• Molecules and Cells
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• 제38권9호
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• pp.796-805
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• 2015

Gintonin is a novel ginseng-derived lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor ligand. Oral administration of gintonin ameliorates learning and memory dysfunctions in Alzheimer's disease (AD) animal models. The brain cholinergic system plays a key role in cognitive functions. The brains of AD patients show a reduction in acetylcholine concentration caused by cholinergic system impairments. However, little is known about the role of LPA in the cholinergic system. In this study, we used gintonin to investigate the effect of LPA receptor activation on the cholinergic system in vitro and in vivo using wild-type and AD animal models. Gintonin induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i $ transient in cultured mouse hippocampal neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Gintonin-mediated $[Ca^{2+}]_i $ transients were linked to stimulation of acetylcholine release through LPA receptor activation. Oral administration of gintonin-enriched fraction (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg, 3 weeks) significantly attenuated scopolamine-induced memory impairment. Oral administration of gintonin (25 or 50 mg/kg, 1 2 weeks) also significantly attenuated amyloid-${\beta}$ protein ($A{\beta}$)-induced cholinergic dysfunctions, such as decreased acetylcholine concentration, decreased choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity and immunoreactivity, and increased acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity. In a transgenic AD mouse model, long-term oral administration of gintonin (25 or 50 mg/kg, 3 months) also attenuated AD-related cholinergic impairments. In this study, we showed that activation of G protein-coupled LPA receptors by gintonin is coupled to the regulation of cholinergic functions. Furthermore, this study showed that gintonin could be a novel agent for the restoration of cholinergic system damages due to $A{\beta}$ and could be utilized for AD prevention or therapy.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제23권2호
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• pp.125-138
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• 2002

Learning and memory are essential requirements for every living organism in order to cope with environmental demands, and cholinergic systems are known to be involved in learning and memory. Scutellaria baicalensis (SB) and Gastrodia elata (GE) as a traditional Oriental medicine have been clinically used to treat or prevent memory deficits, including Alzheimer's disease. In the present study, we investigated the effects of SB and GE on learning and memory in the Morris water maze task and the central cholinergic system of the rats with excitotoxic medial septum lesions. In the water maze test, the animals were trained to find a platform at a fixed position over 6 days and then received a 60-s probe trial in which the platform was removed from the pool on the 7th day. Ibotenic lesion of the medial septum (MS) impaired their performance in the maze test (latency of acquisition test on the 3rd day, $27.6{\pm}$4.4 sec vs. $61.7{\pm}17.7$ sec; retention test, $7.9{\pm}1.3%$ vs. $5.7{\pm}1.0%$: sharn vs. ibotenic lesioned groups, respectively) and reduced choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) - immunoreactivity in the MS and the hippocarnpus, which is a marker for degeneration of the central cholinergic system (number of cells, $21.1{\pm}1.1$ vs. $13.2{\pm}1.3$: sham vs. ibotenic lesioned group). Daily administrations of SB (100mg/kg, p.o.) and GE (100mg/kg, p.o.) for 21 consecutive days produced significant reversals of ibotenic acid-induced deficit in learning and memory. These treatments also reduced the loss of cholinergic immunoreactivity in the MS and the hippocarnpus induced by ibotenic acid. These results demonstrated that SB and GE ameliorated learning and memory deficits through effects on the central nervous system, partly through effect on the acetylcholine system. Our studies suggest an evidence of SB and GE as treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제29권5호
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• pp.67-76
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• 2008

Objectives : Amnesia is theloss or impairment of memory, caused by physical injury, disease, drugs, or emotional trauma. Recently, the average life span is increasing, while at the same time, the incidence of dementia-like diseases in conjunction with amnesia are also increasing. Therefore learning and memory are very important issues in modern society. Ancient Korean physicians used several herbs to treat dementia and these herbal effects were described in Korean herbal books. Among them are some reports on several cognitive-enhancing herbs which have since been shown to improve dementia in recent pharmacological studies, such as Panax ginseng; however, the facilitatory effects of many Korean cognitive-enhancing herbs on learning and memory are limited. Learning and memory are essential requirements for every living organism in order to cope with environmental demands; cholinergic systems are known to be involved in learning and memory. Methods : In this study, the effects of Acori graminei rhizoma (AGR, 石菖蒲) on learning and memory were investigated by Morris water maze, eight-arm radial maze, and the effects on the central cholinergic system of rats injected with scopolamine. Results : In the water maze, the experimental animals were trained to find a platform in a fixed position for 6 days and then received a 60 sec probe trial in which the platform was removed from the pool on the 7th day. In the eight-arm radial maze, the animals were tested four times per day for 6 days. Scopolamine impaired performance of the maze tests and reduced activity of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) in the hippocampus, which is a marker for the central cholinergic system. There were significant reversals from the scopolamine-induced deficits on learning and memory in these tests, through daily administrations of AGR (100 mg/kg, p.o.) over 14 consecutive days. These treatments also reduced the loss of cholinergic activity in the hippocampus induced by scopolamine. Conclusions : These results demonstrated that AGR ameliorated learning and memory deficits by affecting the central acetylcholine system.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제41권4호
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• pp.615-619
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• 2017

Background: Black ginseng has a more potent biological activity than non-steamed ginseng. We investigated the effects of long-term intake of dietary black ginseng extract (BG) on antioxidant activity in aged mice. We also compared the effects of BG on cognitive deficits with those of white ginseng extract (WG) and red ginseng extract (RG). Methods: Ten-month-old mice were fed an AIN-93G-based diet containing 10 g/kg (low dose, L) or 30 g/kg (high dose, H) WG powder, RG powder, or BG powder for 24 wk. We measured serum lipids, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, and malondialdehyde levels. Additionally, the protein expression levels of choline acetyltransferase and vesicular acetylcholine transporter, which are presynaptic cholinergic markers in the cortex and hippocampus of the brain, were measured by western blotting. Results: Triglyceride levels were reduced in all the extract-treated mice, except those in the LBG group. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the HBG group were higher than those in the control group. Total cholesterol levels were reduced in the LBG group. Additionally, glucose levels in the HBG group were significantly reduced by 41.2%. There were lower levels of malondialdehyde in the LBG group than in the control group. Furthermore, glutathione reductase activity increased in the HWG group and the HRG group. The protein expression levels of choline acetyltransferase and vesicular acetylcholine transporter significantly increased in all the ginseng-treated groups. Conclusion: The results suggest that supplementation with the tested ginseng extracts may suppress the cognitive decline associated with aging, via regulation of the cholinergic and antioxidant defense systems.

• 한국응용약물학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국응용약물학회 1995년도 춘계학술대회
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• pp.45-46
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• 1995

Alzheimer's disease is believed to be associated with the loss of cholinergic activity in the cortex and hippocampus. In addition, it has been reported that the monoaminergic systems which also controls brain functions are disturbed in Alzheimer's patients. Based on these neurochemical background, a number of cholinesterase inhibitors including tacrine and its analogues and some monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as L-deprenyl and monoamine reuptake inhibitors have been developed for the treatment of dementia, but all of the known drugs are not truly effective. We thought that a drug that activates only one neurotransmitter system is not effective enough for the treatment of the symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia, and we conceived that an agent enhancing both central cholinergic and monoaminergic functions would be useful for the treatment of dementia

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제15권1호
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• pp.37-41
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• 2011

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) evoke pacemaker activities in many tissues. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between interstitial cell and pacemaker activity in the human ureter through the recording of spontaneous contractions. Spontaneous contractions of eight circular and longitudinal smooth muscle strips of the human ureter to acetylcholine (ACh) and/or norepinephrine (NE) were observed. Human ureteral strips were divided into proximal and distal groups, and each group was subdivided into circular and longitudinal groups. The proximal group showed spontaneous activities of 3~4 times within 5 minutes in the longitudinal group. ACh ($10^{-4}\;M$) augmented the frequency of the spontaneous contractions. The cumulative application of NE also augmented the frequency in a dose-dependent manner. The effects of NE application were inhibited by concomitant application of $10^{-5}\;M$ glibenclamide. Receptor tyrosine kinase (c-kit) staining revealed abundant ICCs only in proximal tissues. Therefore, spontaneous contractions of the human ureter might be modulated by ICC in the proximal region, and the actions might be related with the activation of cholinergic and/or adrenergic system mediated by a glibenclamide-sensitive pathway.

• 대한후두음성언어의학회지
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• 제27권2호
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• pp.73-77
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• 2016

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) is different with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) possesses an intrinsic nervous plexus that allows the LES to have a considerable degree of independent neural control. Sympathetic control of the LES and stomach stems from cholinergic preganglionic neurons in the intermediolateral column of the thoracic spinal cord (T6 through T9 divisions), which impinge on postganglionic neurons in the celiac ganglion, of which the catecholaminergic neurons provide the LES and stomach with most of its sympathetic supply. Sympathetic regulation of motility primarily involves inhibitory presynaptic modulation of vagal cholinergic input to postganglionic neurons in the enteric plexus. The magnitude of sympathetic inhibition of motility is directly proportional to the level of background vagal efferent input. Recognizing that the LES is under the dual control of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, we refer the reader to other comprehensive reviews on the role of the sympathetic and parasympatetic control of LES and gastric function. The present review focuses on the functionally dominant parasympathetic control of the LES and stomach via the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제29권5호
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• pp.487-494
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• 1996

기도평활근을 전장 자극하면 콜린성 수축에 이은 느리고도 지속적 인 이완성 반응이 유발된다. 지속적 인 이완성 반응은 억제성인 비아드레날린성 비콜린성 신경 섬유에 의해서 야기되는 것으로 알려져있다. 그러나 이러한 신경 말단에서 분비되는 신경 전달물질에 대해서는 아직도 실험한 동물 및 사용 조직에 따라 다르게 보고되고 있다. 본 실험은 기 니피그 기도 평 활근에서 전장 자극을 주어 이완성 반응에 관여 하는 인자 및 그 작용 기전을 알아보고자 하였다. 전장 자극으로 유발된 이완성 반응은 L-NAME에 의 해서 억제되 었으며 L-arginine에 의 해서 부분적으로 회복되 었다. 또한 L-WAME은 기초장력을 증가시켰 다. Hitroprusside는 윤상근의 기초 장력을 완전히 억제하였으며, methylene blue는 전장 자극으로 유발 된 이완성 반응을 억제함과 동시에 기초장력을 증가시켰다 Forskolin과 isoprenaline는 nitroprusside와 똑같이 기도 평활근의 기초 장력을 크게 억제하였다. TEA와 apamin은 기도 평활근 기초 장력 및 전장 자극으로 유발된 이완성 반응을 모두증가시켰다. 이상의 실험 결과로 보아 기니피그 기도 평활근 비교 감성 비콜린성 신경 섬\ulcorner 말단에서는 K' 통로와 관련하여 WO가 분비되며 이외에도 CAMP를 매개로 하는다른억제성 신경 전달물질(ex. WP,만Tl)이 분비되리라사료된다.

• 한국어류학회지
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• 제12권1호
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• pp.38-45
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• 2000

어종에 따라 혈관의 긴장도 조절은 다양한 신경전달물질에 의하여 조절되고 있다. 그러나 아직 대부분의 어종에서 자율신경계 신경전달물질 및 혈관긴장도 조절인자들의 기능에 대하여 명확하게 규명되어 있지 않다. 본 연구는 아직 연구되지 않은 분야인 이스라엘잉어에서의 자율신경계 신경전달물질들의 혈관긴장도 조절에서의 역할을 규명하고자 적출복대동맥을 이용하여 시험하였다. 이 적출혈관에서 아세틸콜린 (ACh)은 정상혈관과 미리 일정수준 수축시킨 혈관 모두에서 수축을 유발하였으며 수축작용은 무스카린성 길항제인 아트로핀에 의해 거의 완벽하게 차단되었다. 여러 가지 아드레날린성 수용체를 동시에 흥분시키는 내인성 물질인 에피네프린 (Epi)은 혈관의 조건에 상관없이 이완반응을 유발하였다. 그러나 유사한 내인성물질인 노르에피네프린 (NE)은 정상혈관에서는 미약한 수축율, 미리수축된 혈관에서는 이완작용을 유발하였다. 한편 ${\alpha}_1$ 아드레날린성 수용체 흥분제인 페닐에프린은 수축을, $\beta$수용체 홍분제인 이소프로테레놀은 이완을 각각 유발하였으며 ${\alpha}_2$수용체 흥분제인 클로니딘은 아무런 반응을 유발하지 않았다. Epi, NE 및 이소프로테레놀에 의해 유발된 혈관이완 반응은 $\beta$ 아드레날린성 수용체 길항제인 프로프라놀롤에 의해 유의하게 억제되었다. 따라서 살아있는 상태의 이스라엘 잉어에서는 ACh는 주로 무스카린성 수용체 활성화에 의한 혈관을 수축하는 기능을, Epi과 NE는 $\beta$수용체 흥분에 의한 이완작용을 각각 발휘하는 것으로 판단된다.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제20권4호
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• pp.407-414
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• 2016

This study was performed to investigate whether the spinal cholinergic and serotonergic analgesic systems mediate the relieving effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic cold allodynia in rats. The cold allodynia induced by an oxaliplatin injection (6 mg/kg, i.p.) was evaluated by immersing the rat's tail into cold water ($4^{\circ}C$) and measuring the withdrawal latency. EA stimulation (2 Hz, 0.3-ms pulse duration, 0.2~0.3 mA) at the acupoint ST36, GV3, or LI11 all showed a significant anti-allodynic effect, which was stronger at ST36. The analgesic effect of EA at ST36 was blocked by intraperitoneal injection of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist (atropine, 1 mg/kg), but not by nicotinic (mecamylamine, 2 mg/kg) receptor antagonist. Furthermore, intrathecal administration of $M_2$ (methoctramine, $10{\mu}g$) and $M_3$ (4-DAMP, $10{\mu}g$) receptor antagonist, but not $M_1$ (pirenzepine, $10{\mu}g$) receptor antagonist, blocked the effect. Also, spinal administration of $5-HT_3$ (MDL-72222, $12{\mu}g$) receptor antagonist, but not $5-HT_{1A}$ (NAN-190, $15{\mu}g$) or $5-HT_{2A}$ (ketanserin, $30{\mu}g$) receptor antagonist, prevented the anti-allodynic effect of EA. These results suggest that EA may have a significant analgesic action against oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain, which is mediated by spinal cholinergic ($M_2$, $M_3$) and serotonergic ($5-HT_3$) receptors.