• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.1-6
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• 1984

It has been generally recognized that the secretion of aldosterone is mainly regulated by angiotensin II in animals and humans, however, potassium and ACTH are also proposed as other humoral factors involved in the aldosterone secretory process. Recently, stress, anesthesia, adrenergic stimulation, low sodium intake or water deprivation stimulate plasma renin activity, while high sodium intake and deoxycorticosteroid have been reported to cause suppression of renin activity in animals. It seems that overall response of aldosterone secretory mechanisms reflects complex interactions both intrarenal and extrarenal components. Furosemide has been widely used to investigate the control of renin secretion by the kidney, and the relationship between diuretics and the disposition of endogenous aldosterone were reported (Oh, 1984). The sequential with 10 min interval samples of plasma were collected following administration of furosemide(1 mg/kg), aspirin(10 mg/kg), respectively. And also similar experiment was performed in the propranolol (10 mg/kg) pretreated rabbits. The results were as follows : 1) The concentration of plasma aldosterone was average of $426.I{\sim}485.5pg/ml$ in normal rabbits. Plasma concentrations of aldosterone rised significantly after injection of furosemide during 50 min, and the rise of plasma aldosterone was blocked by the propranolol pretreatment 2) Significant fall in the plasma level of aldosterone after injection of aspirin was noted. This result indicates that the increased secretion of aldosterone induced by furosemide administration is mediated through ${\beta}-receptors$, and the possible role of prostaglandin is substantiated.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.299-307
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• 2015

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is normally related to multiorgan dysfunction and local complications. Studies have found that local pancreatic renin-angiotensin system (RAS) was significantly upregulated in drug-induced SAP. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of angiotensin II receptors inhibitor valsartan on dual role of RAS in SAP in a rat model and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. 3.8% sodium taurocholate (1 ml/kg) was injected to the pancreatic capsule in order for pancreatitis induction. Rats in the sham group were injected with normal saline in identical locations. We also investigated the regulation of experimentally induced SAP on local RAS expression in the pancreas through determination of the activities of serum amylase, lipase and myeloperoxidase, histological and biochemical analysis, radioimmunoassay, fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis. The results indicated that valsartan could effectively suppress the local RAS to protect against experimental acute pancreatitis through inhibition of microcirculation disturbances and inflammation. The results suggest that pancreatic RAS plays a critical role in the regulation of pancreatic functions and demonstrates application potential as AT1 receptor antagonists. Moreover, other RAS inhibitors could be a new therapeutic target in acute pancreatitis.

• 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.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• v.53 no.9
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• pp.606-618
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• 2023

Background and Objectives: The prognostic or safety implication of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RASi) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are not well established, mainly due to concerns regarding left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction aggravation. We investigated the implications of RASi in a sizable number of HCM patients. Methods: We enrolled 2,104 consecutive patients diagnosed with HCM in 2 tertiary university hospitals and followed up for five years. RASi use was defined as the administration of RASi after diagnostic confirmation of HCM. The primary and secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality and hospitalization for heart failure (HHF). Results: RASi were prescribed to 762 patients (36.2%). During a median follow-up of 48.1 months, 112 patients (5.3%) died, and 94 patients (4.5%) experienced HHF. Patients using RASi had less favorable baseline characteristics than those not using RASi, such as older age, more frequent history of comorbidities, and lower ejection fraction. Nonetheless, there was no difference in clinical outcomes between patients with and without RASi use (log-rank p=0.368 for all-cause mortality and log-rank p=0.443 for HHF). In multivariable analysis, patients taking RASi showed a comparable risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-1.14, p=0.150) and HHF (HR, 1.03, 95% CI, 0.63-1.70, p=0.900). In the subgroup analysis, there was no significant interaction of RASi use between subgroups stratified by LVOT obstruction, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, or maximal LV wall thickness. Conclusions: RASi use was not associated with worse clinical outcomes. It might be safely administered in patients with HCM if clinically indicated.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.61-74
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• 1992

Influence of the blockade of the three major pressor systems-sympathetic nervous system (SNS), renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and vasopressin system-on the pressor responsiveness to norepinephrine (NE), angiotensin II (AII), and vasopressin (VP) as well as on basal blood pressure (BP) levels was investigated in urethane-anesthetized rabbits. To block the SNS and RAS, chlorisondamine (CS) and pirenzepine (PZ), sympathetic ganglionic blockers, and enalapril (ENAL), an inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme, respectively were used. And for suppressing the VP system bremazocine (BREM), a kappa opiate receptor agonist shown to suppress plasma levels of VP, was employed. Each of CS (0.4 mg/kg), ENAL (2 mg/kg), and BREM (0.25 mg/kg) produced almost same levels of steady hypotensive state. The hypotensive effect of BREM was significantly attenuated by desmopressin, a synthetic VP-like analogue, suggesting the hypotension being at least in part due to suppression of plasma levels of VP. CS, ENAL and BREM elicited further fall of the BP which had been lowered by ENAL or BREM, CS or BREM, and CS or ENAL, respectively. The hypotension produced by both CS and PZ together with either of ENAL or BREM was more marked than that produced by the three drugs other than CS. CS potentiated the pressor response not only to NE but to AII and VP. The pressor effect of AII was increased by ENAL and BREM, too. The pressor response to VP was also enhanced by BREM. Blockade of ${\alpha}-adrenergic$ receptors with phentolamine or phenoxybenzamine potentiated the pressor response to AII and that to VP. The results on basal BP levels indicate that the three major pressor systems are all participating in control of BP, but SNS has the greatest potential for supporting BP. The finding that blockade of one of the pressor systems induced enhanced pressor responsiveness to the pressor hormone of that particular system as well as to the pressor hormone(s) of the other systems(s) provides evidence for important interactions among the three major pressor systems.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.313-318
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• 1986

Primary aldosteronism is a disease that the stimulus for the excessive aldosterone production resides within the adrenal gland. It was first described by conn in 1955. And many cases were reported by physicians at present in the world. But it is relatively rare in Korea, probably due to lack of attension and medical facilities. Only about 13 cases have been reported at present. The clinical, biochemical features in 1 case of primary aldosteranism caused by adrenal hyperplasia that was diagnosed at Yeungnam University Hospital was observed and the following result were obtained. 1. Clinical feature: The present case was 27-year-old woman who was admitted due to general weakness and easy fatigability. The above mensioned chief complaints occurred 8 months prior to admission when she delivered of second baby by cesarian section. Symptoms such as above chief complaints, intermittent muscle paralysis and cramping were noticed. Trousseau's sign was also present. The average blood pressure ranged from 170/90 to 200/120. 2. Biochemical abnormalities: Severe hypokalemia lower than 2.5 mEq/L was presented and 24 hours urine potassium showed markedly increased urinary loss.(228 mEq/day). Plasma renin activity was decreased under normal range with furosemide administration.(Basal renin; 0.01ng/ml/hr, stimulated renin 0.12ng/ml/hr). Saline suppression test revealed markedly elevated levels of aldosterone higher than normal range. (Basal aldosterone; 320.68pg/ml stimulated aldosterone; 451.86pg/ml). And posture test showed decreased plasma renin activity and increased plasma aldosterone level. - PRA(ng/ml/hr)=Bsal: 0.05(0.15~2.33), Stimulated: 0.22(1.31~3.95) - Aldosterone(pg/ml)=Bsal: 242.77(10~160), Stimulated: 432.09(40~310) 3. Adrenal CT scan revealed no abnormal findings. 4. Treatment and course: Spironolactone was given at OPD with regular follow-up. Her blood pressure ranged from 150/90 to 160/100 and symptoms were improved. The effect of treatment was satisfactory and further follow up would be performed.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.187-193
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• 2009

Purpose : Adiponectin is a molecule that plays an important role in the metabolic syndrome. In addition, its concentration is known to be decreased in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and coronary artery disease. Although a relationship between hypertension and serum adiponectin concentrations has been reported by several authors, such findings continue to be debated. We investigated whether hypoadiponectinemia is related to hypertension in adolescents and studied the associated genetic polymorphism. Methods : Forty hypertensive adolescents (Age 16-17 years old) and twenty normotensive matched subjects were included. Serum adipo-nectin, insulin, renin, aldosterone and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) levels were compared. Their carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were measured. Polymorphisms of the adiponectin I164T gene were investigated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results : The hypertensive adolescents had significantly greater cIMT and PWV. In addition, the serum aldosterone, renin and insulin levels were significantly higher in the hypertensive group. The plasma concentrations of adiponectin did not differ significantly between the two groups. TC genotype was not found in our study subjects; they all had the TT genotype of the adiponectine gene. Conclusion : The results of our study showed that adiponectin levels were not significantly different in adolescents with hypertension. There was no distinctive genetic polymorphism observed in this group of patients. Further large scale studies are needed to clarify the association between genetic variations and adiponectin in hypertensive adolescents.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.255-277
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• 1998

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of Aqua-Acupuncture of Yukmijiwangtang(六味地黃湯) and Palmijihwang-tang(八味地黃湯) water extracts applied at the meridian points BL 23(賢兪) and GV 4(命門) to test the renal function in normal rats. The results obtained were as follows; 1. Among the effects of Aqua-Acupuncture of Yukmijihwangtang water extract at the merdian point BL 23 group, there were significant changes in water balance and urine volume over a 1 week period; Both decreasing and decreasing trends were exihibited. Urinary excretion of sodium and free water clearance changed significantly over a 2 week period; Both decreasing and increasing trends were exihibited, Urinary excretion of potassium, chloride and creatinine, plasma renin activity, plasma levels of aldosterone and atrial natriuretic peptide showed no significant differences compared to the contral group. 2. Among the effects of Aqua-Acupuncture of Palmljihwangtang water extract at the merdian point BL 23 group, there were significant changes in water balance and free water clearance over a 2 week period; a decreasing trend. Urinary excretion of creatinine changed significantly over a 2 week period; an increasing trend. Urinary excretion of chloride changed significantly over 1 week period; an increasing trend. The plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide changed significantly over 1 and 2 week period; an increasing trend. Urine volume, urinary excretion of sodium and pottasium, plasma renin activity and plasma level of aldosterone showed no significant differences compared to the control group. 3. Among the effects of Aqua-Acupuncture of Yukmijihwangtang water extract at the meridian point GV 4 group, there was significant decrease in water balance over a 2 week period; there was significant decrease in urine volwne and urinary excretion of sodium and creatinine over a 1 week period, followed by an increasing trend after 2 weeks. Urinary excretion of free water clearance demonstrated significant changes over both 1 and 2 week period; both increasing and decreasing trends were exihibited. Urinary excretion of chloride and plasma levels of aldosterone increased significantly over 1 and 2 week period. Plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide also decreased significantly. Plasma renin activity showed no significant differences compared to the control group. 4. Among the effects of Aqua-Acupuncture of Palmijihwangtang water extract at the meridian point GV 4 group, water balance and urinary excretion of chloride, plasma levels of aldosterone decreased significantly over both 1 and 2 week period. Urine volume and urinary excretion of pottasium decreased significantly. Urinary excretion of creatinine and urinary excretion of sodium changed significantly over both 1 and 2 week period. Urinary excretion of free water clearance, plasma renin activity and plasma level of atrial natriuretic peptide showed no significant differences compared to the control group. Seeing these results, I come to know that the effects Aqua-Acupuncture of Yukmijihwangtang and Palmijihwangtang water extracts at the meridian point BL 23 and GV 4 have affected the renal function differently. Seeing the results that BL 23 is a meridian point for Aqua-Acupuncture directly related to the kidney, I think, we can use Aqua-Acupuncture of Yuk-mijihwangtang and Palmijihwangtang water extracts to prevent and to treat the diseases related to kidney.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.35-46
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• 1976

To evaluate the possible pathophysiologic role of renin in acute renal failure observed in Korean hemorrhagic fever (KHF), the author measured the basal plasma renin activity (PRA) and the stimulated PRA by radioimmunoassay for angiotensin I in 15 normal controls and 42 KHF patients who are admitted in Seoul National University Hospital and Nation Army Hospital from Jan. 1975 to Jan. 1976. The results obtained were as follows: The mean basal PRA in normal control group was $2.9{\pm}2.16ng/ml/hr$ in the patients during the oliguric phase of KHF, the mean basal PRA was $4.7{\pm}2.13ng/ml/hr$, and there was statistically significant increase compared to the normal control. In the patients during the diuretic phase of KHF, the mean basal PRA was $3.4{\pm}2.09ng/ml/hr$, and there was statistically significant decrease compared to the oliguric phase of KHF. In normal control group, the mean basal PRA was $2.9{\pm}2.16ng/ml/hr$. And the PRA 1 hour after the administration of $Lasix^{(R)}$ 40 mg intravenously(stmulated PRA) was $5.3{\pm}2.20ng/ml/hr$ and there was statistically significant increasec ompared to basal level. In oliguric phase of KHF, the mean basal PRA was $4.6{\pm}2.01ng/ml/hr$. And stimulated PRA was $4.4{\pm}2.34ng/ml/hr$ and there was no significant changes. In diuretic phase of KHF, the mean basal PRA was $3.3{\pm}1.86ng/ml/hr$. And stimulated PRA was 5.2{\pm}2.58ng/ml/hr and there was statistically significant increase compared to basal level. There were statistically no significant correlations between basal PRA and stimulated PRA and serum creatinine, BUN, urine volume and peritonial dialysis.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.24 no.4 s.36
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• pp.516-530
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• 1991

A case-control study was conducted to investigate the effect of low-level blood lead on the blood pressure. The plasma renin activity(PRA) was measured also to investigate one of the possible mechanisms by which lead nay play a role to influence on the blood pressure. Seventy-two hypertensive and sixty -nine control study subjects were selected from the workers who had no history of b-related lead exposure, in Ulsan city and it's vicinity, Korea. In addition to measuring blood lead levels and PRA, body mass index(BMI), hematocrit, serum sodium, potassium, creatinine, ionized calcium, and cholesterol were measured. Also, the habits of smoking, alcohol drinking and family history of hypertension were checked. The blood lead level of the hypertensive group was $19.8{\pm}5.5{\mu}g/dl$, which was significantly higher than that of the control group, $12.5{\pm}4.7{\mu}g/dl$(p<0.01). On multiple logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio of blood lead level on the occurence of high blood pressure was 1.38, also statistically significant (p<0.01). There was no significant differences between the hypertensive and the control group in the PRA or In (PRA), but there was a marginally significant linear relationship between blood lead and PRA in the hypertensive group(p<0.1). In conclusion, blood lead level which has been known to be within normal limits may be one of the possible risk factors of hypertension and PRA alteration by lead may act as one of the mechanisms.