-HT and glycine appears to have a significant role in modulating the transmission of the nociceptive pathway.

• 대한소아치과학회지
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• 제28권1호
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• pp.25-31
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• 2001

말초신경 손상에 의한 VIP의 변화를 연구하기 위해 흰쥐 하악대구치 치수제거 후 삼차신경절에서 VIP의 분포 및 반응강도를 공초점레이저주사현미경을 이용하여 관찰하였다. 체중 200g 내외의 Sprague-Dawley계 흰쥐를 대조군과 하악대구치 치수제거 후 14일군으로 분리하여 희생시켰다. 1차 항체로 rabbit anti-VIP, 2차 항체로 fluorescein isothiocyanate(FITC) conjugated anti-rabbit IgG를 사용하여 면역형광염색을 시행한 후 공초점레이저주사현미경으로 관찰하여 다음과 같은 결론을 얻었다. 1. 삼차신경절 하악부위에서 VIP 양성반응세포의 비율은 대조군에서 7.40%를, 실험군에서는 28.42%를 보였다. 대조군에 비해 실험군에서 양성반응세포의 증가를 보였다. 2. 삼차신경절 하악부위에서 VIP면역반응세포체에 대한 상대성 형광강도는 대조군에서 87.78을, 실험군에서는 138.65를 보였다. 대조군과 비교하였을 때 실험군에서 상대성 형광강도의 증가를 보였다. 3. 실험군의 광연속절편$(1{\mu}m)$ 관찰에서 VIP면역반응세포는 9개의 절편 대부분에서 강하게 나타났다. 축삭의 면역반응을 살펴보면, 대조군의 축삭에서는 약한 반응을 보였으며, 실험군의 축삭에서는 강한 면역반응을 보였다. 또한 양성 반응 세포체의 크기는 $20\sim25{\mu}m$의 중간 크기의 세포체에서 강한 면역반응을 보였다. 위의 결과로 보아 치수제거 후에 삼차신경절 하악부위에서 VIP 면역반응세포의 증가와 함께 상대성 형광강도가 높아졌음을 알 수 있었다.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• 제34권4호
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• pp.387-395
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• 2009

신경섬유 말단에서의 유해자극 인지과정에는 신경성장인자 (nerve growth factor [NGF])와 감각성 신경펩티드가 관여하고, 또한 이들은 중추신경계에도 광범위하게 분포되어 있다. 본 연구는 인체 혈액과 타액에서 NGF와 감각성 신경펩티드(substance P [SP], calcitonin gene-related peptide [CGRP])의 농도를 조사하여 다양한 구강안면통증 증상들과의 관계를 알아보고자 시행되었다. 67명의 구강안면통증 환자 (관절 통증, 치아 혹은 치주 통증, 점막 통증)와 36명의 건강한 성인에서 혈장과 안정시 전타액을 채취하여 효소면역분석법 (enzyme immunoassay)을 이용하여 NGF, SP, CGRP의 농도를 측정하였다. 만성통증척도 (Graded Chronic Pain Scale) 설문지를 이용하여 각 피실험자들의 통증강도를 조사하였으며 안정시 전타액의 타액분비율 또한 측정하였다. 관절 통증 환자군은 치아 통증 환자군, 점막 통증 환자군, 대조군 각각에 비하여 유의하게 높은 혈장 내 NGF 농도를 나타내었다. 치아 통증 환자군의 혈장 내 NGF 농도는 대조군에 비하여 유의하게 높았다. 치아 통증 환자군의 타액 내 SP 농도와 점막 통증 환자군의 타액 내 CGRP 농도 또한 대조군에 비하여 유의하게 높았다. 관절 통증 환자군의 혈장 및 타액 내 SP 농도는 통증 강도와 유의한 상관관계를 보였다. 치아 통증 환자군과 점막 통증 환자군에서, 혈장 내 SP 농도, 타액 내 SP 농도, 타액 내 CGRP 농도는 연령에 따라 증가하였다. 혈장과 타액에서의 신경성장인자와 신경펩티드 검사는 다양한 구강안면통증의 특성과 예후를 평가하는데 도움을 줄 수 있으리라 생각된다.