At present in many cases the methods of medical treatment in Oriental medicine Korea lays emphasis on internal use, but to improve the curative value and for the diversity of medical treatment it is desperately needed to study external medical treatment more deeply. From the viewpoint of medical science history, as various additives and new discoveries are developed this has made it easy to use and improved the curative value of it ; thus external medical treatment has been rapidly progressed both in quality and quantity. Therefore, in studying the external medical treatment, it is very important to know it's history. So, I intend to study the early external medical treatment first. The external medical treatments mentioned in the Mawangtew medical books (52Byeongbang, Yangsangbang, Japryobang, Taesanseo), Hwangjenaekyeong, and Geumgweyoryak which were written or presumed to be written in early times were examined to study the early external medical treatments. The parts of body or diseases in which external medical treatments were applied; the methods of external application and the administration of medicine; the number of prescriptions, and the herbs used are also examined. I came to the following conclusions as I compared the kinds of books with the itemized lists based on the results of examination. 1) Though Mawangtew medical books (52Byeongbang, Yangsangbang, Japryobang, Taesanseo) was written earlier than Hwangjenaekyeong and Geumgweyoryak, there are more incidents of the disease in which external medical treatments were applied, the methods of external application and the administration of medicine, the kinds of prescriptions , and the different herbs used in Mawangtew medical books than in Hwangjellaekyeong and Geumgweyoryak. 2) In the six medical books mentioned above there are more prescriptions for external diseases and dermatitis than for internal diseases. 3) From the viewpoint of the number of prescriptions, the most frequent use of a medicine type was a natural type of medicine. The second was ointment type, and the third was liquid type. A powder type was the fourth. 4) In the administration of medicine, combination types such as both pasting and plastering were used most frequently. 5) Vegetable, mineral and animal nature herbs were used diversely for the early external medical treatments. Things such as wine and vinegar were also used as a herb.

In Oriental medicine, Five Mental is a concept for understanding of man's mental structure. Spirit and body is inseparable relation in Oriental Medicine. Function of spirit and body is regarded as one in Oriental Medical physiology. Spirit is the essence of a function which an organism reveal, and it is regarded in the same with life. For this reason, identification spirit with life is special feature of Oriental Medicine. In Confucianism, Li(理) refers to nature's discipline, which everything under the sun shares. It is similar to the concept of Shin(神) in a broad sense and Sung(性) is similar to that of Shin(神) in a narrow sense. Confucianism's principle is similar to Oriental medicine's, in that they classify Sung(性) into Gi-Jil-Ji-Sung(氣質之性) and Bon-Yeon-Ji-Sung(本然之性), that Sung(性) acts upon man differently according to his disposition, and that materials have an effect on Shin(神)'s action. According to mind's action, there are Human mind(人心) and Moral mind(道心). Human mind(人心) is defined as a mental action of higher degree and Moral mind(道心) is conceived as a mental action related to body. It is similar to Oriental medicine's principle in which Shin(神) is classified into Hun(魂) and Beak(魄) according to its action. Yi(意) is self-control and application, and Zhi(志) is a conscious state in which basic acts towards the object are fixed regularly. Those are similar to the concepts of Oriental medicine.

After The Yellow Emperor's Canon of Internal Medicine, The text researches of pathologic change to the liver disease concluded the next, 1, The category of liver-disease(肝病) include the Symptoms of abnormality due to vital energy and blood motion, emotion and intention, muscular and reproductive function, and legions around descending liver channel. 2. In the theory that Liver-Yang energy(肝陽氣) is always overproducing, Liver-Yin blood(肝陰血) is always lacking, pathologic characteristics for liver disease is functional change of malfunction of the use of body(體用失調), So nourishing the liver and kidney is used for the principal aspects of a disease. regulating and calm the liver is used for the secondary aspects of a disease as the treatment plan, 3. If malfunctioning of the functions of dispersion and discharge(疏泄), Iiver-energy(肝氣) is becoming degected, So overproduct and overflow of ascent and exhalation of liver-yang(肝陽) is becoming blood are ascending following energy. complete usage of Yin-blood(陰血) is responsible for some kinds of mass formed by blood stasis in the early stage of pathogenesis of liver disease syndrome of the energy system as the progession of disease extravasated blood is forming. the pathologic characteristics is appeared loss of control of the vital energy and blood(體用失調) at the liver disease. 4. Sthenia-syndrome of liver(肝實證) and liver-heat syndrome(肝熱證) is appered that overproducing and overflow of dispersion(疏泄太過) and discharge is responsible for overfunctioning of liver disease or some kinds of heat syndrome such as liver fire(肝火), Sthenia of liver-yang(肝陽上亢), the syndromes of sthenic liver heat(肝實熱) are appered. deficiency of the liver(肝虛證) and cold syndrome of liver(肝寒證) is classified pathologic characteristics of cold and heat, deficiency and excess that regression of sensory, motor, mental due to lack of dispersion and discharge(疏泄不及), or intruding of the cold miasma, are degected. 5. The liver is close relation of physiologic function and internal organ such as spleen, stomach, lung, heart, kidney, gall bladder by the meridian channels, because of property of wind Zang, rapid progession is classified by phthologic charateristics.

In order to convert the one ryang of Guizhi-tang into the modern weights and measures, herbs whose dose was expressed by number in Treatise on Feverile Disease of Zhongjing were measured actually. The results obtained are as follows. 1. Size of Jujubae fructus in Guizhi-tang is an average and if remove the seed, 12 Jujubae fructuses corresponds to 20g. These weights are the same as Belamcandae Rhizoma, Persicae Semen, Gleditsiae Fructus, Gardeniae Fructus and Armeniacae amarum Semen whose dose was expressed by number in Treatise on Feverile Disease of Zhongjing. If one ryang corresponds to 6.5g, 20g corresponds to three ryang. If one ryang corresponds to 15.6g, 20g corresponds to 1.3 ryang. When herbs were added in Guizhi-tang, the used weights were two more ryang. Almost unit of weights in Formulae of Zhongjing is the constantly multiplied. 2. Half sheng(升) of Pinelliae Rhizomae is 15 Pinelliae Rhizomas and corresponds to two and a half ryang. 14 Pinelliae Rhizomas are contained in 50 mL egg. 3.1 geun(斤), maximal amount of Gypsum Fibrosum and amount of one egg are the same weight supposing one ryang corresponds to 6.5g. 4. 2 ryang of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma is the 6.8 balls(碁子) of baduk and similar as 5-6 balls of baduk of Jisilchijasi-Tang. 5. General dose of Glycyrrhizae Radix is two ryang and 20mL, the size of thumb is 13g. 6. Half geun approaches the 3 flattened spoons. Consequently the presumption that one ryang in Guizhi-tang is 15.6g is wrong. One ryang is assumed as 6.5g.

The Dryness and the Dampness is the congential nature. the Water and Fire is the acquired action. the skin is related to the physiological function of the lung, so the skin is the domain of the lung. the lung belongs to the dryness-metal(燥金). And the Dryness and the Dampness in the six pathogenic factors exert a important pathogenic influence upon the skin. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition charactered by red, silver scaly patches in the affected areas, it is caused by excessive growth of the top layer of the skin(epidermis). Scalp psoriasis affects at least two thirds people who have psoriasis. Generally, the scalp will have plaque psoriasis characterized by elevated, inflamed, lesions covered with silvery white scales. The lesion of psoriasis is head, elbow and knee that are yang-channels in Oriental medicine. The syndrome falls with in the purview of the dryness-metal(燥金). In time, psoriasis takes a turn for the worse in the winter season. In space, many of people in comparison to the average in the world have psoriasis in high latitude that is dry and cold, for instance, the Scandinavian peninsula. Deficiency of yin-fluid and blood course often the dryness-syndrome, for instance, psoriasis, etc. So psoriasis is one of the dryness-syndrome in Oriental medicine.

Damp Heat is a combination of Damp and Heat if conditioned internally and externally, and constitutes vital Ki as well as pathogenic Ki. Damp Heat, as vital Ki, is one of the essential factors in forming the body and preserving life activity, and on the other hand, as pathogenic Ki, it causes undear mentality, gastric discomfort with acid regurgitation, San disease(疝病), cardiac beriberi, flaccidity symtoms, muscular atonia or contracture and dark or cloudy urine. In Hyungsang Medicine, the Dam type develops Damp Heat disease mostly due to Heat, and the treatment is to promote urination by clearing Heat; on the other hand, in the Bangwang type, Damp is the major cause and the treatment is to induce sweating and eliminate Damp.

Review on internal damage disease(disease of the spleen and stomach) in Hyungsang medicine is as follows; In case of woman, Disease of the spleen and stomach is caused mostly a excessive thought. In case of man, Disease of the spleen and stomach is related to the genitals's disease for man is based on the kidney and body. In shapes of the Jung(精), Ki(氣). Shin(神) and Hyul(血), the seven feelings(emotions) in the Ki(氣) and Shin(神) types and deficiency of essence and blood in the Jung(精) and Hyul(血) types induce mostly diseases of the spleen and stomach. Treatments are used frequently to promote the normal flow of Ki(行氣), promote digestion and remove food stagnancy(消導), resolve phlem(化痰) and check upward perverted flow of fire(降火) in the Ki(氣) and Shin(神) types and tonity the essence(補精), tonity the blood(補血) and replenish Ki(補氣) in the Jung(精) and Hyul(血) types. The main parts to appear outside diseases of the spleen and stomach are face color, depression condition of eyes, lips' condition, LU10(魚際)'s color and the rise and fall of flesh etc. Shapes of the six meridians have to treat to divid shapes and symtoms of the six meridians according to 'deviation of Ki and blood' and 'the expression part of symtoms'.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Kamisamchulsamja-tang (KSST) water extract on the antitumor activity. The results were summarized as follows: KSST extract exhibited a weak cytotoxicity against HT1080, A549, SK-OV-3, B16-F10 and SK-MEL-2 cells. KSST extract showed a inhibitoty effect on DNA topoisomerase I from calf thymus in a dose-dependent manner. Also, KSST extract showed antiadhesive effect on HT1080 cells but didn't showed on A549 cells to complex extracellular matrix. In pumonary colonization assay, a number of colonies in the lungs were decreased significantly in KSST treated group as compared with control group. In vitro neovascularization assays, angiogenesis was significantly inhibited in KSST treated group than control group. In CAM assay, KSST extract inhibited angiogenesis significantly at 15㎍/egg concentration as compared with control. From the above results it was concluded that KSST showed antitumor effect through the antimetastatic effect. So it is expected to be clinically helpful on the prevention of metastasis of cancer.

The toxicity and bioaccumulation of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) continues to be a focus of research in human and various species. The main human exposure is via the dietary route. This study was carried out to investigate the protective effect of Cornu Cervi Parvum extract on clinical parameters and hepatotoxicity in Sprague-Dawley rat (SD rat) accutely exposured to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Male SD rats received single intraperitoneal (ip) injection of TCDD (40 ㎍/kg), and administered 10 or 20 mg/kg/day of the ethanol extract oral injection for 4 weeks from 1 week before TCDD treatment. The gain in body weight was less in group treated with TCDD than in CON group, while that of C/H+ TCDD group (Cornu Cervi Parvum extract 20 mg/kg/day) increased. The decrease in spleen and testis weight caused by TCDD was prevented by Cornu Cervi Parvum extract 20 mg/kg/day. The fluctuation in BUN content, WBC and platelet count by TCDD intoxication were significantly attenuated by the ethanol extract treatment (20 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks). Treatments of rats with the extract (10 or 20 mg/kg/day) were significantly reduced AST and ALT levels compared with TCDD-treated group. Moderate swelling of hepatocytes, hyperchromatism, acidophilic cytoplasm and cytoplasmic vacuolation were observed in TCDD-treated animals (TCDD group). The administration of EtOH extract 10 or 20 mg/kg along with TCDD significantly alleviated the liver histopathological alteration induced by TCDD. These results suggest that Cornu Cervi Parvum extract can be useful as a protective agent against TCDD, an endocrine disruptor.

Bovine aortic endothelial cells(BAEC) produce two variant forms of laminin with a subunit composition of AB1B2 and A'B1B2. Analyses of the intracellular assembly of these subunits revealed that the B1B2 dimer formed first, and that A or A' joined to form the AB1B2 or A'B1B2 trimer. Angiostatic steroids shifted the relative size of the A and A' monomer pool in BAEC, and competition between the A and A' subunits in joining the B1B2 dimer produced AB1B2 and A'B1B2 in different ratios. This result suggests that subunit replacement is the general mechanism for producing laminin variants by various cells for tissue morphogenesis. When laminin subunits in BAEC were cross-linked with dithio-bis-succinimidylpropionate(DSP) and immunoprecipitated with anti-Iaminin antiserum, monomeric A,A',B1 and B2 monomers and the B1B2 dimer migrated as extremely large molecules in sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis under nonreducing conditions. When the crosslinking disulfide bonds were cleaved under reducing conditions, they migrated as the usual subunits. This result suggests that molecular chaperones were involved in the process of the assembly and replacement of laminin subunits.

Cordyceps militaris has been known as a Chinese traditional medicine for the treatment of tuberculosis, asthma, kidney disease, debility and fatigue etc. This study was attempted to investigate the therapeutic effect of C. militaris extract on the cytotoxic activity of HepG2, human hepatocellular carcinoma cells and the liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride in SD rats. C. militaris extracts inhibited significantly the proliferation of HepG2 cells in vitro. Carbon tetrachloride(CCl₄) caused a significant an increase in liver weight, serum aspartate aminotransferase(AST) and alanine aminotransferase(ALT) activity, alkaline phosphatase(ALP), serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), microsomal TBARS, and decrease in microsomal detoxification enzymes (cytochrome P-450, P-450 reductase, cytochrome b5, b5 reductase). TBARS and ALP in serum pretreated with C. militaris extracts (300mg/kg/day, 600mg/kg/day) was significantly reduced compared to control group(CCl₄). Cytochrome b5 and b5 reductase activities were significantly increased in CM300 (300 mg/kg/day) and CM600 group(600 mg/kg/day), and cytochrome P-450 reductase was significantly increased in CM300 group. Pretreatment (100, 300, and 600 mg/kg/day for 7 days) of C. militaris with CCl₄ was significantly inhibited the accumulation microsomal TBARS and the significantly increased in the cytochrome P-450 activity. These results suggested that C. militaris (300mg/kg/day for 7 days) has appreciable therapeutic effect on CCl₄ induced hepatotoxicity.

SCRT (Sochungyong-tang) has been used for immune disease in human. The purpose of this study was effect of Helper T cell, major regulator of immune system. Spleen cell from 8 week BALB/c mice were cultured in SCRT containing medium without activation for 48 h. The MTS assay and flow cytometry revealed that SCRT treated Iympocyte were non-effect in percentage of CD4+ T cell. Subsequently CD4+ T cell were isolated and cultured in SCRT containing medium. SCRT were non-effective on CD4+ T cell without any involvement of APC. In order to evaluate the direct effect of SCRT on Helper T cell, CD4+ T cell isolated after 48 h of culture in SCRT containing medium and activated with and without anti-CD3/anti-CD28 activation for 48 h. A lower level of CD69 was observed in SCRT treated cells in flow cytometry analysis. Subsequently Using RT-PCR analysis the expression of mRNA for IL-2, INF-γ are upregulated and, IL-4 is downregulated in CD4 T cell. The result suggests that SCRT makes Th1 significantly increased and Th2 relatively inhibited. The results suggest that SCRT potentiate Th1 cell and decrease Th2 development at the same time, which is believed to be bemeficial for IgE-mediated responses.

CheonghunHwadam-tang(CHT) have been used in oriental medicine for many centuries as a therapeutic agent of vertigo by wind, fire and phlegm. CHTS was CHT adding Schizonepetae Herba. The effects of CHTS on the cerebral blood flow and blood pressure is not known. The purpose of this Study was to investigate effects of CHTS on the regional cerebral blood flow(rCBF) and mean arterial blood pressure(BP), action-mechanism of CHTS-induced changed-rCBF and BP. The changes of rCBF and BP was determinated by Laser-Doppler Flowmetry(LDF). The results were as follows ; CHTS extract was increased significantly rCBF in a dose-dependent, but was not changed BP compared with CHTS non-treated group. Pretreatment with propranolol, indomethacin and methylene blue were inhibited CHTS induced increase of rCBF, propranolol(all CHTS-treated group) and indomethacin(CHTS 0.01 mg/kg) of them were significantly decreased. Pretreatment with propranonol and indomethacin were inhibited CHTS induced increase of BP, but pretreated with methylene blue was significantly accelerated BP in high dosage. This results suggest that CHTS increased rCBF by dilating pial arterial diameter and the action of CHTS is also mediated by adrenergic β -receptor and cyclooxygenase.

Astragali radix (AR) is one of the oldest and mast frequently used crude drug for traditional medicine in many Asian countries. This study designed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of the aqueous extracted AR (ARE) against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatic damage in ICR mice. APAP at the dose of 450 mg/kg i.p produced liver damage in ICR mice. Serum enzyme activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and sorbitol dehydrogenese was dramatically decreased up to control level by pretreatment of ARE. However, hepatic glutathione level did not show a significant change between the tested groups. We also investigated TNF α mRNA gene expression on APAP-induced liver damage by RT-PCR. APAP dramatically induced TNF α mRNA gene expression in ICR mice. Pretreatment of mice with ARE led to a marked decrease of TNF α mRNA gene expression. These data indicate that 1) ARE has clearly revealed a hepatoprotective effect against APAP-induced hepatic damage in ICR mice, and 2) the protective effect of ARE may be, in part, associated with the regulation of TNF α mRNA gene expression.

To examine effects of Whadamcheongwha-tang(WDCWT) extract, the mice investigated the gastrin and histamine secreting cells of the stomach by immunohistochemical method, and the lymphocytes of the spleen and thymus by flow cytometry after the oral administration of WDCWT extract(0.2ml/day) and omeprazole (1mg/day) for 7, 14 and 21 days. The result are as follows; 1. When WDCWT extract was administrated for 7 days, in result, gastrin secreting cells were unchanged. When omeprazole was administrated for 7 and 14 days, gastrin secreting cells were slightly increased than that of normal control group. When WDCWT extract was administrated for 21 days, in result, gastrin secreting cells were significantly increased 1.9 times than that of normal control group. When omeprazole was administrated for 21 days, gastrin secreting cells were increased 1.96 times than that of normal control group. 2. When WDCWT extract and omeprazole were administrated for 7 days, in result, histamine secreting cells were unchanged. When WDCWT extract was administrated for 21 days, in result, histamine secreting cells were significantly increased 1.9 times more than that of normal control group. When omeprazole was administrated for 21 days, in result, histamine secreting cells were increased 2.1 times compared with normal control group. 3. When WDCWT extract administrated for 7, 14 and 21 days, in result, splenic Band T lymphocytes, especially T/sub H/ lymphocytes were significantly increased compared with normal control group, and thymic T/sub H/ lymphocytes were also increased in WDCWT administrated group for 14 days. The results suggest that WDCWT extract inhibit a gastric acid secretion in mice stomach, and is useful in the treatment of the hyperacidity and gastric ulcer.

To clarify the vasculotoxicity of reactive oxygen intermediate(ROI) in cultured vascular endotherial cells(VEC), of mouse, cytototoxicity was measured by MTS assay after VEC was incubated to 10～80mU/ml xanthine oxidase(XO) and hypoxanthine(HX) for 2 hours. and also, the protective effect of Radix Polygoni Multiflori(RPM) was determined by MTT assay in these cultrures. Cell viability was positively decreased dose-, and time-dependently, after the treatment with 40mU/ml XO/0.1 mM HX to cultured VEC for 2 hours. In the vasculoprotective effect of RPM on the toxicity induced by XO/HX, RPM prevented the XO/HX-induced cytotoxicity in these cultures. From above the results, it suggests that XO/HX is toxic in cultured VEC and herb extract, RPM has protective effect against the vasculotoxicity induced by XO/HX.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism, which consists of presence (insertion, I) or absence (deletion, D) of a 250-bp fragment, is associated with ischemic heart disease, renovascular disease, systemic lupus erythematosus. Subjects with the DD genotype have higher levels of circulating ACE than subjects with the II genotype and show an increased tendency towards vascular wall thickness and contribute to the development of vascular disease. But the association between I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene and cerebrovascular disease is still controversial. The aim of this study was to determine whether the DNA polymorphism of the ACE are associated with cerebrovascular disease in Korean population. The study group comprised 377 Korean patients admitted to Kyunghee Oriental Medical Center in the year of 2000 for the treatment of brain infarction or brain hemorrhage. Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) was performed for each patient to determine the stroke phenotype, infarction or hemorrhage. The 183 subjects without evidence of brain infarction or brain hemorrhage were selected from the some ethnical population(control group). Venous blood samples were drawn from each subject for the extraction of DNA. Genotypes of ACE were determined by polymerase chain reaction amplification of the genomic DNA. Case and control genotype frequencies were compared by chi-square testing. Both the patients and the controls were classified respectively into 4 groups: age less than forty years, age forty one to fifty, age fifty one to sixty, age greater than sixty years. There were no significant differences in the distributions of ACE genotypes among the patients with infarction, with hemorrhage and controls (Infarction: D/D 15.8%, I/D 46.7%, I/I 37.5%, Hemorrhage: D/D 15.1%, I/D 46.5%, I/I 38.4%, Control: D/D 18.6%, I/D 50.3%, I/I 31.2%). There was a significant difference in the distribution of ACE genotypes between the age greater than sixty year subgroup of patient with brain hemorrhage and the control (Hemorrhage: D/D 0%, I/D 55.6%, I/I 44.4%, Control: D/D 13.0%, I/D 63.0%, I/I 23.9%; Pearson Chi-Square value 5.956, P<0.05). Furthermore, the frequency of the ACE D/D type declined with increasing age both in the patient and control group (Patient group: age < 50 D/D 21.5%, age > 50 D/D 14.42%; Control group: age < 50 D/D 21.0%, age > 50 D/D 14.2%). In conclusion there is no clear association between ACE polymorphism and cerebrovascular disease in Korean population. Although, there was a tendency for the frequency of the ACE D/D type declined with increasing age in both patients and controls.

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of Insamyangyoung-tang water extract (IYT) on the specific immune response in BALB/c mice. When IYT (500mg/kg) was administerd p.o. once a day for 7 days to BALB/c mice, the cell viability of thymocytes and splenocytes was increased. Also, IYT increased the population of CD4/sup +/ cells in thymocytes and the population of Thy1/sup +/ cells and CD4/sup +/ cells in splenocytes. In addition, IYT increased the production of γ -interferon and interleukin-2 from thymocytes and the production of γ -interferon from splenocytes. These results suggest that IYT enhances the specific immune response via activation of Th1 cells in thymocytes and splenocytes.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of Kamicheonggan-tang(KCGT) on pre-hepatocarcinogenesis induced by N-nitrosomorpholine. The studied using blood chemistry, lipidperoxidation, antioxidant, immunohistochemistry and morphological change. The results were obtained as follows. In the pre-hepatocarcinogenesis induced by NMP, serum AST, ALT, ALP and total bilirubin were not changed in NMP and NK treated group after 1 st week, but desreased in NK treated group after 4th week as compared with NMP treated 4th week group. The content of GSH was similary to in NK treated groups as compares with data of normal group. The content of MDA was increased in NK treated group after 1st and 4th week, and more increased in the NMP treated group than those of their NK treated group. The immunohistochemically, stain of GST-p, positive lesions of KCGT were significantly decreased than those of NMP treated group. The histopathologically, fat changes, nucleotic changes, oval cell and inflammatory cells in periportal were observed in NMP treated fater 4th week, but those were significantly decreased from 4th week in the NK treated group. And the enlarged nucleus was not changed in KCGT treated group, but increased in NMP treated group after 1st and 4th week. The ultrastructurally, nucleotic changes, glycogen degeneration, lipid droplet and rER fragmentation were observed in NMP treated group after 4th week, but those changes were significantly decreased from 4th week in the NK treated group. These results suggested that KCGT extracts has protective effect on prehepatocarcinogenesis by NMP, might be usefully applied for clinical treatment of hapatic disease and also it was necessary to do more studies about its mechanisms.

To examine the effects of Yunpyesan on the cell proliferation of A549 human lung carcinoma cell line, we performed various experiments such as dose-dependent effect of Yunpyesan on cell proliferation and viability, morphological changes, quantification of apoptotic cell death and alterations of apoptosis/cell cycle-regulatory gene products. Yunpyesan declined cell viability and proliferation in both a dose- and a time-dependent manner. The anti-proliferative effect by Yunpyesan treatment in A459 cells was associated with morphological changes such as membrane shrinking and cell rounding up. Yunpyesan Induced apoptotic cell death in a time-dependent manner, which was associated with degradation of poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), an apoptotic target protein, without alterations of the balance between Bcl-2 and Bax expressions. DNA flow cytometric histograms showed that population of G1 phase of the cell cycle was increased by Yunpyesan treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot analysis revealed that cyclin D1 and A were reduced by Yunpyesan treatment, whereas cyclin dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor p27 was markedly increased in a time-dependent fashion. The level of tumor suppressor p53 proteins was also increased by Yunpyesan treatment and its increase might be linked to increase of Cdk inhibitor p27. In addition, Mdm2, negative regulator of p53, was down-regulated by Yunpyesan treatment. Since the expression of retinoblastome protein (pRB), a key regulator of G1/S progression, was reduced by Yunpyesan treatment, we supposed that phosphorylation of pRB might be also blocked. The present results indicated that Yunpyesan-induced inhibition of lung cancer cell proliferation is associated with the induction of apoptosis and the blockage of G1/S progression.

We have previously demonstrated that repeated injections of nicotine produced an increase in locomotor activity, dopamine(DA), release and c-Fos expression in the nucleus accumbens, one of the major projection areas of the central DA system. Acupuncture as a therapeutic intervention is widely used for the treatment of many functional disorders such as substance abuse and mental dysfunction. And many studies have shown that Coptidis Rhizoma has a suppressive effect on the central nervous system (CNS) and can affect the neurotransmitter systems in the CNS. In order to investigate whether acupuncture and Coptidis Rhizoma have an influence on nicotine-induced reinforcing and behavioral effects, we examined the effect of zusanli(ST36) and Coptidis Rhizoma on repeated nicotine-induced locomotor activity, and zusanli(ST36) on c-Fos expression as an important maker of postsynaptic neuronal activity in nucleus accumbens. Male SD rats received Coptidis Rhizoma (100mg/kg, p.o.) 30 min before injections of nicotine (0.4 mg/kg, s.c.) for 7 days. Rats were followed withdrawal for 3 days and one challenge for 1 day. Systemic challenge with nicotine produced a much larger increase in locomotor activity. Pretreatment with acupuncture at zusanli(ST36, 100Hz) and Coptidis Rhizoma decreased in nicotine-induced locomotor activity. These results demonstrated that reduction in locomotor activity by acupuncture at zusanli(ST36, 100Hz) and Coptidis Rhizoma may be mediated by reduction of dopamine release. Our results suggest that acupuncture at zusanli(ST36, 100Hz) and Coptidis Rhizoma may have therapeutic effect on nicotine addiction.

To evaluate the osteotoxic effect of methylmercuric chloride(MMC) on cultured mouse osteoblasts, cytotoxic effect was measured by MTT assay after cultured mouse osteoblasts were incubated with various concentrations of MMC for 20 hours. The protective effect of Flos Carthami(FC) against MMC-induced osteotoxicity was also examined in these cultures. MMC decreased cell viability of cultured mouse osteoblasts remarkably in a dose- and time-dependent manners. In protective effect of FC was remarkably effective in blocking the osteotoxicity induced by MMC. From aboved the results, it is suggested that MMC induce osteotoxicity, and the selective herba extract such as FC is very effective in blocking MMC-mediated neurotoxicity on cultured mouse osteoblasts.

Behcets disease is a systemic inflammatory disorder. The etiology and pathogenesis of Behcets disease has yet been fully elucidated but might involve immune dysfunction. Cytokines involved in the regulation of inflammatory reactions and immune responses may play a role in the pathogenesis of Behcets disease (BD). Onchungeum is an Oriental herbal medication, which has been successfully used in Korea for the treatment of BD. This report describes modulation effects of Onchungeum on cytokine production from phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of Behcets patients by ELISA. Onchungeum significantly inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. TNF-α and IL-1β, compared to absence of Onchungeum (by 52.3 1.4 % inhibition for TNF-α and 113.5 3.3 % for IL-1β, p < 0.001). Onchungeum also inhibited the production of IFN-γ, immunoregulatory Th1 cytokine, by 89.4 0.8 % (p < 0.001). The inhibitory effects of Onchungeum on cytokine production showed dose-dependent manner, and the pre-treatment of 1 mg/ml Onchungeum had better effects than immunosuppressive drug for treatment of BD, cyclosporin A. Our results suggest that Onchungeum treatment for Behcets disease patients may have pharmacologic activities and abilities of regulation of immune and inflammatory responses by cytokine modulation.

This study was carried out to test the recuperative effect of 2 types of sample drugs for 3 degree burn. The burn injury was made by iron plate heated in the boiling water. The Sprague Dawley rats were shaven with a razor preliminarily and burned by direct contact method for 10 seconds. The experimental groups were classified with 5 each-normal, control, MEBO ointment, sample A, sample B. The effect of the sample drugs were decided by histological results after 3 week application. The results were as following. The 3 treatment groups recovered the burn injury faster than control group. The recuperative effect precedes about 4-5 days at the time of 15th day and 1 week at the time of 3rd week. The therapeutical procedure of 3 treatment groups was similar with naked eye and with microscopic histology in the 1 st, 2nd and 3rd specimens. So there weren't significant differences in curative effect in 3 treatment groups of this experiment. But a regeneration of hair follicle was noted in Sample B uniquely. These results suggested that 3 burn remedies have similar effect of therpy, but sample B containing yolk sac oil has slightly better effect in part of hair regeneration.

This study was carried out to investigate the protective effect of chitosan on lipid peroxidation and key lipid parameters in Sprague-Dawley rat (SO rat) accutely exposured to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Male SO rats received single intraperitoneal (ip) injection of TCDD (40 j.lg/kg), and were given diet containing 3 or 5% chitosan for 4 weeks from 1 week before TCDD treatment. The gain in body weight was less in group treated with TCDD than in CON group, while that of Ch/H+ TCDD group (5% chitosan diet) increased. The decrease in liver and testis weight caused by TCDD was prevented by high dietary intake of chitosan (5% chitosan). Serum (total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-C, and LDL-C) and liver lipid parameters (total lipid, total cholesterol, and triglyceride) were significantly elevated in TCDD-induced rats, but these parameters excluding HDL-C were significantly reduced in high dietary intake of chitosan (5% chitosan). These findings suggest that chitosan is believed to be a possible protective effect against 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in rat.

Aging is characterized by an age-dependent reduction in bone density. Pronounced bone loss by postmenopausal estrogen deficiency induces a bad effect on dynamic balance of bone metabolism. When the bone density is reduced to the level below the fracture threshold, the risk for fracture is greatly increased. The purpose of this study is to examine what are the effects of the Yuklinzu(YLZ: 毓麟珠) on the ovariectomized rat model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The results of the experiment are as follows: Body weight in control group showed significant increase in comparison with sham, but that in YLZ-treated showed no change in comparison with control. The level of serum albumin in control group showed significant decrease in comparison with sham. That in YLZ-treated was slightly decreased in comparison with control. The level of serum ALP activity in control group showed significant increase in comparison with sham, but that in YLZ-treated was significantly decreased in comparison with control. The level of serum phosphorous in control group showed significant increase in comparison with sham, but that in YLZ-treated showed no change in comparison with control. The level of serum calcium in control group showed no change in comparison with sham, but that in YLZ-treated was significantly decreased in comparison with control. The level of serum GOT in control group showed no change in comparison with sham, but that in YLZ-treated was significantly decreased in comparison with control. The level of serum GPT did not significant change among the three groups. The level of serum estrogen in control group showed slightly increased in comparison with sham, but that in YLZ-treated showed no change in comparison with control. The level of serum T3 in control group showed no change in comparison with sham, and that in YLZ-treated showed no change in comparison with control. The level of serum T4 in control group showed significant increase in comparison with sham, but that in YLZ-treated was significantly decreased in comparison with control. Mechanical strength of the femur neck in control group showed significant decrease in comparison with sham. That in YLZ-treated showed slightly increased in comparison with control. Trabecular bone area as well as trabecular thickness in control group showed significant decrease in comparison with sham. Those in YLZ-treated showed significant increase in comparison with control. Trabecular number and did not significant change among the three groups. Trabecular separation only in YLZ-treated showed significant decrease in comparison with control. Osteoclast number and oseoblast surface in control group showed significant increase in comparison with sham. Those in YLZ-treated showed slightly decreased in comparison with control. According to the above these results, YLZ has shown to be capable of preventing and curing osteoporosis caused by old-aged and postmenopause.

CSBHT is known to improve immunological response in mice and humans. In this study, CSBHT effect was examined in the context of CD4+ T cells' survival and TCR/CD3 induced activation responses. Spleen cells from 8 week BALB/c mice were cultured in CSBHT containing medium without activation for 24, 48 hr. The MTS assay and revealed that CSBHT did not stimulate spleen lymphocytes as mitogen. Spleen lymphocytes were treated with anti-CD3e/anti-CD28 antibodies for 48hr. Flow cytometry revealed that activity of T cell decreased with CSBHT concentration. CD4+ T cells were isolated and cultured ,in CSBHT containing medium for 48 hr. CSBHT did not affect survival of sorted CD4+ T cells without any involvement of APC. In order to evaluate the direct effect of CSBHT on helper T cells's proliferative capacity prior to activation, CD4+ T cells are isolated after 24hr of culture in CSBHT containing medium and activated with and without anti-CD3e/anti-CD28 activation for 48hr. A higher level of CD69 was observed in 1 ㎍/㎖ of CSBHT treatment than control using flow cytometry. But low CD69 expression was observed in 5㎍/㎖ of CSBHT treatment. Expression of mRNA for cytokines in CD4+ T cell revealed that IL-2 expression was increased in 1 ㎍/㎖. The expression of IL-2R α, INF- γ were increased with concentration. On the other hand mRNA of IL-4 was decreased in dose dependent manner. Results suggest that CSBHT may be desirable for CD4+ T cell's activity in immune responses. Further more, CSBHT may relatively activate Th1 and inactivate Th2.

This study was carried out to know the effects of sopunghwalhyeoltang-gamibang(hereinafter referred to SPHHT) on the inhibition of arthritis induced by collagen on the mouse. Various experimental were performed in vivo (in DBA/1 J mice which are experimental model of arthritis induced by collagen) to analyse the immunomodulatory effects of SPHHT. The results were obtained as follows: 1. The cytotoxicity against mLFC was not measured in all concentration. 2. The arthritis index, incidence, hind paw edema, delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction, spleen weight were reduced in SPHHT treated group. 3. The expression of CD3 ε +/CD4+, CD3 ε +/CD8+ and CD19+ in peripheral blood mononuclear were reduced in SPHHT treated group. 4. The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly reduced in SPHHT treated group. 5. The formation of new bones and synivium were stimulated in SPHHT treated group. Comparison of the results for this study showed that Sopung-hwalhyeoltang-gamibang had immunomodulatory effects. So we expect that Sopunghwalhyeoltang-gamibang should be used as a effective drugs for not only rheumatoid arthritis but also another auto-immune disease. Therefore we have to survey continuously in looking for the effective substance and mechanism in the future.

Fruits of Cornus Officinalis have been used as an astrinent, tonic and haemostatic in chinese medicine, contain a large amount of hydrolyzable tannins. The main aim of the present study was to examine the effect of Corni Fructus on melanogenesis. Cells were cultured in the presence of water extracts from Corni Fructus for 48 h, and there were estimated total melanin content as a final product and activity of tyrosinase, a key enzyme, in melanogenesis. Water extract from Corni Fructus increased the melanin content and tyrosinase activity in a dose-dependent mammer. Especially, It was observed that 100 μg/ml only water extract stimulated melanin secretion in B16/F10 melanoma cells by 130% at 48 h treatment and activity of tyrosinase increased by 160% in presence of same concentration.

The thrombosis importantly came to the front as the risk factor of these circulation system's disease. SilsoSanGami(SSG) was used for investigating the inhibitory effect on platelet-activating factor-induced platelet aggregation about drugs that used to improvement various symptoms created by the thrombosis in oriental medicine. In this study, the water-extracted SSG was investigated for its possible antithrombotic action on platelets. The antithrombotic activity of water-extracted SSG was deduced from its ability to suppress platelet aggregation, ATP-exocytosis, and the generation of prostaglandin E₂ and thromboxane A₂ by human platelets, stimulated with arachidonic acid. Water-extracted SSG dose-dependently suppressed the aggregation of human platelets, the release of endogenous ATP, and the formation of PGE₂ and TXB₂, both the latter usually detected to estimate the activity of COX and TXS, respectively. Since the IC/sub 50/ values necessary to inhibit COX (115 ㎍/㎖ SSG) and TXS(74 ㎍/㎖ SSG) were in the same range, inhibition of COX is suggested to be the primary target of water-extracted SSG, thus suppressing the formation of PGE₂ which is metabolized by TXS to TXA₂. We considerated that SSG has practical applicational value of clinical trial in the thrombosis caused by platelet aggregation.