• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.36-48
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• 2013

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of several fractions obtained from methylene chloride ($CH_2Cl_2$) extract of self-fermented pine needle (SFPNE) on the acetylcholine (ACh)-evoked CA release from the isolated perfused model of the rat adrenal medulla and to establish the mechanism of the most active fraction (Fr.)-induced inhibitory action on the CA release. We obtained 6 fractions from $CH_2Cl_2$ extract of self-fermented pine needle. For the ACh (5.32 mM)-evoked CA release, the following rank order of inhibitory potency was obtained: Fr.4-5 > Fr.8-11 ${\gg}$ Fr.3 > Fr.6 = Fr.7 > Fr.1-2. Fr. 4 - 5 (60 ${\mu}g/mL$) perfused into an adrenal vein for 90 min produced relatively time-dependent inhibition of the CA secretory responses to ACh (5.32 mM), DMPP (100 ${\mu}M$), McN-A-343 (100 ${\mu}M$) and high $K^+$ (56 mM). Fr. 4 - 5 itself did not affect basal CA secretion. Also, in the presence of Fr. 4 - 5 (60 ${\mu}g/mL$), the CA secretory responses to angiotensin II (AngII, 0.1 ${\mu}M$), veratridine (50 ${\mu}M$), Bay-K-8644 (10 ${\mu}M$), and cyclopiazonic acid (10 ${\mu}M$) were significantly reduced, respectively. In the simultaneous presence of Fr. 4 - 5 (60 ${\mu}g/mL$) and L-NAME (30 ${\mu}M$), the inhibitory responses of Fr. 4 - 5 on the CA secretion evoked by ACh, DMPP, high $K^+$, AngII, Bay-K-8644 and veratridine were considerably recovered to the extent of the corresponding control secretion compared with that of Fr. 4 - 5-treatment alone. The level of NO released from adrenal medulla after the treatment of Fr. 4 - 5 (60 ${\mu}g/mL$) was greatly elevated compared with the basal level. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Fr. 4 - 5 inhibits the CA secretion from the isolated perfused rat adrenal medulla evoked by stimulation of cholinergic receptors as well as by direct membrane-depolarization. It seems that this inhibitory effect of Fr. 4 - 5 is mediated by blocking the influx of $Ca^{2+}$ and $Na^+$ into the adrenomedullary chromaffin cells as well as by inhibition of $Ca^{2+}$ release from the cytoplasmic calcium store, which is evoked at least partly through the increased NO production due to the activation of NO synthase. Based on these results, it is also thought that Fr. 4 - 5 isolated from $CH_2Cl_2$ extract of pine needle may contain beneficial antihypertensive components to prevent or treat hypertension.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.85-92
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• 2005

Botulinum toxin type A is widely used for anti-wrinkling therapy, and correction of the square face. The toxin ultimately prevent the release of membrane-bound acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction of striated muscles and thus produce chemical denervation and paralysis of the muscles. Our purpose of study is to know if application of botulinum toxin type A on calf reduction is effective, how much dosage is effective, and what are the possible complications. We reviewed data of 30 consecutive patients subjected to calf reduction in Dong-A University Hospital from February 2003 to April 2003. We injected normal saline 2cc on both calves region in 15 control group patients, and the other patients was divided 3 group. Group 1, Group 2, Group 3 was injected 50U, 100U, 150U botulinum toxin A on each calf region and followed up for 6 month. Maximal circumference of calf was not changed in the control group but an average of 0.7 cm reduction was noted in group 1, average 1.34 cm(right calf) and 1.26cm(left calf) in group 2, average 1.44cm(right calf) and 1.58cm(left calf) in group 3. Maximal area of calf was not changed in the control group but average reduction of 12.5%(right calf) and 12.7%(left calf) was obtained in group 1, average 19.4% (right calf) and 19.9%(left calf) in group 2, average 24.8%(right calf) and 21.07%(left calf) in group 3, as measured on CAT scan. Total fat amount and fat amount in the lower extremity was no change in all the groups, but lean body mass was decreased average 1.27%(right calf) and 1.15%(left calf) in group 1, average 3.47%(right calf) and 2.98%(left calf) in group 2, average 3.58%(right calf) and 3.95%(left calf) in group 3. Photography of the preoperative and postoperative 6 month state revealed higher satisfaction in Group 2, 3 compared to Group 1. Use of botulinum toxin type A in calf reduction is a very simple, safe, non-invasive method and effective in terms of calf contouring rather than reduction of calf circumference.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.111-123
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• 2004

Objectives : It has been reported that Cordyceps militaris Mycelia(CMM) has an effect on deficiency allergic asthma(虛喘) clinically. The aim of this study was to determine an appropriate oriental treatment and the doses of CMM to treat asthma. Methods : In order to study the effect of herbal acupuncture solution of the CMM on allergic asthma, the mouse were pretreated by CMM herbal acupuncture at BL13, LU4 before antigen sensitization. 2 days later Mice were actively sensitized with a subcutaneous injection of ovalbumin(OA) and 13 days later they were provoked with OA aerosols. IL-4, lymphocyte, macrophage in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF), IgE in serum, WBC, RBC, HGB in blood, and in vitro isometric contractile responses of the isolated tracheal smooth muscle(TSM) to acetylcholine$(ACh,\;0.1-1000\;{\mu}M)$, KCl were measured. Results : Contractile responses of TSM to ACh were significantly increased in CMM herbal acupuncture 1 group $(Ach\;1000\;{\mu}M)$, CMM herbal acupuncture 2 group $(ACh\;1,\;10\;{\mu}M)$, CMM herbal acupuncture 3 group $(Ach\;0.3,\;1,\;30,\;300\;{\mu}M)$. The sensitivity of TSM to ACh was significantly decreased in CMM herbal acupuncture 3 group. The maximal contractile response of TSM to ACh was significantly decreased in CMM herbal acupuncture 1, 3 group. The maximal contractile response of TSM to KCl was significantly decreased in CMM herbal acupuncture 1, 2, 3 group. The counts of lymphocytes in BALF was significantly increased in CMM herbal acupuncture 3 group. The counts of macrophages in BALF was significantly decreased in CMM herbal acupuncture 3 group. Interleukin-4 level in BALF was significantly increased in CMM herbal acupuncture 1,3 group. and it was increased in CMM herbal acupuncture 2 group, but there was no significance. Serum IgE level was significantly decreased in CMM herbal acupuncture 1, 2, 3 group. The counts of WBC in blood was significantly increased in CMM herbal acupuncture 1, 3 group Conclusion : Based on the above results it is assumed that CMM herbal acupuncture at BL13, LU4 can help the treatment of deficiency allergic Asthm.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.360-366
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• 2008

Purpose: Botulinum toxin type A(BoTA) can block the release of vasoconstriction cotransmitters as well as acetylcholine in nerve terminal. The authors observed that BoTA increases flap survival by preventing sympathetic collapse of peripheral vessels. Methods: 10 Sprague Dawley rats were divided into control(n=5), and BoTA group(n=5). $3{\times}10cm$ sized random pattern cutaneous flaps were elevated on the dorsal side in both groups. In BoTA group, BoTA was injected into the flap via intradermal to subdermal route, 7 days before the flap elevation. Flap survival rates (survival area/total area) were measured 7 days after the elevation. Cutaneous blood flow was measured in proximal, middle and distal compartments of the flap using laser Doppler flowmetry initially, preoperatively, at immediate postoperation, and 7 days after flap elevation, respectively. Histological examination was performed 7 days after the flap elevation. The number and shape of the vessels were evaluated under microscope. Results: Mean flap survival was $53.18{\pm}6.58%$ in control group and $93.79{\pm}6.06%$ in BoTA group, displaying statistically significant difference(p=0.0008, p<0.05). In the control group, blood flow to the middle and distal compartments of the flap decreased significantly immediately after flap elevation. In the BoTA group, blood flow to the middle compartment did not decrease(p=0.002) and slightly decreased in the distal compartment(p=0.001). Cutaneous blood flow was significantly higher in all compartments of the flap in BoTA group than in control group, 7 days after the flap elevation. In histopathologic examination, greater number of vessels were noted in the BoTA group than in the control group. Conclusion: Botulinum toxin A can increase the survival of the random pattern cutaneous flap in rats by preventing the sympathetic collapse of peripheral vessels.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 1995.04a
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• pp.106-106
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• 1995

A polysaccharide, G009, isolated from Ganoderma lucidum IY009 subjected to investigating on general pharmacology. This material at the large oral doses of 1000 and 2000mg/kg in mice did neither exhibit any abnormal behaviors nor effects on central nervous system. It also had no influences on hexobarbital-induced sleeping time, rotarod test and spontaneous activity test at each oral dose of 1000mg/kg in mice. No effects on the body temperature and on acetic acid induced writhing syndrome in mice were observed with its oral administration at 1000mg/kg, and the convulsions induced by strychnine and pentetrazole were not inhibited at its oral doses of 1000mg/kg in mice. The solution of G009 as given intravenously at the doses of 30 and 60mg/kg in rabbit had no influences on blood pressure and respiration rates and depth. In isolated organs of rat uterus and fundus muscles and guinea-pig ileum and trachea, it did not show any contraction or relaxation at the concentration of 2$\times$10$^{-3}$g/ml, and the contractive actions produced by oxytocin, acetylcholine, serotonin and histamine did not inhibited by the same doses. This material showed no effect on intestinal propulsion test in mice and gastric secretion in rats at the oral doses of 1000mg/kg. However, it is interesting that the material exhibited potent inhibition of acidified aspirin induced gastric damage at the doses of 500 and 1000mg/kg in rats.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.199-212
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• 1983

The inhibition/influences of adenine compounds on the heart have been described repeatedly by many investigators, since the first report by Druny and Szent-Gyorgyi [1929]. These studies have shown that adenosine and adenine nucleotides have an over-all effect similar to that of acetylcholine [ACh] by slowing and weakening the heartbeat. The basic cellular and membrane events underlying the inhibitory action of adenosine on sinus rate, however, are not well understood. Furthermore, the physiological role of adenosine in regulation of the heartbeat remains still to be elucidated. Therefore, this study was undertaken in order to examine the response of rabbit SA node to adenosine and to compare the response to that of ACh. Isolated SA node preparation, whole atrial pair, or left atrlal strip was used in each experiment. Action potentials of SA node were recorded through the intracellular glass microelectrodes, which were filled with 3M KCI and had resistance of 30-50 M. All experiments were performed in a bicarbonate-buffered Tyrode solution which was aerated with 3% $CO_2-97%$ $O_2$ gas mixture and kept at $35^{\circ}C$. Spontaneous firing rate of SA node at 35C [Mean + SEM, n=16] was 154 + 3.3 beats/min. The parameters of action potentials were: maximum astolic potential [MDP], -731.7mV: overshoot [OS], 9 + 1.4mV; slope of pacemaker potential [SPP], 94 3.0mV/sec.Adenosine suppressed the firing rate of SA node in a dose dependent manner. This inhibitory effect appeared at the concentration of $10^{-6}M$ and was potentiated in parallel with the increase in adenosine concentration. Changes in action potential by adenosine were dose-dependent increase of MDP and decrease of SPP until $10^{-4}$. Above this concentration, however, the amplitude of action potential decreased markedly due to the simultaneous decrease of both MDP and OS. All these effects of adenosine were not affected by pretreatment of atropine [2mg/l] and propranolol [$5{\times}10^{-6}M$]. ACh [$10^{-6}M$] responses on action potential were similar to those of adenosine by increasing MDP and decreasing SPP. These effects of ACh disappeared by pretreatment of atropine [2mg/1]. Inhibition/effects of adenosine and ACh on sinus rate were enhanced synergistically with the simultaneous administration of adenosine and ACh. Marked decrease of overshoot potential was the most prominent feature on action potential. Dipyridamole [DPM], which is known to block the adenosine transport across cell membrane, definitely potentiated the action of adenosine . Adenosine suppressed the sinus rate and atrial contractility in the same dosage range, even in the reserpinized preparation. Above` results suggest that adenosine suppresses pacemaker activity, like ACh, by acting directly on the membrane of SA node, increasing MDP and decreasing SPP.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.41 no.8
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• pp.691-700
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• 2008

One suggested mechanism underlying copper (Cu) deficiency teratogenicity is a low availability of nitric oxide (NO), signaling molecule which is essential in developmental processes. Increased superoxide anions secondary to decreased activities of Cu-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn SOD) in Cu deficiency can interact with NO to form peroxynitrite, which can nitrate proteins at tyrosine residues. In addition, peroxynitrite formation can limit NO bioavailability. We previously reported low NO availability and increased protein nitration in Cu deficient (Cu-) embryos. In the current study, we tested whether Cu deficiency alters downstream signaling of NO by assessing cyclic GMP (cGMP) and phosphorylated vasodilator-stimulating phosphoprotein (VASP) levels, and whether NO supplementation can affect these targets as well as protein nitration. Gestation day 8.5 embryos from Cu adequate (Cu+) or Cu- dams were collected and cultured in either Cu+ or Cu- media for 48 hr. A subset of embryos was cultured in Cu- media supplemented with a NO donor (DETA/NONOate; 20 ${\mu}M$) and/or Cu-Zn SOD. Cu-/Cu- embryos showed a higher incidence of embryonic and yolk sac abnormalities, low NO availability, blunted dose-response in NO concentrations to increasing doses of acetylcholine, low mRNA expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), increased levels of 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) compared to Cu+/Cu+ controls. cGMP concentrations tended to be low in Cu-/Cu- embryos, and they were significantly lower in Cu-/Cu- yolk sacs than in controls. Levels of phosphorylated VASP at serine 239 (P-VASP) were similar in all groups. NO donor supplementation to the Cu- media ameliorated embryonic and yolk sac abnormalities, and resulted in increased levels of cGMP without altering levels of P-VASP and 3-NT. Taken together, these data support the concept that Cu deficiency limits NO availability and alters NO/cGMP-dependent signaling in Cu- embryos and yolk sacs, which contributes to Cu deficiency-induced abnormal development.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.263-273
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• 2020

In this study, in order to confirm the ameliorative effects of onion (Allium cepa L.) flesh and peel on amyloidbeta (Aβ)-induced cognitive dysfunction, we evaluated their in vitro neuroprotection and in vivo cognitive functions. As the result of in vitro neuroprotection, the protective effect of the ethyl acetate fraction of onion flesh (EOF) on Aβ-induced cytotoxicity was similar to that of the ethyl acetate fraction of onion peel (EOP). In the behavioral tests, the EOF and EOP effectively improved the Aβ-induced learning and memory impairments. For this reason, it could be concluded that the EOF and EOP improved the antioxidant activities (superoxide dismutase, oxidized glutathione/total glutathione, and malondialdehyde) in brain tissue. In addition, the EOF and EOP effectively activated mitochondrial functions by protecting the mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP, mitochondria-mediated protein (BAX and cytochrome c), and caspase 3/7 activities. The EOF and EOP also improved the cholinergic system (acetylcholinesterase and acetylcholine). Therefore, we suggest that onion could be used for management of Aβ-induced cognitive dysfunction.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.15-24
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• 1996

After rapid eye movement(REM) sleep was idenified in 1953, a lively interest developed concerning a possible role of this kind of sleep in memory processes. The author reviewed studies relating REM to memory/learning. Many studies in animals and humans gave substantial evidence for relating REM sleep to memory function. The evidence supporting the position taken in this paper comes from experiments showing that : (1) learning session is followed by the significant augmentation of REM sleep : (2) REM sleep deprivation, prior to learning or immediately thereafter, impairs the formation of a permanent memory/learning : (3) there is a vulnerable period of time(eg, REM sleep "window") following succussful learning, during which REM sleep deprivation results in memory impairment : (4) theta rhythm which develops during REM sleep induces long-term potentiation in hippocampus : (5) there are some evidences providing the relationship of neurotransmitter systems to the maintenance of REM sleep and memory storage processes.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.314-320
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• 2010

The previous reports have showed that ginseng saponins, which are the active ingredients of Panax ginseng, cause the relaxation of artery that are contracted due to a various of hormones or potassium ($K^+$). Recently, we also showed that ginsenosides differentially regulate channel activity. The purpose of this study was to examine whether ginseng saponins affect contraction induced by $K^+$, serotonin (5-HT), or acetylcholine (Ach) in porcine coronary vessel. Treatment with concentrations of ginseng saponins caused a relaxation of 25 mM KCl-induced porcine coronary artery contraction. Also, ginseng saponin induced a significant dose-dependent relaxation of $3\;{\mu}M$ 5-HT-induced porcine coronary artery with the endothelium. In the porcine artery with the endothelium, ginseng saponins induced a relaxation by $3\;{\mu}M$ 5-HT in a concentration-dependent pattern. Ginseng saponins induced relaxation of both 25 mM KCl- and $3\;{\mu}M$ 5-HT-induced coronary artery contraction in the absence and presence of the endothelium. In contrast, treatment with $100\;{\mu}g/mL$ ginseng saponin did not induce relaxation in coronary artery contraction induced by Ach ($0.01\;{\mu}M$ to $30\;{\mu}M$) in the presence of the endothelium, but did cause significant relaxation of coronary artery contractions by Ach ($0.01\;{\mu}M$ to $30\;{\mu}M$) in the absence of the endothelium. These findings indicate that ginseng saponin (> $100\;{\mu}g/mL$) significantly inhibits porcine coronary artery contractions caused by $K^+$, 5-HT, and Ach. Therefore, in this study, we demonstrated that ginseng saponin may show beneficial roles on abnormal coronary contraction.