• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.21 no.5
• /
• pp.1285-1290
• /
• 2007

The present study aims to identify and characterize genes that cause differen genes between non-responders and responders to electroacupuncture (EA) on mechanical allodynia following peripheral nerve injury. Under sodium pentobarbital anesthesia, animals were subjected to unilateral transection of the superior caudal trunk at the level between S1 and S2 spinal nerves. EA stimulation (2Hz, 0.3 ms, 0.2-0.3 mA) was delivered to Zusanli (ST36) for 30 min 2 weeks after the surgery. The degree of mechanical allodynia was assessed quantitatively by touching the tail with von Frey hair (2.0 g) at 10 min intervals. The rats, which showed an EA-induced decrease of response frequencies under 10 %, were classified as non-responders and those displaying an EA-induced decrease of response frequencies 20 % or more were classified as responders. Results from oligonucleotide microarray, to which cDNAs from the spinal dorsal horn (DH) were applied, showed that hemoglobin beta chain complex and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan-5 decreased and limbic system-associated membrane protein increased in the non-responder group, whereas calcium-independent alpha-Iatrotoxin receptor homolog-3 increased in the responder group. These results suggest that The functional abnormality of molecules regulating cell adhesion, intracellular signal transduction and cell differentiation in the spinal DH may be involved in the anti-allodynic effect of EA.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• v.15 no.2
• /
• pp.67-74
• /
• 2003

Nervous system is clinically important, and involved in most disorders directly or indirectly. It could be injury and be a source of symptoms. Injury of central or peripheral nervous system injury may affect that mechanism and interrupt normal function. An understanding of the concepts of axonal transport is important for physical therapist who treat injury of nerves. Three connective tissue layers are the endoneurium, perineurium, epineurium. Each has its own special structural characteristics and functional properties. The blood supply to the nervous system is well equipped in all dynamic and static postures with intrinsic and extrinsic vasculation. After nerve injury, alternations in the ionic compression or pressures within this environment may interfere with blood flow and, consequently conduction and the flow of axoplasm. The cytoskeleton are not static. On the contrary, elements of the cytoskeleton are dynamically regulated and are very likely in continual motion. It permits neural mobility. There are different axonal transport systems within a single axon, of which two main flows have been identified : First, anterograde transport system, Secondly, retrograde transport system. The nervous system adapts lengthening in two basic ways. The one is that the development of tension or increased pressure within the tissues, increased intradural pressure. The other is movements that are gross movement and movement occurring intraneurally between the connective tissues and the neural tissues. In this article, we emphasize the biologic aspects of nervous system that influenced by therapeutic approaches. Although identified scientific information in basic science is utilized at clinic, we would attain the more therapeutic effects and develop the physical therapy science.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
• /
• v.34 no.3
• /
• pp.583-591
• /
• 1994

This study was carried out to investigate the pathogenesis of canine herpesvirus(CHV) infection in dogs. The 17 puppies, one day old, delivered from CHV seronegative 3 dams were divided into two groups. The 13 puppies were inoculated intranasally with 1ml of CHV-KK inoculum($5{\times}10^{5.6}TCID_{50}/ml$) and 4 puppies were served as control. And then the puppies were sacrificed at 2, 4, 6 and 7 days after the treatment, and sampled nasal mucosa, trigeminal nerve, trigeminal ganglion, bone marrow, eye, brain and other major organs for the immunohistochemical examination. Distribution of CHV antigens was limited in cytoplasms and nuclei of necrotic nasal epthelia at 2 days after infection. At 4 days after infection, CHV antigens were detected in vascular walls and peripheral nerves of nasal lamina propria, reticuloendothelial cells of spleen, interstitium of kidney, leptomeningeal vascular walls and alveolar walls, At 6 and 7 days after infection, CHV antigens were detected in all of the necrotic area. CHV antigens were also detected in vascular endothelial cells of various organs and in blood leukocytes from 4 days after infection. Among the six puppies in which necrotic lesions of central nervous system were observed, CHV antigens were detected in trigeminal ganglion, trigeminal nerve and ventroposteriomedial nucleus of four puppies and in spinal trigeminal nucleus of three puppies. These results indicate that the generalized focal necrosis of all organs including brain and eyes in canine herpesvirus infection were resulted from generalized vasculitis with leukocyte-associated viremia, and also the hemonecrotizing meningoencephalitis was resulted from spreading of CHV via blood and nerve trunk.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
• /
• v.13 no.1
• /
• pp.19-30
• /
• 2000

Background: Partial nerve injury to a peripheral nerve may induce the development of neuropathic pain which is characterized by symptoms such as spontaneous burning pain, allodynia and hyperalgesia. Though underlying mechanism has not fully understood, sensitization of dorsal horn neurons may contribute to generate such symptoms. Nitric oxide acts as an inter- and intracellular messenger in the nervous system and is produced from L-arginine by nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Evidence is accumulating which indicate that nitric oxide may mediate nociceptive information transmission. Recently, it has been reported that NOS inhibitor suppresses neuropathic pain behavior in an neuropathic pain animal model. This study was conducted to determine whether nitric oxide could be involved in the sensitization of dorsal horn neurons in neuropathic animal model. Methods: Neuropathic animal model was made by tightly ligating the left L5 and L6 spinal nerves and we examined the effects of iontophoretically applied NOS inhibitor (L-NAME) on the dorsal horn neuron's responses to mechanical stimuli within the receptive fields. Results: In normal animals, NOS inhibitor (L-NAME) specifically suppressed the responses to the noxious mechanical stimuli. In neuropathic animals, the dorsal horn neuron's responses to mechanical stimuli were enhanced and NOS inhibitor suppressed the dorsal horn neuron's enhanced responses to non-noxious stimuli as well as those to noxious ones. Conclusions: These results suggest that nitric oxide may mediate nociceptive transmission in normal animal and also mediate sensitization of dorsal horn neurons in neuropathic pain state.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
• /
• v.11 no.1
• /
• pp.23-29
• /
• 1998

Background: The present study was conducted to investigate effects of microinjection of bicuculline, GABA-A receptor antagonist, into the brain stem nuclei on the dorsal horn neuron responsiveness in rats with an experimental peripheral neuropathy. Methods: An experimental neuropathy was induced by a unilateral ligation of L5~L6 spinal nerves of rats. After 2~3 weeks after the surgery, single-unit recording was made from wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons in the spinal cord dorsal horn. Results: Responses of WDR neurons to both noxious and innocuous mechanical stimuli applied to the somatic receptive fields were enhanced on the nerve injured side. These enhanced responsiveness of WDR neurons were suppressed by microinjection of bicuculline into periaqueductal gray(PAG) or nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis(Gi). A similar suppression was also observed when morphine was microinjected into PAG or Gi. Suppressive action by Gi-bicuculline was reversed by naloxonazine, ${\mu}$-opioid receptor antagonist, microinjected into PAG whereas PAG-bicuculline induced suppression was not affected by naloxonazine injection into Gi. Gi-bicuculline induced suppression were reversed by a transection of dorsolateral funiculus(DLF) of the spinal cord. Conclusions: The results suggest that endogenous opioids, via acting on GABAergic interneurons in PAG and Gi, may be involved in the control of neuropathic pain by activating the descending inhibitory pathways that project to the spinal dorsal horn through DLF to inhibit the responsiveness of WDR neurons.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
• /
• v.10 no.10
• /
• pp.237-245
• /
• 2010

Nerve conduction studies (NCS) are the most objective measure of nerve function and essential for the diagnosis of sub-clinical neuropathy in diabetes mellitus and diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN). This study evaluates the characteristic of electrophysiological abnormalities in DPN. Electrodiagnostic data from 120 patients with diabetic polyneuropathies and 77 control subjects were reviewed. Motor nerve conduction velocities (MNCV), distal motor latencies (DML), compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes, No potential frequency and conduction block were analyzed. Data were normalized based on normative reference values, and the proportion of nerves with abnormal values in the lower and upper limbs were evaluated. DPN was systemic demyelinating peripheral polyneuropathy and more severe abnormal nerve conduction was found in lower limbs than in upper limbs. The abnormal degree was more severe in peroneal nerve. It was no statistically significant difference of conduction block in control and DPN group. Our findings suggest that DPN had more common and severe peroneal nerve involvement in the motor nerve conduction studies (MNCS). These findings have important implications for the electrophysiological evaluation of DPN.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.40 no.6
• /
• pp.666-675
• /
• 2013

Background Stem cells are a unique cell population characterized by self-renewal and cellular differentiation capabilities. These characteristics, among other traits, make them an attractive option for regenerative treatments of tissues defects and for aesthetic procedures in plastic surgery. As research regarding the isolation, culture and behavior of stem cells has progressed, stem cells, particularly adult stem cells, have shown promising results in both translational and clinical applications. Methods The purpose of this review is to evaluate the applications of stem cells in the plastic surgery literature, with particular focus on the advances and limitations of current stem cell therapies. Different key areas amenable to stem cell therapy are addressed in the literature review; these include regeneration of soft tissue, bone, cartilage, and peripheral nerves, as well as wound healing and skin aging. Results The reviewed studies demonstrate promising results, with favorable outcomes and minimal complications in the cited cases. In particular, adipose tissue derived stem cell (ADSC) transplants appear to provide effective treatment options for bony and soft tissue defects, and non-healing wounds. ADSCs have also been shown to be useful in aesthetic surgery. Conclusions Further studies involving both the basic and clinical science aspects of stem cell therapies are warranted. In particular, the mechanism of action of stem cells, their interactions with the surrounding microenvironment and their long-term fate require further elucidation. Larger randomized trials are also necessary to demonstrate the continued safety of transplanted stem cells as well as the efficacy of cellular therapies in comparison to the current standards of care.

• CELLMED
• /
• v.2 no.1
• /
• pp.10.1-10.6
• /
• 2012

Acupuncture works by stimulating peripheral sensory nerves and their endings causing an increase in cutaneous blood flow and microcirculation, as well as release of neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and hormones. SP6 Patch is a nanoscale nontransdermal device that mildly stimulates Stomach 36 (zusanli) and other acupuncture points. As stimulation of these points has been indicated to have an effect on hypothalamic function, it is of great research interest to investigate the effect of SP6 Patch on the physiology of organs that are affected by hypothalamic regulation. Bioelectrical tissue impedance data indicative of cellular physiologic organ function, using an Electro Interstitial Scan (EIS) system, were acquired from hypothalamus, pancreas, liver, intestines, kidneys, thyroid and adrenal glands in 10 (1 male, 9 females) volunteers while wearing the SP6 Patch daily for 1 week. EIS testing was performed at baseline with no patch, 30 min after wearing the patch, and after wearing the patch 12 h/day for 1 week. Subjects were instructed to keep well hydrated during the study period. All subjects served as their own control. The hypothesis was: The SP6 Patch worn 12 h/day on the Stomach 36 acupuncture point for 1 week, may significantly improve cellular physiologic functional status of different organs measured by EIS. All tested organs achieved significant improvement in their functional physiologic status after wearing the SP6 Pach 12 h/day for 1 week compared to baseline with an overall average statistical power > 89%. Based upon these results the hypothesis was accepted as true.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.23 no.4
• /
• pp.98-104
• /
• 2002

Objectives: Calpain, a calcium-dependent cysteine proteinase, may be one of the proteolytic enzymes that mediate cartilage degradation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The object of this study is to ascertain immunohistochemically whether calpain is present in the inflamed joints of collagen-induced arthritis of rats, and examine the effect of Cortex Acanthopanacis Senticosi on the expression of calpain. Methods: Male Lewis rats, around 200g of body weight, were immunized with bovine type II collagen. After 3 weeks from first immunization, rats were divided into arthritic control (n=6) group and Cortex Acanthopanacis Senticosi-treated (n=6) group. Non-immunized rats served as the normal (n=6) group. All animals were sacrificed at 15 days post-treatment and tibiotarsal joints were removed. Calpain immunohistochemistry was performed on the midsagittal section of the tibiotarsal joint. Results: All animals of the control and treated groups showed ankylosing osteoarthritis. However, the animals of the treated group showed alleviation in the fibrous ankylosis, destruction of articular cartilage and destruction of subchondral bony tissue compared with the animals of the control group. Calpain was expressed in the chondrocyte lacunae of growing articular cartilage, in the skeletal muscle fibers, in the peripheral nerves, and in the vessel walls around the joints of all groups. In the control and treated groups, calpain was also expressed in proliferating synovial epithelia, subsynovial stroma cells, surface of articular cartilage, and fibrous pannus around destructive subchondral bony tissue. However, the expression density of calpain in the treated group was diminished compared with the control group, especially in surface of articular cartilage and fibrous pannus. Conclusions: These observations indicated that calpain plays an important role in the destruction of cartilage and bone in collagen-induced arthritis of rats, and also indicated that Cortex Acanthopanacis Senticosi inhibits the development of arthritis by decreasing the expression of calpain.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.418-425
• /
• 2004

The Guillain-Barre Syndrome(GBS), also called acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and Landry's ascending paralysis, is an inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nerves - those outside the brain and spinal cord. It is characterized by the rapid onset of weakness and, often, paralysis of the legs, arms, breathing muscles and face. Finally, it leads to respiratory embarrassment and death. There is often a history of antecedent respiratory or gastrointestinal infection. Recently one patient was admitted with GBS. This patient was a 30 year-old man with quadriparesis, both facial palsy, numbness of hands and feet, and gait disturbance. After two weeks of oriental medicine and acupuncture treatment most symptoms improved. Therefore, this application of oriental medicine is reported with a plea for further investigation.