• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.5 no.5
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• pp.443-449
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• 2001

Previously we reported that THI 52 inhibits tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$ mRNA expression in mouse peritoneal macrophages exposed to LPS plus $IFN-{\gamma}.$ In the present study, the effects of THI 52 on vascular reactivity ex vivo, and iNOS protein expression (rat lung) were investigated in LPS-treated rats. Treatment of THI 52 concentration-dependently reduced not only serum nitrite production but also the expression of iNOS protein in rat lung tissues. Thoracic aorta taken from LPS injected rat for 8 h ex vivo resulted in suppression of vasoconstrictor effects to phenylephrine (PE), which was restored by THI 52 (20 mg/kg) 30 min prior to LPS. When measured iNOS activity, treatment of THI 52 concentration-dependently reduced the enzyme activity in RAW 264.7 cells activated with LPS plus $IFN-{\gamma}.$ Likewise, iNOS activity was significantly reduced in lung tissues taken those rats that were injected THI 52 prior to LPS injection compared with LPS injection alone. These results strongly suggest that THI 52 can suppress iNOS gene expression induced by LPS, and restore the vascular contractility to PE. Thus, THI 52, a new synthetic isoquinoline alkaloid, may be beneficial in inflammatory disorders where production of NO is excessed by iNOS expression.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.228-243
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• 1998

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of Sunghyangchungisan (SHCS) on the regulation of vascular tone. Vascular rings isolated from rabbit carotid artery were myographed isometrically in isolated organ baths and the effect of SHCS on contractile activities were determined. SHCS relaxed the arterial rings which were pre-contracted by phenylephrine(PE). The responses to SHCS were partially dose-dependent at concentrations lower than 0.5 mg/ml. When SHCS was applied prior to the exposure to PE, it inhibited the PE-induced contraction by a similar magnitude which was comparable to the relaxation of pre-contracted arterial rings. Washout of SHCS after observing its relaxant effect resulted in a full recovery of PE-induced contractions, indicating that the action mechanism is reversible. The observation that SHCS did not change the $ED_{50}$ of PE on its dose-response curve ruled out the possible interaction of SHCS and ${\alpha}-receptor$. The relaxant effect of SHCS was not affected by removal of endothelium, and pretreatment of the arterial rings with methylene blue or nitro-L-arginine. This results suggest that the action of SHCS is not mediated by endothelium nor soluble guanylate cyclase. SHCS relaxed high $K^{+}-induced$ contractions as well, whereas it failed to relax phorbol ester-induced contractions. When contraction was induced by additive application of $Ca^{2+}$ in arterial rings which were pre-depolarized by high $K^+$ in a $Ca^{2+}-free$ solution, the relaxant effect of SHCS was attenuated by increasing the $Ca^{2+}$ concentration. SHCS, when applied to the arterial rings pre-contracted by PE and then relaxed by nifedipine, a $Ca^{2+}$ channel blocker, did not show additive relaxation. From above results, it is suggested that SHCS relax PE-induced contraction of rabbit carotid artery in an endothelium-independent manner, and inhibition of $Ca^{2+}$ influx may contribute to the underling mechanism.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.87-103
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• 2023

Backgrounds and objectives: Cardiotonic Pills^® (CP) are used for vascular diseases such as coronary diseases, atherosclerosis, and cerebral infarction. This study aimed to determine the transient effects of CP on cerebrovascular CO₂ reactivity (CVR) and erythrocyte deformability in normal subjects. Methods: This study had a crossover design and included 10 participants who were randomly allocated to 2 groups. The experimental group was given CP with water, while the control group was given only water. CVR was measured by hyperventilation-induced CVR of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) using transcranial Doppler (TCD). Erythrocyte deformability was measured using a Rheoscan-D microfluidic ektacytometer. All measurements were performed prior to and 1, 2, and 3 hours after CP or water administration. Blood pressure and heart rate were also measured before and after administration. Results: CP significantly improved CVR 3 hours after administration in the experimental group compared to the control group (p = 0.042). The corrected blood flow velocity at partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (PETCO₂) = 40mmHg (CV40) was also significantly improved 2 and 3 hours after administration in the CP group compared to the control group (p = 0.036 and p = 0.021, respectively). CP significantly improved erythrocyte deformability 3 hours after administration in the experimental group compared to the control group (p = 0.027). Mean heart rate and mean blood pressure showed no change. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that CP increases CVR and erythrocyte deformability. These results suggested that CP improves cerebral microcirculation which provide evidence for the future use of CP for prevention of ischemic stroke and neurodegenerative diseases.

• The Korean Journal of Cytopathology
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.35-39
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• 2000

Since inflammatory myofibroblastic turner was initially recognized in the lung, this tumor has been described in other extrapulmonary sites. In spite of relatively uniform histologic findings in various organs, a rarity in extrapulmonary sites and highly vascular characteristics frequently lead to a misdiagnosis in preoperative radiology and fine needle aspiration cytology. We present a case of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor occurring in the mesentery of a 4-month-old girl. Fine needle aspiration cytology smear disclosed characteristic spindle cells intermixed with prominent mature plasma cells and lymphocytes. According to the immunohistochemical staining, we recognized that the intervening spindle cells are myofibroblasts which have reactivity for the both actin and vimentin.

• Current Optics and Photonics
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2018

Our previous study showed that switching the inhaled gas from hypoxic gas to hyperoxic gas for 10 minutes increased tumor oxygenation and that the magnitude of oxyhemoglobin increase responded earlier than tumor volume change after chemotherapy. During 10 minutes of inhaled-oxygen modulation, oxyhemoglobin concentration first shows a rapid increase and then a slow but gradual increase, which has been fitted with a double-exponential equation in this study. Two amplitude values, amplitudes 1 and 2, respectively represent the magnitudes of rapid and slow increase of oxyhemoglobin. The trends of changes in amplitudes 1 and 2 were different, depending on tumor volume when chemotherapy started. However, both amplitudes 1 and 2 changed earlier than tumor volume, regardless of when chemotherapy was initiated. These results imply that by observing amplitude 1 changes post chemotherapy, we can reduce the time of a respiratory challenge from 10 minutes to less than 2 minutes, to see the chemotherapy response. We believe that by reducing the time of the respiratory challenge, we have taken a step forward to translating our previous study into clinical application.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.78-84
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• 2001

Heme oxygenase is a rate-limiting enzyme in heme catabolism that cleaves heme to form biliverdin, iron, and carbon monoxide. Heme oxygenase-1 is expressed in many types of cells and tissues and is highly induced in response to oxidative stress. Carbon monoxide, one of the products of heme oxygenase, can stimulate soluble guanylate cyclase and dilate the vascular smooth muscle. So, the induction of heme oxygenase by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced oxydative stress and the effect of the resultant carbon monoxide on aortic contractility were examined in this study. Zinc protoporphyrine IX (ZnPP), a inhibitor of heme oxygenase, elicited weak contraction of thoracic aortic ring, and this effect was more potent in aorta of LPS-treated rats than control and was blocked by methylene blue. The hyperreactivity to ZnPP in LPS-treated group was blocked by co-treatment with aminoguanidine. In the aortic ring of LPS-treated rats, ZnPP didn't change the vasoreactivity to phenylephrine or acetylcholine. ZnPP elicited hyper-tensive effect in concious rats, and pretreatment with LPS did not affect this effect. Prazosin significantly diminished the hypertensive effect of ZnPP. These results indicate that LPS induced heme oxygenase in aotra, and the resultant carbon monoxide diminished the aortic reactivity to vasoconstrictor.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.308-311
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• 2020

Extracts of ginseng species show antihyperglycemic activity. We evaluated the inhibitory effects of diabetic complications for Korean Red Ginseng (KRG), which is enriched in ginsenosides using Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats. The animals were divided into one of four groups (n = 6~9): Long-Evans-Tokushima-Otsuka rats (control rats), OLETF rats, rats given 200 mg/kg KRG, and rats given 400 mg/kg KRG. We examined the protective potential of KRG against type 2 diabetic illnesses. The results exhibited that KRG showed significant antihyperglycemic and antioxidative effects in KRG-treated OLETF rats. And, our results proposed the amelioration of cardiac function through normalized ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and vascular reactivity. Furthermore, histopathological abnormalities in the OLETF rats were prevented by KRG treatment.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.229-241
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• 2003

Background:Autogenous vein is the preferred vascular graft for patients who require coronary artery bypass surgery or peripheral arterial bypass surgery. When an autogenous vein is not available, an allograft saphenous vein can be used as an alternative conduit. Although arterial homograft has been under investigation since the beginning of this century, the viability of endothelial cells and the optimum mode of storage for the venous and arterial allografts is controversial. In addition, with the recently gained knowledge of vascular endothelial functions, such as the production of nitric oxide or thrombomodulin, the viability and antigenicity of endothelial cells are being studied again. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the viability of endothelial cells in the preserved human saphenous veins. Material and Method: The veins were stored in a $4^{\circ}C$ RPMI (Roswell Park Memorial Institute) 1640 solution including 10% fetal calf serum, for one, three, five, seven or fourteen days. After the completion of the storage period, the veins were divided into two groups: Group I: studied immediately at $4^{\circ}C$ (cold) storage (I-1, I-3, I-5, I-7, I-14), and Group II: studied after storage at $-196^{\circ}C$ liquid nitrogen tank (cryopreservation) in an RPMI 1640 solution containing 10% DMSO for two weeks (II-1, II-3, II-5, II-7, II-14). Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), frypan blue exclusion testing, and thrombomodulin immunohistochemistry were performed. Result: In a morphometric study using SEM, there was statistically significant increase in Gundry Score in Groups I-7, I-14, II-5, II-7, and II-14 and showed cellular destruction (p<0.05). In the thrombomodulin immunohistochemistry study, there was reactivity in Groups I-1, I-3, and I-5, but the cryopreserved group revealed decreased reactivity (p<0.05). The trypan blue exclusion testing also showed superior viability in cold storage Group I. Conclusion: Venous allografts preserved in a $4^{\circ}C$ RPMI 1640 solution showed well preserved endothelial cellular integrity and thrombomodulin expression at up to seven days of preservation. Although cryopreservation of venous allografts stored in 10% DMSO -RPMI 1640 solution maintained the endothelial cellular structure on SEM, immunohistochemistry from the thrombomodulin and trypan blue exclusion testing showed decreased viability, It remains to be seen whether the decreased thrombomodulin reactivity could be restored, and what the nature to the relationship is between thrombomodulin and long-term patency of allografts.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.63-78
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• 2002

Kupunggibodan(KU), Gamisamul-tang(GA) and Whangryunhaedok-tang(WH) are clinically the most popular prescriptions as an herbal medicine in the treatment of ischemia. In order to compare and evaluate their protective effects on the ischema-induced cognitive deficits by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), we examined its ability to improve ischemia-induced cell loss and impairements of learning and memory in the Morris water maze and eight-arm radial arm maze. Focal cerebral ischemia produced a marked cell loss, decrease in acetylcholinesterase(AchE) reactivity in the hippocampus, and learning and memory deficits in two behavioral tasks. Pretreatment with WH (100 mg/kg, p.o.) produced a substantial increase in acquisition in the Morris water maze. Pretreatment with KU increased the perfomance of the resention test in the Morris water maze. WH, KU and GA caused a significant improvement in choice accuracy in radial arm maze test. WH was superior to KU and GA in perfomance of the radial arm maze test. Consistent with behavioral data, staining with cresyl violet showed that pretreatments with WH, but not KU and GA significantly recovered the ischemia-induced cell loss in the hippcampal CA1 area. In addition, pretreatments with WH and KU recovered the ischemia-induced reduction of AchE reactivity in the hippocampal CA1 area. These results demonstrated that KU, GA and WH have protective effects against ischimea-induced learning and memory impairments and that the efficacy was the order of WH>KU>GA in tratment of ischemia induced memory deficits. The present studies provide an evidence of KU, GA and WH as putative treatment of vascular dementia. Supported by a fund from the Ministry of Health and Welfare(HMP-00-OO-04-0004), and the Brain Korea 21 Project from Korean Ministry of Education, Korea.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.23-31
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• 1982

1) Experiments were undertaken to elucidate the mechanism which elevates the systemic arterial blood pressure by cadmium (Cd). 2) The mean arterial pressure and peripheral resistance of central ear artery in Cd-poisoned rabbit were significantly increased in comparison with those in control. 3) The vascular pressure response to electrical stimulation in Cd-poisoned group was less than that in control. However, in the former group it showed the supersensitivity to norepinephrine. 4) The response to electrical stimulation was diminished by sodium arachidonate in the ear artery, on the contrary, it was rather enhanced in the vessel of Cd-poisoned group. The responses in both groups were reduced by pretreatment with either $PGE_2\;or\;PGF_{2{\alpha}}$. 5) The response to electrical stimulation was not affected in control, but enhanced in Cd-poisoned group by pretreatment with indomethacin. 6) When the ear artery of control group was perfused with physiological salt solution (PSS) the response to electrical stimulation was not changed by indomethacin, it was much enhanced without affecting on the response to norepinephrine when $K^+-free\;PSS$, was used. These results demonstrate the evidence that the alteration of regulatory mechanism on the vessels was causally related to the elevation of arterial pressure and the increase in peripheral resistance in Cd-poisoned rabbits.