• Toxicological Research
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.77-85
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• 2005

Cadmium is an environmental pollutant exposed from contaminated foods or cigarette smoking and known to cause oxidative damage in organs. We investigated the cadmium-induced apoptosis and cell arrest in human breast cancer cells, MCF-7 cells and MDA-MB-231 cells. Obvious apoptotic cell death was shown in CdCl₂ 100 μM treatment for 12 hr, which were determined by DAPI staining and flow cytometric analysis. In cell cycle analysis, MCF-7 cells and MDA-MB-231 cells were arrested in S phase and G2/M phase respectively. These could be explained by the induction of cell cycle inhibitory protein, p21/sup Waf1/Cip1/ and p27/sup Kip1/, expression and reduction of cyclin/Cdk complexes in both cell lines. The decreased expression of cyclin A and Cdk2 in MCF-7 cells and cyclin B1 and Cdc2 in MDA-MB-231 cells were consistent with the flow cytometric observation. p-ERK expression was increased dose-dependent manner in both cell lines. It suggests that ERK MAPK pathway are involved in cadmium-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Moreover, cotreatment of zinc (100 μM, 12 hr) recovered the cadmium-induced cell arrest in both cells, which shows cadmium-induced oxidative stress mediates apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in human breast cancer cells.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.369-379
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• 1993

The regional distribution and the relative frequencies of endocrine cells were studied in nine portions of the blue fox GI tract, and the distribution pattern and cell types of the pancreatic endocrine cells were also studied in the pancreas by immunohistochemical method. Six kinds of immunoreactive cells were identified in the GI tract, and four kinds of immunoreactive cells were also identified in the pancreas. Although numerous 5-HT- and somatostatin-immunoreactive cells were seen throughtout the GI tract, somatostatin-immunoreactive cells were a few in the intestine. Very numerous Gas/CCK-immunoreactive cells were restricted generally in the pyloric region and duodenum. Numerous glucagon-immunoreactive cells were found in the stomach except the pyloric region, and generally a few in the intestine. Moderate number of BPP-immunoreactive cells were found in the stomach except the pyloric region, and a few in the large intestine. Numerous porcine CG-immunoreactive cells were restricted to the cardiac and fundic region. In the pancreas, four types of pancreatic endocrine cells-somatostatin-, glucagon-, BPP- and insuline-immunoreactive-were identified in the pancreatic islet and exocrine portion. These results suggest that the regional distribution, the relative frequencies and cell types of the GEP endocrine cells in the GI tract and pancreas varies considerably among the species.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.579-589
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• 1993

The regional distribution and the relative frequencies of endocrine cells were studied in nine portions of the blue fox GI tract, and the distribution pattern and cell types of the pancreativc endocrine cells were also studied in the pancreas by immunohistochemical method. Six kinds of immunoreactive cells were identified in the GI tract, and four kinds of immunoreactive cells were also identified in the pancreas. Although numerous 5-HT- and somatostatin-immunoreactive cells were seen throughout the GI tract, somatostatin- immunoreactive cells were a few in the intestine. Very numerous Gas/CCK-immunoreactive cells were restricted generally in the pyloric region and duodenum. Numerous glucagon-immunoreactive cells were found in the stomach except the pyloric region, and generally a few in the intestine. Moderate number of BPP-immunoreactive cells were found in the stomach except the pyloric region, and a few in the large intestine. Numerous porcine CG-immunoreactive cells were restricted to the cardiac and fundic region. In the pancreas, four types of pancreatic endocrine cells- somatostatin-, glucagon-, BPP- and insulin-immunoreactive- were identified in the pancreatic islet and exocrine portion. These results suggest that the regional distribution, the relative frequencies and cell types of the GEP endocrine cells in the GI tract and pancreas varies considerably among the species.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.45 no.11
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• pp.771-780
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• 2022

The field of extracellular vesicles (EVs) has expanded tremendously over the last decade. The role of cell-to-cell communication in neighboring or distant cells has been increasingly ascribed to EVs generated by various cells. Initially, EVs were thought to a means of cellular debris or disposal system of unwanted cellular materials that provided an alternative to autolysis in lysosomes. Intercellular exchange of information has been considered to be achieved by well-known systems such as hormones, cytokines, and nervous networks. However, most research in this field has searched for and found evidence to support paracrine or endocrine roles of EV, which inevitably leads to a new concept that EVs are synthesized to achieve their paracrine or endocrine purposes. Here, we attempted to verify the endocrine role of EV production and their contents, such as RNAs and bioactive proteins, from the regulation of biogenesis, secretion, and action mechanisms while discussing the current technical limitations. It will also be important to discuss how blood EV concentrations are regulated as if EVs are humoral endocrine machinery.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.747-755
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• 1996

The regional distribution and relative frequencies of the gastro-entero-pancreatic endocrine cells were studied immunohistochemically in the GIT and pancreas of the Korean mole. Seven kinds of endocrine cells were identified in this study. Although 5-HT- and somatostatin-immunoreactive cells were seen throughout the GIT, they were most predominant in the pyloric gland region. Glucagon-immunoreactive cells were restricted on the large intestine. Bovine CG-immunoreactive cells were more frequent in the stomach than in the intestines which were not detected in the duodenum. Numerous Gas/CCK-immunoreactive cells were found in the pyloric gland region, but rarely in the jejunum and ileum. BPP-immunoreactive cells were observed to be rare in the stomach and ileum but were a few in number in the intestines. In the pancreas, four types, namely, glucagon-, somatostatin-, BPP- and insulin-immunoreactive cells were identified in the pancreatic islets and exocrine portion. These results suggest that although endocrine cells of the Korean mole is less abundant in the duodenum, the distribution pattern of its gastro-entero-pancreatic endocrine cells is similar to that reported for the Korean hedgehog.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.129-143
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• 1990

In the present paper, the distribution, relative frequences and cell types of endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract of the frog (Rana dybowskii) during the hibernating and the active phase were examined by light and electron microscopy. The results obtained are summarized as follow: The reactive cells for Grimelius were frequently found in the gastrointestinal tract, whereas the reactive cells for Hellman-$Hellerstr{\hat{o}}m$ were found numerous in the fundus and pylorus of stomach, a few in the duodenum and lower small intestine, and very few in the rectum during both phases. No reactive cells for Masson-Fontana were found in the gastrointestinal tract during both phases. Elecron microscopically, 4 types of endocrine cells in the fundus of the stomach, 3 types in the pylorus of the stomach and duodenum, and 1 type in the lower small intestine and rectum, respectively, were identified during the hibernating phase. In the active phase, 3 types of endocrine cell in the fundus of the stomach, 2 types in the pylorus of the stomach and duodenum, and 1 type in the lower small intestine and rectum were observed, respectively. In the hibernating phase, more cytoplasmic granules and various types of endocrine cells were generally found than in the active phase.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.59-76
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• 1988

In order to know the distribution, relative frequencies, types and morphology, endocrine cells in the intestinal tract of the hedgehog(Erinaceus koreanus) were studied by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. The results obtained are summarized as follows: 1. Two kinds of endocrine cells were demonstrated with two specific staining methods. Argyrophil cells(reactive cells for Grimelius method) were found most frequently in the intestinal region, and were infrequent in the rectum, whereas argentaffin cells (reactive cells for Masson-Hamperl method) were found most frequently in the rectum and in the other legions were infrequent. These reacting cells were mainly found in the intestinal glands, whereas a small number in the mucosa. 2. Twelve kinds of endocrine cells, gastrin(Gas)-, somatostatin (Som)-, serotonin(5-HT)-, glucagon(Glu)-, bovine pancreatic polypeptide(Bpp)-, cholecystokinin(Cck)-, secretin(Sec)-, motilin(Mot)-, glicentin(Gli)-, gastric inhibitor polypeptide(GIp)-, substance P(Sp)-, and neurotensin(Neu)-immunoreactive cells, were identified by immunohistochemical method. Gas-, Som-, 5-HT-, Glu-, Cck-, Sec-, Mot-, Gli-, Sp-, and Neu-reactive cells were observed in the duodenum, and among these Gas- and 5-HT-reactive cells were moderately found while the others were infrequent. In the jejunoileum Gas-, Som-, 5-HT-, Glu-, Cck-, Mot-, Gli-, GIp-, SP-, and Neu-reactive cells were found, and among these 5-HT- and GIp-reactive cells were moderately found while the others were infrequent. In the colon Sec-reactive cell was not detected. 5-HT-reactive cells were found most frequently and the others were infrequent in this region. 5-HT-, Bpp-, GIi- and Neu-reactive cells were found in the rectum. Among these 5-HT-reactive cells were found most frequently. 3. Electron microscopically, five types of endocrine cells, EC, ECL, D, G, A-like cell, were identified in the intestinal region. EC and ECL cells in the duodenum, EC, D and G cells in the jejuno-ileum, EC and A-like cells in the colon and EC cell in the rectum were observed respectively.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.171-177
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• 2004

The regional distributions and frequencies of argentaffin endocrine cells in gastrointestinal (GI) tract of osteoporotic Sprague-Dawley rat induced by ovariectomy were studied by Masson-Hamperl silver stain. The experimental animals were divided into two groups, one is non-ovariectomized group (Sham) and the other is ovariectomized group (OVX). Samples were collected from each part of GI tract (fundus, pylorus, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, colon and rectum) at 10th week after ovariectomy or sham operation. Argentaffin cells were detected throughout the entire GI tract with various frequencies regardless of ovariectomy except for the rectum of OVX in which no cells were detected. Most of these argentaffin cells in the mucosa of GI tract were generally spherical or spindle in shape (open type cell) while cells showing round in shape (close type cell) were rarely found in gland regions. Significant decrease of argentaffin cells was detected in OVX compared to that of Sham except for the fundus and jejunum. However, in the fundus and jejunum, argentaffin cells in OVX showed similar frequency compared to that of Sham. In conclusion, the endocrine cells are the anatomical units responsible for the production of gut hormones that regulate gut motility and digestion including absorption, and a change in their density would reflect the change in the capacity of producing these hormones and regulating gut motility and digestion. Ovariectomy induced severe quantitative changes of GI argentaffin endocrine cell density, and the abnormality in density of GI endocrine cells may contribute to the development of gastrointestinal symptoms in osteoporosis such as impairments of calcium and some lipids, frequently encountered in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.321-331
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• 1992

The regional distribution and relative frequency of gastrointestinal endocrine cells were studied immunohistochemically in the gastrointestinal mucosa and pancreas of the fresh water turtle. Ten kinds of endocrine cells were identified in the gastrointestinal tract. Cholecystokinin-8-, bovine pancreatic polypetide-and glucagon-immunoreactive cells were seen throughout the gastrointestinal tract, also among them cholecystokinin-8-immunoreactive cells were most predominant in segment III. Although gastrin- and gastrin/cholecystokinin-immunoreactive cells were found from segment III to VI and X, respectively, they were numerous in segment III. Somatostatin-immunoreactive cells were observed from segment I to VII. 5-hydroxytryptamine- immunoreactive cells were detected in segment I, III, VIII, IX and X. Human pancreatic polypeptide-immunoreactive cells were demonstrated in segment V, VI, VIII, IX and X. Insulin-immunoreactive cells were found from segment III to X except for segment VIII, but rare in segment VII. Neurotensin-immunoreactive cells were found to be restricted to segment VIII, IX and X. No porcine chromogranin-, substance P- and bombesin-immunoreactive cells were detected throughout the gastrointestinal tract of the fresh water turtle. Although typical mammalian pancreatic islets encapsulated by connective tissue were not present in this species, five kinds of endocrine cells-glucagon, insulin, somatostatin, bovine pancreatic polypeptide and 5-hydroxytryptamine-were found in forming small or large groups and scattered in the exocrine gland region. However porcine chromogranin- and motilin-immunoreactive cells could not be demonstrated in the pancreas.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.59-64
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• 2002

Substantial evidences have been accumulated about the hormone-like effects of exogenous substances such as pesticides and industrial chemicals during past years. The effects of these substances on the endocrine system are believed to be either enhancing or reducing of various endocrine action. It is necessary to identify putative causal agents by the batter system and to assess their ability to disrupt the endocrine system. A variety of in vitro and In vivo approaches have been used to determine the androgenic effects of environmental chemicals. To establish the method for assessment of the putative endocrine disruptors with androgenic activity, we carried out the cell proliferation assay by MTS method after treatment with the various concentration of testosterone in LNCaP cells (human prostatic cancer cell line) and also observed the expression of androgen-related genes by quantitative RT-PCR. In the cell proliferation assay, the results showed that the grouth of LNCaP cells increased within level of at least 10pM testosterone. We measured by quantitative RT-PCR method on the effects of testosterone on mRNA expression of androgen receptor (AR), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and BMP receptor (BMPR) In LNCaP cells. The results demonstrated that mRNA expression of PSA and BMPR-IB was observed differently within level of at least 0.01 pM testosterone compared with non-treated control. These observations suggest that the detection of PSA and BMPR-IB mRNA by the quantitative RT-PCR in LNCaP cells is very sensitive method to identify the endocrine disruptors to have the androgenic effects.