• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제17권2호
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• pp.305-312
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• 2007

This study focused on the involvement of the unusual nucleotide (p)ppGpp, a stringent factor, during the morphological and physiological differentiation of Streptomyces coelicolor. Two genes, relA and rshA, were disrupted to demonstrate the roles of the stringent factor in the differentiation. The intracellular concentration of (p)ppGpp in the wild-type (M600) and disrupted mutants was measured in relation to the intentional starvation of a specific nutrient, such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphate or the in situ depletion of nutrients in a batch culture. As a result, it was found that the morphological characteristic of the ${\Delta}relA$ mutant was a bld phenotype forming condensed mycelia, whereas the ${\Delta}rshA$ mutant grew fast-forming spores and straightforward mycelia. In both mutants, the production of actinorhodin (Act) was completely abolished, yet the undecylprodigiosin (Red) production was increased. Intracellular (p)ppGpp was detected in the ${\Delta}relA$ mutant in the case of limited phosphate, yet not with limited carbon or nitrogen sources. In contrast, (p)ppGpp was produced in the ${\Delta}rshA$ mutant under limited carbon and nitrogen conditions. Therefore, (p)ppGpp in S. coelicolor was found to be selectively regulated by either the RelA or RshA protein, which was differentially expressed in response to the specific nutrient limitation. These results were also supported by the in situ ppGpp production during a batch culture. Furthermore, it is suggested that RelA and RshA are bifunctional proteins that possess the ability to both synthesize and hydrolyze (p)ppGpp.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제28권2호
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• pp.163-171
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• 2020

Silibinin exhibits antidiabetic potential by preserving the mass and function of pancreatic β-cells through up-regulation of estrogen receptor-α (ERα) expression. However, the underlying protective mechanism of silibinin in pancreatic β-cells is still unclear. In the current study, we sought to determine whether ERα acts as the target of silibinin for the modulation of antioxidative response in pancreatic β-cells under high glucose and high fat conditions. Our in vivo study revealed that a 4-week oral administration of silibinin (100 mg/kg/day) decreased fasting blood glucose with a concurrent increase in levels of serum insulin in high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats. Moreover, expression of ERα, NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in pancreatic β-cells in pancreatic islets was increased by silibinin treatment. Accordingly, silibinin (10 μM) elevated viability, insulin biosynthesis, and insulin secretion of high glucose/palmitate-treated INS-1 cells accompanied by increased expression of ERα, Nrf2, and HO-1 as well as decreased reactive oxygen species production in vitro. Treatment using an ERα antagonist (MPP) in INS-1 cells or silencing ERα expression in INS-1 and NIT-1 cells with siRNA abolished the protective effects of silibinin. Our study suggests that silibinin activates the Nrf2-antioxidative pathways in pancreatic β-cells through regulation of ERα expression.

• 생약학회지
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• 제37권2호통권145호
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• pp.67-73
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• 2006

The butanol extracts of Agrimonia pilosa (BAP) induced dose-dependent vascular relaxation of phenylephrine-precontracted aorta, which was abolished by removal of functional endothelium. Pretreatment of the endothelium-intact aortic tissues with $N^G$-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and 1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazole-[$4,3-{\alpha}$]-quinoxalin-1-one(ODQ) inhibited the relaxation induced by BAP. BAP-induced vascular relaxation was also markedly attenuated by addition of verapamiI, while the relaxant effect of BAP was not blocked by indomethacine, glibenclamide, tetraethylammonium (TEA), atropine, or propranolo. In addition, incubation of endothelium-intact aortic rings with BAP increased the vascular production of cGMP. These results suggest that BAP relaxes vascular smooth muscle via endothelium-dependent nitric oxide/cGMP signaling pathway, which may be causally related with L-type $Ca^{2+}$ channels.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.117-135
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• 2008

Objectives: It is known that the vestibular imbalance leads to vestibular symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, vertigo and postural disturbance. Since the non-labyrinthine inputs from the limbs and viscera converge on the vestibular nucleus neurons receiving signal from peripheral vestibular endorgan, acupuncture to the periphery may influence the activities of vestibular nuclear neurons and produce a therapeutic effect on the vestibulacr symptoms. The present study was to examine a modification and characteristics of the static and dynamic activities of medial vestibular nucleus (MVN) neurons following electroacupuncture (EA) of GB43' acupoint. Methods: In 54 Sprague-Dawley adult male rats weighing 250${\sim}$300g, spontaneous firing discharges and dynamic responses induced by sinusoidal whole body rotation about vertical axis at 0.2 Hz were observed in MVN of rats during EA of GB43' acupoint, located between the left 4th and 5th toe, which is the territory of sural and peroneal nerves, with 0.2 ms, 40 Hz and 600${\pm}$200 ${\mu}A$. Results: EA of the left GB43' acupoint induced modifications of spontaneous firing rates in 45% of MVN neurons recorded, and the percentage of modified neurons was 44% in type I, 52% in type II and 46% in non-type neurons. The excitatory or inhibitory responses of spontaneous firing discharges were predominant in the ipsilateral MVN neurons during EA. The excitatory response was abolished after EA but the inhibitory response was prolonged after EA in the ipsilateral MVN. The neurons of MVN showing modified spontaneous firing discharges by EA showed lower frequency (${\geq}$10 spikes/sec) of mean spontaneous firing rates than non affected ones. Conclusion: These results suggest that the neuronal activities of MVN neurons were influenced by EA of GB43' acupoint and the effects of EA may be related to the convergence of the peripheral vestibular inputs and ascending somatosensory inputs on MVN.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제20권5호
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• pp.1166-1173
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• 2006

The aqueous extracts of Cortex Caryophylli (AEC) induced dose-dependent relaxation of phenylephrine-precontracted aorta, which was abolished by removal of functional endothelium. Pretreatment of the endothelium-intact aortic tissues with N$^G$_nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or 1 H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazole-[4,3-${\alpha}$l-quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) inhibited the relaxation induced by AEC. AEC-induced vascular relaxations were also markedly attenuated by addition of verapamil, diltiazem and glibenclamide, tetraethylammonium (TEA), respectively, while the relaxation effect of AEC was not blocked by indomethacin, atropine, or propranolol. Moreover, incubation of endothelium-intact aortic rings with AEC increased the production of cGMP. These results suggest that AEC dilates vascular smooth muscle via endothelium-dependent nitric oxide/cGMP signaling, which seems to be causally related with L-type Ca$^{2+}$ and K$^+$ channels.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제2권2호
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• pp.147-154
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• 1998

It was attempted to clarify the participation of $K^+-channels$ in the post-receptor mechanisms of the muscarinic and $A_1-adenosine$ receptor- mediated control of acetylcholine (ACh) release in the present study. Slices from the rat hippocampus were equilibrated with $[^3H]$choline and the release of the labelled products was evoked by electrical stimulation (3 Hz, 5 V/cm, 2 ms, rectangular pulses), and the influence of various agents on the evoked tritium-outflow was investigated. Oxotremorine (Oxo, $0.1{\sim}10\;{\mu}M$), a muscarinic agonist, and $N^6-cyclopentyladenosine$ (CPA, $1{\sim}30\;{\mu}M$), a specific $A_1-adenosine$ agonist, decreased the ACh release in a dose-dependent manner, without affecting the basal rate of release. 4-aminopyridine (4AP), a specific A-type $K^+-channel$ blocker ($1{\sim}100\;{\mu}M$), increased the evoked ACh release in a dose-related fashion, and the basal rate of release is increased by 3 and $100\;{\mu}M$. Tetraethylammonium (TEA), a non-specific $K^+-channel$ blocker ($0.1{\sim}10\;{\mu}M$), increased the evoked ACh release in a dose-dependent manner without affecting the basal release. The effects of Oxo and CPA were not affected by $3\;{\mu}M$ 4AP co-treatment, but 10 mM TEA significantly inhibited the effects of Oxo and CPA. 4AP ($10\;{\mu}M$)- and TEA (10 mM)-induced increments of evoked ACh release were completely abolished in Ca^{2+}-free$ medium, but these were recoverd in low Ca^{2+}$ medium. And the effects of $K^+-channel$ blockers in low Ca^{2+}$ medium were inhibited by $Mg^{2+}$ (4 mM) and abolished by $0.3\;{\mu}M$ tetrodotoxin (TTX). These results suggest that the changes in TEA-sensitive potassium channel permeability and the consequent limitation of Ca^{2+}$ influx are partly involved in the presynaptic modulation of the evoked ACh-release by muscarinic and $A_1-adenosine$ receptors of the rat hippocampus.

• 한국의학물리학회지:의학물리
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• 제17권2호
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• pp.96-104
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• 2006

본 연구자를 위시한 많은 연구자에 의해 칼슘이 N형 칼슘통로의 비활성화를 촉진시킨다는 것이 보고되었다. 그러나 칼슘에 의한 비활성화 촉진 효과가 고전적인 칼슘의존성 기전에 의해 기인하는지는 아직 확실하지 않다. L형 칼슘통로의 칼슘의존성 비활성화기전을 밝히기 위하여 지금까지 사용해온 방법의 하나는 세포내, 외의 칼슘농도를 변화시켜보는 것이다. 그러므로 본 연구에서는 칼슘의존성 비활성화기전의 존재 여부를 알아보기 위하여 2가 양이온을 1가 양이온인 메틸아민($MA^+$)으로 치환하였다. 선행 연구를 통해 우리는 5초 동안의 긴 저분극 자극 시 바륨과 칼슘을 사용하여 얻은 전류에서 모두 빠른 성분(${\tau}{\sim}150ms$)과 느린 성분(${\tau}{\sim}2,500ms$)의 비활성화가 있음을 알 수 있었다. 본 연구에서 세포외 2가 양이온의 농도가 0이 되도록 하였을 때 빠른 비활성화가 소실된 반면 느린 비활성화에는 영향이 거의 없었다. 또한 바륨를 사용하였을 때보다 10 mV씩 과분극시킨 전압에서의 메틸암모늄 전류 데이터를 비교하여 보았을 때 느린 비활성화의 시정수가 서로 잘 일치하였으며 이 시정수는 막전압이 저분극될수록 감소하는 막전압의존성 비활성화의 특성을 보였다. 본 연구결과와 선행연구의 결과를 종합하여 볼 때 세포외 2가 양이온의 존재는 N형 칼슘통로의 빠른 비활성화가 일어나기 위하여 필수적인 조건이며 이러한 2가 양이온의존성 비활성화기전은 기존의 칼슘의존성 또는 막전압의존성 기전과 다르다는 가설을 제안한다.

• 대한약리학회지
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• 제22권1호
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• pp.24-33
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• 1986

본 연구에서는 개구리(Rana nigromaculata)의 피부에 있어서 전위차(PD), 단락전류(SCC) 및 total skin conductance(TSC)에 미치는 제종 adrenergic agonist 및 그 차단제의 영향을 관찰하여 개구리 피부에 adrenoceptors의 존재를 확인하고 Na 수송에 있어 그들의 역할을 구명코자 하였다. 1.Norepinephrine(NE, $6{\times}10^{-8}-6{\times}10^{-5}M$), phenylephrine($PE,5{\times}10^{-6}-5{\times}10^{-4}M$)의 PD 및 epinephrine(Epi, $5.5{\times}10^{-7}-5.5{\times}10^{-5}M$)의 PD 및 SCC 증가효과는 약물의 투여농도에 비례하였으며, Epi의 최대효과는 NE나 PE의 것보다 약하였다. 2. 이러한 PD 및 SCC의 증가효과는 alpha 1 adrenoceptor 차단체인 prazosin $2{\times}10^{-6}M$에 의해서 억제되었으며, 특히 Epi의 증가효과는 불가역성 alpha receptor 차단제인 phenoxybenzamine $3.3{\times}10^{-5}M$에 의하여 완전히 차단되며 대량의 Epi에 의해서는 PD 및 SCC의 감소를 초래하였다. 3. Beta adrenoceptor agonist인 isoproterenol$(5{\times}10^{-7}-5{\times}10^{-6}M)$에 의해 농도증가에 비례한 PD 및 SCC의 감소가 일어났으며, 이는 선택적 bete receptor 차단제인 propranolol $4{\times}10^{-6}M$에 의해 차단되었다. 또한 Epi의 PD 및 SCC 증가효과는 propranolol $4{\times}10M$에 의하여 강화됨을 볼 수 있었다. 4. Alpha 2 adrenoceptor agonist인 clonidine 및 guanabenz도 PD 및 SCC의 증가를 가져왔으며 이러한 효과는 alpha 2 receptor 차단제인 yohimbine에서 보다 Alpha 1 receptor 차단제인 prazosin에 의해 더 잘 억제되었다. 이상 실험의 결과 개구리 복부피부에도 포유동물에서와 같이 adrenergic alpha 및 beta receptor가 존재하며 alpha receptor는 PD 및 SCC의 증가를, beta receptor는 PD 및 SCC의 감소를 매개하여, 개구리 피부의 Na 수송에 있어 adrenergic system이 중요한 조절작용을 하고 있음을 알 수 있었다. 그러나 여기에 관여하는 alpha receptor는 다른 포유류에서와 같이 alpha 1 및 alpha 2 adrenoceptor로 구분할 수는 없었다.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.259-265
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• 2017

Excessive influx and the subsequent rapid cytosolic elevation of $Ca^{2+}$ in neurons is the major cause to induce hyperexcitability and irreversible cell damage although it is an essential ion for cellular signalings. Therefore, most neurons exhibit several cellular mechanisms to homeostatically regulate cytosolic $Ca^{2+}$ level in normal as well as pathological conditions. Delayed rectifier $K^+$ channels ($I_{DR}$ channels) play a role to suppress membrane excitability by inducing $K^+$ outflow in various conditions, indicating their potential role in preventing pathogenic conditions and cell damage under $Ca^{2+}$-mediated excitotoxic conditions. In the present study, we electrophysiologically evaluated the response of $I_{DR}$ channels to hyperexcitable conditions induced by high $Ca^{2+}$ pretreatment (3.6 mM, for 24 hours) in cultured hippocampal neurons. In results, high $Ca^{2+}$-treatment significantly increased the amplitude of $I_{DR}$ without changes of gating kinetics. Nimodipine but not APV blocked $Ca^{2+}$-induced $I_{DR}$ enhancement, confirming that the change of $I_{DR}$ might be targeted by $Ca^{2+}$ influx through voltage-dependent $Ca^{2+}$ channels (VDCCs) rather than NMDA receptors (NMDARs). The VDCC-mediated $I_{DR}$ enhancement was not affected by either $Ca^{2+}$-induced $Ca^{2+}$ release (CICR) or small conductance $Ca^{2+}$-activated $K^+$ channels (SK channels). Furthermore, PP2 but not H89 completely abolished $I_{DR}$ enhancement under high $Ca^{2+}$ condition, indicating that the activation of Src family tyrosine kinases (SFKs) is required for $Ca^{2+}$-mediated $I_{DR}$ enhancement. Thus, SFKs may be sensitive to excessive $Ca^{2+}$ influx through VDCCs and enhance $I_{DR}$ to activate a neuroprotective mechanism against $Ca^{2+}$-mediated hyperexcitability in neurons.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제17권2호통권82호
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• pp.185-191
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• 2007

Akt/PKB는 세포의 증식, 분화, 사멸, 혈관신생 등 매우 많은 생리활성 조절에 있어 매우 중요한 역할을 수행한다. 우리는 Akt/PKB의 tyrosine잔기의 인산화가 $Thr^{\308}$ 인산화에 필수적임을 밝혔다. COS-7 세포주에 EGF를 처 리하면 Akt/PKB의 tyrosine 잔기에 인산화가 촉진되었으며 이러한 인산화 촉진은 Akt/PKB에 myristoylation site를 이용해 세포막으로 이동시키면 더욱 더 증가하였다. 특히, 분리된 Akt/PKB와 EGF 수용체를 이용해 인산화 반응을 실시하면 tyrosine잔기의 인산화뿐만 아니라 $Ser^{\473}$에 대한 인산화도 증가하였다. 더욱이 tyrosine잔기에 인산화 된 Akt/PKB는 활성화된 EGF 수용체와 직접적인 결합을 이루고 있음을 확인하였다. 마지막으로 예측되는 tyrosine 잔기인 $(Tyr^{\326})$을 Alanine으로 치환하면 정상 Akt/PKB뿐만 아니라 활성화된 Akt/PKB의 EGF에 의한 $Thr^{\308}$ 인산화가 사라짐을 확인하였다. 이러한 결과들을 바탕으로 EGF 수용체에 의한 직접적인 Akt/PKB의 tyrosine 인산화는 EGF에 의한 많은 생리활성 조절기전의 또 다른 기전이라 볼 수 있다.