• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.435-441
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• 1998

We examined effects of interleukin $1{\alpha}$ ($IL1{\alpha}$) and phorbol 12, 13 dibutyrate (PDB), an activator of protein kinase C, on mRNA for Prostaglandin H synthase (PGHS) and prostanoid production in cultured ovine meningeal fibroblasts. Immuno- and morphologically-identified fibroblasts were derived from cerebral cortex and white matter from fetal lambs (approximately 120 days gestation) and grown to confluence on glass coverslips in 12 well plates. Levels of prostaglandin $F_{2{\alpha}}$ and the stable hydrolysis product of prostacyclin (i.e., $6-keto-PGF_{1{\alpha}}$) were determined using enzyme immunoassay. Relative amounts of mRNA were determined by in situ hybridization using ovine cDNA for PGHS1. $IL1{\alpha}$ (10 ng/ml) increased mRNA levels over baseline by $62{\pm}19%$ (p＜0.05) at 60 min., $37{\pm}12%$ (NS) at 120 min., and $36{\pm}18%$ (NS) at 240 min (n=12). Levels of $6-keto-PGF_{1{\alpha}}$ were $148{\pm}18%$ pg/ml during baseline, $246{\pm}41%$ pg/ml at 60 min., $248{\pm}40%$ pg/ml at 120 min., and $259{\pm}62%$ pg/ml at 240 min (all p＜0.05) (n=12). $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ was increased although it wasn't statistically significant. However, $IL1{\alpha}$ decreased $PGE_2$ level significantly (all p＜0.05). PDB $(10^{-6}M)$ increased mRNA levels over baseline by $25{\pm}6%$ after 30 min., $40{\pm}6%$ after 60 min., and $20{\pm}8%$ after 90 min. (n=9) (all p＜0.05). Levels of $6-keto-PGF_{1{\alpha}}$ were $200{\pm}43%$ pg/ml during baseline, $202{\pm}43%$ pg/ml after 30 min. (NS), $268{\pm}58%$ pg/ml after 60 min. (p＜0.05), and $296{\pm}60%$ pg/ml after 90 min. (p＜0.05) (n=9). Levels of $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ were $178{\pm}26%$ pg/ml during baseline, $300{\pm}30%$ pg/ml after 30 min., $299{\pm}35%$ pg/ml after 60 min., and $355{\pm}32%$ pg/ml after 90 min (all p＜0.05) (n=6). Actinomycin-D (1 mg/ml) prevented increases in mRNA, $6-keto-PGF_{1{\alpha}}$, and $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ at 60 min. for both $IL1{\alpha}$ and PDB. We conclude that cerebral fibroblasts are avid producers of prostanoids, and that enhanced production of PGHS is responsible for augmented $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ and prostacyclin production in the presence of an activator of protein kinase C and for decreased $PGE_2$ and increased prostacyclin production in the presence of $IL1{\alpha}$.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.163-169
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• 2004

To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of autoimmune inflammation in the central nervous system, we examined the expression and localization of STAT1, STAT3, STAT4 and STAT6 molecules during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) by competitive PCR. In the present study, we quantitated IL-4 and IL-12 p40 mRNA by competitive PCR in the CNS during EAE. IL-4 mRNA was found at early and peak stages. On the other hand, the IL-12 p40 mRNA level reached maximal levels at the peak stage and still found at the recovery stage of the disease. We examined the kinetics of STAT mRNA in the CNS during EAE and demonstrated that STAT1 and STAT4 mRNA reached a maximal level at the peak stage of EAE, whereas STAT3 mRNA level increased gradually to the recovery stage. STAT6 mRNA increased rapidly at the early stage followed by gradual decrease till the recovery stage. Taken together, these findings suggest that STAT4 which was probably activated by IL-12 plays a pro-inflammatory role and that STAT3 which was activated throughout the disease course seems to serve as a transducer of anti-inflammatory signals.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.17-23
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• 2010

We isolated warm temperature acclimation-related protein 65-kDa (Wap65) cDNA from the liver of olive flounder and investigated the mRNA expression of Wap65 and HSP70 in olive flounder exposed to osmotic (17.5, 8.75, and 4 psu) and thermal stress (25 and $30^{\circ}C$). The mRNA expression of Wap65 and HSP70 was increased by thermal stress. The mRNA expression of HSP70 was also increased by osmotic stress, whereas no significant change in Wap65 expression was detected. These results indicate that Wap65 mRNA expression occurs specifically in response to increases in water temperature, but not in response to osmotic stress. Plasma cortisol levels were also increased by osmotic and thermal stress. We also utilized the stress hormone cortisol to examine whether Wap65 expression is thermal-stress-specific. Cortisol treatment increased HSP70 mRNA expression in vitro, but had no significant effect on Wap65 mRNA expression. Thus, thermal stress, but not osmotic stress, induces Wap65 expression.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.566-570
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• 2006

Exposure to ultraviolet B(UVB) radiation causes skin inflammation such as pigmentation and the induction of cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) gene expression. In this study, we investigated the effect of natural extracts from Tea, EGb 761 and Korean red ginseng(KRG), on the pigmentation and expression of COX-1 and COX-2 mRNA in UVB-irradiated C57BL/6 mice. Before UVB irradiation, the skin color was significantly showed the lightening effect by topical application of natural compounds (p<.05). In the case of UVB irradiated mice, we observed a decrease in pigmentation by compounds (p<.05). In irradiated skin, COX-1 mRNA expression is not changed following UVB irradiation, but COX-2 gene increases. Also, natural compounds lowered mRNA levels of COX-2. Therefore, these results suggest that COX-2 mRNA increases by UVB irradiation. Also, Tea, EGb 761 and KRG as a topical application may inhibit skin pigmentation and modulate COX-2 mRNA level.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.716-721
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• 2005

Fluoxetine is an anorexic agent known to reduce food intake and weight gain. However, the molecular mechanism by which fluoxetine induces anorexia has not been well-established. We examined mRNA expression levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) in the brain regions of rats using RT-PCR and in situ hybridization techniques after 2 weeks of administering fluoxetine daily. Fluoxetine persistently suppressed food intake and weight gain during the experimental period. The pair-fed group confirmed that the reduction in body weight in the fluoxetine treated rats resulted primarily from decreased food intake. RT-PCR analyses showed that mRNA expression levels of both NPY and POMC were markedly reduced by fluoxetine treatment in all parts of the brain examined, including the hypothalamus. POMC mRNA in situ signals were significantly decreased, NPY levels tended to increase in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of fluoxetine treated rats (compared to the vehicle controls). In the pair-fed group, NPY mRNA levels did not change, but the POMC levels decreased (compared with the vehicle controls). These results reveal that the chronic administration of fluoxetine decreases expression levels in both NPY and POMC in the brain, and suggests that fluoxetine-induced anorexia may not be mediated by changes in the ARC expression of either NPY or POMC. It is possible that a fluoxetine raised level of 5-HT play an inhibitory role in the orectic action caused by a reduced expression of ARC POMC ($\alpha$-MSH).

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.69-76
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• 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-induced erythropoietin (EPO) and EPO-receptor expression in human Hep3B cells and Sprague Dawley (SD) rats during hypoxia. Expression levels of EPO, EPO-R mRNA, Janus kinase-2 (JAK-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), and HIF-2 in response to GABA treatment were evaluated in cell lines. SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups of 8 rats each, and GABA was orally administered; the groups were the normal control (NC), hypoxia-exposed (G0), as well as the GABA 1 mg/100 g body weight (BW) GABA treated group (G1), 5 mg/100 g BW GABA treated group (G5), and 10 mg/100 g BW GABA treated group (G10) with hypoxia. We analyzed EPO levels and red blood cell counts in rat blood and EPO gene expression in kidney tissue. EPO and VEGF mRNA levels in Hep3B cells exposed to hypoxia were significantly increased and further increased after GABA treatment. However, the expression of EPO-R and JAK-2 mRNAs were not affected by GABA, but hypoxia-induced HIF-1 and HIF-2 mRNA expression was inhibited by GABA. In the kidney tissue of rats exposed to hypoxia, the expression level of EPO mRNA was greatly increased, but levels in the GABA treatment groups significantly decreased. EPO levels in the serum showed the same significant trend, but the red blood cell counts were not significantly different. These findings demonstrate that HIF-1 and HIF-2 activation increase EPO expression in Hep3B cells exposed to hypoxia. However HIF decreased by GABA addition and VEGF increased significantly.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.462-466
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• 2001

To understand molecular mechanisms of mouse mammary gland involution, clones were isolated by differential screening of a cDNA library. Partial sequences of a clone showed 100% identity to cDNA sequences of mouse lysozyme P gene. Northern analysis was performed to examine expression levels of lysozyme mRNA in mammary gland at several physiological states. Expression of lysozyme gene was induced at involution day 5 compared with lactating stage. High levels of lysozyme mRNA were also detected at virgin tissues. Two types of separate genes, P and M lysozyme, have been known in mouse, and we found that both lysozyme P and M genes were expressed in mammary tissues by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The lysozyme enzyme activity determined by lysoplate assay was also higher in involuted mammary tissues compared with lactating tissues, showing a similar trend to its mRNA levels. Lysozyme is an antimicrobial protein and involved in host defense mechanism. The increase in lysozyme gene expression may help to prevent microbial infection during mammary gland involution at which stage the residual milk in the mammary gland provides good nutritional sources for microbial growth.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.40-54
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• 2006

Objective: This study aimed to identify the different effects of GMCSBHT water-extract and ethanol-extract on Th1/Th2 differentiation by monitoring Th1/Th2 specific cytokine secretion patterns and the transcriptional activities of T-bet, GATA-3, c-maf, $INF{\gamma}$ and IL-4. Materials and Methods: Spleen cells from eight week-old BALB/c mice were cultured in GMCSBHT extracts containing medium without activation for 24 hours and with activation for 48 hours. CD4+ T cells were isolated and mRNA expression levels of $INF{\gamma}$, IL-4, T-bet, GATA-3, c-maf by RT-PCR and secretion cytokines levels of $IFN{\gamma}$, IL-4 by ELISA were analyzed. Results: GMCSBHT extracts didn't have mitogenic effects on the unstimulated CD4+ T cells. In Th1 skewed condition, GMCSBAHT water extract had no significant effects on mRNA expression levels of $IFN{\gamma}$, T-bet and c-maf, but inhibited mRNA expression levels of IL-4, GATA-3. It showed significantly increased secretion cytokine levels of $IFN{\gamma}$, but had no significant effect on secretion cytokine levels of IL-4. In Th2 skewed condition, GMCSBHT ethanol extract inhibited mRNA expression levels of $INF{\gamma}$, IL-4, GATA-3 and c-maf significantly, but had no significant effects on mRNA expression levels of T-bet. It had no significant effects on secretion cytokine levels of $INF{\gamma}$, but showed remarkable inhibitory effects on secretion cytokine levels of IL-4. Conclusion: Results suggest that on Th1/Th2 deviation, GMCSBHT water extract has both amplifying effects on Th1 differentiation and inhibitory effects on Th2, but GMCSBHT ethanol extract has stronger inhibitory effects on Th2 differentiation than on Th1.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.177-184
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• 2006

Retinol-binding protein(RBP) plays an important role in the specific transport of retinol to target cells through the blood stream in higher vertebrates. In order to clarify the effects of 4-nonylphenol(4-NP) on RBP mRNA expression in the rockfish, Sebastes schlegeli which is common in coastal waters of Korea and commercially important species, the cDNA library was constructed from the liver, and a partial fragment of the RBP gene was cloned. The deduced amino acid sequence from the RBP mRNA showed a high homology to the amino acid sequence from Sparus aurata(80%), Oncorhynchus mykiss(72%) or Anguilla anguilla(78%). Effects of 4-NP on RBP and vitellogenin(VTG) mRNA expression level in rockfish were examined by the northern blot analysis. In female and male rockfish injected with 4-NP(10 mg/kg BW, lower dose), there was no changes in the levels of VTG mRNA expression in the liver. The RBP mRNA levels, however, decreased at 48 hours after the injection in male. In the rockfish injected with 4-NP(25 mg/kg BW, higher dose), the level of VTG mRNA expression increased after 24 hours, regardless of sex. The level of RBP mRNA expression decreased at 48 hours after the injection in both sexes. These data indicate that estrogenic mimics such as 4-NP exhibit a contrasting effect on RBP and VTG gene expression in rockfish.

• Proceedings of the Botanical Society of Korea Conference
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• 1987.07a
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• pp.309-321
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• 1987

Differential gene expressions of patatin, proteinase inhibitor II, PAPI, rbcS and actin in potato microtuber have been examined. Microtubers from the several different stages of development were collected and their protein and mRNA patterns were examined. SDS-PAGE of microtuber proteins revealed that developmental changes in protein should be analogous to that of potatoes grown in the field. The level of patatin mRNA was the highest at the 30th day of development. Proteinse inhibitor IImRNA level was at the highest at the 15th day and decreased thereafter. The levels of PAPI mRNA, rbcS mRNA and actin mRNA were low throughout the time course examined.