• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.486-494
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• 2000

Background : The dominant innervation of airway smooth muscle is parasympathetic fibers which are carried in the vagus nerve. Activation of these cholinergic nerves releases acetylcholine which binds to $M_3$ muscarinic receptors on the smooth muscle causing bronchocontraction. Acetylcholine also feeds back onto neuronal $M_2$ muscarinic receptors located on the postganglionic cholinergic nerves. Stimulation of these receptors further inhibits acetylcholine release, so these $M_2$, muscarinic receptors act as autoreceptors. Loss of function of these $M_2$ receptors, as it occurs in animal models of hyperresponsiveness, leads to an increase in vagally mediated hyperresponsiveness. However, there are limited data pertaining to whether there are dysfunctions of these receptors in patients with asthma. The aim of this study is to determine whether there are dysfunction of $M_2$ muscarinic receptors in asthmatic patients and difference of function of these receptors according to severity of asthma. Method : We studied twenty-seven patients with asthma who were registered at Pulmonology Division of Korea University Hospital. They all met asthma criteria of ATS. Of these patients, eleven patients were categorized as having mild asthma, eight patients moderate asthma and eight patients severe asthma according to severity by NAEPP Expert Panel Report 2(1997). All subjects were free of recent upper respiratory tract infection within 2 weeks and showed positive methacholine challenge test ($PC_{20}$<16mg/ml). Methacholine provocation tests were performed twice on separate days allowing for an interval of one week. In the second test, pretreatment with the $M_2$ muscarinic receptor agonist pilocarpine($180{\mu}g$) through inhalation was performed be fore the routine procedures. Results : Eleven subjects with mild asthma and eight subjects with moderate asthma showed significant increase of $PC_{20}$ from 5.30$\pm$5.23mg/ml(mean$\pm$SD) to 20.82$\pm$22.56mg/ml(p=0.004) and from 2.79$\pm$1.51mg/ml to 4.67$\pm$3.53mg/ml(p=0.012) after pilocarpine inhalation, respectively. However, in the eight subjects with severe asthma significant increase of $PC_{20}$ from l.76$\pm$1.50mg/ml to 3.18$\pm$4.03mg/ml(p=0.161) after pilocarpine inhalation was not found. Conclusion : In subjects with mild and moderate asthma, function of $M_2$ muscarinic receptors was normal, but there was a dysfunction of these receptors in subjects with severe asthma. ηlese results suggest that function of $M_2$ muscarinic receptors is different according to severity of asthma.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.149-159
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• 2000

Bee-venom Acupucture has good effect on pain control but We may be anxious about the problem of side-effect. Bee-venom components are composed of phospholipase $A_2$, hyaluronidase, melitin, apamin, MCD peptide, citrate and so on. Especially Apamin, MCD peptide and histamine cause severe reacting that is named Anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a clinical syndrome characterized by the acute system reaction of multiple organ systems to an IgE-mediated immunologic mediator release in previously sensitized individuals. Respiratory and dermatologic manifestations are the most commonly expressed clinical features of anaphylaxis, and a majority of anaphylactic reactions initially appear to be localized to these two systems. Anaphylatic reaction of bee-venom are expressed clinically ulticaria, itching sensation, erythema, dizziness, nausea, hypotension and so on. Especially ulticaria and erythema are end points of increased vascular permeability and vasodilatation at the other extreme of the clinical spectrum, Gastrointestinal mucosal edema and smooth muscle contraction can result in cramping abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Therefore, we have observed anaphylatic reaction of bee-venom in 11 patients, who visited WonKwang University Kunpo Oriental Medical Center, treated bee venom. The results were summarized as follows : 1. The patient distribution ratio, in regard to sex, was shown to be 1 : 2.67 for male to females. In regard to age, it was shown that people in their 30's was the most predominant case, followed by people in their 20's, 30's, 50's and 60's, respectively. 2. When Anaphylaxis was occured, it was observed to abnormality of CBC, LFT, IgE, IgG. 3. In regard to patient condition, it was observed that fatigue was most frequent. 4. In regard to the number of times and quantity of bee venom inj., it was observed that anaphylaxis is most frequent at 7-10 times(1.6-2.0cc) 5. In regard to duration of reaction, it was observed that people in their l0min' was most frequent. In disappearing duration of anaphylaxic reaction, The results showed under 60min lcases(9%), 60-120min 7cases(64%) and 180-240min 3cases(27%). 6. In symptoms of anaphylaxis, The results showed hypotension 8cases(19%), itching sensation 7cases(16%), nausea 4cases(9%), erythema 4cases(9%) and dizziness 4cases(9%). In mentality, The results showed drowsy 8case(73%) and alert 3cases(27%). 7. Generally, patients were treated with Avil, Dexa IM and PDS, peniramine, cimetidine, Q-zyme per os after H/S, N/S inj. $O_2$ was supplied according to patient's symptom. In 1 severe case, Dopamine was iv injected.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.13-22
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• 2007

The stem cell research is emerging as a cutting edge topic for a new treatment for many chronic diseases. Recently, dental stem cell would be possible for regeneration of tooth itself as well as periodontal tissue. However, the study of the cell characterization is scarce. Therefore, we performed the genetic profiling and the characterization of mouse fetus/neonate derived dental tissue and cell to find the identification during dental development. We separated dental arch from mandibles of 14.5 d fetal mice and neonate 0 d under the stereoscope, and isolated dental cells primarily from the tissues. Then, we examined morphology and the gene expression profiles of the primary cells and dental tissues from fetus/neonate and adult with RT-PCR. Primary dental cells showed heterogeneous but the majority was shown as fibroblast-like morphology. The change of population doubling time levels (PDLs) showed that the primary dental cells have growth potential and could be expanded under our culture conditions without reduction of growth rate. Immunocytochemical and flow cytometric analyses were performed to characterize the primary dental cell populations from both of fetus (E14.5) and neonate. Alpha smooth muscle actin (${\alpha}-SMA$), vimentin, and von Willebrand factor showed strong expression, but desmin positive cells were not detected in the primary dental cells. Most of the markers were not uniformly expressed, but found in subsets of cells, indicating that the primary dental cell population is heterogeneous, and characteristics of the populations were changed during culture period. And mesenchymal stem cell markers were highly expressed. Gene expression profile showed Wnt family and its related signaling molecules, growth factors, transcription factors and tooth specific molecules were expressed both fetal and neonatal tissue. The tooth specific genes (enamelin, amelogenin, and DSPP) only expressed in neonate and adult stage. These expression patterns appeared same as primary fetal and neonatal cells. In this study we isolated primary cells from whole mandible of fetal and neonatal mice. And we investigated the characteristics of the primary cells and the profile of gene expressions, which are involved in epithelial-mesenchymal interactions during tooth development. Taken together, the primary dental cells in early passages or fetal and neonatal mandibles could be useful stem cell resources.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.573-580
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• 2009

It has been previously reported that the carboxyl terminal residues 276 and 277 of ${\alpha}$-tropomyosin are important for actin affinity. In order to investigate actin affinities of these two residues of skeletal (HA) and smooth (QT) muscle ${\alpha}$-tropomyosins, a series of mutant tropomyosins were constructed in which residues at either 276 or 277 were individually replaced with a cysteine residue for chemical modification. These mutants were overexpressed in E. coli as unacetylated and Ala-Ser (AS) dipeptide fusion forms. While actin affinities of unacetylated tropomyosins were considerably low, those of AS/TMs were remarkably higher than those of corresponding unacetylated tropomyosins. However, actin affinities of AS/TM24 (QC) and AS/TM29 (HC) were dramatically lower than those of other AS/TMs and were close to those of unacetylated tropomyosins. In addition, actin affinities of unacetylated TM24 (QC) and TM29 (HC) failed to be restored in the presence of troponin, unlike unacetylated TM10 (HA) and TM23 (CA). These results indicated that the presence of a cysteine residue at 277 caused a drastic decrease in actin affinity, and also that the residue 277 is important for actin affinity of ${\alpha}$-tropomyosin. Since TM23 (CA) showed high actin affinity, it may serve as a valuable tool for chemical modification studies for investigating the interaction of the carboxyl terminal residues of ${\alpha}$-tropomyosin with actin and/or troponin.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.189-197
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• 2009

Two-pore domain $K^+(K_{2P})$ channels contribute to setting the resting membrane potential in excitable and nonexcitable cells. However, the cellular or tissue distribution and function of $K_{2P}$ channels expressed in mammalian germ cells and reproductive organs have not yet been reviewed by researchers. In this review, we focus on expression, localization and expected properties of $K_{2P}$ channels in germ cells and reproductive organs. The $K_{2P}$ channels are expressed in human cytotrophoblast cells, myometrium, placental vascular system, uterine smooth muscle, and pregnant term tissue, suggesting that $K_{2P}$ channels might be involved in the processes of pregnance. The $K_{2P}$ channels are also expressed in mouse zygotes, monkey sperm, ovary, testis, germ cells, and embryos of Korean cattle. Interestingly, $K_{2P}$ channels are modulated by changes in temperature and oxygen concentration which play an important role in embryonic development. Also, $K_{2P}$ channels are responsible for $K^+$ efflux during apoptotic volume decreases in mouse zygotes. These expression patterns and properties of the $K_{2P}$ channels in reproductive organs and germ cells are likely to help the understanding of ion channel-related function in reproductive physiology.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.250-257
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• 2007

Uterus myoma is a benign tumor of smooth muscle in the wall of the uterus, In oriental medicine, we used to made an effort to management this patients without surgical operation. Doctors have treated patients of uterus myoma mainly by checking over each symptom they have. Then we think that patients have some symptoms in relation to an etiological cause. So I have carried out this study to investigate association of DSOM scores and an attack of uterus myoma in oriental medicine. We chose 3 groups, the first one is 257 uterus myoma patients who visited Dongeui University Oriental Medical Center from May 2001 to June 2006, the second one is 558 outpatients who didn't have uterus myoma from May 2005 to June 2005, the third one is 129 clinical trials who volunteered for Sasang constitutional medicine. Then we made up 3 groups to checkup DSOM, and investigated the All DSOM Fluents which effect uterus myoma patients using regression model. Logistic regression analysis indicate as follows ; In comparison with 558 outpatients data, blood stasis(血瘀), dryness(燥) is associated positively and insufficiency of Yang(陽虛), spleen(脾), phlegm(痰) negatively, and mean of the index for pathogenic factor(病機指標 平均) of deficiency of qi(氣虛), heart(心) negatively. In comparison with 129 clinical trials data, blood stasis(血瘀) is associated positively and phlegm(痰) negatively, and mean of the index for pathogenic factor(炳機指標 平均) of deficiency of Yin(陰虛), liver(肝), diarrhea positively, heart(心) negatively. 3. In investigation of DSOM items, items of blood stasis(血瘀), deficiency of Yin(陰虛), coldness(寒) is associated positively and items of heart(心), spleen(脾), Phlegm(痰) negatively.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.136-144
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• 2007

Biotae Orientalis has been widely used for treatment of relaxion of smooth muscle, gastrointestinal hemorrhage and alopecia in Oriental Medicine. This experiment examined the effect of an extracts, obtained from the acetone and MeOH extracts of dried or fresh Biotae Orientalis, on hair growing activity of the C57BL/6N mice after topical application to skin. First, We examined on hair growth activity of extracts of Biotae Orientalis compare to control and 1% minoxidil groups. Second, We investigated on the number of hair follicle and mast cells after topical application of extracts of the Biotae Orientalis to skin for 16 day. Third, We investigated immunoreactive density of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), protein kinase C-${\alpha}$(PKC-${\alpha}$) and stem(mast) cell factor(SCF) in skin of C57BL/6N mice by immunohistochemical methods. I fourth investigated changes of subpopulation of splenocytes and thymocytes in C57BL/6N mice for 16day using laser flow cytometry. The results were as follows : Hair growing effect of acetone and MeOH extracts of dried and fresh Biotae Orientalis was observed in 70%, 90% and 60% in hair removed skin area in 16 day respectively. Immunoreactive density of VEGF and PKC-${\alpha}$ in skin of experimental groups was weakly stained compare to control group in 10 day. Immunoreactive density of stem cell factor in skin of experimental group was heavily stained compare to control group in 10 day. Splenic TH/TC Iymphocytes of lived MeOH extracts group significantly increased compare to control group. TH cells in thymic T lymphocytes were increased compare to control group. These experiment suggest that acetone and MeOH extracts of Biotae Orientalis may be used for topical treatment of alopecia areata.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.61-66
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• 1981

In 1944 Cavallito and Bailey first extracted an essential oil, a powerful antibacterial principle, from the garlic and named it allicin. Later Stoll and Seeback elucidated that allicin was produced from alliin by the enzymatic action of arinase. Damaru observed the depressor responses following intraperitoneal administration of garlic juice in cats. And Thiersch presented evidence that garlic had a protective action against experimental arterosclerosis in cholesterol-fed animals. On the other hand it was also reported that anemias were caused by long-term ingestion of garlic as a result of reduction in hemoglobin and RBC. From the experiment in which the effect of garlic on the blood sugar level was studied, Lee insisted garlic elevated blood sugar level. However, August and Jain claimed that hypoglycemia was induced by garlic administration. Recently Bordia and Bansal suggested that essential oils extracted from onion and garlic have a strong preventive effect on hyperlipemia and prolonged coagulation time resulted from fat-feeding. Furthermore Bordia et al indicated that garlic exerted a strong fibrinolytic activity. In early 1920 s Sugihara reported that essential oil of garlic not only decreased arterial blood pressure but also had a paralytic effect on the isolated heart and intestinal strip of animals. The present study was proposed to investigate the effect of garlic juice and the mechanism of its action on the motility of the isolated rabbit duodenum. The motility of the isolated duodenum was recorded on polygraph by means of force transducer connected with Magnus apparatus. And the isolated duodenum was separtely pretreated with $acetylcholine(5{\times}10^{-7}\;gm/ml)$, $pilocarpine(2.5{\times}10^{-6}\;gm/ml)$, $histamine(5{\times}10^{-6}\;gm/ml)$ and barium $chloride(2.5{\times}10^{-5}\;gm/ml)$ in order to find out interations of these drugs with ASJ. The results obtained were as follows; At concentrations of 0.25%, 0.5% and 1.0% ASJ markedly inhibited contractions of isolated duodenum while tonus as well as contractility of the isolated intestine were decreased also with 0.5% and 1.0% ASJ. Since ASJ markedly abolished augmented motility of isolated intestine by histamine and partly reduced that by $BaCl_2$, it is strongly suggested that inhibitory action of ASJ on the intestinal motility is caused mainly by its antihistamine effect and partly by its direct action on the intestinal smooth muscle.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.442-448
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• 2000

Developmental anomalies arising from the branchial apparatus include cysts, external sinuses, internal sinuses, and complete fistulas. Second branchial cleft cysts are by far the most common among these anomalies. It may occur at any age, being most common in the third decade, and more frequent in the male than in the female. It usually presents a smooth, round, nontender fluctuant mass located between the level of the tragus and the clavicle along the anteromedial border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. It is lined by respiratory or squamous epithelium unless inflammation is present. The considerable amount of lymphoid tissue may be found beneath the epithelium. The treatment of choice of branchial cleft cyst is surgical excision. If the lesion is acutely infected, however, it is essential to relieve the infection prior to the surgery. This report deals with two cases of second branchial cleft cyst. In case 1, the cyst had rapidly increased in size over pregnant period. In case 2, the patient presented the swelling in the left neck, and had the history of incision and drainage because of misdiagnosis as submandibular space abscess. The infection was treated by antibiotic therapy in the first place, and then complete surgical excision was made. There was no evidence of any recurrence or complications for these $3{\sim}4$ years.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.112-118
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• 2020

This study was undertaken to examine the effects and to investigate the relevant mechanisms of overexpressing stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) produced by engineered mesenchymal stem cells, in a neurogenic bladder (NB) rat model. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (N=48) were randomly divided into 4 groups comprising 12 rats each: control group, Injury group, Injury+imMSC group, and Injury+SDF-1 eMSC group. Rats in the Injury+imMSC group were treated with imMSCs, whereas the Injury+SDF-1 eMSC group were administered SDF-1 eMSCs. After 4-weeks therapy, the bladder and pelvic nerve (PN) tissues were examined by subjecting to Masson's trichrome staining and immunofluorescence. Administration of SDF-1 eMSC resulted in improved smooth muscle content in the bladder tissue, significantly increased β-III tubulin expression of the PN, and enhanced SDF-1 expression (P<0.05). The bladder wall repair can be attributed to the overexpression of SDF-1 by SDF-1 eMSCs. Significantly increased SDF-1 expression was obtained in the Injury+SDF-1 eMSC group (P<0.05). The crushed PN also showed significant recovery in the Injury+SDF-1 eMSC group (P<0.05). In conclusion, our results indicate that SDF-1 eMSCs express more SDF-1 in vivo, thereby facilitating the repair of injured nerve and recovery of NB in rats.