• International Neurourology Journal
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.228-236
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• 2018

Neuromodulation was introduced for patients with poor outcomes from the existing traditional treatment approaches. It is well-established as an alternative, novel treatment option for voiding dysfunction. The current system of neuromodulation uses an open-loop system that only delivers continuous stimulation without considering the patient's state changes. Though the conventional open-loop system has shown positive clinical results, it can cause problems such as decreased efficacy over time due to neural habituation, higher risk of tissue damage, and lower battery life. Therefore, there is a need for a closed-loop system to overcome the disadvantages of existing systems. The closed-loop neuromodulation includes a system to monitor and stimulate micturition reflex pathways from the lower urinary tract, as well as the central nervous system. In this paper, we reviewed the current technological status to measure biomarker for closed-loop neuromodulation systems for voiding dysfunction.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.101-110
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• 2004

Voltage-sensitive release mechanism was pharmacologically dissected from the $Ca^{2+}-induced\;Ca^{2+}\;release$ in the SR $Ca^{2+}$ release in the rat ventricular myocytes patch-clamped in a whole-cell mode. SR $Ca^{2+}$ release process was monitored by using forward-mode $Na^+-Ca^{2+}$ exchange after restriction of the interactions between $Ca^{2+}$ from SR and $Na^+-Ca^{2+}$ exchange within micro-domains with heavy cytosolic $Ca^{2+}$ buffering with 10 mM BAPTA. During stimulation every 10 s with a pulse roughly mimicking action potential, the initial outward current gradually turned into a huge inward current of $-12.9{\pm}0.5\;pA/pF$. From the inward current, two different inward $I_{NCX}s$ were identified. One was $10\;{\mu}M$ ryanodine-sensitive, constituting $14.2{\pm}2.3%$. It was completely blocked by $CdCl_2$ (0.1 mM and 0.5 mM) and by $Na^+-depletion$. The other was identified by 5 mM $NiCl_2$ after suppression of $I_{CaL}$ and ryanodine receptor, constituting $14.8{\pm}1.6%$. This latter was blocked by either 10 mM caffeine-induced SR $Ca^{2+}-depletion$ or 1 mM tetracaine. IV-relationships illustrated that the latter was activated until the peak in $30{\sim}35\;mV$ lower voltages than the former. Overall, it was concluded that the SR $Ca^{2+}$ release process in the rat ventricular myocytes is mediated by the voltage-sensitive release mechanism in addition to the $Ca^{2+}-induced-Ca^{2+}\;release$.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.19-24
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• 2006

The intermediate conductance $Ca^{2+}-activated$ $K^+$ channels (SK4, IKCa1) are present in lymphocytes, and their membrane expression is upregulated by various immunological stimuli. In this study, the activity of SK4 was compared between Bal-17 and WEHI-231 cell lines which represent mature and immature stages of murine B lymphocytes, respectively. The whole-cell patch clamp with high-$Ca^{2+}$ ($0.8{\mu}M$) KCl pipette solution revealed a voltage-independent $K^+$ current that was blocked by clotrimazole (1 mM), an SK4 blocker. The expression of mRNAs for SK4 was confirmed in both Bal-17 and WEHI-231 cells. The density of clotrimazole-sensitive SK4 current was significantly larger in Bal-17 than WEHI-231 cells ($-11.4{\pm}3.1$ Vs. $-5.7{\pm}1.15$ pA/pF). Also, the chronic stimulation of B cell receptors (BCR) by BCR-ligation (anti-IgM Ab, $3{\mu}g$/ml, 8∼12 h) significantly upregulated the amplitude of clotrimazolesensitive current from $-11.4{\pm}3.1$ to $-53.1{\pm}8.6$ pA/pF in Bal-17 cells. In WEHI-231 cells, the effect of BCR-ligation was significantly small ($-5.7{\pm}1.15$ to $-9.0{\pm}1.00$ pA/pF). The differential expression and regulation by BCR-ligation might reflect functional changes in the maturation of B lymphocytes.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.118-126
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate pain relief and functional recovery after total knee replacement. Methods: The treatment was performed by dividing individuals into a control group ($n_1=5$), ultrasound treatment group ($n_2=5$), and micro-current treatment group ($n_3=5$). The control group applied the hot pack for 15 minutes, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for 15 minutes, and Continuous Passive Movement (CPM) for 40 minutes. The ultrasound therapy group applied the frequency of 1 MHz, intensity of 1.0 $W/cm^2$ for five minutes following the same treatment as the control group. The micro-current therapy group applied the intensity of 25 ${\mu}A$, and pulsation frequency 5 pps for 15 minutes following the same treatment as the control group. After treatment, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (K-WOMAC), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Range of Movement (ROM) and wound length was measured. Results: VAS showed significant effect in the control group and micro-current therapy group during the treatment period. According to the treatment of K-WOMACK, BBS, ROM, and Healing wounds showed main effects between groups. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, data showed improvement of pain relief, wound healing effects, and range of motion recovery. Thus, these selected treatments were effective after total knee replacement. In other words, electrical treatment continues to influence pain relief and functional recovery after total knee replacement.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.722-745
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• 1996

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of constant direct current electrical stimulation in healing the bone defects and surrounding tissues of the endo-oseous(TPS-IMZ) implants. Implants were inserted in the femur of adult dogs. Then a constrant direct current of approximately $10{\mu}A$ was applied. Artificial bone defects were prepared on one side of the implant site. Experimental groups were divided into 4 : control group : bone defect without treatment group I : bone defect filled with hydroxyapatite powders group II : bone defect, in which a negative and positive electrodes were inserted 5mm apart from both sides of the implant group III : bone defect, in which negative current was directly connected to the IMZ implant and a positive electrode was placed 10mm apart from the implant The animals were sacrificed in the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 8th week after implantation for the light microscopic examination. The results obtained were as follows : 1. In electrically stimulated experimental groups, new bone formation and osseointegration around implants were accelerated. 2. Group III showed the greatest activity in new bone formation. Osteoconductivity around HA particles was observed in group 1. 3. The defect area of the control group was healed by forming new bone, which grew from the underlying cancellous bone. The defect areas of the electrically stimulated experimental groups were healed by newly formed bone, which grew upward from the cancellous bone and downward from the periosteum. 4. 8 weeks after implantation, all the groups showed good osseointegration between the surrounding bone and implants.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.47-52
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• 2003

The prostate gland contains numerous neuroendocrine cells that are believed to influence the function of the prostate gland. Our recent study demonstrated the expression of both ${\alpha}1$- and ${\alpha}2$-ARs, signaling the release of stored $Ca^{2+}$ and the inhibition of N-type $Ca^{2+}$ channels, respectively, in rat prostate neuroendocrine cells (RPNECs). In this study, the effects of NA on the resting membrane potential (RMP) of RPNECs were investigated using a whole-cell patch clamp method. Fresh RPNECs were dissociated from the ventral lobe of rat prostate and identified from its characteristic shape; round or oval shape with dark cytoplasm. Under zero-current clamp conditions with KCl pipette solution, the resting membrane potential (RMP) of RPNECs was between -35 mV and -85 mV. In those RPNECs with relatively hyperpolarized RMP (＜-60 mV), the application of noradrenaline (NA, $1{\mu}M$) depolarized the membrane to around -40 mV. In contrast, the RPNECs with relatively depolarized RMP (＞-45 mV) showed a transient hyperpolarization and subsequent fluctuation at around -40 mV on application of NA. Under voltage clamp conditions (holding voltage, -40 mV) with CsCl pipette solution, NA evoked a slight inward current (＜-20 pA). NA induced a sharp increase of cytosolic $Ca^{2+}$ concentration ($[Ca^{2+}]_c$), measured by the fura-2 fluorescence, and the voltage clamp study showed the presence of charybdotoxin-sensitive $Ca^{2+}$-activated $K^+$ currents. In summary, adrenergic stimulation induced either depolarization or hyperpolarization of RPNECs, depending on the initial level of RMP. The inward current evoked by NA and the $Ca^{2+}$-activated $K^+$ current might partly explain the depolarization and hyperpolarization, respectively.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.353-359
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• 1998

In gastrointestinal smooth muscle, muscarinic stimulation by carbachol (CCh) activates nonselective cation channel current ($I_{CCh}$) which is facilitated by intracellular [$Ca^{2+}$] increase. Caffeine is widely used in experiments to mobilize $Ca^{2+}$ from intracellular stores. This study shows a strong inhibitory effect of caffeine on $I_{CCh}$ in guinea-pig gastric myocyte. In this study, the underlying mechanism of the inhibitory effect of caffeine was investigated. $I_{CCh}$ was completely suppressed by the addition of caffeine (10 mM) to the superfusing solution. Inhibition of $I_{CCh}$ by caffeine was not related to the intracellular cAMP accumulation which was expected from the phosphodiesterase-inhibiting effect of caffeine. The blockade of $InsP_3-induced$ $Ca^{2+}$ release by heparin had no significant effects on the activation of $I_{CCh}$. When the same cationic current had been induced by intracellular dialysis of $GTP[{\gamma}S]$ in order to bypass the muscarinic receptor, the inhibitory effect of caffeine was significantly attenuated. The results of this study indicate that both intracellular signalling pathways for $I_{CCh}$, proximal and distal to G-protein activation, are suppressed by caffeine. A major inhibition was observed at the proximal level.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.10-18
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• 2010

This study was performed to investigate the effects of Needle Electrode Electrical Stimulation(NEES) on ischemia-induced cerebrovascular accidents. After obstruction and reperfusion of arteries in white mice, the amounts of necrosis and inflammation related substances Bax, IL-6, Caspase-3, and COX-2 were measured in neurons of the fore-brain. The following results were obtained. This study used 21 male specific pathogen free(SPF) SD rats, 8 weeks of age and approximately 300g in weight. Each exposed artery was completely occluded with non-absorbent suture thread and kept in that state for 5 minutes. The sutures were then removed to allow reperfusion of blood. Test group is control group(common carotid artery occlusion models), a GI(underwent common carotid artery occlusion), and NEES(underwent NEES after artery occlusion). The GI and NEES groups were given 12, 24, or 48 hours of reperfusion before NEES. NEES device(PG6, ITO, Japan, 9V, current, 2Hz) was used to stimulate the bilateral acupoint ST36 of the SD rats for 30 minutes while they were sedated with 3% isoflurane. An immuno-histochemistry test was done on the forebrains of the GI induced rats. Both Bax and Caspase-3 immuno-reactive cells, related to apoptosis, were greater in the GI than the NEES group. Cox-2 and IL-6 immuno-reactive cells, related to inflammation, were greater in the GI and NEES groups than the control group. We can expect that applying NEES after ischemic CVA is effective for preventing brain cells from being destroyed. And we can conclude NEES should be applyed on early stage of ischemic CVA.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.126-147
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• 2005

TCD(transcranial doppler, TCD) units is a equipment that measure a blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery(MCA), anterior cerebral artery(ACA), posterior cerebral artery(PCA), and vertebral artery(VA). The aim of this study was to determine the influence on cerebral blood flow velocity according to different stimulation frequency of interferential currents. 50 patients who has a cervical pain were participated in this study and randomly divided into one of the three experimental, placebo, and control group: (1)IFS 1; $10{\sim}30Hz$ was applied, (2)IFS 2; $30{\sim}50Hz$ was applied, (3)IFS 3; $50{\sim}100Hz$ was applied, (4)placebo; suction only applied, and (5)control; neither suction nor interferential stimulation applied. In the IFS groups, interferential stimulations were applied through four suction electrodes application from the 5th cervical to the 1st thoracic level. The results were as follow; 1. MCA was statistically significant with IFS 1, IFS 2, IFS 3, and Placebo group(p<0.05), But there was no statistical significance between IFS 1 and IFS 3 group(p>0.05). 2. ACA was statistically significant with IFS 1, IFS 2, and IFS 3 group(p<0.05). And IFS 1 was more statistical significance than IFS 3 group on ACA(p<0.05). 3. PCA was statistically significant with IFS 1, IFS 2, and IFS 3 group(p<0.05). And IFS 1 was more statistical significance than IFS 3 group on PCA(p<0.05). 4. VA was statistically significant with IFS 1, IFS 2, and IFS 3 group(p<0.05). And IFS 1 was more statistical significance than IFS 3 group on VA(p<0.05).

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.427-433
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• 2018

Obsessive compulsive disorder is a debilitating condition characterized by recurrent obsessive thoughts and compulsive reactions. A great portion of the obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) patients are managed successfully with psychiatric treatment such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor and cognitive behavioral psychotherapy, but more than 10% of patients are remained as non-responder who needs neurosurgical treatments. These patients are potential candidates for the neurosurgical management. There had been various kind of operation, lesioning such as leucotomy or cingulotomy or capsulotomy or limbic leucotomy, and with advent of stereotaxic approach and technical advances, deep brain stimulation was more chosen by neurosurgeon due to its characteristic of reversibility and adjustability. Gamma knife radiosurgery are also applied to make lesion targeting based on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, but the complication of adverse radiation effect is not predictable. In the neurosurgical field, MR guided focused ultrasound has advantage of less invasiveness, real-time monitored procedure which is now growing to attempt to apply for various brain disorder. In this review, the neurosurgical treatment modalities for the treatment of OCD will be briefly reviewed and the current state of MR guided focused ultrasound for OCD will be suggested.