• Animal cells and systems
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.114-120
• /
• 2012

In echinoderms, the SALMFamide neuropeptides sharing the SxL/FxFamide motif seem widespread throughout the phylum and may be important signalling molecules that mediate various physiological functions. Recent identification of S1 and its analogues, MagS3 and MagS4, along with the S2 analogue, MagS2 from the starfish $Marthasterias$ $glacialis$, indicated that SALMFamides in the class Asteroidea are more diverse than previously thought. Further, isolation of the neuropeptides from the radial nerve cord and studies on pharmacological actions of the neuropeptides on the cardiac stomach warrant studies on the tissue distributions of these peptides in both the nervous and digestive systems. In the present study, antisera raised against an S1 analogue, KYSALMFamide, and an S2 analogue, KYSGLTFamide, were used to localize the distribution patterns of the S1- and S2-like immunoreactivities (S1-IR/S2-IR) in the nervous and digestive systems of the starfish. In the nervous system, cell bodies in the ectoneural part were immunostained for both S1 and S2 peptides, while in the digestive system, the basiepithelial plexus and mucosal cell bodies were immunoreactive. These immunocytochemical data support the notion that the SALMFamides may play a neuroendocrine role in mediating feeding behaviour of the starfish. Further studies including identification of peptide binding sites and differential expression pattern of mRNAs encoding the peptides are required to elucidate their physiological functions.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.29 no.6
• /
• pp.530-534
• /
• 1996

Astrocyte are the major glial cell type in the central nervous system (CNS), and analogous to macrophage, mediates the number of immune responses such as production of cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha ($TNF-{\alpha}$) upon activation. $TNF-{\alpha}$ has been implicated in neuroimmunological disorders through killing oligodendrocytes and thus causing demyelination. It has been previously demonstrated that mitogen-activated T cells synthesized a 26 kDa precursor form of $TNF-{\alpha}$ which is bound to the surface of a membrane, and is later secreted as a 17 kDa mature version. In order to examine whether astrocytes would produce the transmembrane form of $TNF-{\alpha}$, astrocytes were stimulated with biological stimuli and the membrane form of $TNF-{\alpha}$ was analyzed by Western blot and FACS analysis. When astrocytes are stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), $IFN-{\gamma}/LPS$, or $IFN-{\gamma}/IL-1{\beta}$, they were able to express a membrane-anchored $TNF-{\alpha}$ of approximately 26 kDa protein which was immunoreactive to an $anti-TNF-{\alpha}$ antibody, whereas unstimulated astrocytes or astrocytes treated with $IFN-{\gamma}$ or $IL-1{\beta}$ alone was not. Our FACS data were also consistent with the immunoblot analysis. Our result suggests that the membrane form of $TNF-{\alpha}$ expressed by activated astrocytes may cause local damage to oligodendrocytes by direct cell-cell contact and contribute to demyelination observed in multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE).

• Development and Reproduction
• /
• v.1 no.2
• /
• pp.189-202
• /
• 1997

The hypothalamic peptide GnRH plays a central role in the regulation of the mammalian reproductive axis. Recent studies suggested that GnRH stimulates or inhibits the ovarian steroidogenesis and gametogenesis directly. Our previous report indicated that GnRH gene is expressed in adult rat ovary as well as in hypothalamus and that the expressed GnRH may induce the follicular atresia and apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in rat. Therfore, we studied whether GnRH gene is expressed in the mouse fetal ovary, when the germ cells are degenerating by apoptosis during gonad diffeerentiation. Mouse fetal gonads were obtained on the 12, 15,18 and 20th day of gestation from the mother mice superovulated (10 IU PMSG and 10 IU hCG) and mated. The morphological changes of fetal ovaries were examined histochemically by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The fetal sex was confirmed by PCR methods for sexing. RT-PCR methods were used to examine the expression of GnRH gene and the sex steroid hormones were determined by conventional radioimmunoassays. The levels of estradiol (E) and progesterone (P) were increaseduntil 18th day of gestation and then E was decreased just before parturition. The morphological changes of fetal gonadal tissue sections showed the ovarian development and coincided with the result of PCR analysis for sexing using ovary- or testis- specific oligonucleotide primers. Immunoreactive GnRH in placenta was decreased gradually until the end of gestation but fetal brain and ovarian GnRH were increased. The level of GnRH gene expression was increased during fetal ovarian development from 12 till 18th day and decreased suddenly on 20th day just before birth. From these results, it is suggested that ovarian GnRh may play a regulatory role on the germ cell differentiation of fetal ovary.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.35 no.3
• /
• pp.321-324
• /
• 2008

Purpose: Lymphoma originated from mucosa associated lymphoid tissue(MALT) is most common in gastrointestinal system, and rarely found in salivary gland, thyroid, bronchus or orbit. We experienced a case of MALT lymphoma which was originated from conjunctiva and involving lower eyelid without metastasis. Methods: A 40-year-old man suffered palpable mass on right lower eyelid without pain. Orbital computed tomographic and ultrasonographic findings showed a conical mass($1.9{\times}1.2{\times}0.9cm$ size) inside lower eyelid. The mass was completely excised under local anesthesia and histopathological examination was followed. Results: Microscopic finding showed a multiple follicular colonization. In the follicle, small lymphocytes and plasma cells differentiated to centrocyte-like cell, monocyte B cell, plasma cell were diffusely infiltrated. Immunophenotyping was preformed on fixed section. The majority of the small cells were immunoreactive for the B cell marker CD20. Based on the typical histological findings supported by immunostaining, the mass was defined as MALT lymphoma. After excision, SPECT, abdominal CT was carried out and there were no evidence of extraorbital disease. Conclusion: Biopsy and pathological examination should be performed in patients who complain palpable mass on lower eyelid because of possibility of MALT lymphoma. Although MALT lymphoma is rarely metastasized, it is necessary to evaluate the extraorbital involvement using SPECT or other radiologic exams. For detecting extraorbital involvement, periodic follow-up examination is need.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
• /
• v.16 no.1
• /
• pp.91-95
• /
• 2011

Purpose: In this study, we investigated the dye to staining for selective accumulation in rabbit retina. Methods: Rhodamine B was injected into the vitreous body in rabbit. After 24 h, the isolated retina was checked condition of cell staining on the microscope. We used conventional immunocytochemical techniques for recognizing cell type. Results: Well-labeled nuclei were seen in the middle of the inner nuclear layer of the rabbit retina. The number and distrbution of the accumulating cells were similar to those of the m$\ddot{u}$ller glia. To identify m$\ddot{u}$ller cell, we used antibody directed against vimentin. Rhodamine B-immunoreactive nuclei also were labeled with antivimentin antibody. We found that Rhodamine B was accumulated selectively in retinal m$\ddot{u}$ller cell. Conclusions: Specific accumulation in rabbit retinal m$\ddot{u}$ller cell occurred when Rhodamine B was applied to living retina.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.369-375
• /
• 1999

Chordoma is a slow-growing malignant neoplasm arising from the remnants of the primitive notochord. It accounts for 1 to 4% of all malignant bone tumors. It occurs exclusively along the spinal axis. Authors experienced four cases of chordoma occurred in the sacrococcygeal region. There were two male and two female patients, with a mean age of 63.5 years(range, 57~75 years). Tissue was obtained by wide excision in two patients, by incisional biopsy in one patient and by needle biopsy in the other. Adjuvant radiation therapy was performed on all the patients after their biopsy. The mean diameter of the tumors was 7.6cm(range, 5.5 to 13.0cm). Grossly, tumor was multiobulated, soft and myxoid gelatinous mass. Microscopically, the tumor showed lobulated feature divided by fibrous septa within it. There were physaliphorous cells with vacuolated bubbly cytoplasm. And small uniform, round, and non-vacuolated tumor cells were also present. On immunohistochemical stain, all the cases were immunoreactive for cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen(EMA) and vimentin, respectively. One of the 4 cases was positive for S-100 protein. All the cases were negative for CEA.

• Animal cells and systems
• /
• v.16 no.5
• /
• pp.391-399
• /
• 2012

We cloned cDNA-encoding arginine vasotocin (AVT) from the brain of the cinnamon clownfish Amphiprion melanopus, and that was predicted to encode a protein of 153 amino acids. We examined changes in the expression of AVT mRNA in the brain and arginine vasotocin receptor (AVTR) mRNA and osmotic stress transcription factor 1 (OSTF1) mRNA in the gills of the cinnamon clownfish using quantitative real-time PCR in an osmotically changing environment (seawater (35 psu) ${\rightarrow}$ brackish water (BW, 17.5 psu) and BW with prolactin [PRL]). The expression of AVT, AVTR, and OSTF1 mRNA in the brain and gills increased after transfer to BW, and the expression was repressed by PRL treatment. AVT-immunoreactive cells were almost consistently observed in the telencephalon. The plasma $Na^+$ and $Cl^-$ levels decreased in BW, but the level of this parameter increased in BW with PRL treatme during salinity change. These results suggest that AVT, AVTR, and OSTF1 play important roles in hormonal regulation in osmoregulation organs, and that PRL improves the hyperosmoregulatory ability of cinnamon clownfish in BW environment.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.1-16
• /
• 2008

Purpose: In this rearch, we made a plan to investigate the effects of Changbuyeukgun-Tang(CET) on the polycystic ovary(PCOS) induced by estradiol valerate(EV) in rats. PCO was induced by single intramuscular injection with EV(4㎎) in female rats. Rats(n=8) in normal group were injected with sesame oil and orally administrated distilled water for 8weeks Rats in PCO control group(n=8) were injected with EV and orally administrated distilled water for 8weeks. Rats in CET treated group(n=8) were injected with EV and orally administrated CET for 8weeks. Methods: We measured the weights of the body, the ovary, the uterus and the adrenal gland. And also, we analyzed ovarian histopathology, NGF and CRF immunohistochemistry. Results: The results were as follows1. the weights(㎎) of the ovaries in CET treated group were significantly increased(p<0.001) compared with PCO control group. 2. the number of the mature follicles in CET treated group were significantly increased(p<0.01) compared with PCO control. 3. the number of the atresia follicles in CET treated group were significantly decreased(p<0.01) compared with PCO control. 4. the number of the corpora in CET treated group were significantly increased(p<0.05) compared with PCO control. 5. the expressions of NGF-immunoreactive cells in the ovarian granulosa cells of rats in CET treated group were less observed than PCO control group. Conclusion: According to these results, we finally concluded that Changbuyeukgun-Tang(CET) has the inhibitory effect on the development of EV-induced polycystic ovary. And we deduced that the effect of it may be related to the decreased NGF activities in the ovary.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
• /
• v.33 no.3
• /
• pp.465-469
• /
• 1993

This paper dealt with the histopathological findings on the natural cysticercosis in pigs. Three cases of porcine cysticercosis, which had been kept in the Department of Veterinary Medicine, Cheju. University more than ten years, were histopathologically examined in order to see the host reaction to the parasite. Capsules containing scolex were mainly found in the fascia of skeletal muscle, heart, and brains. Microscopically, cysticerci in the epicardium and the fascia of skeletal muscles were encapsulated with fibroblasts and collagen fibers. Around capsules, there was infiltration of eosinophils, lymphocytes and macrophages, although the degree and severity of inflammatory reaction varied case by case. Cerebral cortex also had the inflammatory exudate of lymphoid cells in the vicinity of the scolex. whereas perivascular lymphocytic cuffings were commonly seen around capsules. GFAP immunoreactive fibers formed a limiting membrane along the outer side of capsules. There was also proliferation of GFAP-positive astrocytes encirling infiltrating lymphocytes around vessels. In the central nervous system, astrocytes and lympoid cells play an important role in the demarcation of cysts and local immunity, respectively. In conclusion, host tissue reaction in porcine cysticercosis seemed to vary significantly according to the affected organs of pigs. It is assumed that capsules containing worms seemed to be formed at early stage of cysticercosis.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.27-41
• /
• 2011

Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the effect of Ojeok-san(OJS) on the estradiol valerate(EV)-induced polycystic ovaries(PCO) in rats. Methods: PCO was induced by single intramuscular injection with estradiol valerate(EV)(4mg) in female rats. Normal group(n=8) were injected with sesame oil and orally administrated distilled water for sixty days. PCO control group (n=8) were injected with EV and orally administrated distilled water for sixty days. OJS treated group(n=8) were injected with EV and orally administrated OJS for sixty days. Then, we measured weights of body, ovaries, adrenal glands and uterus of rats. The histomorphometrical changes of ovaries were also evaluated. And we observed the NGF and CRF expression by immunohistochemistry. Results: The results were as follows - The weights(mg) of ovaries in OJS treated group($57.4{\pm}9.4$) were significantly increased(p < 0.05) compared with PCO control group($42.3{\pm}8.5$). - The numbers of mature follicles in OJS treated group($9.3{\pm}2.5$) were significantly increased(p < 0.05) compared with PCO control group($6.1{\pm}2.1$). - The expressions of NGF-immunoreactive cells in the ovarian granulosa cells in OJS treated group were weaker than PCO control group. Conclusion: From the these results, we concluded that Ojeok-san(OJS) has inhibitory effect on the development of EV-induced polycystic ovary. And it's effect maybe related with decreased NGF activities in the ovary.