Abstract
Melanization of B16 melanoma cells was comparatively studied by the aqueous extract of Epimedium koreanum Nakai(EK) and $\alpha$-MSH. In addition, inhibitory effects of RA was investigated. B16 melanoma cells(about 1${\times}10_5$) have been shown an increase in tyrosinase activity and melanin contents in proportion to concentration of $\alpha$-MSH when treated with $\alpha$-MSH and incubated for 72 hrs. They indicated a 350% increase in tyrosinase activity and a 290% increase in melanin contents at 8 ng/mL. In case of EK, they have been shown a 200% increase in tyrosinase activity and a 180% increase in melanin contents at 100 ${\mu}g$/mL. In addition of RA to the above condition, they have been shown an inhibition from 350% to 210% in tyrosinase activity and from 290% to 250% in melanin contents in $\alpha$-MSH, and inhibition from 200% to 100% in tyrosinase activity and from 180% to 120% in melanin contents in EK. From the above results, it is suggested that EK promotes melanization of B16 melanoma cells through cAMP pathway, whereas RA inhibits it.
음양곽 물추출액과 $\alpha$-melanocyte stimulating hormone ($\alpha$-MSH)에 의한 B16 melanoma 세포의 멜라닌화를 비교 조사하였으며, retinoic acid (RA)에 의한 억제효과도 연구하였다. B16 melanoma 세포(1×$10^5$개 정도)를 $\alpha$-MSH로 처리하고 72시간 배양한 결과 $\alpha$-MSH 처리농도에 비례하여 tyrosinase 활성도와 melanin 생성이 증가되었으며, 8 ng/mL 처리시 tyrosinase 활성도는 350%, melanin 함량은 290% 이상이었다. 음양곽 물추출액으로 처리한 경우에는, 100 ${\mu}g$/mL 처리시 tyrosinase 활성도는 200%, melanin 함량은 180% 이상이었다. 위 조건에 RA를 가하면, $\alpha$-MSH의 경우 tyrosinase 활성도는 350%에서 210%로, melanin 함량은 290%에서 250%로 억제되었다. 음양곽 물추출물의 경우 tyrosinase 활성도는 200%에서 100%로, melanin 함량은 180%에서 120%로 억제되었다. 이 결과는 음양곽 물추출액이 cAMP 신호전달 경로를 통하여 B16 melanoma 세포의 멜라닌화를 촉진하며, RA는 그것을 억제하는 것으로 해석된다.
