• 제목/요약/키워드: potential release

검색결과 889건 처리시간 0.031초

진피 추출물에 의한 인간유방암 MDA-MB-231 세포의 apoptosis 유도에서 ROS 및 AMPK의 역할 (Relationship between Reactive Oxygen Species and Adenosine Monophosphate-activated Protein Kinase Signaling in Apoptosis Induction of Human Breast Adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 Cells by Ethanol Extract of Citrus unshiu Peel)

  • 김민영;황보현;지선영;홍수현;최성현;김성옥;박철;최영현
    • 생명과학회지
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    • 제29권4호
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    • pp.410-420
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    • 2019
  • 한의학에서는 진피(陳皮)라고 칭하는 귤의 껍질(Citrus unshiu peel) 추출물은 항산화, 항염증 및 항균 특성을 포함한 다양한 약리학적 효능을 갖는 것으로 알려져 있다. 최근 그들의 항암 활성에 대한 가능성이 보고되었지만 정확한 기전 연구는 여전히 미비한 실정이다. 본 연구에서는 인간 유방암 MDA-MB-231 세포를 대상으로 진피 에탄올(EECU, ethanol extract of C. unshiu peel) 추출물의 항암 효능을 평가하고 그에 따른 기전 연구를 수행하였다. 본 연구의 결과에 의하면 EECU에 의한 MDA-MB-231 세포의 증식억제는 세포사멸(apoptosis) 유도와 관련이 있었다. EECU에 의한 apoptosis는 caspase-8, -9 및 -3의 활성화와 IAPs 계열의 발현 감소에 따른 PARP의 분해와 Bax : Bcl-2 비율의 증가와 연관이 있었다. 또한 EECU는 Bid의 truncation과 함께 미토콘드리아 막 잠재력의 감소와 세포질로 cytochrome c의 이동을 촉진시켰다. 아울러 EECU는 AMPK 및 ACC의 인산화를 촉진시켰으나, AMPK 효소 활성의 저해제는 EECU에 의한 apoptosis 유도와 생존력 저하를 현저하게 억제하였다. 부가적으로 EECU는 AMPK 활성화의 상류 신호로 작용하는 활성산소종(ROS)의 생성을 촉진시켰으며, 강력한 항산화제인 NAC는 EECU에 의한 AMPK의 활성화와 apoptosis를 역전시켰다. 결론적으로 EECU는 ROS/AMPK 의존적인 내인성 및 외인성 apoptosis 경로를 활성화시킴으로써 MDA-MB-231 세포 증식을 억제하였음을 알 수 있었다.

법적지정 생태계교란생물의 사육 현황과 관리 개선 방안 - 리버쿠터와 중국줄무늬목거북을 중심으로 (Breeding Status and Management System Improvement of Pseudemys concinna and Mauremys sinensis Designated as Invasive Alien Turtles in South Korea)

  • 김필재;연수정;안현주;김수환;이효혜미
    • Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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    • 제7권4호
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    • pp.388-395
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    • 2020
  • 외래생물은 경제 목적으로 수입되었으나, 최근에는 애완용으로 수입되는 사례가 증가하고 있다. 애완동물로 선호도가 높아진 리버쿠터와 중국줄무늬목거북은 2014년부터 사육개체수가 서서히 증가하다가 2017년에 180개체, 2019년에는 281개체를 기록하여 최대로 증가하였다. 그러나 수명이 긴 거북의 특성과 사육여건의 변화로 자연으로 버려진 개체가 발견되었다. 방출된 개체의 생태계위해성 평가를 통해 생물다양성법에 의해 생태계교란 생물로 지정되었다. 따라서 해당 거북 사육자가 계속 사육을 원할 경우 '생태계교란 생물 사육유예 허가 신청서'를 제출하여야 한다. 본 연구는 2020년 3월부터 9월까지 6개월간 접수된 신청서의 정보 (사육 시설의 적합성, 거북 개체수, 사육기간, 획득 방법, 사육자 지역 분포 현황 등)를 분석하고, 사육상태를 검토 결과를 제시하였다. 신청서는 총 614건이 접수되었으며, 사육자의 58%만이 적합한 사육상태를 조성한 것으로 평가되었기 때문에 사육자를 대상으로 동물복지 실현을 위해 적절한 사육 정보 제공과 생태계교란 예방을 위한 유기방지 교육이 필요한 것으로 사료된다. 또한, 신청서 내의 누락된 항목이 다수 발견된 점과 단발적인 신청에 따른 허가 방식으로 인한 문제 발생에 대비하여 대응방안을 만들고 지속적인 모니터링이 필요할 것으로 판단된다.

천연물 추출물이 대식세포 및 호염구 활성 억제에 미치는 영향 (Effect of Natural Product Extracts on Inhibition of Macrophage and Basophil)

  • 박재현;장지민;차상률;백효신;이주연;이유희;류세민;양세란
    • 한국식품위생안전성학회지
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    • 제37권3호
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    • pp.189-197
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    • 2022
  • 천식은 호흡곤란, 기침, 가슴통증과 같은 증상을 가지는 만성질환으로써 세포내 염증으로 인한 조직 리모델링을 특징으로 한다. 이러한 천식은 잘 조절되지 않을 시 치료제의 부작용을 경험할 수 있으며 일상 기능 및 삶의 질 저하로까지 이어질 수 있다. 천식은 여러 면역세포들에 의한 염증반응이 주원인으로 대식세포와 호염구 또한 천식에 악영향을 미칠 수 있다. 대식세포는 여러 염증성 사이토카인을 분비하여 염증을 유발할 뿐만 아니라 산화질소를 통한 DNA 손상과 점액 생성을 유도하여 천식을 악화시킬 수 있다. 호염구는 호산구 침윤을 증가시킬 수 있으며 히스타민 및 IgE에 대한 높은 친화력을 가진 FcεRIα 수용체로 인해 천식을 악화시킬 수 있다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 28여 가지의 천연물의 각 분획에서 추출한 추출물을 가지고 이러한 세포들의 반응을 억제할 수 있는지 실험하였다. 마우스 대식세포인 Raw 264.7 세포에서 LPS에 의한 산화질소 생성 억제력 및 레트 호염구세포인 RBL-2H3 세포에서 IgE 감작에 의한 β-hexosaminidase 생성 억제력을 평가하였다. 4가지 천연물 추출물이 산화질소를 유의적으로 감소시켰으며 19가지 천연물 추출물이 β-hexosaminidase 생성을 유의적으로 감소시켰다. 이 중 두 실험 모두 유의적인 결과를 보였던 천연물 추출물은 질경이(Plantago asiatica), 병풀(Centella asiatica), 들깨(Perilla frutescens var. japonica) 이렇게 3가지이었다. 본 연구는 여러 천연물 추출물이 천식에 관여하는 대식세포 및 호염구 활성 억제에 미치는 영향을 분석하였다. 천식뿐 아니라 대식세포 및 호염구가 관여하는 타 질환에도 적용할 수 있는 천연물 추출물에 대한 기초 연구를 제공한다.

기장 종자 유래 추출물의 인간 유방암 MDA-MB-231 세포에 대한 세포독성에 관련된 미토콘드리아 손상-의존적 아폽토시스 유도 효과 (Apoptotic Effect of Proso Millet Grains on Human Breast Cancer MDA-MB-231Cells Is Exerted by Activation of BAK and BAX, and Mitochondrial Damage-mediated Caspase Cascade Activation)

  • 전도연;한초롱;김영호
    • 생명과학회지
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    • 제33권1호
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    • pp.15-24
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    • 2023
  • 잡곡 류에 속하는 기장(Panicum miliaceum L.)의 항암 효과를 알아보기 위해, 기장의 종자를 80% 에탄올(EtOH)로 추출하였으며, 이를 감압 농축하여 건조시키고 재차 물에 녹인 후 4가지 유기용매(헥산, 메틸렌크로라이드, 에틸아세테이트 및 부탄올)로 순차적으로 추출 분획하였다. 다양한 인간 암세포에 대하여 80% 에탄올 추출물의 세포독성을 조사한 결과, 인간 유방암 세포주 MDA-MB-231에 대한 세포독성 효과가 가장 강하게 나타났다. 또한 에탄올 추출물 유래 각 유기용매 분획들 중에서 세포독성이 가장 높게 나타난 부탄올 분획을 사용하여, 유방암 세포주 MDA-MB-231에 대한 아폽토시스성 세포사멸 유도 효과를 조사하였다. 그 결과로서, BAK/BAX 활성화, 미토콘드리아 막 전위(Δψm) 손실, 미토콘드리아 시토크롬 c 방출, 카스파아제-8/-9/-3의 활성화, PARP의 분해, 그리고 TUNEL-양성 아폽토시스성 DNA 단편화와 같은 아폽토시스 반응들이 검출되었다. 한편, 인간 급성백혈병 Jurkat T 세포의 A3 클론(야생형), I2.1 클론(FADD-결손형) 및 I9.2 클론(카스파아제-8 결손형)은 부탄올 분획의 세포독성에 대해 유사한 감수성을 나타내었는데, 이는 부탄올 분획의 아폽토시스 유도 활성에는 외인성 아폽토시스 기전이 관련되지 않음을 시사한다. 흥미롭게도, 인간 정상 유방 상피세포 MCF-10A는 유방암 MDA-MB-231세포에 비해 부탄올 분획의 세포독성에 대하여 훨씬 낮은 감수성를 보였다. 이러한 연구결과는 기장 종자 유래 부탄올 분획의 인간 유방암 세포주 MDA-MB-231에 미치는 세포독성효과는 BAK/BAX 활성화에 따른 미토콘드리아 외막 손상 및 시토크롬 c 방출, 이에 수반되는 카스파아제 활성화에 의해 매개됨을 보여준다.

메조코즘을 이용한 갯벌의 담수화과정 중 수질 변화 (Variation of Water Qualities Due to Freshwater Introduction to Tidal Flat: A Mesocosm Study)

  • 김영태;정용훈;채윤주;이충원;김소영;최강원;양재삼
    • 한국해양학회지:바다
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    • 제11권2호
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    • pp.49-67
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    • 2006
  • 2004년 2월부터 8월까지 메조코즘을 이용하여 겟벌에 담수가 유입된 이후 갯벌 조간대에 조성된 인공방조제 내부 갯벌에서 일어나는 생지화학적 변화를 모의하였다. 이를 위해 먼저 세 개의 환경 조건을 조성하였으며, 이 중 두 환경은 담수를 유입하는 환경으로써, 교반 담수화 실험군(FW-M-T/C)과 미교반 담수 실험군(FW-NM-T/C)로_ 세분하였고, 나머지 하나는 해수 환경(SW-M-T/C)을 유지하였다. 초 봄에 교반 담수화 실험군과 미교반 담수 실험군(FW-NM-T)의 수주에 대하여 28일 만에 완전 담수화에 도달하였으며, 담수화 과정과 담수화 이후에 염분, 영양염 농도, 그리고 저서 생물의 종과 개체수 변화에 대해 지속적인 조사가 이루어졌다. 염분의 경우, 수층의 담수화속도에 비해 퇴적층의 공극수 내 염분 감소는 매우 느리게 진행되어 공극수 내 염분이 10 psu이하로 감소한 이후 5월 1일(담수 유입 63일 경과)과 5월 27일(91일 경과)사이에 저서 동물 생체량의 현저한 감소가 관찰되었는데, 주요 저서 동물인 이매패류는 $\frac{7}{8}$이 감소하였고, 다모류는 $\frac{2}{3}$가 감소하였다. 담수화로 인한 수질변화는 동절기에서 하절기로 계절이 바뀜에 따라 온도 상승에 의한 DO의 현저한 감소 현상이 관찰되었다. 이러한 현상은 교반 담수화 실험군 보다는, 특히 미교반 담수 실험군에서 더욱 뚜렷하게 나타났다. 또한 DIP의 경우도 여름철에 미교반 담수 실험군에서 훨씬 더 많은 양이 용출되었다. ${NO_3}^-$은 실험 전반에 걸쳐 수층에서 제거되는 것으로 나타났으며, 계절적으로는 늦은 봄부터 감소하기 시작하여 여름철에는 매우 낮은 농도 분포를 보였다. ${NH_4}^+$${NO_3}^-$에 비해 실험 기간내내 매우 낮은 농도($\frac{1}{2}{\sim}\frac{1}{8}$이상)를 보였으며, 계절 변화에 따른 영향은 받지 않았다. 특히 완전 담수화 이후 해양 저서생물이 대량 폐사하면서 잠재적인 유기물 증가량이 많았던 늦봄과 그 이후의 여름철 동안에도 ${NH_4}^+$의 농도 증가 경향은 전혀 보이지 않았다. 실험 기간 동안 갯벌 퇴적물이 ${NO_3}^-$에 대해서는 제거지(sink)로써, 그리고 DIP에 대해서 잠재적인 공급원(source) 역할을 하고 있는 것으로 나타났다.

멸종위기종 남방동사리의 보전을 위한 상세 분포 지역 및 개체군 크기 파악 (Identifying Distribution Areas and Population Sizes for the Conservation of the Endangered Species Odontobutis obscura)

  • 김정희;박상현;백승호;백충열
    • 생태와환경
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    • 제57권2호
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    • pp.102-110
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    • 2024
  • 본 연구는 현장조사와 문헌조사를 통해 멸종위기종 남방동사리의 정밀분포 현황을 제시하였으며, mark-recapture 방법을 활용하여 주요 서식구간에 대해 개체군 크기를 파악하였다. 거제도 내 18개 지방하천을 대상으로 현장조사를 실시한 결과 산양천 수계에 포함되는 산양천, 구천천, 부춘천 본류 및 유입지류에서만 남방동사리의 서식이 확인되었다. 남방동사리는 출현 지점별 0.5%에서 35.3%의 상대 풍부도를 보였으며, 일부지점에 대해서 상대풍부도가 높게(18.8~35.3%) 나타나 집중 서식 지역으로 확인되었다. 총 6건의 문헌 연구에서 남방동사리의 서식 여부를 확인하였으나 연구의 목적, 범위, 기간에 따라 출현 현황의 차이를 보였다. 현장조사와 문헌조사를 포함하여 분포 지역을 확인한 결과 남방동사리는 산양천, 구천천, 부춘천 본류 및 유입하천의 최상류부터 하류까지 고르게 서식하고 있었다. 현재 산양천 수계의 남방동사리는 수계 내 안정적인 서식을 유지하고 있으나 제한된 분포 범위는 장기적으로 유전적 다양성 결핍과 같은 문제를 내포하고 있다. 남방동사리 개체군 크기는 총 2개 지점에서 최종 확인되었다. 지점별 단위면적 (m2)당 0.5개체에서 1.5개체가 서식하는 것으로 확인되었으며, 방류지점으로부터 이동거리는 평균 13.1 m로 매복형 포식자의 제한된 이동 특성을 보였다. 멸종위기종 연구에서 종의 분포와 개체군 크기에 대한 현황을 파악하는 것은 멸종위기종 보전 및 보호를 위한 기초이며 중요한 단계이다. 이러한 정보를 바탕으로 서식지 위협 요인 분석, 기초 생태 (먹이, 서식, 산란) 연구, 환경유전자 활용 남방동사리 탐지기술 개발 등의 추가 연구가 이루어진다면 남방동사리의 보호에 큰 도움이 될 수 있을 것으로 판단된다.

한국의 지역개발과 댐건설 (Regional Development And Dam Construction in Korea)

  • 안경모
    • 물과 미래
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    • 제9권1호
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    • pp.38-42
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    • 1976
  • Because of differences in thoughts and ideology, our country, Korea has been deprived of national unity for some thirty years of time and tide. To achieve peaceful unification, the cultivation of national strength is of paramount importance. This national strength is also essential if Korea is to take rightful place in the international societies and to have the confidence of these societies. However, national strength can never be achieved in a short time. The fundamental elements in economic development that are directly conducive to the cultivation of national strength can be said to lie in -a stable political system, -exertion of powerful leadership, -cultivation of a spirit of diligence, self-help and cooperation, -modernization of human brain power, and -establishment of a scientific and well planned economic policy and strong enforcement of this policy. Our country, Korea, has attained brilliant economic development in the past 15 years under the strong leadership of president Park Chung Hee. However, there are still many problems to be solved. A few of them are: -housing and home problems, -increasing demand for employment, -increasing demand for staple food and -the need to improve international balance of payment. Solution of the above mentioned problems requires step by step scientific development of each sector and region of our contry. As a spearhead project in regional development, the Saemaul Campaign or new village movement can be cited. The campaign is now spreading throughout the country like a grass fire. However, such campaigns need considerable encouragement and support and the means for the desired development must be provided if the regional and sectoral development program is to sucdceed. The construction of large multipurpose dams in major river basin plays significant role in all aspects of national, regional and sectoral development. It ensures that the water resource, for which there is no substitute, is retained and utilized for irrigation of agricultural areas, production of power for industry, provision of water for domestic and industrial uses and control of river water. Water is the very essence of life and we must conserve and utilize what we have for the betterment of our peoples and their heir. The regional and social impact of construction of a large dam is enormous. It is intended to, and does, dras tically improve the "without-project" socio-economic conditions. A good example of this is the Soyanggang multipurpose dam. This project will significantly contribute to our national strength by utilizing the stored water for the benefit of human life and relief of flood and drought damages. Annual average precipitation in Korea is 1160mm, a comparatively abundant amount. The catchment areas of the Han River, Keum River, and Youngsan River are $62,755\textrm{km}^2$, accounting for 64% of the national total. Approximately 62% of the national population inhabits in this area, and 67% of the national gross product comes from the area. The annual population growth rate of the country is currently estimated at 1.7%, and every year the population growth in urban area increases at a rising rate. The population of Seoul, Pusan, and Taegu, the three major cities in Korea, is equal to one third of our national total. According to the census conducted on October 1, 1975, the population in the urban areas has increased by 384,000, whereas that in rural areas has decreased by 59,000,000 in the past five years. The composition of population between urban and rural areas varied from 41%~59% in 1959 to 48%~52% in 1975. To mitigate this treand towards concentration of population in urban areas, employment opportunities must be provided in regional and rural areas. However, heavy and chemical industries, which mitigate production and employment problems at the same time, must have abundant water and energy. Also increase in staple food production cannot be attained without water. At this point in time, when water demand is rapidly growing, it is essential for the country to provide as much a reservoir capacity as possible to capture the monsoon rainfall, which concentarated in the rainy seaon from June to Septesmber, and conserve the water for year round use. The floods, which at one time we called "the devil" have now become a source of immense benefit to Korea. Let me explain the topographic condition in Korea. In northern and eastern areas we have high mountains and rugged country. Our rivers originate in these mountains and flow in a general southerly or westerly direction throught ancient plains. These plains were formed by progressive deposition of sediments from the mountains and provide our country with large areas of fertile land, emminently suited to settlement and irrigated agricultural development. It is, therefore, quite natural that these areas should become the polar point for our regional development program. Hower, we are fortunate in that we have an additional area or areas, which can be used for agricultural production and settlement of our peoples, particularly those peoples who may be displaced by the formation of our reservoirs. I am speaking of the tidelands along the western and southern coasts. The other day the Ministry of Agriculture and Fishery informed the public of a tideland reclamation of which 400,000 hectares will be used for growing rice as part of our national food self-sufficiency programme. Now, again, we arrive at the need for water, as without it we cannot realize this ambitious programme. And again we need those dams to provide it. As I mentioned before, dams not only provide us with essential water for agriculture, domestic and industrial use, but provide us with electrical energy, as it is generally extremely economical to use the water being release for the former purposes to drive turbines and generators. At the present time we have 13 hydro-electric power plants with an installed capacity of 711,000 kilowatts equal to 16% of our national total. There are about 110 potential dams ites in the country, which could yield about 2,300,000 kilowatts of hydro-electric power. There are about 54 sites suitable for pumped storage which could produce a further 38,600,000 kilowatts of power. All available if we carefully develop our water resources. To summarize, water resource development is essential to the regional development program and the welfare of our people, it must proceed hand-in-hand with other aspects of regional development such as land impovement, high way extension, development of our forests, erosion control, and develop ment of heavy and chemical industries. Through the successful implementation of such an integrated regional development program, we can look forward to a period of national strength, and due recognition of our country by the worlds societies.

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흰쥐 폐동맥의 내피세포의존성 혈관이완과 급성 저산소성 폐동맥수축에서 산화질소의 역할 (A Study of Endothelium-dependent Pulmonary Arterial Relaxation and the Role of Nitric oxide on Acute Hypoxic Pulmonary Vasoconstriction in Rats)

  • 인광호;이진구;조재연;심재정;강경호;유세화
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • 제41권3호
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    • pp.231-238
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    • 1994
  • 연구배경: 저산소증에 의한 폐동맥수축의 기전은 저산소증 자체가 폐혈관 평활근에 직접 작용하여 수축을 유발한다는 것과, 저산소증에 의해 조직으로 부터 여러 매개물질이 유리되어 혈관평활근을 수축시킨다는 설이 제시되고 있지만 정확히 밝혀져있지 않다. 최근에는 저산소증이 EDRF의 생성을 억제하여 혈관수축을 유발시킨다고하여 관심이 되고 있다. 본 연구에서는 흰쥐 폐동맥에서 내피세포 의존형 혈관이완을 조사하고, 저산소증에 의한 폐동맥수축에 EDRF의 작용을 조사하였다. 방법 : 300~350g의 수컷 흰쥐(Sprague Dawley)의 폐동맥을 박리하여 길이가 2mm되는 폐동맥고리를 Krebs용액으로 채워져 있으며, 95% $O_2$/5% $CO_2$(산소상태)와 95% $N_2$/5% $CO_2$(저산소상태)가 각각 공급되는 magnus관에서 가는 stainless 갈고리로 고정한 다음 Gilson사의 polygraph에 부착된 isometric transducer(FT.03 Grass, Quincy, USA)에 의해 등장성 수축곡선을 그리도록 장치하였다. 결과: 1) 내피세포가 있는 폐동맥에서 PE($10^{-6}M$)에 의한 혈관수축은 Ach($10^{-9}-10^{-5}M$) 및 SN($10^{-9}-10^{-5}M$)의 농도에 비례해서 이완되어 거의 기초장력까지 이완되었으나, 내피세포를 제거한 폐동맥에서는 Ach($10^{-9}-10^{-5}M$)에 의한 혈관이완은 거의 상실되었다. 2) L-NMMA($10^{-4}M$)으로 전처치한 경우 Ach($10^{-9}-10^{-5}M$)에 의한 혈관이완은 전처치하지 않은 경우보다 의미있게 감소하였다. 3) L-arginine($10^{-4}M$)과 L-NMMA($10^{-4}M$)을 전처치 하였을 경우 Ach($10^{-9}-10^{-5}M$)에 의한 혈관이완은 L-NMMA에 의해 거의 영향을 받지 않았다. 4) PE($10^{-6}M$)에 의한 폐동맥 수축은 산소상태보다 저산소 상태에서 훨씬 강했으며, Ach($10^{-9}-10^{-5}M$)에 의한 혈관이완은 산소상태보다 저산소상태에서 의미있게 감소하였다. 5) L-arginine($10^{-4}M$)을 전처치 하였을 경우 저산소상태에서의 Ach($10^{-9}-10^{-5}M$)에 의한 혈관이완은 산소상태에서의 Ach 에 의한 혈관이완 정도로 회복되었다. 결론: 흰쥐 폐동맥에서 내피세포의존성 혈관이완은 NO가 관여하며, 저산소증에 의한 폐동맥 수축은 내피세포내의 EDRF 생성의 저하와 관련이 있을 것으로 사료된다.

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한국전쟁의 교훈과 대비 -병력수(兵力數) 및 부대수(部隊數)를 중심으로- (The lesson From Korean War)

  • 윤일영
    • 안보군사학연구
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    • 통권8호
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    • pp.49-168
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    • 2010
  • Just before the Korean War, the total number of the North Korean troops was 198,380, while that of the ROK(Republic of Korea) army troops 105,752. That is, the total number of the ROK army troops at that time was 53.3% of the total number of the North Korean army. As of December 2008, the total number of the North Korean troops is estimated to be 1,190,000, while that of the ROK troops is 655,000, so the ROK army maintains 55.04% of the total number of the North Korean troops. If the ROK army continues to reduce its troops according to [Military Reform Plan 2020], the total number of its troops will be 517,000 m 2020. If North Korea maintains the current status(l,190,000 troops), the number of the ROK troops will be 43.4% of the North Korean army. In terms of units, just before the Korean War, the number of the ROK army divisions and regiments was 80% and 44.8% of North Korean army. As of December 2008, North Korea maintains 86 divisions and 69 regiments. Compared to the North Korean army, the ROK army maintains 46 Divisions (53.4% of North Korean army) and 15 regiments (21.3% of North Korean army). If the ROK army continue to reduce the military units according to [Military Reform Plan 2020], the number of ROK army divisions will be 28(13 Active Division, 4 Mobilization Divisions and 11 Local Reserve Divisions), while that of the North Korean army will be 86 in 2020. In that case, the number of divisions of the ROK army will be 32.5% of North Korean army. During the Korean war, North Korea suddenly invaded the Republic of Korea and occupied its capital 3 days after the war began. At that time, the ROK army maintained 80% of army divisions, compared to the North Korean army. The lesson to be learned from this is that, if the ROK army is forced to disperse its divisions because of the simultaneous invasion of North Korea and attack of guerrillas in home front areas, the Republic of Korea can be in a serious military danger, even though it maintains 80% of military divisions of North Korea. If the ROK army promotes the plans in [Military Reform Plan 2020], the number of military units of the ROK army will be 32.5% of that of the North Korean army. This ratio is 2.4 times lower than that of the time when the Korean war began, and in this case, 90% of total military power should be placed in the DMZ area. If 90% of military power is placed in the DMZ area, few troops will be left for the defense of home front. In addition, if the ROK army continues to reduce the troops, it can allow North Korea to have asymmetrical superiority in military force and it will eventually exert negative influence on the stability and peace of the Korean peninsular. On the other hand, it should be reminded that, during the Korean War, the Republic of Korea was attacked by North Korea, though it kept 53.3% of troops, compared to North Korea. It should also be reminded that, as of 2008, the ROK army is defending its territory with the troops 55.04% of North Korea. Moreover, the national defense is assisted by 25,120 troops of the US Forces in Korea. In case the total number of the ROK troops falls below 43.4% of the North Korean army, it may cause social unrest about the national security and may lead North Korea's misjudgement. Besides, according to Lanchester strategy, the party with weaker military power (60% compared to the party with stronger military power) has the 4.1% of winning possibility. Therefore, if we consider the fact that the total number of the ROK army troops is 55.04% of that of the North Korean army, the winning possibility of the ROK army is not higher than 4.1%. If the total number of ROK troops is reduced to 43.4% of that of North Korea, the winning possibility will be lower and the military operations will be in critically difficult situation. [Military Reform Plan 2020] rums at the reduction of troops and units of the ground forces under the policy of 'select few'. However, the problem is that the financial support to achieve this goal is not secured. Therefore, the promotion of [Military Reform Plan 2020] may cause the weakening of military defence power in 2020. Some advanced countries such as Japan, UK, Germany, and France have promoted the policy of 'select few'. However, what is to be noted is that the national security situation of those countries is much different from that of Korea. With the collapse of the Soviet Unions and European communist countries, the military threat of those European advanced countries has almost disappeared. In addition, the threats those advanced countries are facing are not wars in national level, but terrorism in international level. To cope with the threats like terrorism, large scaled army trops would not be necessary. So those advanced European countries can promote the policy of 'select few'. In line with this, those European countries put their focuses on the development of military sections that deal with non-military operations and protection from unspecified enemies. That is, those countries are promoting the policy of 'select few', because they found that the policy is suitable for their national security environment. Moreover, since they are pursuing common interest under the European Union(EU) and they can form an allied force under NATO, it is natural that they are pursing the 'select few' policy. At present, NATO maintains the larger number of troops(2,446,000) than Russia(l,027,000) to prepare for the potential threat of Russia. The situation of japan is also much different from that of Korea. As a country composed of islands, its prime military focus is put on the maritime defense. Accordingly, the development of ground force is given secondary focus. The japanese government promotes the policy to develop technology-concentrated small size navy and air-forces, instead of maintaining large-scaled ground force. In addition, because of the 'Peace Constitution' that was enacted just after the end of World War II, japan cannot maintain troops more than 240,000. With the limited number of troops (240,000), japan has no choice but to promote the policy of 'select few'. However, the situation of Korea is much different from the situations of those countries. The Republic of Korea is facing the threat of the North Korean Army that aims at keeping a large-scale military force. In addition, the countries surrounding Korea are also super powers containing strong military forces. Therefore, to cope with the actual threat of present and unspecified threat of future, the importance of maintaining a carefully calculated large-scale military force cannot be denied. Furthermore, when considering the fact that Korea is in a peninsular, the Republic of Korea must take it into consideration the tradition of continental countries' to maintain large-scale military powers. Since the Korean War, the ROK army has developed the technology-force combined military system, maintaining proper number of troops and units and pursuing 'select few' policy at the same time. This has been promoted with the consideration of military situation in the Koran peninsular and the cooperation of ROK-US combined forces. This kind of unique military system that cannot be found in other countries can be said to be an insightful one for the preparation for the actual threat of North Korea and the conflicts between continental countries and maritime countries. In addition, this kind of technology-force combined military system has enabled us to keep peace in Korea. Therefore, it would be desirable to maintain this technology-force combined military system until the reunification of the Korean peninsular. Furthermore, it is to be pointed out that blindly following the 'select few' policy of advanced countries is not a good option, because it is ignoring the military strategic situation of the Korean peninsular. If the Republic of Korea pursues the reduction of troops and units radically without consideration of the threat of North Korea and surrounding countries, it could be a significant strategic mistake. In addition, the ROK army should keep an eye on the fact the European advanced countries and Japan that are not facing direct military threats are spending more defense expenditures than Korea. If the ROK army reduces military power without proper alternatives, it would exert a negative effect on the stable economic development of Korea and peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsular. Therefore, the desirable option would be to focus on the development of quality of forces, maintaining proper size and number of troops and units under the technology-force combined military system. The tableau above shows that the advanced countries like the UK, Germany, Italy, and Austria spend more defense expenditure per person than the Republic of Korea, although they do not face actual military threats, and that they keep achieving better economic progress than the countries that spend less defense expenditure. Therefore, it would be necessary to adopt the merits of the defense systems of those advanced countries. As we have examined, it would be desirable to maintain the current size and number of troops and units, to promote 'select few' policy with increased defense expenditure, and to strengthen the technology-force combined military system. On the basis of firm national security, the Republic of Korea can develop efficient policies for reunification and prosperity, and jump into the status of advanced countries. Therefore, the plans to reduce troops and units in [Military Reform Plan 2020] should be reexamined. If it is difficult for the ROK army to maintain its size of 655,000 troops because of low birth rate, the plans to establish the prompt mobilization force or to adopt drafting system should be considered for the maintenance of proper number of troops and units. From now on, the Republic of Korean government should develop plans to keep peace as well as to prepare unexpected changes in the Korean peninsular. For the achievement of these missions, some options can be considered. The first one is to maintain the same size of military troops and units as North Korea. The second one is to maintain the same level of military power as North Korea in terms of military force index. The third one is to maintain the same level of military power as North Korea, with the combination of the prompt mobilization force and the troops in active service under the system of technology-force combined military system. At present, it would be not possible for the ROK army to maintain such a large-size military force as North Korea (1,190,000 troops and 86 units). So it would be rational to maintain almost the same level of military force as North Korea with the combination of the troops on the active list and the prompt mobilization forces. In other words, with the combination of the troops in active service (60%) and the prompt mobilization force (40%), the ROK army should develop the strategies to harmonize technology and forces. The Korean government should also be prepared for the strategic flexibility of USFK, the possibility of American policy change about the location of foreign army, radical unexpected changes in North Korea, the emergence of potential threat, surrounding countries' demand for Korean force for the maintenance of regional stability, and demand for international cooperation against terrorism. For this, it is necessary to develop new approaches toward the proper number and size of troops and units. For instance, to prepare for radical unexpected political or military changes in North Korea, the Republic of Korea should have plans to protect a large number of refugees, to control arms and people, to maintain social security, and to keep orders in North Korea. From the experiences of other countries, it is estimated that 115,000 to 230,000 troops, plus ten thousands of police are required to stabilize the North Korean society, in the case radical unexpected military or political change happens in North Korea. In addition, if the Republic of Korea should perform the release of hostages, control of mass destruction weapons, and suppress the internal wars in North Korea, it should send 460,000 troops to North Korea. Moreover, if the Republic of Korea wants to stop the attack of North Korea and flow of refugees in DMZ area, at least 600,000 troops would be required. In sum, even if the ROK army maintains 600,000 troops, it may need additional 460,000 troops to prepare for unexpected radical changes in North Korea. For this, it is necessary to establish the prompt mobilization force whose size and number are almost the same as the troops in active service. In case the ROK army keeps 650,000 troops, the proper number of the prompt mobilization force would be 460,000 to 500,000.

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