• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제3권6호
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• pp.615-621
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• 1999

In spite many evidences has supported the cardioprotective effect of bradykinin, its direct effects at the cell level are still under question. We investigated the both effects of bradykinin (BK) on $Ca^{2+}-related$ ionic currents using whole cell voltage clamp technique in rabbit cardiomyocytes and on the intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ transient using calcium sensitive fluorescence dye, indo-1AM. Simultaneously with recording intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ transients, cell contractility was estimated from the changes in length of the electrical stimulated rat cardiac myocytes. L-type $Ca^{2+}$ current decreased by bradykinin at the entire voltage range. Inward tail current increased initially up to its maximum about 4 min after exposing myocytes to BK, and then gradually decreased again by further exposure to BK. This tail current decreased remarkably at washing BK off but slowly recovered ca. 20 min later. The change in cell contractility was similar to that in tail current showing initial increase followed by gradual decrease. Removal of BK brought remarkable decrease in contractility, which was recovered $15{\sim}20$ min after cessation of electrical stimulation. Bradykinin increased $Ca^{2+}$ transient initially but after some time $Ca^{2+}$ transient also decreased coincidentally with contractility. From these results, it is suggested that bradykinin exerts directly its cardioprotective effect on the single myocytes by decreasing the intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ level followed by an initial increase in $Ca^{2+}$ transient.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제20권1호
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• pp.164-172
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• 1995

The purpose of this electrochemical study was to determine and compare the sealing effect of three commonly used calcium hydroxide-based sealers (Sealapex, Apexit, and CRCS) with that of Roth 801 which is a ZOE-based sealer. 64 single rooted teeth were used in this experiment. After removing the crown, the teeth were devided into 4 groups of 15 in each and obturated with gutta-percha and experimental sealers. 4 teeth were as controls(2 positive and 2 negative). The results were as follows : 1. During the observation period, all sealers showed varying degree of microleakage. 2. The mean leakage currents according to the electrochemical study of each group showed $0.418{\pm}0.006mV$ for Roth 801, $2.03{\pm}0.035mV$ for Sealapex, $3.33{\pm}0.069mV$ for Apxit and $6.48{\pm}0.097mV$ for CRCS group. The positive control group showed 600mV. 3. There were statistically significant difference in mean leakage among experimental groups. ZOE-typed Roth 801 sealer was the lowest, and Sealapex, Apexit, CRCS group in that order showed increased leakage(P<0.05). 4. Roth 801, Sealapex and Apexit group showed increasing leakage with time, but CRCS group showed stable or decreasing leakage tendency.

• 한국생물물리학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국생물물리학회 2003년도 정기총회 및 학술발표회
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• pp.41-41
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• 2003

Small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (or SKCa channels) are potassium selective, voltage-independent, and activated by intracellular calcium concentration. These channels play important roles in excitable cells such as neuron in the central nervous system (Vergara et al., 1998). The activity of SKCa channels underlies the slow afterhyperpolarization that inhibits neuronal cell firing (Hille, 1991; Vergara et al.,1998). Until now, N-terminal region of rSK2 isn't characterized. To study the role of N-terminus, we constructed the N-terminal deletion mutant and characterized by electrophysiological means. Interestingly, N-terminal deletion mutant be trafficked to membrane couldn't evoke any ionic currents. Thus, N-terminal region has a role in functional rSK2 channel formation. To elucidate the function of N-terminal region, (His)6-conjugated protein was purified and filtrated by affinity column chromatography. Surprisingly, N-terminal region was shown in tetramer size that was supported by cross-linking result. Thus, we predicted that N-terminal region might be involved in the tetramerization of rSK2.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.227-237
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• 2021

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a cardioprotectant and potential cardiovascular therapeutic agent. Human cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs) are important determinants of myocardial structure and function. Large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channel is a potential therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease. We investigated whether CO modulates BK channels and the signaling pathways in HCFs using whole-cell mode patch-clamp recordings. CO-releasing molecules (CORMs; CORM-2 and CORM-3) significantly increased the amplitudes of BK currents (IBK). The CO-induced stimulating effects on IBK were blocked by pre-treatment with specific nitric oxide synthase (NOS) blockers (L-NG-monomethyl arginine citrate and L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester). 8-bromo-cyclic GMP increased IBK. KT5823 (inhibits PKG) or ODQ (inhibits soluble guanylate cyclase) blocked the CO-stimulating effect on IBK. Moreover, 8-bromo-cyclic AMP also increased IBK, and pre-treatment with KT5720 (inhibits PKA) or SQ22536 (inhibits adenylate cyclase) blocked the CO effect. Pre-treatment with N-ethylmaleimide (a thiol-alkylating reagent) also blocked the CO effect on IBK, and DL-dithiothreitol (a reducing agent) reversed the CO effect. These data suggest that CO activates IBK through NO via the NOS and through the PKG, PKA, and S-nitrosylation pathways.

• Progress in Superconductivity
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• 제4권1호
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• pp.10-13
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• 2002

We report the effect of Ca doping in $YBa_2Cu_3O_{7-\delta}$ (YBCO) thin films grown on the Rolling- Assisted, Biaxially Textured Substrates (RABiTS) with the architecture of $CeO_2/YSZ/CeO_2/Ni$. Critical currents of bilayer and trilayer structures of $YBCO/Y_{0.7}Ca_{0.3}Ba_2Cu_3O_{7-\delta}$/(YCaBCO) as well as undoped YBCO for comparison have been measured in a wide range of temperatures and fields. For $6-8^{\circ}$ grain boundaries, 30% Ca-doping in bilayer structure enhances $J_c$ as high as 35%. The enhancement is larger at low temperatures and at magnetic fields. On the other hand, 30% Ca-doping in trilayer structure reduces $J_c$ as high as 60%. Combined with slightly lower $T_c$, this indicates that Ca is overdoped in this structure and degrades GBs.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.18-22
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• 2000

앞의 연구에서 우리는 진세노사이드가 신경세포에 존재하는 high-threshold voltage-dependent $Ca^{2+}$ channel을 억제한다는 것을 발표하였다. 그러나, 이러한 연구는 진세노사이드가 여러 칼슘 채널subtypes중 어느 특정 칼슘 채널만을 선택적으로 조절한다는 것을 보여주지는 않았다. 따라서 이 연구에서 우리는 여러 칼슘 채널subtypes에 선택적으로 작용하는 약물 혹은 toxins을 이용하여 진세노사이드가 어느 종류의 칼슘 채널 subtypes를 억제하는가를 bovine chromaffin cell을 이용하여 연구하였다. 사용한 물질은nimodipine(L-type 칼슘 채널 길항제), $\omega$-conotoxin GVIA (N-type $Ca^{2+}$ channel 길항제), $\omega$-agatoxin IVA(P-type 칼슘 채널 길항제)이었다. 연구 결과 진세노사이드는 bovine chromaffin 세포에 존재하는 high-threshold 칼슘 current을 투여 농도별로 억제하였다. $IC_{50}$/은 약 120 $\mu$g/ml인 것으로 나타났다. nimodipine은 진세노사이드에 의한 칼슘 currents억제 작용에 영향을 미치지 않은 것으로 나타났다. 그러나, $\omega$-conotoxin GVIA, $\omega$-agatoxin IVA 및 nimodipine+$\omega$-conotoxin GVIA+$\omega$-agatoxin IVA을 처리한 세포에서는 진세노사이드에 의한 칼슘 currents억제 작용이 현저하게 줄어 들었다. 이러한 연구 결과들은 진세노사이드가 L-type 칼슘 채널은 억제하지 않고, 주로 N-, p-, 및 Q-type칼슘 채널을 억제한다는 것을 보여주고 있다

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제20권3호
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• pp.315-324
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• 2005

Pain is an unpleasant sensation experienced when tissues are damaged. Thus, pain sensation in some way protects body from imminent threat or injury. Peripheral sensory nerves innervated to peripheral tissues initially respond to multiple forms of noxious or strong stimuli, such as heat, mechanical and chemical stimuli. In response to these stimuli, electrical signals for conducting the nociceptive neural signals through axons are generated. These action potentials are then conveyed to specific areas in the spinal cord and in the brain. Sensory afferent fibers are heterogeneous in many aspects. For example, sensory nerves are classified as $A{\alpha}$, $-{\beta}$, $-{\delta}$ and C-fibers according to their diameter and degree of myelination. It is widely accepted that small sensory fibers tend to respond to vigorous or noxious stimuli and related to nociception. Thus these fibers are specifically called nociceptors. Most of nociceptors respond to noxious mechanical stimuli and heat. In addition, these sensory fibers also respond to chemical stimuli [Davis et al. (1993)] such as capsaicin. Thus, nociceptors are considered polymodal. Recent advance in research on ion channels in sensory neurons reveals molecular mechanisms underlying how various types of stimuli can be transduced to neural signals transmitted to the brain for pain perception. In particular, electrophysiological studies on ion channels characterize biophysical properties of ion channels in sensory neurons. Furthermore, molecular biology leads to identification of genetic structures as well as molecular properties of ion channels in sensory neurons. These ion channels are expressed in axon terminals as well as in cell soma. When these channels are activated, inward currents or outward currents are generated, which will lead to depolarization or hyperpolarization of the membrane causing increased or decreased excitability of sensory neurons. In order to depolarize the membrane of nerve terminals, either inward currents should be generated or outward currents should be inhibited. So far, many cationic channels that are responsible for the excitation of sensory neurons are introduced recently. Activation of these channels in sensory neurons is evidently critical to the generation of nociceptive signals. The main channels responsible for inward membrane currents in nociceptors are voltage-activated sodium and calcium channels, while outward current is carried mainly by potassium ions. In addition, activation of non-selective cation channels is also responsible for the excitation of sensory neurons. Thus, excitability of neurons can be controlled by regulating expression or by modulating activity of these channels.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.101-110
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• 2020

Transient receptor potential canonical 4 (TRPC4) channel is a nonselective calcium-permeable cation channels. In intestinal smooth muscle cells, TRPC4 currents contribute more than 80% to muscarinic cationic current (mIcat). With its inward-rectifying current-voltage relationship and high calcium permeability, TRPC4 channels permit calcium influx once the channel is opened by muscarinic receptor stimulation. Polyamines are known to inhibit nonselective cation channels that mediate the generation of mIcat. Moreover, it is reported that TRPC4 channels are blocked by the intracellular spermine through electrostatic interaction with glutamate residues (E728, E729). Here, we investigated the correlation between the magnitude of channel inactivation by spermine and the magnitude of channel conductance. We also found additional spermine binding sites in TRPC4. We evaluated channel activity with electrophysiological recordings and revalidated structural significance based on Cryo-EM structure, which was resolved recently. We found that there is no correlation between magnitude of inhibitory action of spermine and magnitude of maximum current of the channel. In intracellular region, TRPC4 attracts spermine at channel periphery by reducing access resistance, and acidic residues contribute to blocking action of intracellular spermine; channel periphery, E649; cytosolic space, D629, D649, and E687.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제12권2호
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• pp.43-49
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• 2008

Flavonoids have been shown to affect calcium signaling in neurons. However, there are no reports on the effect of apigenin on glutamate-induced calcium signaling in neurons. We investigated whether apigenin affects glutamate-induced increase of free intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration ($[Ca^{2+}]_i$) in cultured rat hippocampal neurons, using fura-2-based digital calcium imaging and microfluorimetry. The hippocampal neurons were used between 10 and 13 days in culture from embryonic day 18 rats. Pretreatment of the cells with apigenin ($1{\mu}M$ to $100{\mu}M$) for 5 min inhibited glutamate ($100{\mu}M$, 1 min) induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increase, concentration-dependently. Pretreatment with apigenin ($30{\mu}M$) for 5 min significantly decreased the $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ responses induced by two ionotropic glutamate receptor agonists, alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic (AMPA, $10{\mu}M$, 1 min) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA, $100{\mu}M$, 1 min), and significantly inhibited the AMPA-induced peak currents. Treatment with apigenin also significantly inhibited the $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ response induced by 50 mM KCl solution, decreased the $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ responses induced by the metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist, (S)-3,5-dihydroxy-phenylglycine (DHPG, 100 $[Ca^{2+}]_i$, 90 s), and inhibited the caffeine (10 mM, 2 min)-induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ responses. Furthermore, treatment with apigenin ($30{\mu}M$) significantly inhibited the amplitude and frequency of 0.1 mM $[Mg^{2+}]_o$-induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ spikes. These data together suggest that apigenin inhibits glutamate-induced calcium signaling in cultured rat hippocampal neurons.

• 동아시아식생활학회지
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• 제22권1호
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• pp.88-94
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• 2012

Histamine은 발효식품, 등푸른 생선 등 단백질이 많이 함유된 식품에서 잘 생성되는 물질로 이들 식품의 부패 시에는 다량의 histamine이 발생되어 이를 섭취하였을 때 독성을 일으킬 수 있기 때문에 histamine은 어육식품의 선도 저하 또는 부패의 지표로서 사용된다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 신속하며 정확한 histamine 검출을 위한 바이오센서 시스템을 구축하기 위하여 기능화된 MWCNT와 Prussian blue를 사용한 전극을 제작하였으며, 여러 불용성 담체에 효소를 고정화시켜 바이오센서 시스템에 적합한 불용성 담체를 확인하기 위한 연구를 수행하였다. MWCNT-$NH_2$와 Prussian blue가 도입된 전극의 과산화수소에 대한 감응도를 확인한 결과, 검출한계는 $0.1{\mu}M$으로 나타났으며, 각 담체의 효소 고정화도를 측정한 결과, CNBr-activated sepharose 4B는 48.5%, calcium alginate는 40.3%, controlled pore size glass beads는 51.0%를 보였다. 또한 CNBr-activated sepharose 4B, calcium alginate, controlled pore size glass beads로 제작된 효소반응기의 $100{\mu}M$ histamine에 대한 전극 감응도는 각각 120 nA, 110 nA, 140 nA로 나타났다. 따라서 담체의 coupling efficiency, 제작된 효소반응기의 전극 감응도, 선형 관계 등을 고려해 보았을 때 controlled pore size glass beads가 본 연구에서 구축된 바이오센서 시스템에서 가장 적합한 담체인 것으로 확인되었다. 이로써 이들 작업전극과 효소반응기로 구축된 바이오센서는 histamine을 감도 높고 신속하게 측정할 수 있는 것으로 나타났다.