• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.176-190
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• 2011

There seems to be some controversy about the effect of total ginseng saponin (TGS) on the secretion of catecholamines (CA) from the adrenal gland. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine whether TGS can affect the CA release in the perfused model of the adrenal medulla isolated from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). TGS (15-150 ${\mu}g/mL$), perfused into an adrenal vein for 90 min, inhibited the CA secretory responses evoked by acetylcholine (ACh, 5.32 mM) and high $K^+$ (56 mM, a direct membrane depolarizer) in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. TGS (50 ${\mu}g/mL$) also time-dependently inhibited the CA secretion evoked by 1.1-dimethyl-4 -phenyl piperazinium iodide (DMPP; 100 ${\mu}M$, a selective neuronal nicotinic receptor agonist) and McN-A-343 (100 ${\mu}M$, a selective muscarinic M1 receptor agonist). TGS itself did not affect basal CA secretion (data not shown). Also, in the presence of TGS (50 ${\mu}g/mL$), the secretory responses of CA evoked by veratridine (a selective $Na^+$ channel activator (50 ${\mu}M$), Bay-K-8644 (an L-type dihydropyridine $Ca^{2+}$ channel activator, 10 ${\mu}M$), and cyclopiazonic acid (a cytoplasmic $Ca^{2+}$-ATPase inhibitor, 10 ${\mu}M$) were significantly reduced, respectively. Interestingly, in the simultaneous presence of TGS (50 ${\mu}g/mL$) and N${\omega}$-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride [an inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthase, 30 ${\mu}M$], the inhibitory responses of TGS on the CA secretion evoked by ACh, high $K^+$, DMPP, McN-A-343, Bay-K-8644, cyclopiazonic acid, and veratridine were considerably recovered to the extent of the corresponding control secretion compared with the inhibitory effect of TGS-treatment alone. Practically, the level of NO released from adrenal medulla after the treatment of TGS (150 ${\mu}g/mL$) was greatly elevated compared to the corresponding basal released level. Taken together, these results demonstrate that TGS inhibits the CA secretory responses evoked by stimulation of cholinergic (both muscarinic and nicotinic) receptors as well as by direct membrane-depolarization from the isolated perfused adrenal medulla of the SHRs. It seems that this inhibitory effect of TGS is mediated by inhibiting both the influx of $Ca^{2+}$ and Na+ into the adrenomedullary chromaffin cells and also by suppressing the release of $Ca^{2+}$ from the cytoplasmic calcium store, at least partly through the increased NO production due to the activation of nitric oxide synthase, which is relevant to neuronal nicotinic receptor blockade, without the enhancement effect on the CA release. Based on these effects, it is also thought that there are some species differences in the adrenomedullary CA secretion between the rabbit and SHR.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2012

There have been few studies related to ELISA for mackerel. In this study we developed a sandwich ELISA for mackerel in processed foods using rabbit polyclonal antibodies against mackerel parvalbumin, the major allergen of mackerel and heat-stable protein. The parvalbumin was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation and Sephadex G-50 column chromatography. From the standard ELISA curves, the detection limit of parvalbumin was 3 ng/mL and the detection range of mackerel was 5-5,000 ${mu}g/mL$. We further investigated the cross-reactivity of the antibodies toward mackerel, mackerel pike, salmon, flatfish, armorclad rockfish, cod fish, squid, shrimp, blue crab, and lobster. The antibodies were specific for mackerel only. The mean assay recoveries in cooked cream soup, baby food, sausage, and sauce spiked with 0.01 to 0.3% mackerel were 104, 101, 54, and 0%, respectively. In sample tests of 16 commercial items, the qualitative coincidence ratio of assay result and indication was 75%.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.15 no.4 s.71
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• pp.600-606
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• 2005

Neurofilament (NF) proteins constitute the major intermediate filament type in adult neurons. They are made up by the copolymerization of the neurofilament light (NF-L, 61 kDa), medium (NF-M, 90kDa), and heavy (NF-H, 115 kDa) proteins. Although neurofilaments play a crucial .ole in neuronal growth, organization, shape, and plasticity, their expression pattern and cellular distribution in the developing neurons remain unknown. In this study, we have produced a rabbit polyclonal antibody specific to NF-M and investigated expression of NF-M in cultured cortical neurons. Immunostaining of 12 and 24 h cultures revealed strong expression of NF-M in axonal growth cone and in the region of a soma toward the axon. Doublestaining of 4 and 14 DIV corical neurons with NF-M and PSD95 antibodies revealed that both axon and dendrites were stained intensely with NF-M antibody, and that NF-M immunostaining along dendrites is often punctate and colocalize with PSD95 puncta, indicating that the puncta represent postsynaptic spines. Presence of NF-M in the postsynaptic spine was also indicated by immunoblot analysis of the postsynaptic density fraction. Taken together, our results show intensive targeting of NF-M into axons in the early axonal development, and into spines in mature neurons, indicating its important functions in axon and spine development.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.101-121
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• 2000

The purpose of this morphological studies was to investigate the relation to the meridian, acupoint and nerve. The common locations of the spinal cord and brain projecting to the the gallbladder, GB34 and common peroneal nerve were observed following injection of transsynaptic neurotropic virus, pseudorabies virus(PRV), into the gallbladder, GB34 and common peroneal nerve of the rabbit. After survival times of 96 hours following injection of PRV, the thirty rabbits were perfused, and their spinal cord and brain were frozen sectioned($30{\mu}m$). These sections were stained by PRV immunohistochemical staining method, and observed with light microscope. The results were as follows: 1. In spinal cord, PRV labeled neurons projecting to the gallbladder, GB34 and common peroneal nerve were founded in thoracic, lumbar and sacral spinal segments. Densely labeled areas of each spinal cord segment were founded in lamina V, VII, X, intermediolateral nucleus and dorsal nucleus. 2. In medulla oblongata, The PRV labeled neurons projecting to the gallbladder, GB34 and common peroneal nerve were founded in the A1 noradrenalin cells/C1 adrenalin cells/caudoventrolateral reticular nucleus, rostroventrolateral reticular nucleus, medullary reticular nucleus, dorsal motor nucleus of vagus nerve, nucleus tractus solitarius, raphe obscurus nucleus, raphe pallidus nucleus, raphe magnus nucleus, gigantocellular nucleus, lateral paragigantocellular nucleus, principal sensory trigeminal nucleus and spinal trigeminal nucleus. 3. In Pons, PRV labeled neurons were parabrachial nucleus, Kolliker-Fuse nucleus and cochlear nucleus. 4. In midbrain, PRV labeled neurons were founded in central gray matter and substantia nigra. 5. In diencephalon, PRV labeled neurons were founded in lateral hypothalamic nucleus, suprachiasmatic nucleus and paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus. 6. In cerebral cortex, PRV labeled neuron were founded in hind limb area.This results suggest that PRV labeled common areas of the spinal cord projecting to the gallbladder, GB34 and common peroneal nerve may be first-order neurons related to the somatic sensory, viscero-somatic sensory and symapathetic preganglionic neurons, and PRV labeled common area of the brain may be first, second and third-order neurons response to the movement of smooth muscle in gallbladder and blood vessels.These PRV labeled neurons may be central autonomic center related to the integration and modulation of reflex control linked to the sensory system monitoring the internal environment, including both visceral sensation and various chemical and physical qualities of the bloodstream. The present morphological results provide that gallbladder meridian and acupoint may be related to the central autonomic pathways.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.603-611
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• 2014

The lectins were separated from Korean and Chinese mung bean seeds finally via chromatography using Sephadex G-100 and their biochemical features were studied and compared. They showed no hemagglutination with human red blood cells regardless of trypsin treatment and showed hemagglutination with only trypsin treated rabbit red blood cells. The molecular weights of two lectins were identified as 54 kDa and 28 kDa by SDS-PAGE. It was found that while the optimal reaction temperature of the lectin from Korean mung bean was $60^{\circ}C$, that of the lectin from Chinese mung bean seeds was $50^{\circ}C$. It was found also that the most thermal stable temperature of the seed lectin from Korean mung bean seeds was $50^{\circ}C$ and the lectin from Chinese mung bean was $40-50^{\circ}C$. The lectin from Korean mung bean seeds showed the highest activity at pH 3.2 and the lectin from Chinese mung bean showed the highest activity at pH 6.2. It was identified that when treating a denaturant, thiourea and guanidine-HCl resulted in no hemagglutination, so they induced denaturalization. It was identified also that there was no hemagglutination with urea, so it did not induced denaturalization. They showed no septicity to 6 types of carbohydrates including D-glucose. In addition, the lectins from the two mung bean seed had specificity to metal ions.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.12
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• pp.1393-1402
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• 2017

In plants, calcium ($Ca^{2+}$)-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) are important sensors of $Ca^{2+}$ signals. Previous research demonstrated the expression of the OsCPK11 gene in various tissues at the transcription level, but its developmental and biochemical functions at the protein level were not determined. This study was aimed to identify biochemical characteristics of OsCPK11. GST- OsCPK11 was expressed in E. coli and used for an in vitro kinase assay. Biochemical analyses identified OsCPK11 as a CDPK. OsCPK11 autophosphorylated itself and transphosphorylated histone III-s and MBP as substrates in the presence of $Ca^{2+}$. The activity of the recombinant OsCPK11 was influenced by $Mg^{2+}$, with optimum activity detected at pH 7.0-7.5. OsCPK11 activity was not affected by $Mg^{2+}$, $Mn^{2+}$, or $Na^+$ in the presence of a high level of $Ca^{2+}$. Autophosphorylation of OsCPK11 decreased $Ca^{2+}$ sensitivity of OsCPK11. An anti-OsCPK11 rabbit antibody recognized 95.5 kD of GST-OsCPK11, as shown by an immunoblot analysis. These results shed light on the function of OsCPK11 in $Ca^{2+}$-mediated signaling in rice.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.28-34
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• 2006

The ethanol extracts of Puerariae Radix inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity in bone marrow derived mast cells (BMMC). COX-2 is responsible for the production of large amounts of proinflammatory prostaglandins (PGs) at the inflammatory site. We have investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of ethyl acetate fraction from $70\%$ ethanol extract of Puerariae Radix (EPR), and attempted acetic acid induced writhing to verify the analgesic effect. Inflammation was induced by interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), $inteferon-\gamma$ $(IFN-\gamma)$ and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). EPR showed strong inhibitory efficacy against cytokine-induced proteoglycan degradation, prostaglandin $E_2\;(PGE_2)$ production, nitric oxide (NO) production, and matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression in mouse macrophage and rabbit articular chondrocyte. In the writhing test, EPR $(200\~400\;mg/kg)$ exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of writhing. The results indicate that EPR have anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, and could be a good herbal medicine candidate for treating of osteoarthritis (OA).

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.379-384
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• 1998

To measure precisely the blood velocity in the skin microcirculation, we have used time domain correlation (called Cross-Correlation) based on the processing of the backscattered RF signal obtained with a wideband echographic imaging transducer, although it is difficulties of adaptation of the pulsed wave system, because of the data processing in real time and the hardware problem. This dedicated technology based on a 20MHz echographic imaging system has been developed. We present how the experimental data, i.e. the backscattered RF signal, have to be analyzed. After RF lines realignment, stationary echo canceling procedure and correlation level control, a velocity profile has been obtained. In-vitro result show that velocity measurements as low as 0.1mm/sec attainable with a 80${\mu}m$ in axial resolution. We have also validated with in-vivo experimentation on the external ear of a rabbit using B-mode sector scanning image and M-mode image of a custom made 20MHz skin image system. The flow of the "auriculares caudales" vein, a microvessel of 600 m diameter, has been detected and studied. This technique will allow a more precise exploration of circulatory troubles in cutaneous pathologies.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.227-234
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• 1999

Solid dispersions were prepared to increase the dissolution rate of biphenyl dimethyl dicarboxylate (DDB) using water-soluble carriers such as povidone, copolyvidone, $2-hydroxypropyl-{\beta}-cyclodextrin (HPCD)$, sodium salicylate or sodium benzoate by solvent evaporation method. Solid dispersions were characterized by infrared spectrometry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and powder X-ray diffractometry, dissolution and permeation studies. DDB tablets (7.5 mg) were prepared by compressing the powder mixtures composed of solid dispersions, lactose, com starch, crospovidone and magnesium stearate using a single-punch press. DDB capsules (7.5 mg) were also prepared by filling the mixtures in empty hard gelatin capsules (size No.1). From the DSC and powder x-ray diffractometric studies, it was found that DDB was amorphous in the HPCD or copolyvidone solid dispersions. Dissolution rates after 10 min of DDB alone and solid dispersions (1 : 10) in sodium benzoate, sodium salicylate and copolyvidone were 11.8, 23.5, 22.8 and 82.5%, respectively. Dissolution rates of DDB after 30 min from 1 : 10 and 1 : 20 copolyvidone solid dispersions were 80.5 and 95.0%, respectively. For the DDB tablets prepared using solid dispersions (1 : 20), the initial dissolution rate was dependent on carrier material, and was ranked in order, $Kollidon\;30\;{\ll}$ copolyvidone < HPCD. For the HPCD solid dispersion tablets, dissolution rate reached 97.4% after 15 min, but thereafter slowly decreased to 80.7% after 2 hr due to the precipitation of DDB. However, in the case of copolyvidone solid dispersion tablets, dissolution increased linearly and reached 93.4% after 2 hr. Reducing the volume of test medium from 900 to 300 ml markedly decreased the dissolution rate of the tablets containing 1 : 20 HPCD solid dispersions and 1 : 10 copolyvidone solid dispersion. For 1 : 20 copolyvidone solid dispersion tablets, there was no significant change in dissolution rate up to 1 hr with different volumes of test medium. Preparation of the copolyvidone solid dispersion (1 : 20) in capsules markedly delayed the dissolution (31.2 % after 2hr) due to the limited diffusion within capsules. The permeation rate $(13.4\;g/cm^2\;after\;8\;hr)$ of DDB through rabbit duodenal mucosa from copolyvidone solid dispersion (1 : 10) was markedly enhanced, when compared with drug alone or physical mixtures. From overall findings, DDB formulations containing copolyvidone solid dispersions (1 : 20) could be used to remarkably improve the dissolution rate in dosage form of powders and tablets.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.241-246
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• 2000

To develop a sustained-release preparation containing ketorolac tromethamine, two sustained-release pellet formulations were evaluated with a pharmacokinetic study as compared with a conventional commercial tablets (10 mg $Tarasyn^{TM}$, Roche Korea Ltd.). Two sustained-release formulations were as follows; formulation A was composed of an inner layer containing 75% of drug coated with $Eudragit^{TM}$ RS 100 membrane and an outer layer containing 25% of drug mixed with $Eudragit^{TM}$ NE30D, and formulation B was composed of only an inner layer containing 100% of drug coated with $Eudragit^{TM}$ RS 100 membrane. The dissolution test was performed for two formulations. In case of conventional tablets, 2.5 mg of drug per a dose was administered orally into male Albino rabbit (2.0-2.3 kg of body weight) 3 times at intervals of 4 hours. In case of two sustained formulations, 7.5 mg of drug was administered once orally. Blood samples were withdrawn periodically after the administration, and the blood concentration was determined by HPLC. The conventional tablets showed very high peak-trough fluctuation between administered doses, but two sustained formulations showed less fluctuation. Formulation A with the loading dose showed the time to reach minimum effective concentration (MEC) i.e. the onset time was less than 20 min, while Formulation B had more than 1 hr of the onset time. Formulation A had the more constant plasma level than formulation B. However, formulation B had a time lag, so the plasma level was less than MEC for an initial period of 1 hr. In formulation A, the plasma level was maintained within the therapeutic window $(0.3-5\;{\mu}g/ml)$ for a long period. Formulation A was thought to be an ideal sustained-release formulation for ketorolac tromethamine oral delivery system.