• Proceedings of the PSK Conference
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• 2002.10a
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• pp.248.1-248.1
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• 2002

It has been shown that C2-ceramide (C2), short chain ceramide, plays a role in mediating contraction of cat esophageal smooth muscle cells. We examined the effect of newly synthesized ceramide analogues on the C2-ceramide induced contraction in esophageal smooth muscle cells isolated with collagenase. C2-ceramide produced contraction of smooth muscle cells in a dose dependent manner. (omitted)

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.137-142
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• 2008

Ceramide has emerged as a novel second messenger for intracellular signalling. It is produced from sphingomyelin and is involved in the control of cell differntiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. $C_2$-ceramide, short chain ceramide, plays a role in mediating contraction of cat esophageal smooth muscle cells. We examined the effect of synthesized ceramide analogues on the $C_2$-ceramide and ACh-induced contraction in esophageal smooth muscle cells isolated with collagenase. CY3523, CY3525, or CY3723 inhibited $C_2$-ceramide induced contraction, in a time dependent manne. Each analogue also inhibited the contraction in concentration dependent manners. CY 3523, CY 3525, and CY 3723 had no effect to the contraction induced by PMA. The inhibition with CY3523, CY3525 and CY3723 on the $C_2$-ceramide induced contraction was recovered by PMA. These analogues decreased the density of MAPK bands (p44/42 or p38) in the western blot. These results suggest that ceramide analogues can inhibit $C_2$-ceramide induced contraction via PKC and MAPK dependent pathway.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.139-147
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• 2013

Lysolipids such as LPA, S1P and SPC have diverse biological activities including cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. We investigated signaling pathways of LPA-induced contraction in feline esophageal smooth muscle cells. We used freshly isolated smooth muscle cells and permeabilized cells from cat esophagus to measure the length of cells. Maximal contraction occurred at $10^{-6}M$ and the response peaked at 30s. To identify LPA receptor subtypes in cells, western blot analysis was performed with antibodies to LPA receptor subtypes. LPA1 and LPA3 receptor were detected at 50 kDa and 44 kDa. LPA-induced contraction was almost completely blocked by LPA receptor (1/3) antagonist KI16425. Pertussis toxin (PTX) inhibited the contraction induced by LPA, suggesting that the contraction is mediated by a PTX-sensitive G protein. Phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitors U73122 and neomycin, and protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor GF109203X also reduced the contraction. The PKC-mediated contraction may be isozyme-specific since only $PKC{\varepsilon}$ antibody inhibited the contraction. MEK inhibitor PD98059 and JNK inhibitor SP600125 blocked the contraction. However, there is no synergistic effect of PKC and MAPK on the LPA-induced contraction. In addition, RhoA inhibitor C3 exoenzyme and ROCK inhibitor Y27632 significantly, but not completely, reduced the contraction. The present study demonstrated that LPA-induced contraction seems to be mediated by LPA receptors (1/3), coupled to PTX-sensitive G protein, resulting in activation of PLC, PKC-${\varepsilon}$ pathway, which subsequently mediates activation of ERK and JNK. The data also suggest that RhoA/ROCK are involved in the LPA-induced contraction.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.287-297
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• 2001

Contraction of smooth muscle is initiated by an increase in cytosolic $Ca^{2+}$ leading to activation of $Ca^{2+}$/ calmodulin-dependnet myosin light chain (MLC) kinase and phosphorylation of MLC. The types of contraction and signaling mechanisms mediating contraction differ depending on the region. The involvement of these different mechanisms varies depending on the source of $Ca^{2+}$ and the kinetic of $Ca^{2+}$ mobilization. $Ca^{2+}$ mobilizing agonists stimulate different phospholipases $(PLC-{\beta},\;PLD\;and\;PLA_2)$ to generate one or more $Ca^{2+}$ mobilizing messengers $(IP_3\;and\;AA),$ and diacylglycerol (DAG), an activator of protein kinase C (PKC). The relative contributions of $PLC-{\beta},\;PLA_2$ and PLD to generate second messengers vary greatly between cells and types of contraction. In smooth muscle cell derived form the circular muscle layer of the intestine, preferential hydrolysis of $PIP_2$ and generation of $IP_3$ and $IP_3-dependent\;Ca^{2+}$ release initiate the contraction. In smooth muscle cells derived from longitudinal muscle layer of the intestine, preferential hydrolysis of PC by PLA2, generation of AA and AA-mediated $Ca^{2+}$ influx, cADP ribose formation and $Ca^{2+}-induced\;Ca^{2+}$ release initiate the contraction. Sustained contraction, however, in both cell types is mediated by $Ca^{2+}-independent$ mechanism involving activation of $PKC-{\varepsilon}$ by DAG derived form PLD. A functional linkage between $G_{13},$ RhoA, ROCK, $PKC-{\varepsilon},$ CPI-17 and MLC phosphorylation in sustained contraction has been implicated. Contraction of normal esophageal circular muscle (ESO) in response to acetylcholine (ACh) is linked to $M_2$ muscarinic receptors activating at least three intracellular phospholipases, i.e. phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC), phospholipase D (PLD) and the high molecular weight (85 kDa) cytosolic phospholipase $A_2\;(cPLA_2)$ to induce phosphatidylcholine (PC) metabolism, production of diacylglycerol (DAG) and arachidonic acid (AA), resulting in activation of a protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent pathway. In contrast, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) contraction induced by maximally effective doses of ACh is mediated by muscarinic $M_3$ receptors, linked to pertussis toxin-insensitive GTP-binding proteins of the $G_{q/11}$ type. They activate phospholipase C, which hydrolyzes phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate $(PIP_2),$ producing inositol 1, 4, 5-trisphosphate $(IP_3)$ and DAG. $IP_3$ causes release of intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ and formation of a $Ca^{2+}$-calmodulin complex, resulting in activation of myosin light chain kinase and contraction through a calmodulin-dependent pathway.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.42-51
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• 2006

We investigated the mechanism of contraction induced by S1P in esophageal smooth muscle cells. Western blot analysis demonstrated that $S1P_1$, $S1P_2$, $S1P_3$, and $S1P_5$ receptors existed in the cat esophagus. Only penetration of EDG-5 ($S1P_2$) antibody into permeabilized cells inhibited S1P-induced contraction. Pertussis toxin (PTX) also inhibited contraction, suggesting that it was mediated by $S1P_2$ receptors coupled to a PTXsensitive $G_i$ protein. Specific antibodies to $G_{i2}$, $G_q$ and $G_{\beta}$ inhibited contraction, implying that the S1P-induced contraction depends on PTX-insensitive $G_q$ and $G_{\beta}$ dimers as well as the PTX-sensitive $G_{i2}$. Contraction was not affected by the phospholipase $A_2$ inhibitor DEDA, or the PLD inhibitor ${\rho}$-chloromercuribenzoate, but it was abolished by the PLC inhibitor U73122. Incubation of permeabilized cells with $PLC{\beta}3$ antibody also inhibited contraction. Contraction involved the activation of a PKC pathway since it was affected by GF109203X and chelerythrine. Since $PKC{\varepsilon}$ antibody inhibited contraction, $PKC{\varepsilon}$ may be required. Preincubation of the muscle cells with the MEK inhibitor PD98059 blocked S1P-induced contraction, but the p38 MAP kinase inhibitor SB202190 did not. In addition, co-treatment of cells with GF 109203X and PD98059 did not have a synergistic effect, suggesting that these two kinases are involved in the same signaling pathway. Our data suggest that S1P-induced contraction in esophageal smooth muscle cells is mediated by $S1P_2$ receptors coupled to PTX-sensitive $G_{i2}$ proteins, and PTX-insensitive $G_q$ and $G_{\beta}$ proteins, and that the resulting activation of the $PLC{\beta}3$ and $PKC{\varepsilon}$ pathway leads to activation of a p44/p42 MAPK pathway.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.787-792
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• 1988

Esophageal duplication constitute about 10% of all the mediastinal tumor and relatively rare condition. We have experienced one case of esophageal duplication which was found 2 years previously by radiologic study of chest, as mediastinal mass, in 37 years old male. He had neither clinical manifestations nor physical findings leading to the surgical discovery of the duplication. During the last 2 years, the size k location of the mass were stationary in character. Operative therapy of complete excision performed without surgical complication. On microscopic study, the lining cell of inner wall of cyst. Noted pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium with smooth muscle.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.422-426
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• 1998

Progressive dysphagia in a 53 year old man was caused by a giant polypoid tumor in the lower intrathoracic esophagus. Radical transthoracic esophagectomy and esophagogastrostomy were carried out. Microscopic examination of the tumor revealed a true carcinosarcoma, composed of a mixture of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma and chondrosarcoma with multiple cartilagenous productions. Carcinoma metastases were found in the subcarinal and perigastric lymph nodes. Immunohistochemically, squamous area displayed strong positive to cytokeratin, and basaloid area showed positive immunoreaction to high molecular weight cytokeratin (34${\beta}$E12). Spindle cell sarcoma reacted to vimentin and smooth muscle actin. Chondrosarcomatous area reacted to vimentin and S-100 protein. He received postoperative chemotherpy and radiotherapy. He has been free of disease for 11 months.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.167-167
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• 1969

Two groups of esophagus graft were done in canine esophagus in 34 adult mongrel dogs. For the first group segmental replacement graft was done with fresh autologous pericardium tube, and for the second, patch graft was done utilizing fresh autologous pericardium, fresh homologous pericardium,and dacron piece. All eight dogs in the first segmental replacement graft group died 2 to 5 days after operation with severe empyema caused by anastomosis disruption. Among 26 patch graft dogs 2 died during operation and 7 died 13 to 18 days after operation. For the 17 long-term patch grafted survivors esophagography and postoperative weight check were done. Postoperative stool was collected and examined for dacron patch excretion. One, two, three, and four months postoperative long-term survivors were sacrificed to obtain specimens in each group respectively and the following observations were made.I. Survival; Autologous pericardium patch group showed no mortality but in homologous pericardium and dacron patch group only two thirds were long-term survivors. II. Postoperative swallowing; There was no case which demonstrated postoperative dysphagia. About half of the cases showed postoperative weight increase and in only 3 cases weight decrease followed operation. III. Dacron patch was excreted in the stool 8 to 23 days after operation. Animals which excreted dacron patch up to 9 days after operation all died of empyema due to anastomosis disruption.IV. Postoperative esophagogram; All esophagograms in each group showed no leakage of barium, no passage disturbances and no remarkable stenotic signs.V. Morphological findings; [A] Macroscopical findings; In one month group specimens of each group dense adhesion with surrounding structures was noted and luminal surface was smooth with contraction of the patched area. In two month groups anastomosis sutures were still exposed but patched area showed lesser abnormality. In three to four months groups sutures were covered completely and patched area showed only very slight signs of contraction. [B] Microscopic findings; In one month group luminal surface of the replaced tissue [transplanted tissue] showed almost complete epithelial covering that is composed of several layers of squamous cells with no evidence of keratinization. Basement membrane was also well distinct throughout. Slight to minimal inflammatory cells comprising of large mononuclears, lymphocytes and plasma cells were observed in the subepithelial fibrous stroma consisted entirely of loose fibrous tissue containing many newly formed capillaries and fibroblastic proliferation. Scattered suture granulomas were found, few of which became acutely inflamed. In two months group repairing process progressed with lesser degree of inflammatory cell infiltration and young capillary proliferation. Fibrous tissue was more matured showing even focal collagenization.Suture granuloma persisted but with lesser reactive changes. Epithelial covering was that of a mature non-keratinizing stratified squamous epithelium. In three and four months groups the replaced area showed essentially similar histological findings. However, subepithelial stroma still consisted entirely of connective tissue without evidence of smooth muscle regeneration. In this group, inflammatory cell infiltration was minimal or negligible. Among these patch materials autologous pericardium group showed the most satisfactory repairing process.The above mentioned results may signify the feasibility of autogenous pericardium patch graft in clinical esophageal surgery.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.168-186
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• 1969

Two groups of esophagus graft were done in canine esophagus in 34 adult mongrel dogs. For the first group segmental replacement graft was done with fresh autologous pericardium tube, and for the second, patch graft was done utilizing fresh autologous pericardium, fresh homologous pericardium,and dacron piece. All eight dogs in the first segmental replacement graft group died 2 to 5 days after operation with severe empyema caused by anastomosis disruption. Among 26 patch graft dogs 2 died during operation and 7 died 13 to 18 days after operation. For the 17 long-term patch grafted survivors esophagography and postoperative weight check were done. Postoperative stool was collected and examined for dacron patch excretion. One, two, three, and four months postoperative long-term survivors were sacrificed to obtain specimens in each group respectively and the following observations were made. I. Survival; Autologous pericardium patch group showed no mortality but in homologous pericardium and dacron patch group only two thirds were long-term survivors. II. Postoperative swallowing; There was no case which demonstrated postoperative dysphagia. About half of the cases showed postoperative weight increase and in only 3 cases weight decrease followed operation. III. Dacron patch was excreted in the stool 8 to 23 days after operation. Animals which excreted dacron patch up to 9 days after operation all died of empyema due to anastomosis disruption. IV. Postoperative esophagogram; All esophagograms in each group showed no leakage of barium, no passage disturbances and no remarkable stenotic signs. V. Morphological findings; [A] Macroscopical findings; In one month group specimens of each group dense adhesion with surrounding structures was noted and luminal surface was smooth with contraction of the patched area. In two month groups anastomosis sutures were still exposed but patched area showed lesser abnormality. In three to four months groups sutures were covered completely and patched area showed only very slight signs of contraction. [B] Microscopic findings; In one month group luminal surface of the replaced tissue [transplanted tissue] showed almost complete epithelial covering that is composed of several layers of squamous cells with no evidence of keratinization. Basement membrane was also well distinct throughout. Slight to minimal inflammatory cells comprising of large mononuclears, lymphocytes and plasma cells were observed in the subepithelial fibrous stroma consisted entirely of loose fibrous tissue containing many newly formed capillaries and fibroblastic proliferation. Scattered suture granulomas were found, few of which became acutely inflamed. In two months group repairing process progressed with lesser degree of inflammatory cell infiltration and young capillary proliferation. Fibrous tissue was more matured showing even focal collagenization. Suture granuloma persisted but with lesser reactive changes. Epithelial covering was that of a mature non-keratinizing stratified squamous epithelium. In three and four months groups the replaced area showed essentially similar histological findings. However, subepithelial stroma still consisted entirely of connective tissue without evidence of smooth muscle regeneration. In this group, inflammatory cell infiltration was minimal or negligible. Among these patch materials autologous pericardium group showed the most satisfactory repairing process. The above mentioned results may signify the feasibility of autogenous pericardium patch graft in clinical esophageal surgery.