• The Korean Journal of Zoology
• /
• v.32 no.2
• /
• pp.153-162
• /
• 1989

Expedments were perfonned to examine the role of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PK-A) and diacylglycerol-dependent protein kinase (PK-C) during the meiodc resumption and the first mitotic cell cycle of mouse embryogenesis. Mejoric GV oocytes and one-cell embryos derived from in vitro fertilization were cultured in vitro, and morphological changes in response to activators of PK-A and PK-C were examined. Treatments with a membrane-permeable cAMP analog, dbcAMP (0.1 mg/mi), phosphodiesterase inhibitor, IBMX (0.1 mM), biologically active phorbol ester, WA (10 nglmi), or a synthetic diacylglycerol, sn-diC8 inhibited resumption of melosis. Combination of PK-A and PK-C activator brought about furiher inhibition. On the contrary, dbcAMP (0.1 mg/mi), IBMX (0.2 mM), WA (10 nglml), and sn-diC8 (0.5 mM) did not inhibit pronucleus membrane breakdown (PNBD) when added S or G2 phase of cell cycle. However, activators of PK-C inhibited cleavage of one-cefl embryos. This result indicates that the action mechanism of PK-A and PK-C on dissolution of nuclear membrane in primary meiotic arrest oocytes may be different from that of mitotic one-cell embryos.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.119-128
• /
• 1982

The frog truncus arterious were studied with conventional glass microelectrode technique in order to elucidate the underlying mechanism of spontaneous pacemaker activity. The analyses were focussed on the ionic nature of pacemaker current by changing the concentrations of extracellular $K^+$ and, $Na^+$, or by using blockers of K- and Ca-current and chronotropic transmitters. 1) The action potential of the spontaneously active truncus arteriosus has some characteristic feature of maximal distolic potential ranged from -65 to -75 mV, resting potential from -45 to -50 mV and overshoot voltage about +30 mV, respectively. Duration of the action potential taken from rapid upstroke to maximal diastolic potential was about 600 msec. Usual discharge rate was $25{\sim}30/min$ at room temperature $(18{\sim}20^{\circ}C)$. 2) The sensitivity of the resting membrane potential to change extracellular potassium concentrations $(0{\sim}12\;mM)$ was relatively low. Transient hyperpolarization was appeared in the 12 mM K Ringer after 10 min exposure to 0 mM K and it could be related to Na-pump reactivation by high potassium. 3) Reduction of extracellular sodium concetrations diminished the amplitude and frequency of the action potential. In Ringer solution containing 30% Na (substituted by equimolar Tris), spontaneous activity stopped but reappeared as very slow and small action potential. There was no spotaneous activity in zero Na Ringer solution. 4) Caesium(10 mM), K-current blocker decreased the frequency of the action potential and also pacemaker depolarization. Manganese (2 mM) known to be Ca-current antagonist, blocked spontaneous activity completely. 5) Adrenaline and acetylcholine had no chronotropic effect. But adrenaline increased the duration of plateau phase and the magnitude of the action potential in the follower cell. It is concluded that K-, Na-and Ca-current components are involved in the genesis of spontaneous activity of the frog truncus arteriosus like cardiac pacemaker tissues. But the insensitivity of truncus arteriosus to adrenaline and acetylcholine indicates that there are some different control mechanisms of spontaneous rhythm in two tissues.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.9 no.2
• /
• pp.96-103
• /
• 2001

These studies were investigated about influence of SKP 450, a $K^{+}$ channel opener, on the pressor actions induced by norepinephrine, angiotensin II and carotid artery occlusion in rats. Before these studies, effect of SKP 450 itself on blood pressure was examinated. SKP 450 produced the depressor action in proportionaly to dose of 0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 $\mu$g/kg given intravenously and this depressor action was weakened by pretreatment of glibenclamide, a $K^{+}$ channel blocker. The pressor action induced by norepinephrine, an alpha-adrenergic agonist, was blocked 1 hr after administation of SKP 450 in a dose of 3.0 $\mu\textrm{g}$/kg, i.v. and directly after in a dose of 6.0 $\mu\textrm{g}$/kg, i.v.. The pressor action induced by angiotensin II was blocked immediatly after treatment of SKP 450 in a dose of 3.0 $\mu\textrm{g}$/kg, i.v.. The pressor action caused by carotid artery occlusion was not affected by SKP 450 of 3.0 $\mu\textrm{g}$/kg, i.v., whereas markedly blocked by SKP 450 of 6.0 $\mu\textrm{g}$/㎦, i.v.. The potentiated-pressor actions of norepinephrine and angiotensin II by pretreatment of chlorisondamine, a autonomic ganglionic blocking agent, were also blocked by administration of SKP 450 in a dose of 6.0 $\mu\textrm{g}$/kg, i.v.. The weakened-pressor action of carotid artery occlusion by pretreatment of chlorisondamine was more weakened by SKP 450 6.0 $\mu\textrm{g}$/kg, i.v.. The results suggest that hyperpolarization formed through $K^{+}$ channel opening in cell membrane inhibits the pressor action induced norepinephrine ; angiotensin II ; and carotid artery occlusion.usion.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.147-158
• /
• 1991

The effects of noradrenaline on the spontaneous contraction recorded from a strip of mucosa-free antral circular muscle were studied in the guinea-pig stomach, and the changes in slow waves and membrane resistance were analyzed in order to elucidate the mechanism for the excitatory response to noradrenaline. Electrical responses of circular muscle cells were recorded using glass microelectrodes filled with 3 M KCI. Electrotonic potentials were produced to estimate membrane resistance by the partition stimulating method. All experiments were performed in tris-buffered Tyrode solution which was aerated with 100% $O_2$ and kept at $35^{\circ}C$. The results obtained were as follows: 1) The spontaneous contractions were potentiated dose-dependently by the application of noradrenaline. 2) Through the experiments using adrenoceptor-blockers, the strong excitatory effect via $[\alpha}-adrenoceptors$ and the weak inhibitory efffect via ${\beta}-adrenoceptors$ were noted. 3) Noradrenaline produced hyperpolarization of membrane potential, and increases in the amplitude and the maximum rate of rise of slow waves. 4) In the presence of apamin, Ca-dependent K channel blocker, the characteristic hyperpolarization was not developed. However, the excitatory effect of noradrenaline on spontaneous contraction remained. 5) Membrane resistance was reduced during the hyperpolarized state by the application of noradrenaline, and the change of membrane resistance and the hyperpolarized state were completely abolished by apamin. From the above results, following conclusions could be made: Excitatory responses to noradrenaline result from the dominant ${\alpha}-excitatory$, and the weak ${\beta}-inhibitory$ action of noradrenaline. Hyperpolarization of membrane potential by noradrenaline is due to the activation of Ca-dependent K channel.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• v.7 no.3
• /
• pp.125-130
• /
• 2003

The aim of this study was to provide a basis for studying the molecular mechanism of pharmacological action of chlorhexidine digluconate. Fluorescence polarization of n-(9-anthroyloxy)stearic acid was used to examine the effect of chlorhexidine digluconate on differential rotational mobility of different positions of the number of membrane bilayer phospholipid carbon atoms. The six membrane components differed with respect to 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 16-(9-anthroyloxy)stearic acid (2-AS, 3-AS, 6-AS, 9-AS, 12-AS and 16-AP) probes, indicating different membrane fluidity. Chlorhexidine digluconate increased the rate of rotational mobility of hydrocarbon interior of the cultured Porphyromonas gingivalis outer membranes (OPG) in a dose-dependent manner, but decreased the mobility of surface region (membrane interface) of the OPG. Disordering or ordering effects of chlorhexidine digluconate on membrane lipids may be responsible for some, but not all of its bacteriostatic and bactericidal actions.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.189-206
• /
• 1988

The effects of ouabain on the contractile and electrical activities were investigated in the isolated preparations of guinea-pig taenia coli, and compared with those of vanadate. Spontaneous contractions were recorded with force transducer, and electrical activites were measured by use of suction electrode, or single sucrose-gap technique. The contractions were induced by the electrical stimulation for 5 seconds every 1 minute with alternating current (60 Hz, 3.0 V/cm) through the platinum electrodes located in parallel with the long axis of the preparation. All experiments were performed in tris-buffered Tyrode solution which was aerated with $100%{\;}O_2$ and kept at $35^{\circ}C$. The results obtained were as follows: 1) Responses of spontaneous contractions to ouabain were concentration-dependent; $10^{-7}M$ ouabain caused a rise of basal tone. Above the concentration of $10^{-6}M$ ouabain, an initial increase followed by a decrease in tension was observed. 2) A continuous spike discharge was induced by the administration of $10^{-7}M$ ouabain. Above $10^{-6}M$ ouabain, a transient initial increase followed by a decrease in spike frequency and amplitude was produced, and finally membrane potential was sustained at a certain level without a spike discharge. 3) The characteristic response to $10^{-7}M$ ouabain was not blocked by the pretreatment with $10^{-7}M$ atropine. 4) The electrically induced contractions were completely suppressed at the concentration of $2{\times}10^{-7}M$ ouabain. These contractions were blocked more rapidly in paralled with the increase in ouabain concentration. 5) Effects of vanadate on the spontaneous activities were quite different from those of ouabain; $10^{-6}M$ vanadate increased the amplitude of contractions and $10^{-5}M$ vanadate increased slightly both amplitude and frequency of spontaneous contractions. $10^{-4}M$ vanadate showed irregular phasic contractions superimposed on the increased basal tone. 6) $10^{-5}M$ vanadate depolarized the membrane potential and shortened the interval between the bursts of spike discharge, whereas $10^{-4}M$ vanadate induced continuous spike discharge with membrane depolarization. 7) Vanadate caused a characteristic inhibitory response to the contractions induced by electrical stimulation; An initial rapid inhibition of tension development and then gradual recovery to a certain level. From the above results, the following conclusions could be made: 1) The rise of basal tone at $10^{-7}M$ ouabain is due to continuous spike discharge without a silent period. The continuous spike discharge is likely to be associated with a slight membrane depolarization caused by the blockage of Na pump. 2) The biphasic response induced by above $10^{-6}M$ ouabain seems to occur by the different mechanisms. The initial increase in tension is associated with depolarization along with an increase in spike frquency, whereas the subsequent relaxation occurs through a non-electrical mechanism. 3) The characteristic response to $10^{-7}M$ ouabain is resulted not from the action on intrinsic nerve terminal, but from its direct action on the membrane of smooth muscle cells. 4) The phasic contractions superimposed on the increased basal tone at the concentration of $10^{-4}M$ vanadate is resulted from the continuous spike discharge with membrane depolarization, of which mechanism remains unknown. 5) The inhibitory action of ouabain on the electrically induced contractions suggests that the increasein intracellular Na in some way inhibits the electrically induced $Ca^{2+}$ influx. The mechanism of vanadate action on the induced contractions remains unknown.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.22 no.11
• /
• pp.1457-1466
• /
• 2012

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exert antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and viruses by various mechanisms. AMPs commonly possess particular characteristics by harboring cationic and amphipathic structures and binding to cell membranes, resulting in the leakage of essential cell contents by forming pores or disturbing lipid organization. These membrane disruptive mechanisms of AMPs are possible to explain according to the various structure forming pores in the membrane. Some AMPs inhibit DNA and/or RNA synthesis as well as apoptosis induction by reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Specifically, mitochondria play a major role in the apoptotic pathway. During apoptosis induced by AMPs, cells undergo cytochrome c release, caspase activation, phosphatidylserine externalization, plasma or mitochondrial membrane depolarization, DNA and nuclei damage, cell shrinkage, apoptotic body formation, and membrane blebbing. Even AMPs, which have been reported to exert membrane-active mechanisms, induce apoptosis in yeast. These phenomena were also discovered in tumor cells treated with AMPs. The apoptosis mechanism of AMPs is available for various therapeutics such as antibiotics for antibiotic-resistant pathogens that resist to the membrane active mechanism, and antitumor agents with selectivity to tumor cells.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
• /
• v.33 no.3
• /
• pp.117-123
• /
• 2008

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are toxic agents that may be involved in various neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies indicate that ROS can act as modulators of neuronal activity, and are critically involved in persistent pain primarily through spinal mechanisms. In the present study, whole cell patch clamp recordings were carried out to investigate the effects of tert-buthyl hydroperoxide (t-BuOOH), an ROS, on neuronal excitability and the mechanisms underlying changes of membrane excitability. In current clamp condition, application of t-BuOOH caused a reversible membrane depolarization and firing activity in substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons. When slices were pretreated with phenyl-N-tert-buthylnitrone (PBN) and ascorbate, ROS scavengers, t-BuOOH failed to induce membrane depolarization. However, isoascorbate did not prevent t-BuOOH-induced depolarization, suggesting that the site of ROS action is intracellular. The t-BuOOH-induced depolarization was not blocked by pretreatment with dithiothreitol (DTT), a sulfhydryl-reducing agent. The membrane-impermeant thiol oxidant 5,5-dithiobis 2-nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB) failed to induce membrane depolarization, suggesting that the changes of neuronal excitability by t-BuOOH are not caused by the modification of extrathiol group. The t-BuOOH-induced depolarization was suppressed by the phospholipase C (PLC) blocker U-73122 and inositol triphosphate ($IP_3$) receptor antagonist 2-aminoethoxydiphenylbolate (APB), and after depletion of intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ pool by thapsigargin. These data suggest that ROS generated by peripheral nerve injury can induce central sensitization in spinal cord, and t-BuOOH-induced depolarization may be regulated by intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ store mainly via $PLC-IP_3$ pathway.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
• /
• v.33 no.4
• /
• pp.217-221
• /
• 2008

Bicuculline is one of the most commonly used $GABA_A$ receptor antagonists in electrophysiological research. Because of its poor water solubility, bicuculline quaternary ammonium salts such as bicuculline methiodide (BMI) and bicuculline methbromide are preferred. However, a number of studies have shown that BMI has non-$GABA_A$ receptor-mediated effects. The substantia gelatinosa (SG) of the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc) is implicated in the processing of nociceptive signaling. In this study, we investigated whether BMI has non-GABA receptor-mediated activity in Vc SG neurons using a whole cell patch clamp technique. SG neurons were depolarized by application of BMI ($20{\mu}M$) using a high $Cl^-$ pipette solution. GABA ($30-100{\mu}M$) also induced membrane depolarization of SG neuron. Although BMI is known to be a $GABA_A$ receptor antagonist, GABA-induced membrane depolarization was enhanced by co-application with BMI. However, free base bicuculline (fBIC) and picrotoxin (PTX), a $GABA_A$ and $GABA_C$ receptor antagonist, blocked the GABA-induced response. Furthermore, BMI-induced membrane depolarization persisted in the presence of PTX or an antagonist cocktail consisting of tetrodotoxin ($Na^+$ channel blocker), AP-5 (NMDA receptor antagonist), CNQX (non-NMDA receptor antagonist), and strychnine (glycine receptor antagonist). Thus BMI induces membrane depolarization by directly acting on postsynaptic Vc SG neurons in a manner which is independent of $GABA_A$ receptors. These results suggest that other unknown mechanisms may be involved in BMI-induced membrane depolarization.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• v.17 no.4
• /
• pp.253-257
• /
• 2013

This study examined the mechanism of action of a local anesthetic, lidocaine HCl. Energy transfer between the surface fluorescent probe, 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid, and the hydrophobic fluorescent probe, 1,3-di(1-pyrenyl) propane, was used to determine the effect of lidocaine HCl on the thickness (D) of the synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles (SPMV) isolated from the bovine cerebral cortex, and liposomes of the total lipids (SPMVTL) and phospholipids (SPMVPL) extracted from the SPMV. The thickness (D) of the intact SPMV, SPMVTL and SPMVPL were $1.044{\pm}0.008$, $0.914{\pm}0.005$ and $0.890{\pm}0.003$ (arbitrary units, n=5) at $37^{\circ}C$ (pH 7.4), respectively. Lidocaine HCl decreased the thickness of the neuronal and model membrane lipid bilayers in a dose-dependent manner with a significant decrease in the thickness, even at 0.1 mM. The decreasing effect of lidocaine HCl on the membrane thickness might be responsible for some, but not all of its anesthetic action.