Objectives : The aim of this study was to characterize the effect of Injinchunggan-tang on $TGF-{\beta}1-induced$ hepatic fibrosis. Methods : mRNA and protein expression levels of $TGF-{\beta}1$ in Injinchunggan-tang-treated HepG2 cells were compared to untreated cells using quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA assay, respectively. mRNA expression levels of the TGF-1 pathway genes (TR-1, TR-II, Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, and PAI-1) and fibrosis-associated genes (CTGF, fibronectin, and collagen type 1) were evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR. The effect of Injinchunggan-tang on cell proliferation of T3891 human fibroblast was evaluated using [$^3H$]thymidine incorporation assay. Results : Expression of $TGF-{\beta}1$ mRNA and protein was inhibited by Injinchunggan-tang in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Whereas $TGF-{\beta}1-mediated$ induction of PAI-1 was suppressed by Injinchunggan-tang, expression of the $TGF-{\beta}1$ pathway genes such as TR-1, TR-II, Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 was not affected by Injinchunggan-tang treatment. Injinchunggan-tang was found to inhibit $TGF-{\beta}1-induced$ cell proliferation of T3891 human fibroblast, and also abrogated $TGF-{\beta}1-mediated$ transcriptional up-regulation of CTGF, fibronectin, and collagen type I. Conclusions : This study strongly suggests that the liver cirrhosis-suppressive activity of Injinchunggan-tang may be derived at least in part from its inhibitory effect on $TGF-{\beta}1$ functions, such as blockade of $TGF-{\beta}1$ stimulation of fibroblast cell proliferation and fibrosis-related gene expression as well as expression of $TGF-{\beta}1$ itself.

Objectives : Hypertension is very prevalent disease, and causes serious cardiovascular complications. Nowadays optimal hypertension treatment is emphasized to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular complications. Auricular acupuncture therapy is economical, safe and effective. Its clinical application is various, and it can be used to control blood pressure. So The effect of auricular acupuncture therapy was investigated. Daily variation of blood pressure during needle-embedded period and variation of blood pressure by blood pressure classification were observed. Methods : The auricular acupuncture points we used were Gangapjeom (降壓點), Sinmun (神門), Gyogam (交感), Sim(心), and Icheom (耳尖). Auricular acupuncture needles were embedded for three days. Blood pressure was checked four times per day and the mean obtained. Results : The following results were obtained : 1. During needle-embedded period, systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased. Blood pressure decreased most significantly 2 days after treatment. 2. The change of blood pressure in the higher blood pressure group was more remarkable than that of the lower blood pressure group. Conclusions : Through this research, auricular acupuncture therapy is considered as an effective and safe method to lower blood pressure.

Objectives : This study examined effects of kyeong points (經穴)' acupuncture of three hand yang collaterals (手三陽經) on the facial thermography in health subjects, because the kyeong point in Yang collaterals belongs to the characteristic of the five elements (五行)meaning fire (火). Methods : The volunteers who participating in this study rested for 20-30 min. atroom temperature (23-$25^{\circ}C$) before the examination and were informed to avoid smoking, drinking and use of any drugsfor the previous day. The thermography of the face was taken using Infra-Red Imaging System (IR 2000, MEDI-CORE Co., Korea) at time intervals of 15 minutes : at 15 min before, just before and after, 15 min after, 30 min after and 45 min after acupuncture stimulation. Acupuncture was applied to the left kyeong points (經穴)' of three hand yang collaterals (手三陽經) for 30 minutes. Results : The results showed that kyeong points (經穴)' acupuncture of three hand yang collaterals (手三陽經) decreased the temperature of all the areas of the facial surface comparing to those of the control group. Also, it was observed that the quantities of thermal changes following acupuncture of ST36 increased in the all ROIs (regions of interest) compared to those of the control group. Conclusions : Observing the thermography classified by ROI, it was clear that acupuncture of kyeong points (經穴) of three hand yang collaterals (手三陽經) could modulate thermogram of the facial area however, it is necessary to undertake more investigation supporting these results.

Objectives : In Oriental Medicine, hyperlipidemia is considered as phlegm retention (痰飮) and blood stasis (瘀血). Typhae pollen helps remove blood stasis and hemorrhage, and it also has an effect of relieving pain caused by blood stasis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the preventive effects of Typhae pollen on diet-induced hyperlipidemia in rats. Methods : Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into normal, control and treated groups. The control and treated groups were fed with a 1.5% cholesterol diet over 4 weeks, and extract of Typhae pollen was administered to the treated group during the same period. Blood samples were collected from each animal at 0 and 4 weeks and used for the blood chemical analysis. Animals were sacrificed at 4 weeks and chemical analysis was performed on the collected liver samples. Results : The serum total cholesterol ($122.45{\pm}4.96mg/dL$), LDL-cholesterol ($54.27{\pm}4.95mg/dL$), and triglyceride ($122.00{\pm}7.33mg/dL$) values of the treated group were significantly lower compared with the serum total cholesterol ($147.91{\pm}7.22mg/dL$), LDL-cholesterol ($81.91{\pm}8.34mg/dL$), and triglyceride ($169.27{\pm}12.34mg/dL$) values of the control group. The liver total cholesterol (TEX>$230.18<{\pm}18.81mg/dL$) values of the treated group were significantly higher compared with the liver total cholesterol ($178.54{\pm}$10.11mg/dL) values of the control group. Conclusions : On the basis of these results, it is confirmed that Typhae pollen has preventive effects on diet-induced hyperlipidemia in rats.

Objectives : Achyranthes bidentata radix (Usul) has been used as anti-arthritic, antiallergic, antidiuretic, and so on. Recently extracts of Achyranthes bidentata radix have shown anti-inflammatory and cancer preventive effects in vitro and in vivo. Methods : We therefore evaluated the inhibitory potential of ethanol extracts of Achyranthes bidentata radix on cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms-catalyzed reactions, which relate to causes of cancer and inflammation, including CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2E1, CYP2D6, CYP2C8, and CYP3A4, using human liver microsomal preparations. Results : The extracts showed weak or negligible inhibitory effects on CYP2C9-catalyzed (S)-warfarin 7-hydroxylation, CYP2C19-catalyzed S-mephenytoin 4-hydroxylation, and CYP2D6-catalyzed dextromethorphan O-demethylation with each IC50 over 1750 g/ml, respectively. However, it showed relatively significant inhibitory effect on CYP1A2-catalyzed phenacetin O-deethylation and CYP2E1-catalyzed chlorzoxazone 6-hydroxylation with IC50s of 970.5 g/ml and 821.4 g/ml, respectively. Conclusions : These results suggest that extracts of Achyranthes bidentata radix have inhibitory effects on CYP-catalyzed reactions, especiallyCYP1A2 and CYP2E1, in human liver microsomes. These effects appear to relate to anti-inflammatory and cancer prevention following decrease of reactive oxygen species formed by CYP, especially CYP1A2 and CYP2E1, by Achyranthes bidentata radix. However, further evaluation is necessary to demonstrate and to confirm its effects in human.

The purpose of this study was to integrate the therapeutic effects of Oriental medicine for stroke in clinical research published in Korea from 1991 to 2000. In the preliminary study, clinical studies on Oriental medical therapy for stroke in Korea were collected. Since it was inadequate to integrate the results of the papers, qualitative meta-analysis was conducted on them. In age distribution of occurrence, the most frequent age was sixties followed by seventies, fifties, forties, and thirties. Sample size was minimum 42 persons, maximum 473 persons. Papers including single therapy were noted in 50.1 %. Among those, herbal medicine was noted in 30%, while acupuncture, physical treatment, and moxibustion was noted in 6.7%. Including more than two therapies were noted in 49.1 %, Among those, herbal medicine was noted in 80%, acupuncture in 20%, physical treatment in 13%, western and oriental medicine in 30%. Papers including control group were noted in 13% and description of scale for the evaluation of treatment effect was 80%. Papers including objectification of scales for the evaluation of therapeutic effects were noted in 26.7% and described follow-up period were noted in 13%. Papers including statistical analysis were noted in 26.7% and calculated p-value was noted in. 13.3%. Papers including design of longitudinal study were noted in 86.7%. Case-control studies were noted in 13.3%. Randomization and blinding were noted in each 0%. These results suggest that followings are required for the improvement of quality of clinical research in Oriental medicine; obvious description of treatment method, objectification of scales for the evaluation of therapeutic effects, adequate research design, randomization and blinding.

This study was conducted to analyze metal concentration changes following processing steps for crude, remnant after boiling, and decoction of Korea herbal drugs. We measured meta.! concentration from 20 random patients who visited Oriental medical clinics for treatment of several diseases through normal action. The results obtained were as below: First, in the study to acknowledge quality control between Korean Lab and Harvard Lab in the US, 20 equal herbal samples resulted in the same values, so we confirmed the precision of measurement results from both labs. Second, hazardous metal mean concentration in crude, remnant after boiling, and decoction of herbal drugs were $32.5{\mu\textrm{g}}/22.1{\mu\textrm{g}}/8.8{\mu\textrm{g}}$ for As, $0.0{\mu\textrm{g}}/0.0{\mu\textrm{g}}/0.0{\mu\textrm{g}}$ for Cd, $1.0{\mu\textrm{g}}/0.0{\mu\textrm{g}}/0.0{\mu\textrm{g}}$ for Hg and $5416.3{\mu\textrm{g}}/3639.6{\mu\textrm{g}}/1002.6{\mu\textrm{g}}$ for Pb, respectively. These metal concentrations decreased 72.9-100.0% compared to crude status. The same trend was also visible in the other essential elements. From reviewing these results, we could carefully conclude that decoction had the least amount of metal concentration and is the optimal way to intake herbal drugs.

Objectives : Recently, herbal acupuncture has been developed in the Korea since the earlier 1960' applied to various diseases including the cerebrovascular accident. The main characteristics of herbal acupuncture are a combination the merit of acupuncture and herbal medicine. It was not well known the therapeutic effect and the mechanism of herbal acupuncture on transient forebrain ischemic injury, although it has been used frequently in clinics. Ramulus Uncariae Cum Uncis (釣鉤藤) has been claimed to possess sedative, anti-spasmodic actions, and treat childhood epilepsy in oriental medical preparation. Also, it has been stated that Ramulus Uncariae Cum Uncis was antioxidatvie effect and neuroprotection against glutamateinduced neuronal death. Methods : In this study, effects of Ramulus Uncariae Cum Uncis' herbal acupuncture on the $GV_{20}{\;}or{\;}LR_3$, named Baek-hue or Tae-chung, on neuroprotection after the transient forebrain ischemia were investigated in Sprague-Dawely rats. Expressions of cFos, FosB and BDNF protein in the hippocampus and cortex were observed at 2 hrs and 48 hrs after transient forebrain ischemia by immunohistochemistry and ELISA technique. Results : Expression of cFos protein was increased slightly in the hippocampus and cortex at 2 hrs after transient forebrain ischemia, but FosB protein was increased highly comparing to cFos protein. However, pretreatment with Ramulus Uncariae Cum Uncis' herbal acupuncture on $GV_{20}{\;}or{\;}LR_3$ significantly increased expression of cFos protein and significantly decreased expression of FosB protein compared to control group, respectively. These features were observed in the motor cortex and retrosplenial granular cortex as well as the hippocampus. Especially, cFos expression was more increased at the herbal acupuncture on $GV_{20}{\;}than{\;}LR_3$, but FosB expression was more decreased in $LR_3$ group than $GV_{20}$ group. Also, pretreatment with Ramulus Uncariae Cum Uncis' herbal acupuncture on $GV_{20}{\;}or{\;}LR_3$ significantly increased the expression of BDNF protein in the hippocampus ($254.88{\pm}12{\;}pg/ml{\;}in{\;}GV_{20}$ group, $245.93{\pm}44.4{\;}pg/ml{\;}in{\;}LR_3$ group) and the cortex ($85.81{\pm}3.45{\;}pg/ml{\;}in{\;}GV_{20}$ group, $111.51{\pm}15.79{\;}pg/ml{\;}in{\;}LR_3$, group) compared to the hippocampus ($134.07{\pm}2.96{\;}pg/ml$) and the cortex ($61.16{\pm}4.11{\;}pg/ml$) in control group at 48 hrs after transient forebrain ischemia. Conclusion : These results suggest that pretreatment with Ramulus Uncariae Cum Uncis' herbal acupuncture on $GV_{20}{\;}or{\;}LR_3$ has neuroprotective effect on transient forebrain ischemia and the herbal acupunture on $GV_{20}{\;}or{\;}LR_3$ may be related to antioxidative effect and calcium channel block of Ramulus Uncariae Cum Uncis. Also, it could be mentioned there is specificity of acupoints treating ischemic injury through the difference between the herbal acupuncture of $GV_{20}{\;}and{\;}LR_3$.

Objectives : Recently, the new therapeutic tool, that is herbal acupuncture, has been developed and applied to various diseases including the cerebrovascular accident. The main characteristics of herbal acupuncture are a combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine. It was not well known the therapeutic effect and the mechanism of herbal acupuncture on transient forebrain ischemic injury, although it has been used frequently in clinics. The objective was to determine the effect of folium artemisiae argyi (艾葉) herbal acupuncture on the trasient forebrain ischemic injured rat. Methods : In this study, the effects of folium artemisiae argyi (艾葉) herbal acupuncture on the $LR_3$ named Taechung, on neuroprotection after the transient forebrain ischemia were investigated in Sprague-Dawely rats. Expressions of cFos, FosB and BDNF protein in the hippocampus and cortex were observed at 2 hrs and 48 hrs after transient forebrain ischemia by immunohistochemistry and ELISA technique. Results : Expression of cFos protein was increased slightly in the hippocampus and cortex at 2 hrs after transient forebrain ischemia, but FosB protein was increased highly comparing to cFos protein. However, pretreatment with folium artemisiae argyi' herbal acupuncture on $LR_3$ significantly increased expression of cFos protein and significantly decreased expression of FosB protein compared to control group. These features were observed in the retrosplenial granular cortex as well as the hippocampus. Also, pretreatment with folium artemisiae argyi' herbal acupuncture on $LR_3$ significantly increased the expression of BDNF protein in the hippocampus ($263.26{\pm}44.56{\;}pg/ml$ extracted by water, $275.35{\pm}51.47{\;}pg/ml$ extracted by moxa tar)and the cortex ($102.33{\pm}13.65{\;}pg/ml$ extracted by water, $109.54{\pm}9.37{\;}pg/ml$ extracted by moxa tar) compared to the hippocampus ($134.07{\pm}2.96{\;}pg/ml$) and the cortex ($61.16{\pm}4.11{\;}pg/ml$) in control group at 48 hrs after transient forebrain ischemia. Conclusions : These results suggest that pretreatment with folium artemisiae argyi' herbal acupuncture on $LR_3$ has neuroprotective effect on transient forebrain ischemia and the herbal acupunture on $LR_3$ may be related to antioxidative function of folium artemisiae argyi.

Objectives : This study was carried out to investigate the anti-ulcer effects of Pyeongwibunsoeum extract and Misoprostol on indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal lesions of mice. Methods : Experimental groups were classified into non-treated group, non-administered group, Misoprostol-administered group and Pyeongwibunsoeum-extract-administered group. This study examined the morphological change, distribution of mast cells and apoptic cells, PNA reaction, COX-1, BrdU, NF-B p50, COX-2, IL-2R-, and ICAM-1of gastric mucosa. Results : 1. The hemorrhagic erosion of gastric mucosa was reduced in the Misoprostol-administered and Pyeongwibunsoeum-extract-administered groups. 2. The Misoprostol-administered group and Pyeongwibunsoeum-extract-administered group showed positive reaction on the PNA distribution. 3. The distribution of apoptic cells, activity of NF-B p50, COX-2, IL-2R-, and ICAM-1 decreased in both the Misoprostol-administered group and Pyeongwibunsoeum-extract-administered group. 4. The Misoprostol-administered and Pyeongwibunsoeum-extract-administered groups showed increase on COX-1, BrdU. Conclusions : As the results indicate, hemorrhagic erosion of gastric mucosa were reduced in both the Misoprostol-administeredand Pyeongwibunsoeum-extract-administered groups, and severe inflammatory reaction of gastric mucosa was reduced. The effects on the Pyeongwibunsoeum-extract-administered group were superior to those on the Misoprostol-administered group. Pyeongwibunsoeum extract can be widely administered for gastric ulcer disease in clinical treatments.

Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical efficacy of EC102, a composition containing oriental medicine, for relieving VDT syndrome, including eye symptoms and musculo-skeletal symptoms. Methods: The study was conducted by using a double blind randomized controlled trial design. 40 subjects were randomly assigned to the placebo group or the EC102 group. The visual analogous scale (VAS) was used to evaluate various VDT symptoms, including eye pain, eye fatigue, back pain, shoulder pain and so on. Refractory indexes were measured using refractometer, and tear film break-up time (BUT) were measured using fluorescein strip. Blood circulation was measured using photo-plethysmography. Blood pressure and blood biochemistry were also measured. Statistical analysis was conducted by a Mann-Whitney test using SPSS 9.0 software. Results: The EC102 group showed a statistically significant reduction of eye symptoms including eye fatigue, eyelid fatigue, itching, pain, and photophobia when compared with the placebo group (P<0.05). The EC102 group also showed a statistically significant reduction of back pain compared with the placebo group (P<0.05). No side effects on liver function and blood biochemistry were observed. Conclusions: EC102 has significant clinical efficacy for relieving symptoms of VDT syndrome.

Objectives: This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Sasammaickmoondong-tang (SME) on gastric mucosal lesions induced by indomethacin in mice. Methods: The normal group was no inflammation-induced mice. The control group was gastro-inflammation-induced mice. The sample group was mice administered SME after gastro-inflammation elicitation. Results: In the common morphology and histochemical change, the control group was observed with various injury-mucous surface cell, micro-villi, paneth cell, surface epithelial cell, goblet cell - by hemorrhagic erosion, while the sample group was as same as the normal group. In the immunohistochemical change, the distributions of COX-1, Bcl-2, and BrdU treated with SME were noticeably higher than in the control group (p<0.05). The distributions of TUNEL, NF-B, COX-2, IL-2R-, NK-1.1, ICAM-1, and CD11b/18 in those treated with SME were noticeably lower than in the control group (p<0.05). Finally, the distribution of SBA was the same as in the normal group. Conclusions: According to the above results, it is supposed that Sasammaickmoondong-tang is applicable to gastric mucosal lesions.

Objectives : In this study, we investigated the mechanism by which Chelidonium majus (CM) regulates nitric oxide (NO) production. Methods : Using mouse peritoneal macrophages, the mechanism by which CM regulates NO or tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}(TNF-{\alpha})$ production was examined. NO release was measured by the Griess method. $TNF-{\alpha}$ production was measured by the ELISA method. The protein extracts were prepared and samples were analyzed for the inducible NOS(iNOS) expression and nuclear factor kappa $B(NF-{\kappa}B)$ activation by Western blotting. Results : When CM was used in combination with recombinant $interferon-{\gamma}{\;}(rIFN-{\gamma})$, there was a marked cooperative induction of NO production. CM had an effect on NO production by itself. The expression of the iNOS gene was increased in $rIFN-{\gamma}$ plus CM-stimulated peritoneal macrophages and almost completely inhibited by pre-treatment with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), an inhibitor of $NF-{\kappa}B$. The $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation was increased in rIFN-{\gamma} plus CM-induced peritoneal macrophages. The increased production of NO from $rIFN-{\gamma}$ plus CM-stimulated peritoneal rnacrophages was decreased by the treatment with $N^{G}-monomethyl-{_L}-arginine{\;}(N^{G}MMA){\;}N^{\alpha}-Tosyl-Phe$ chloromethyl ketone (TPCK) , and was almost completely inhibited by pre-treatment with PDTC. Furthermore, treatment with CM alone or rIFN-{\gamma} plus CM in peritoneal macrophages caused a significant increase in $TNF-{\alpha}$ production. PDTC decreased CM-induced $TNF-{\alpha}$ production significantly. After CM treatment in HT-29 or AGS cells, cell viability decreased. Conclusions : These findings demonstrate that CM increases the production of NO and $TNF-{\alpha}{\;}by{\;}rIFN-{\gamma}-primed$ macrophages and suggest that NF-B plays a critical role in mediating these effects of CM.

Backgrounds & Objectives: In many recent studies, molecular biological methods have been used to investigate the role of cytokines in pathogenesis and new therapeutic targets of asthma. Recently, as a method of research on the gene expression, they are applying another method which assays multiple gene expressions at the same time by the microarray. In this study, the antioxidant effect, the inhibitory effect against interleukin-4 and the effect on the CD/cytokine gene expression in PBMC (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) was evaluated by using cDNA microarray chip of Chungsangboha-tang. Methods: Experimental studies were performed for the antioxidant effect of Chungsangboha-tang on DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) solution, for the IL-4-inhibiting effect on BALB/c mouse spleen, and for the gene expression effect on PBMC (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) with microarray. Results: Chungsangboha-tang showed antioxidant effect dose-dependently. Chungsangboha-tang inhibited interleukin-4 dose-dependently and showed significant difference in 10ug/ml and 100ug/ml of test groups. There was no 2 more times upregulated genes than in the control group by using cDNA microarray chip of Chungsangbohn-tang, but there were 140%-200% upregulated genes. There was no 2 more times downregulated genes than in the control group by using cDNA microarray chip of Chungsangboha-Tang, but there was 50%-75% downregulated genes. Conclusions: This study showed that Chungsangboha-tang has an antioxidant effect and inhibition of Interleukin-4, but further studies are necessary with microarray.

Objectives : Coptidis rhizoma (CR) is an oriental medicine that has been used in many traditional prescriptions against diabetes mellitus in Korea for centuries. Our purpose was to determine the protective effect and its action mechanism of CR on the cytotoxicity of pancreatic -cell line (RINm5F cell). Methods : In this experiment, we used methods such as MTT assay for detection of cytotoxicity, DNA fragmentation assay for detection of apoptotic cell death, LDH activity assay for detection of necrotic cell death, and measurement of $DiOC_{6}$ (3) retention for detection of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Background : Nitric oxide (NO) is believed to playa key role in the process of pancreatic -cell destruction leading to insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Results : Exposure of RINm5F cells to chemical NO donor such as S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) induced cytotoxic events such as DNA fragmentation and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release into medium. However, pretreatment of RINm5F cells with CR extract ($10~50{\mu\textrm{g}}/ml$) for 3 hours prevented SNAP-induced DNA fragmentation and LDH release into medium through the inhibition of MMP disruption. Conclusions : These results suggest that CR may be a candidate for a therapeutic or preventing agent against IDDM.

Objectives : Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in normal and pathophysiological cells as a messenger molecule, neurotransmitter, microbiological agent, or dilator of blood vessels and arteriosclerosis, respectively. This study was undertaken to understand the mechanism of NO production and effect of Hyeolbuchukeo-tang (Xiefuzhuyu-tang) on NO production in cultured vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC). Methods and Results : VSMC was isolated from aorta and cultured. Cultured primary cells were identified as VSMC with anti--smooth muscle actin antibody. A large amount of NO was produced in cultured VSMC treated with $IFN-{\gamma}$ plus TNF in a time- and dose-dependent manner. $TNF-{\alpha}$ was a more efficient stimulator than $IFN-{\gamma}$ in NO production of cultured VSMC. iNOS protein wasdetected within 3 hrs and it increased up to 12 hrs in a time-dependent manner. However, accumulated NO in cytokine-treated VSMC was not detected within 3 hrs. NO production in cytokine-treated VSMC showed the dose- and time-dependent manner, and increased up to 48 hrs. The activated VSMC produced a large amount of NO (about 60 uM). Hyeolbuchukeo-tang (Xiefuzhuyu-tang) alone did not induceNO production, but it potentiated the effect of $TNF-{\alpha}$ on NO production and increased NO production by about 20%. Hyeolbuchukeo-tang (Xiefuzhuyu-tang) did not affect the transcriptional activity of iNOS gene, but increased the accumulation of iNOS. These results indicate that Hyeolbuchukeo-tang (Xiefuzhuyu-tang) could modulate the translational level of iNOS. PKC did not modulate NO production, but calcium ionophore A23187 decreased NO production. However, Hyeolbuchukeo-tang (Xiefuzhuyu-tang) elevated the decreased NO production in A23187-treated VSMC by modulating the stability of iNOS transcripts. Half-life of the synthesized transcripts appeared to have about 6 hrs. PDTC, an $NF-{\kappa}B$ inhibitor, blocked the accumulation of iNOS mRNA, indicating that $NF-{\kappa}B$ served as an important modulator in the transcriptional regulation of iNOS. As Hyeolbuchukeo-tang (Xiefuzhuyu-tang) potentiated the effect of the $TNF-{\alpha}$ on NO production but had no additional effect on PDTC-modulated NO production, it is suggested that Hyeolbuchukeo-tang (Xiefuzhuyu-tang) enhances the $TNF-{\alpha}-mediated$ NO production of VSMC by modulating the iNOS activity and the stability of iNOS transcripts in activated VSMC having the elevated intracellular calcium ion. Conclusions : This study suggests that Hyeolbuchukeo-tang (Xiefuzhuyu-tang) has a potential capacity for preventing and treating diseases of the circulation system, including arteriosclerosis.

Objectives : Boyanghwanoh-tang (Buyanhaiwu-tang) has been used as a prescription for stroke, senile and vascular dementia, ischemic brain and heart damage in Oriental traditional medicine. However, there is little known about the mechanism by which the water extracts of Boyanghwanoh-tang (Buyanhaiwu-tang) rescue cells fromthese damages, and little is known about the protective mechanisms of Boyanghwanoh-tang (Buyanhaiwu-tang) on oxidative stress in neuronal cells. Therefore, we have investigated the role of Boyanghwanoh-tang (Buyanhaiwu-tang) on serum and glucose deprived apoptosis in PC12 cells. Methods : PC12 Cells have been used extensively as a model for studying the cellular and molecular effects of neuronal cells. The viability of cells was measured by MIT assay. We used DNA fragmentation and caspase 1, 2, 3, 6, 9-likeproteases activation assay. Transcriptional activation of NF-kB was assessed by using electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Results : Boyanghwanoh-tang (Buyanhaiwu-tang) rescued PC12 cells from apoptotic death by serum and glucose deprivation in a dose-dependent manner. The nuclear staining of PC12 cells clearly showed that Boyanghwanoh-tang (Buyanhaiwu-tang) attenuated nuclear condensation and fragmentation, which represent typical neuronal apoptotic characteristics. Boyanghwanoh-tang (Buyanhaiwu-tang) also prevents fragmentation of genomic DNA and activation of caspase 3-like protease in serum and glucose deprived PC12 cells. Furthermore, Boyanghwanoh-tang (Buyanhaiwu-tang) reduced the activation of NF-kB by serum and glucose-deprived apoptosis. Conclusions : These findings suggest that serum and glucose deprivation induces reduced glutathione (GSH) depletion, and consequently, apoptosis through endogenously produced reactive oxygen species in PC12 cells. Also, our data indicated that Boyanghwanoh-tang (Buyanhaiwu-tang) has protective effects against the serum and glucose deprived deaths of PC12 cells, which are mediated by the generation of GSH that, in turn, can reduce oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide.

Objectives : In this study, we investigated the effect and pathway of contralateral heterotropic electroacupuncture (EA) on pain induced by fonualin in rats. Methods : Acu-points in the right forepaws, HT 7 and PC 7 were stimulated with 3~4mA, 2ms, and 10Hz after 5% formalin (50ul) s.c. injection to the left hind paw. In addition, it was investigated whether the dorsolateral funiculus (DLF), known to be related the descending inhibition, mediates analgesic effects of the contralateral heterotropic EA or whether administration of naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, blocks the effect of EA. Results : The results showed that contralateral heterotropic electroacupuncture (EA) inhibited late phase (63.311.7%) of pain induced by fonualin in the behavioral test, but sham-EA had little effect on pain behavior (85.616.8%) and no analgesic effects after transection of the dorsolateral funiculus (95.718.7%). The pretreatment of naltrexone (10mg/kg, i.p.) could not inhibit the analgesic effects of EA on formalin-induced pain behavior (70.713.1%). Also,EA suppressed formalin injection induced expression of cFos like protein (cFL) in the dorsal homo but not sham-EA. Suppressed expressions of cFL in the spinal cord were eliminated after transection of the ipsilateral dorsolateral funiculus at T10-11 leve1s. However, pretreatment of naltrexone could not prevent the suppressive expressions of cFL at the spinal cord. Conclusions : These results suggest that the analgesic effect of contralateral heterotropic electroacupuncture may be modulated through the dorsolateral funiculus constituting the descending inhibition.

Current therapy for acute ischemic stroke is highly focused on neuroprotective agents, and many herbal medicines have been challenged for experimental models. The aim of this study is to investigate whether Angelicae gigantis Radix can protect nerve cells against ischemic neural damage of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats' brains. Rats were treated with Angelicae gigantis Radix immediately after 2 hours of MCAO for 7 days. On the 7th day, the brains of the rats were sliced through the hippocampus and dyedby c-Fos immunohistochemistry stain and cresyl violet stain for microscopic examination. The number of viable neurons and c-Fos immunoreactive cells in CA1 regions was counted. MCAO caused significant decrease in density of neurons and c-Fos immunoreactive cells compared to those of sham-operated rats. Administration of Angelicae gigantis Radix significantly elevated MCAO-induced decrease in density of neurons and c-Fos immunoreactive cells. These results suggest that the neuroprotective effect of Angelicae gigantis Radix against focal cerebral ischemia is related to c-Fos gene expression. Thus, these findings indicate that Angelicae gigantis Radix can be used for treatment and prevention of cerebral ischemia.

폐동맥고혈압으로 진단받은 객혈환자 1예에 대하여 청상보하탕 가미방을 투여하여 객혈량, 전신소력감 및 ABGA의 변화를 고찰해 본 결과 위와 같이 객혈량의 약 90％ 감소, 전신소력감의 약 40％ 감소 및 ABGA의 호전을 보였기에 보고하는 바이다.