• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제9권5호
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• pp.263-268
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• 2005

Striatum has important roles in motor control, habitual learning and memory. It receives glutamatergic inputs from neocortex and thalamus, and dopaminergic inputs from substantia nigra. We examined effects of dopamine (DA) on the corticostriatal synaptic transmission using in vitro extracellular recording technique in rat brain corticostriatal slices. Synaptic responses were elicited by stimulation of cortical glutamatergic inputs on the corpus callosum and recorded in the dorsal striatum. Corticostriatal population spike (PS) amplitudes were decreased ($39.4{\pm}7.9$%) by the application of $100{\mu}M$ DA. We applied receptor subtype specific agonists and antagonists and characterized the modulation of corticostriatal synaptic transmission by different DA receptor subtypes. $D_2$ receptor agonist (quinpirole), antagonist (sulpiride), and $D_1$ receptor antagonist (SKF 83566), but not $D_1$ receptor agonist (SKF 38393), induced significantly the reduction of striatal PS. Pretreatment neither with SKF 83566 nor sulpiride significantly affected corticostriatal synaptic inhibition by DA. However, the inhibition of DA was completely blocked by pretreatment with mixed solution of both SKF 83566 and sulpiride. These results suggest that DA inhibits corticostriatal synaptic transmission through both $D_1$ and $D_2$ receptors in concert with each other.

• 대한의용생체공학회:의공학회지
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• 제29권6호
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• pp.477-483
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• 2008

The observations of difference and similarity in brain activities involved in processing different languages have fundamental importance in cognitive neuroscience. The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference and similarity in temporal brain activation patterns due to the language difference during visual perception of Korean and English words under priming. Especially, we tried to find the difference in evoked spectral power in gamma-band, which is known to reflect feature binding. The stimulation was visually presented as word pairs belonging to same or different categories so that N400 event-related potential(ERP) was evoked. Average ERP analysis and spectral analysis of gamma-band activity(GBA) were performed on 12 normal Korean subjects. Several ERP components such as P1, N1, N400, and P600 could be identified consistently, and the differences in N1, N400, and P600 were observed. From the spectral analysis, we found that the evoked GBA(eGBA) was significantly larger for English at ${\sim}100$ ms poststimulus. The latency of the eGBA was also considerably delayed for English. Overall, the results on the ERP components and eGBA analyses seem to be commensurate with subjects' familiarity of each language, and the difficulty of perceiving words of each language. The methods of this study can also be applied for clinical purposes considering that the language-related processing can be greatly altered for the patients with neurological or psychiatric diseases.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제7권6호
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• pp.295-301
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• 2003

Striatum plays a crucial role in the movement control and habitual learning. It receives an information from wide area of cerebral cortex as well as an extensive serotonergic (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) input from raphe nuclei. In the present study, the effects of 5-HT to modulate synaptic transmission were studied in the rat corticostriatal brain slice using in vitro extracellular recording technique. Synaptic responses were evoked by stimulation of cortical glutamatergic inputs on the corpus callosum and recorded in the dorsal striatum. 5-HT reversibly inhibited coticostriatal glutamatergic synaptic transmission in a dose-dependent fashion (5, 10, 50, and $10{\mu}M$), maximally reducing in the corticostriatal population spike (PS) amplitude to $40.1{\pm}5.0$% at a concentration of $50{\mu}M$ 5-HT. PSs mediated by non-NMDA glutamate receptors, which were isolated by bath application of the NMDA receptor antagonist, d,l-2-amino-5-phospohonovaleric acid (AP-V), were decreased by application of $50{\mu}M$ 5-HT. However, PSs mediated by NMDA receptors, that were activated by application of zero $Mg^{2+}$ aCSF, were not significantly affected by $50{\mu}M$ 5-HT. To test whether the corticostriatal synaptic inhibitions by 5-HT might involve a change in the probability of neurotransmitter release from presynaptic nerve terminals, we measured the paired-pulse ratio (PPR) evoked by 2 identical pulses (50 ms interpulse interval), and found that PPR was increased ($33.4{\pm}5.2$%) by 5-HT, reflecting decreased neurotransmitter releasing probability. These results suggest that 5-HT may decrease neurotransmitter release probability of glutamatergic corticostriatal synapse and may be able to selectively decrease non-NMDA glutamate receptor-mediated synaptic transmission.

• BMB Reports
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• 제39권6호
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• pp.686-695
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• 2006

Interleukin-2 enhancer binding factor 2 (ILF2) was reported to regulate transcription of interleukin-2 (IL-2), a central cytokine in the regulation of T-cell responses. This property of ILF2 was well characterized in human and mammals, but little is known in bony fish. In this paper, an ILF2 homologue was cloned and well characterized from Tetraodon nigrovirid is for the further investigation of the function of ILF2 in bony fish. The full-length Tetraodon ILF2 cDNA was 1380 bp in size and contained an open reading frame (ORF) of 1164 bp that translates into a 387 amino-acid peptide with a molecular weight of 42.9 kDa, a 5' untranslated region (UTR) of 57 bp, and a 3' UTR of 159 bp containing a poly A tail. The deduced peptide of Tetraodon ILF2 shared an overall identity of 58%~93% with other known ILF2 sequences, and contained two N-glycosylation sites, two N-myristoylation sites, one RGD cell attachment sequence, six protein kinase C phosphorylation sites, one amino-terminal RGG-rich single-stranded RNA-binding domain, and a DZF zinc-finger nucleic acid binding domain, most of which were highly conserved through species compared. Constitutive expression of Tetraodon ILF2 was observed in all tissues examined, including gill, gut, head kidney, spleen, liver, brain and heart. The highest expression was detected in heart, followed by liver, head kidney and brain. Stimulation with LPS did not significantly alter the expression of Tetraodon ILF2. Gene organization analysis showed that the Tetraodon ILF2 gene have fifteen exons, one more than other known ILF2 genes in human and mouse. Genes up- and down-stream from the Tetraodon ILF2 were Rpa12, Peroxin-11b, Smad4, Snapap and Txnip homologue, which were different from that in human and mouse.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• 제19권1호
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• pp.1-9
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• 2015

Purpose: Several morphometric studies have been performed to investigate brain abnormalities in congenitally deaf people. But no report exists concerning structural brain abnormalities in congenitally deaf adolescents. We evaluated the regional volume changes in gray matter (GM) using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) in congenitally deaf adolescents. Materials and Methods: A VBM8 methodology was applied to the T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of eight congenitally deaf adolescents (mean age, 15.6 years) and nine adolescents with normal hearing. All MRI scans were normalized to a template and then segmented, modulated, and smoothed. Smoothed GM data were tested statistically using analysis of covariance (controlled for age, gender, and intracranial cavity volume). Results: The mean values of age, gender, total volumes of GM, and total intracranial volume did not differ between the two groups. In the auditory centers, the left anterior Heschl's gyrus and both inferior colliculi showed decreased regional GM volume in the congenitally deaf adolescents. The GM volumes of the lingual gyri, nuclei accumbens, and left posterior thalamic reticular nucleus in the midbrain were also decreased. Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that early deprivation of auditory stimulation in congenitally deaf adolescents might have caused significant underdevelopment of the auditory cortex (left Heschl's gyrus), subcortical auditory structures (inferior colliculi), auditory gain controllers (nucleus accumbens and thalamic reticular nucleus), and multisensory integration areas (inferior colliculi and lingual gyri). These defects might be related to the absence of general auditory perception, the auditory gating system of thalamocortical transmission, and failure in the maturation of the auditory-to-limbic connection and the auditorysomatosensory-visual interconnection.

• 한국실내디자인학회논문집
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• 제22권5호
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• pp.171-178
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• 2013

In this study, we sought to find out the effect of different emotional interior images of the community facilities in an apartment complex on a youth brain wave by analyzing an Electroencephalograph (EEG). Based on the frequency of usage, we selected learning facilities, cultural facilities, and sport facilities. For brain stimulation, the visual stimulants with three different emotional words, cheerful, gentle, and elegant, were used based on I.R.I image scale. Overall, total nine different emotional images were used. Based on our findings, we conclude that: first, in order to improve learning concentration of the youth, a learning facility for the youth needs to be designed by skillfully combining the soft and comfortable colors from the gentle image and the murky and dark colors from the elegant image. Second, when designing a cultural facility, it is preferable to consider the elegant image for a calm and comfortable space. Third, a sport facility design needs to preclude dark colors and apply light colors to create a dynamic and lively space. Furthermore, we found out that the youth has established static images of each functionally different facility through their experience and learning. Therefore, it is imperative to plan community facilities in an apartment complex in a way to connect the space function with the emotional characteristics of the youth in order to support and encourage energetic activities and learning of the community youth.

• 동국한의학연구소논문집
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• 제4권
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• pp.67-80
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• 1995

This study was done in order to investigate the treatment of occidental and oriental medicine on dementia(mainly senile dementia and cerobrovascular dementia). The results were as follows ; 1. Dementia must treat a direct causes, but uncountable dementia(senile dementia) and cerobrovascular dementia can't treat at present. 2. Sciopsychological treatment in very important in dementia patient ; maintance of appropriate stimulation, psychological rest, physical examination, dietary cure and safety device is needed. On secondary mental disorder, antipsychotics, anxiolytics and antidepressants have to prescribe properly. 3. Treatments of Senile dementia(uncountable cerebral degenerative disease) proscribed hydergine which is peripheral vasodilator and physostigmine which increase cholinergic activity of brain, but this have slight effect on some patients. On treatments of cerobrovascular dementia, the medication that improved the cell metabolism and circulation of brain, this improved only a subjective symptom, but isn't foundamental treatment. 4. A tonic medicine is used basically, the methods are as follows. 1) Kenwihwadam(健胃火痰)-Sesimtang(洗心湯) 2) Bosiniksu(補腎益髓)-Hwansodan(還少丹) 3) Bosimiksin(補心益腎)-Gyuibitang(歸脾湯), Singyuo(神交湯) 4) Boheoansin(補虛安神)-Cilbokem(七福飮), sanggitang(生氣湯) 5) geoeohwalhyel(祛瘀活血)-tonggyuhwalhyeltang(通竅活血湯), 5. Acupuncture therapy on dementia used follow acupuncture point ; Yamen(啞門 GVl5), Laokung(勞宮 HC8), Tsusanli(足三里 ST36), Shenshu(腎兪 BL23), Tachui(大椎 GVl4), Chiuwei(鳩尾 CVl5), Sanyinchiao(三陰交 SP6), Yungchuan(涌泉 KI1), Shipsun(十宣), Shousanli(手三里 LI10), Taichong(太衝 LV3) In moxibustion therapy, Dachui(大椎 GVl4) point is used.

• Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology
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• 제14권2호
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• pp.64-71
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• 2012

Background: It is generally accepted that upper motor neuron (UMN) lesion can alter lower motor neuron (LMN) function by the plasticity of neural circuit. However there have been only few researches regarding the axonal excitability of LMN after UMN injury especially during the acute stage. The aim of this study was to investigate the nerve excitability properties of the LMNs following an acute to subacute supratentorial corticospinal tract lesion. Methods: An automated nerve excitability test (NET) using the threshold tracking technique was utilized to measure multiple excitability indices in median motor axons of 15 stroke patients and 20 controls. Testing of both paretic and non-paretic side was repeated twice, during the acute stage and subacute stage. The protocols calculated the strength-duration time constant from the duration-charge curve, parameters of threshold electrotonus (TE), the current-threshold relationship from sequential sub-threshold current, and the recovery cycle from sequential supra-threshold stimulation. Results: On the paretic side, compared with the control group, significant decline of superexcitablity and increase in the relative refractory period were observed during the subacute stage of stroke. Additionally, despite the absence of statistical significance, a mildly collapsing in ('fanning in') of the TE was found. Conclusions: Our results suggest that supratentorial brain lesions can affect peripheral axonal excitability even during the early stage. The NET pattern probably suggests background membrane depolarization of LMNs. These features could be associated with trans-synaptic regulation of UMNs to LMNs as one of the "neural plasticity" mechanisms in acute brain injury.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제21권1호
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• pp.53-60
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• 1997

The changes in aldehyde dehydrogenase(ALDH, E.C. 1.2.1.3.) activity in neurons and astrocytes isolated from rat brains were investigated after administration of ethanol and Korean red ginseng(Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) saponln. The cerebral ALDH activity with acetaldehyde and Propionaldehyde was higher in the white matter than in the gray matter. However, using indole-3-a-cetaldehyde and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde as substrates, there was no significant difference in activity between two regions in cerebrum. In ethanol treated group, ALDH activity with all the substrates in the gray and white matter was lower than in normal group. In ethanol-saponin treated group, the enzyme activity in the white matter remarkably Increased. The ALDH activity in neurons isolated from cerebral cortex in ethanol-treated group was lower than in normal group. In ethanol-saponin treated group, neuronal ALDH activity with propionaldehyde was significantly recovered but not with Indole-3-acetaldehyde. In astrocytes, although the ALDH activity with propionaldehyde in the ethanol-treated group was not changed as compared with normal group, considerable increase in activity was found in ethanol-saponin treated group. These results suggest that Korean red ginseng saponin may protect the neuronal functions from the toxic effects of acetaldehyde derived from ethanol by stimulation of ALDH activity in astrocytes surrounding nerve cells.

• 약학회지
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• 제49권2호
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• pp.147-150
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• 2005

Macrophage scavenger receptors (MSRs) induce microglial interaction with ${\beta}$-amyloid fibrils (fA${\beta}$) that are associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although microglia are know n to have a dual effect on formation of plaque and clearance of fA${\beta}$ in the AD brain, receptor-mediated phagocytosis is a very important tool for preventing amyloid plaque via activated microglia in the early stage of AD. In the study, we examined whether ginsonoside Rg3 enhances the microglial Phagocytosis of A${\beta}$1-42 through Phagocytosis assay, gene expression (RT-PCR) and protein assay (western blots) for the cell responsiveness presented between Rg3-treated and non-treated groups. Fluro-labeled Ac-LDL and E.coli particles were used as control proteins for phagocytosis. In previous studies, this was a particularly interesting property of Rg3 in the stimulation and phagocytosis of macrophages in the periphery. We report here that ginsenoside Rg3 increased the expression of type-A MSR (MSR-A) in microglia and thus accelerated the phagocytosis with an effective degradation of engulfed fA${\beta}$. This result suggests that Rg3 may play an important role in removing fA${\beta}$ by enhancing the receptor-mediated phagocytosis. In addition, Rg3 could be a potential candidate for balancing the rate of production of fA${\beta}$ in AD brain.