• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.210-217
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• 1996

Farfarae Flos, a traditional herb medicine, has been used in Korea and China for many centuries as a treatment for respiratory disease. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of Farfarae Flos on histamine-induced tracheal smooth muscle contraction in rats. Guinea pigs(500g, female) were killed by CO2 exposure and a segment (8-10mm) of the thoracic trachea from each guinea pig was cut into equal segments and mounted 'in pairs' in a tissue bath. Contractile force was measured with force displacement transducers under 0.5g loading tension. The dose of histamine which evoked 50% of maximal response (ED50) was obtained from cumulative dose response curves for histamine (10-7-10-4M). Contractions evoked by histamine(ED50) were inhibited significantly by Farfarae Flos. The mean percent inhibition was 8.7% after 1.5mg/ml Farfarae Flos, and 33.5% (p<0.05) after 5.0mg/ml Farfarae Flos. Propranolol (10-7M) slightly but significantly attenuated the inhibitory effects of Farfarae Flos. Following treatment with propranolol, the mean percent inhibition caused by 5.0mg/ml Farfarae Flos. Indomethacin and methylene blue (10-7M) did not significantly alter the inhibitory effect of Farfarae Flos. These results indicate that Farfarae Flos can relax histamine-induced contraction of guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle, and that this inhibition involves, in part, symphathetic nerve system.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.83-93
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• 1997

Rhizoma Coptidis, a traditional herb medicine, has been used in Korea and China for many centuries as a treatment for many disease. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of Rhizoma Coptidis on histamine-induced tracheal smooth muscle contraction in guinea pigs and rats. Guinea pigs(500g, male) and rats(250g, male) were killed by $CO_2$ exposure and a segment (8-10mm) of the thoracic trachea from each guinea pig was cut into equal segments and mounted 'in pairs' in a tissue bath. Contractile force was measured with force displacement transducers under 0.5g loading tension. The dose of histamine which evoked 50% of maximal response ($ED_{50}$) was obtained from cumulative dose response curves for histamine ($10^{-7}-10^{-3}M$). Contractions evoked by histamine($ED_{50}$) were inhibited significantly by Rhizoma Coptidis. The mean percent inhibition was 33.2% after 1.5mg/ml Rhizoma Coptidis, and 69.5% after 5.0mg/ml Rhizoma Coptidis in guinea pigs, and the mean percent inhibition was 25.3% after 1.5mg/ml Rhizoma Coptidis, and 65.8% after 5.0mg/ml Rhizoma Coptidis in rats. Indomethacin ($10^{-7}M$) slightly but significantly attenuated the inhibitory effects of Rhizoma Coptidis. But propranolol and methylene blue ($10^{-7}M$) did not significantly alter the inhibitory effect of Rhizoma Coptidis. These results indicate that Rhizoma Coptidis can relax histamine-induced contraction of guinea pig and rat tracheal smooth muscle, and that this inhibition involves, in part, cyclooxygenese inhibitor.

• 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.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.54-73
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• 2012

Objectives: To investigate the scientific evidence of Korean Medicine (KM), papers on Socheongryong-tang (Xiaoqinglong-tang), which is frequently used in medical clinics or hospitals of Korean medicine, were collected and analyzed. Methods: Papers were classified by the registration of domestic or international journals, the year of publication, experimental models and the subjects of biological activities. The mechanisms of biological activity in accordance with therapeutic effects of Socheongryong-tang (Xiaoqinglong-tang) were noted. Results: Among 98 papers included, 21 were published in domestic journals whereas 35 were in Chinese journals and 43 in Japanese journals. Most reported biological activities were amelioration of asthma. Socheongryong-tang (Xiaoqinglong-tang) regulated interleukin and interferon and immunoglobulin, inhibited the production of nerve growth factor, endotheliln-1, nitric oxide, toll-like receptor-4, p-Akt and increased extracellular signal regulated kinase and cyclin D1, which led to decreased bronchi inflammation and bronchoconstriction, and inhibited the proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells, mucus secretion and airway hyperresponsiveness. In addition, Socheongryong-tang (Xiaoqinglong-tang) also restored tissues injured by asthma so that respiratory function recovered. Conclusions: Amelioration of asthma by Socheongryong-tang (Xiaoqinglong-tang) is supported by objective and scientific evidence.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.155-159
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• 2022

Cohen syndrome is a rare genetic disorder associated with mutations in the VPS13B gene. Individuals with this disorder present with diverse clinical manifestations, including muscle hypotonia, intellectual disabilities, and typical facial characteristics, such as prominent upper central incisors and micrognathia. General anesthesia was administered to a 23-year-old man with Cohen syndrome. Although we observed prominent upper central incisors, an overjet of 10 mm, micrognathia, and thyromental distance of 4 cm, hypotonia was not observed in the patient. Intubation was rendered difficult when performing a direct laryngoscopy. However, smooth intubation was achieved using a video laryngoscope. The patient's train of four (TOF) count remained zero close to 60 min after rocuronium administration, suggesting that the drug's muscle-relaxant effect may have been prolonged. A TOF ratio of 0.79 was confirmed 130 min after rocuronium administration, and a TOF ratio of 1.0 was confirmed after administration of 150 mg of sugammadex. The patient's respiration remained stable after extubation, and no recurarization of muscle relaxation was observed. As demonstrated in this case report, it is important to closely monitor recovery from muscle relaxation and prepare multiple techniques for airway management in general anesthesia management of patients with Cohen syndrome.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.427-439
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• 2004

It has been reported that Bopheyangyoungjeon(BYJ) has an effect on deficiency asthma(喘虛) clinically. The aim of this study was to determine an appropriate dosage of BYJ to treat asthma. In order to study the effects of orally administered BYJ on allergic asthma, mice were pretreated with three oral doses of the herbal solution of BYJ before antigen sensitization. 2 days later Mice were actively sensitized with a subcutaneous injection of ovalbumin and 13 day later ovalbumin aerosols were used to provoke asthmatic reaction. Serum level of IgE, IL-4, WBC, RBC, HGB, cell numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF), and in vitro isometric contractile responses of the isolated tracheal smooth muscle(TSM) to acetylcholine(ACh, 0.1-1000uM), KCl were measured. The results were as follows ; 1. Contractile responses of TSM to ACh significantly increased in C group at Ach 0.3, 1, 3, 10, 30, 100, 300, 1000uM(P<0.05, P<0.01) and increased in D at 0.1, 0.3, 3, 30, 30, 100, 300, 1000uM. 2. The sensitivity of TSM to Ach increased more in A, B group, but it was not significant. 3. The maximal contractile response of TSM to ACh decreased more significantly in C group(P<0.01) and D group(P<0.05) the control group. 4. The maximal contractile response of TSM to KCI decreased more significantly in B group and C group(P<0.001) than in the control group. 5. The counts of lymphocytes in BALF decreased more significantly in B group and D group(P<0.05) than in the control group. 6. The counts of macrophages in BALF decreased more significantly in B group, C(P<0.05) than in the control group. 8. Serum IgE level increased more significantly in B group and C group(P<0.05) than the control group. 9. The counts of WBC, RBC, HGB in blood increased more significantly in A group than the control group. The above results support a role for BYJ orally administered in treatment of deficiency allergic Asthma.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.59-64
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• 2012

Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) is physiologically important response for preventing mismatching between ventilation and perfusion in lungs. The HPV of isolated pulmonary arteries (HPV-PA) usually require a partial pretone by thromboxane agonist (U46619). Because the HPV of ventilated/perfused lungs (HPV-lung) can be triggered without pretone conditioning, we suspected that a putative tissue factor might be responsible for the pretone of HPV. Here we investigated whether HPV can be also observed in precision-cut lung slices (PCLS) from rats. The HPV in PCLS also required partial contraction by U46619. In addition, $K^+$ channel blockers (4AP and TEA) required U46619-pretone to induce significant contraction of PA in PCLS. In contrast, the airways in PCLS showed reversible contraction in response to the $K^+$ channel blockers without pretone conditioning. Also, the airways showed no hypoxic constriction but a relaxation under the partial pretone by U46619. The airways in PCLS showed reliable, concentration-dependent contraction by metacholine ($EC_{50}$, ~210 nM). In summary, the HPV in PCLS is more similar to isolated PA than V/P lungs. The metacholineinduced constriction of bronchioles suggested that the PLCS might be also useful for studying airway physiology in situ.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.37 no.12
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• pp.1015-1018
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• 2004

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare disease in women in childbearing age leading to progressive respiratory failure. LAM is characterized by an abnormal harmartomatous proliferation of smooth muscle cells surrounding the blood vessels, lymphatics and airways in the lung. This proliferation leads to airway obstruction, cystic alveolar change and lymphatic obstruction. Patients present with dyspnea, pneumothorax, cough, chest pain, hemoptysis, and chylous effusion. Although lung transplantation is the only therapeutic modality in end-stage LAM with respiratory failure, there has not been any report of successful treatment in Korea. We report one case of successful left single lung transplantation in a 40 year old woman suffering from end-stage LAM.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.131-141
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• 2001

Objectives : Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder in which the airway smooth muscle undergoes exaggerated constriction and is abnormally responsive to external stimuli and clinically manifests dyspnea, cough, and wheezing. Recently in Korea, the number of asthma patients has tended to increase as air pollution increases and new allergens appear. This study aimed to identify the therapeutic effects of Sochongryong-tang, which has been used on asthmatic patients in Oriental Medicine for a long time. Methods : We studied 10 asthmatic patients who had visited the Division of Respiratory System, Department of Internal Medicine of Kyunghee Oriental Medical Center from February 1, 2001 to June 30, 2001, which examined the patients by the pulmonary function test (PFT) and Quality of Life Questionnaire for adult Korean Asthmatics (QLQAKA) before and after taking Sochongryong-tang for two weeks. The data was analyzed using paired t-test. Results : After treatment with Sochongryong-tang for two weeks, FEV 1.0 showed a significant increase of 14.2%, FVC a significant increase of 9.3% and PEFR a significant increase of 16.2% in results of patients examined asthmatic by PFT. In the results of QLQAKA, the mean of scores increased significantly over 0.5 points in total score, symptom domain, emotion domain, and environmental domain. Conclusions : This study shows that Sochongryong-tang has the effect of improvements of pulmonary function and quality of life in asthmatic patients.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.251-260
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• 1998

Cromakalim (BRL 34915), known as an airway smooth muscle relaxant, inhibited the releases of mediators in the antigen-induced mast cell activation. It has been suggested that cromakalim, in part, inhibited mediator releases by inhibiting the initial increase of 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) produced by the activation of the other phospholipase system which is different from phosphatidylcholine-phospholipase D pathway. The aim of this study is to further examine the inhibitory mechanism of cromakalim on the mediator release in the mast cell activation. Guinea pig lung mast cells were purified by using enzyme digestion and percoll density gradient. In purified mast cells prelabeled with $[^3H]PIP_2$, phospholipase C (PLC) activity was assessed by the production of $[^3H]$insitol phosphates. Protein kinase C (PKC) activity was assessed by measuring the protein phosphorylated from mast cells prelabeled with $[{\gamma}-32P]ATP$, and Phospholipase $A_2\;(PLA_2)$ activity by measuring the lyso-phosphatidylcholine produced from mast cell prelabeled with 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonyl $phosphatidyl-[^{14}C]choline$. Histamine was assayed by fluorometric analyzer, and leukotrienes by radioimmunoassay. The PLC activity was increased by activation of the passively sensitized mast cells. This increased PLC activity was decreased by cromakalim pretreatment. The PKC activity increased by the activation of the passively sensitized mast cells was decreased by calphostin C, staurosporine and cromakalim, respectively. The $PLA_2$ activity was increased in the activated mast cells. The pretreatment of cromakalim did not significantly decrease $PLA_2$ activity. These data show that cromakalim inhibits histamine release by continuously inhibiting signal transduction processes which is mediated via PLC pathway during mast cell activation, but that cromakalim does not affect $PLA_2$ activity related to leukotriene release.