• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.708-720
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• 2012

In this study, we assessed the effects of ginsenoside Re (GRe) administration on repeated immobilization stress-induced behavioral alterations using the forced swimming test (FST), the elevated plus maze (EPM), and the active avoidance conditioning test (AAT). Additionally, we examined the effect of GRe on the central adrenergic system by observing changes in neuronal tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression in the rat brain. Male rats received 10, 20, or 50 mg/kg GRe (i.p.) 30 min before daily exposures to repeated immobilization stress (2 h/day) for 10 days. Activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in response to repeated immobilization was confirmed by measuring serum levels of corticosterone (CORT) and the expression of corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) in the hypothalamus. Repeated immobilization stress increased immobility in the FST and reduced open-arm exploration in the EPM test. It also increased the probability of escape failures in the AAT test, indicating a reduced avoidance response. Daily administration of GRe during the repeated immobilization stress period significantly inhibited the stress-induced behavioral deficits in these behavioral tests. Administration of GRe also significantly blocked the increase in TH expression in the locus coeruleus (LC) and the decrease in BDNF mRNA expression in the hippocampus. Taken together, these findings indicate that administration of GRe prior to immobilization stress significantly improved helpless behaviors and cognitive impairment, possibly through modulating the central noradrenergic system in rats. These findings suggest that GRe may be a useful agent for treating complex symptoms of depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.266-273
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• 2018

The ganglion cardiacum or juxtaductal body is situated along the left recurrent laryngeal nerve in the aortic window and is an extremely large component of the cardiac nerve plexus. This study was performed to describe the morphologies of the ganglion cardiacum or juxtaductal body in human fetuses and to compare characteristics with intracardiac ganglion. Ganglia were immunostained in specimens from five fetuses of gestational age 12-16 weeks and seven fetuses of gestational age 28-34 weeks. Many ganglion cells in the ganglia were positive for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH; sympathetic nerve marker) and chromogranin A, while a few neurons were positive for neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS; parasympathetic nerve marker) or calretinin. Another ganglion at the base of the ascending aorta carried almost the same neuronal populations, whereas a ganglion along the left common cardinal vein contained neurons positive for chromogranin A and NOS but no or few TH-positive neurons, suggesting a site-dependent difference in composite neurons. Mixtures of sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons within a single ganglion are consistent with the morphology of the cranial base and pelvic ganglia. Most of the intracardiac neurons are likely to have a non-adrenergic non-cholinergic phenotype, whereas fewer neurons have a dual cholinergic/noradrenergic phenotype. However, there was no evidence showing that chromogranin A- and/or calretinin-positive cardiac neurons corresponded to these specific phenotypes. The present study suggested that the ganglion cardiacum was composed of a mixture of sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons, which were characterized the site-dependent differences in and near the heart.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.62 no.2
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• pp.166-174
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• 2019

Objective : Globus pallidus interna (GPi) is acknowledged as an essential treatment for advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). Nonetheless, the neurotransmitter study about its results is undiscovered. The goal of this research was to examine influences of entopeduncular nucleus (EPN) stimulation, identical to human GPi, in no-lesioned (NL) rat and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-HD)-lesioned rat on glutamate change in the striatum. Methods : Extracellular glutamate level changes in striatum of NL category, NL with deep brain stimulation (DBS) category, 6-HD category, and 6-HD with DBS category were examined using microdialysis and high-pressure liquid chromatography. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivities in substantia nigra and striatum of the four categories were also analyzed. Results : Extracellular glutamate levels in the striatum of NL with DBS category and 6-HD with DBS category were significantly increased by EPN stimulation compared to those in the NL category and 6-HD category. EPN stimulation had no significant effect on the expression of TH in NL or 6-HD category. Conclusion : Clinical results of GPi DBS are not only limited to direct inhibitory outflow to thalamus. They also include extensive alteration within basal ganglia.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.178-184
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• 2019

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons within the substantia nigra pars compacta. In the present study, we investigated whether ${\beta}-Lapachone$ (${\beta}-LAP$), a natural naphthoquinone compound isolated from the lapacho tree (Tabebuia avellanedae), elicits neuroprotective effects in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced Parkinson's disease mouse model. ${\beta}-LAP$ reduced the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive fiber loss induced by MPTP in the dorsolateral striatum, and alleviated motor dysfunction as determined by the rotarod test. In addition, ${\beta}-LAP$ protected against MPTP-induced loss of TH positive neurons, and upregulated B-cell lymphoma 2 protein (Bcl-2) expression in the substantia nigra. Based on previous reports on the neuroprotective role of nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) in neurodegenerative diseases, we investigated whether ${\beta}-LAP$ induces upregulation of the Nrf2-hemeoxygenae-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway molecules in MPTP-injected mouse brains. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses indicated that ${\beta}-LAP$ increased HO-1 expression in glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive astrocytes. Moreover, ${\beta}-LAP$ increased the nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity of Nrf2, and the phosphorylation of upstream adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). ${\beta}-LAP$ also increased the localization of p-AMPK and Nrf2 in astrocytes. Collectively, our data suggest that ${\beta}-LAP$ exerts neuroprotective effect in MPTP-injected mice by upregulating the p-AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways in astrocytes.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.133-139
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• 2021

Objectives : Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease caused by a decrease in the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The abnormal expression of solute carrier family 6 member 4 (Slc6a4) has been reported in patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods : In this study, we used MPTP to examine the changes in the expression of Slc6a4 in the brain of mice with Parkinson's disease and investigate its effect on dopaminergic neuronal cell death. Results : In the examination of the Slc6a4 expression in the substantia nigra of MPTP-treated mice for 4 weeks. The gene expression was increased compared to the normal group. To investigate the relationship between Slc6a4 and dopaminergic neurons, we performed a study using siRNA of Slc6a4 in the dopaminergic neuronal cell line SH-SY5Y. Using the siRNA of Slc6a4 to evaluate gene expression, it revealed that the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression increases when Slc6a4 decreases. Moreover, this confirms its effects on the dopaminergic neurons. Additionally, through the evaluation of factors related to apoptosis, in particular, it was established that the value of bax/bcl2 decreased and was affected. These results suggest that a decreased Slc6a4 expression induces an increase in TH expression, providing a mechanism of action for dopaminergic neurons regulated by Slc6a4 expression. Conclusions : Slc6a4 is deemed to be involved in the regulation of dopaminergic neurons, suggesting that an increased Slc6a4 expression induced by MPTP may influence a reduction of dopaminergic neurons.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.9-16
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• 2014

Objectives : Investigation of the antidepressant effect of Glycyrrhizae Radix (GR) through the anti-inflammatory effect. Methods : Depression in rats was induced by LPS (i,p.3days). The rats were treated with GR100 mg/kg (GR 100) or GR400 mg/kg (GR 400). The depressive immobility was examined with Tail Suspension Test(TST) and Forced Swimming Test(FST). The expression of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$(NF-${\kappa}B)$, $I{\kappa}B$ was measured with western blotting. The concentration of corticosterone, cytokine in plasma was measured with ELISA. The expression of c-Fos in the paraventricular nucleus(PVN) and tyrosine hydroxylase(TH) in the locus coeluleus(LC) were measured with immunostaining method. Results : In the TST, GR400 group significantly decreased immobility time compared with the LPS group. In the FST, GR100, GR400 group significantly decreased immobility time comparing with the LPS group. c-Fos expression in GR100 and GR400 group was decreased comparing with the lipoplysaccharide(LPS) group. The $I{\kappa}B$ expression of GR100 and GR400 group was increased comparing with the LPS group. The level of corticosterone of GR100 group was decreased comparing with the LPS group. The concentration of cytokine of GR100 and GR400 group was decreased comparing with the LPS group. TH expression in the LC was increased in LPS group, but in GR100 and GR400 group was not shown significant decrease. Conclusion : According to this results obtained, GR has antidepressant effects by the anti inflammatory action through the suppression of HPA axis activity, not through the action against the catecholaminergic system.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.417-424
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• 2001

Objective : Adrenal medullary chromaffin cells are known to release analgesic substances such as opioides and catecholamines. Transplantation of them is a novel method that challenges current approaches in treating chronic pain. The transplantation of xenogeneic chromaffin cells into the central nervous system(CNS) supply antinociception in animals. In this study, we investigated the analgesic effects of rat adrenal medullary chromaffin cells transplanted into the CNS of the mouse. To study the antinociceptive efficacy of transplanted chromaffin cells, the survival of rat adrenal medullary chromaffin cells transplanted into the CNS of mouse was determined. Methods : The adrenal medullary chromaffin cells isolated from rat were transplanted into the striatum of mouse. These cells were confirmed of the release of Met-enkephalin and Leu-enkephalin by HPLC, and immunoblots for tyrosine hydroxylase(TH). Two weeks after transplantation, we performed immunohistochemistry for TH to determine the survival of implanted cells and assessed pain sensitivity at the same time. Results : The isolated rat adrenal medullary chromaffin cells were positive for anti-TH antibody and released Met-enkephalin and Leu-enkephalin more than rat endothelial cells. Transplanted rat chromaffin cells were stained with anti-TH antibody in striatum of mouse after 2 weeks. Pain sensitivity was reduced on the chromaffin cell-transplanted mouse compared to endothelial cell-transplanted mouse by the hot plate test. Conclusion : These results suggest that the rat chromaffin cells were suitably transplanted into the CNS of mouse. This approach could be used as a therapy for reducing of chronic pain induced by cancer or neuronal injury.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.323-327
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• 2005

RT-PCR is an useful method to investigate the expression of target gene as detection tools. Although RT-PCR is the powerful detection method for tissues, it was difficult to amplify the target gene product using the single cell. To clarify the expression level of the genes related to Parkinson's disease (PD), I performed the laser dissection of single cell from Substantia nigra. I examined the mRNA expression level in the dopaminergic neuron isolated from the PD patients by the single cell RT-PCR method. It is known that tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), DOPA decarboxylase (DDC) are involved in biosynthesis of the catecholamine such as dopamine. Little has been known about the gene expression features of these enzymes in single dopaminergic neuron. I could detect the specific gene products in single cell level. The different expression was observed in PD-related gene products from the single neuron of PD patients. Interestingly, TH gene expression was significantly decreased with comparing the ratio of decrease in other PD-related genes. Hence, I represented data that indicate the RT-PCR method described in this report is an effective method in detecting a specific single-cell mRNA level related with diseases.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.169-176
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• 2006

Objectives : This study was designed to compare the effects of tonification and sedation methods of Liver Meridian in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced Parkinson's disease mice model. Methods : We injected MPTP (30 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline for 5 consecutive days. Acupuncture treatments were given to the mice with MPTP at LR8 and LR4 to tonify Liver Meridian (Liver+) or LR4 and LR2 to sedate it (Liver-) for 12 day. At the 12th day after first injection, mice were perfused, and then tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunohistochemistry was performed in substantia nigra (SN) of their brains. After counting the number of TH-positive neurons, we compared their numbers among experimental groups. Results : The number of TH-positive neurons of Liver+ group was significantly increased compared to that of MPTP group in the SN. That of Liver-group was also increased more than MPTP group, but not significantly. Conclusions : Tonifying Liver Meridian might be effective therapeutic tools for the neuroprotection in subchronic MPTP-induced mice model.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.451-461
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• 2000

The locus coeruleus(LG) is known to be observed a sexual dimorphism in rat CNS. LC is the largest collections of norepinephrine(NE)-containing neurons in the mammalian brain. Especially in rat, all LC neurons contained NE unlike other mammalians, so that specific reactions were found in the tyrosine-hydroxylase(TH) immunoreactive neurons. Sexual dimorphism of rat LC has affected by genes before sex hormone appeared, thereafter affected by sex hormones. In these day, many scientists founded morphological differences between male and female LC morphology, but differences of entire structure was not founded. Thus we investigated sex differences of the LC neuron's morphology in rat by three-dimensional(3-D) reconstruction using Confocal laser scanning microscopy(CLSM). We reported that neuron's shape was relatively-large multipolar neurons and neuron's processes in dorsal LC proceeded to ventral direction in the male and female rat. Male had a longer anterior-posterior length than female had in dorsal LC. In addition to middle-LC, male rat's LC had a more thicker posterior region but had not viewed in a previous study. In reverse, female rat's LC had a thicker anterior region like a previous study. This results using 3-D reconstruction by CLSM showed that the male's LC was more wide-ranging than female's relatively.