• Applied Microscopy
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.91-105
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• 2002

Urea transport in the kidney is mediated by a family of transporter proteins that includes renal urea transporters (UT-A) and erythrocyte urea transporters (UT-B). The cDNA of five isoforms of rat UT-A, UTA1, UT-A2, UT-A3, UT-A4, and UT-A5 have been cloned. The purpose of this study was to examine the expression of UT-A (L194), which marked UT-A1, UT-A2 and UT-A4. Male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing approximately 200 g, were divided into three group: control rats had free access to water, dehydrated rats were deprived of water for 3 d, and water loaded rats had free access to 3% sucrose water for 3 d before being killed. The kidneys were preserved by in vivo perfusion through the abdominal aorta with the 2% paraformaldehyde-lysine- periodate (PLP) or 8% paraformaldehyde solution for 10 min. The sections were processed for immunohistochemical studies using pre-embedding immunoperoxidase method and immunogold method. In the normal rat kidney, UT-A1 was expressed intensely in the cytoplasm of the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cell and UT-A2 was expressed on the plasma membrane of the terminal portion of the shortloop descending thin limb (DTL) cells (type I epithelium) and of the long-loop DTL cells (type II epithelium) in the initial part of the inner medulla. Immunoreactivity for UT-A1 in the IMCD cells, was decreased in dehydrated animals whereas strongly increased in water loaded animals compared with control animals. In the short-loop DTL, immunoreactivity for UT-A2 was increased in intensity in both dehydrated and water loaded groups. However, in the long-loop DTL of the outer part of the inner medulla, immunoreactivity for UT-A2 was markedly increase in intensity in dehydrated group, but not in water loaded group. In conclusion, in the rat kidney, UT-A1 is located in the cytoplasm of IMCD cells, whereas UT-A2 is located in the plasma membrane of both the short-and long-loop DTL cells. Immunohistochemistry studies revealed that UT-A1 and UT-A2 may have a different role in urea transport and are regulated by different mechanisms.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.60 no.3
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• pp.314-320
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• 2006

Background : The overall response (20-30%) to chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is quite poor. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is the rate-limiting enzyme in heme degradation. There is increasing evidence suggesting that the induction of HO-1 might have an important protective effect against oxidative stress including cisplatin containing chemotherapy. This study retrospectively investigated the relationship between HO-1 expression and the response to chemotherapy containing cisplatinin advanced NSCLC patients. Material and Methods : The medical records including the responses to chemotherapy of fifty nine cases were evaluated retrospectively, and the tissue samples of these patients were immunohistochemically stained for HO-1. Results : Forty three of the fifty nine patients(72.8%) showed positive staining for HO-1 in their cancer tissues. There was no significant difference according to the cell type, stage and tumor size. In addition, there was no correlation between HO-1 expression and the responses to chemotherapy. Conclusion : HO-1 expression in tumor tissue dose not predict the response to cisplatin containing chemotherapy in advanced NSCLC. Further prospective studies with a larger number of patients will be needed to confirm these results.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.159-165
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• 2010

Field strains of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (OR) were tested on their virulence in specific pathogen free (SPF) embryonated chicken eggs and 3-week-old broilers. When infected with three different OR isolates (OR-161, OR-240 and OR-295) through yolk sac infection route, all strains appeared to be highly pathogenic with responsible mortality 66% and 100% within 12 days post infection (DPI). To test the virulence of OR in the commercial broilers, 3 week-old broilers were grouped depends on the inoculation route of OR isolate (OR-295) through five different infection routes; group 1 (IT: intratracheal), group 2 (IM: intramuscular), group 3 (IV: intravenous), group 4 (aerosol) and group 5 [Mixed: NDV (LaSota)+OR aerosol]. Within 5 to 7 days after inoculation, only broilers given NDV+OR were slightly depressed and coughing, and had mild facial redness. Grossly, foamy and yellow-white yogurt like exudate in the air sacs, predominantly in the abdominal air sacs was present. In histology, infiltration of the air sac epithelium and lamina propria by macrophage and polymorphonuclear granulocytes was seen with cell debris and inflammatory cells, correlated with the presence of OR antigen, as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. Field strains of OR were able to induce high mortality in the embryonated chicken eggs, whereas broilers were less susceptible to OR infection. Interestingly, in the absence of NDV infection, the four groups of OR single infection only different route showed minimal and temporary microscopic air sac lesions. Thus, Newcastle disease virus (LaSota strain) showed triggering effects on the OR infection in chickens.

• Polymer(Korea)
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.127-134
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• 2013

The vascular endothelial cells are the inner layers of blood vessels. It regulates the function of blood vessels and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. Poly(lactide-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a biodegradable synthetic polymer with a well-controlled degradation rate and an acceptable mechanical strength. It can be easily fabricated into many shapes. Silk consists of 18 amino acids. It found important for attaching cells cultured in vitro, and maintaining cell functions. In this study, we fabricated silk/PLGA biomaterial hybrid films of 0, 10, 20, 40 and 80 wt% silk. We performed MTT, SEM, ELISA, and immunocytochemistry analyses. We confirmed the adhesion and the proliferation of HAECs on silk/PLGA according to the content of silk, and 40 wt% silk/PLGA hybrid films have superior adhesion and proliferation properties. These results demonstrate that silk/PLGA hybrid films provide suitable surfaces for HAECs, and there is the effect of silk on cell growth and proliferation.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.1-11
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• 2008

Objectives : Cerebral ischemia resulting from transient or permanent occlusion of cerebral arteries leads to neuronal cell death and eventually causes neurological impairments. Scrophulariae radix is the roots of Scrophularia buergeria. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the aqueous extract of Scrophulariae radix on apoptotic cell death in the hippocampal dentate gyrus following transient global ischemia in gerbils. Methods : For this study, step-down avoidance task, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, and immunohistochemistry for caspase-3 were performed. Results : The present results showed that apoptotic cell death in the hippocampal dentate gyrus was significantly increased following transient global ischemia in gerbils. Treatment with the aqueous extract of Scrophulariae radix suppressed the ischemia-induced apoptosis in the dentate gyrus and thus facilitated the recovery of short-term memory impairment induced by ischemic cerebral injury. Conclusions : Here in this study, we have shown that Scrophulariae radix has a positive effect on-and possesses protective qualities against ischemia-induced apoptotic neuronal cell death, and it can be used for the treatment of ischemic brain diseases.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.170-180
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• 2008

Purpose : Some antibiotics were known to exert neuroprotective effects in the animal model of hypoxic-ischemic (H-I) brain injury, but the mechanism is still unclear. A recent study reported that geneticin (G418), an aminoglycoside antibiotic, increased survival of human breast cancer cells by suppressing apoptosis. We investigated the neuroprotective effects of systemically administrated geneticin via anti-apoptosis following the H-I brain injury Methods : Seven-day-old Sprague-Dawley rat pups were subjected to unilateral (left) common carotid artery occlusion followed by 2.5 hours of hypoxic exposure and the cortical cell culture of rat brain was done under a hypoxic incubator. Apoptosis was measured in the injured hemispheres 7 days after H-I insult and in the injured cells from hypoxic chamber using morphologic analysis by Terminal dUTP Nick-end Labeling(TUNEL) assay and immunohistochemistry for caspase-3, and cytologic analysis by western blot and real time PCR for bax, bcl-2, and caspase-3. Results : The gross appearance and hematoxylin and eosin stain revealed increased brain volume in the geneticin-treated animal model of perinatal H-I brain injury. The TUNEL assay revealed decreased apoptotic cells after administration of geneticin in the cell culture model of anoxia. Immunohistochemistry showed decreased caspase-3 expression in geneticin-treated cortical cell culture. Western blot and real-time PCR showed decreased caspase-3 expression and decreased ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 expression in geneticin-treated animal model. Conclusion : Geneticin appears to exert a neuroprotective effect against perinatal H-I brain injury at least via anti-apoptosis. However, more experiments are needed in order to demonstrate the usefulness of geneticin as a preventive and rescue treatment for H-I brain injuries of neonatal brain.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.287-295
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• 2010

It was recently reported that nesfatin-1/NUCB2, which is secreted from the brain, controls appetite and energy metabolism. The purpose of this research was to confirm whether or not the protein and its binding site should have been expressed in the mouse reproductive organs and to know the possible effects of nesfatin-1 on the reproductive function. Using the ICR female mouse ovary and uterus, the expression of NUCB2 mRNA was confirmed with the conventional PCR and the relative amount of NUCB2 mRNA in the tissues was analyzed with real-time PCR. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using the nesfatin-1 antibody to investigate the nesfatin-1 protein expression and the biotin conjugated nesfatin-1 to confirm the binding site for nesfatin-1 in the ovary. Furthermore, in order to examine if the expression of NUCB2 mRNA in the ovary and uterus is affected by gonadotropin, its mRNA expression was analyzed after PMSG administration into mice. As a result, the expression level of NUCB2 mRNA in the ovary and the uterus was as much as the expression level in hypothalamus. As a result of the immunohistochemical staining, nesfatin-1 proteins were localized at the theca cells, the interstitial cells, and some of the luteal cells. However, the granulosa cells in the follicles did not stain. Interestingly, the oocytes in the some follicles were stained with nesfatin-1. On the other hand, nesfatin-1 protein binding sites were displayed at the theca cells and the interstitial cells near the tunica albuginea. After PMSG administration the expression level of NUCB2 mRNA was increased in the ovary and the uterus. These results demonstrate that for the first time the nesfatin-1 and its binding site were expressed in the ovary and NUCB2 mRNA expression was controlled by gonadotropin, suggesting an important role in the reproductive organs as a local regulator. Therefore, further study is needed to elucidate the functions of nesfatin-1 on the reproductive organs.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.60 no.3
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• pp.330-336
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• 2006

Background : Aquaporins (AQPs) may play a role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary inflammation and edema. This study investigated the role ofAQPs in acute lung injury following bleomycin inhalation in rats. Methods : Sprague-Dawley rats were treated via inhalation with 10 U/kg bleomycin hydrochloride dissolved in 5 ml of normal saline. The control rats were treated with 5 ml normal saline. The animals (n = 6-8 rats per group) were sacrificed at 4, 7, and 14 d. The changes in AQP1, AQP4, and AQP5 expression levels over time were analyzed by Western blotting. The nitrate and nitrite concentrations in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured using a modified Griess reaction. ELISA was used to check cytokines. Results : The respiration rates were significantly higher 4 and 7 days after the bleomycin treatment compared with those of the control rats. The tidal volume was lower in rats at 4 days after the bleomycin treatment, and the wet/dry weights of the lung were significantly higher than those of the control group. The nitrite and nitrate concentrations in the BALF from the rats at 4 days after exposure to bleomycin were greater than those from the saline-treated rats. Immunoblotting studies demonstrated that the AQP1 and AQP4 expression levels were lower in the rats at 4 days. However, the AQP4 expression level was higher at 7 days. The AQP5 expression level increased at 4, 7 and 14 days after the bleomycin treatment. Conclusion : This study demonstrates that AQPs are expressed differently in bleomycin-induced pulmonary edema.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.10
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• pp.1118-1124
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• 2014

Porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) is a common respiratory disease in nursery and grow-finishing pigs. A complex of viral and bacterial agents is known to be involved in the etiology of PRDC. The purpose of this study was to investigate common etiologic agents associated with PRDC in the field and compare detection methods for identifying these agents. To understand the mechanism of polymicrobial infection in PRDC, changes in the expression of cytokines were investigated. In 461 pig samples examined, most of the affected pigs ranged from 3 to 10 weeks old (73.4%), and 348 (75.4%) samples were confirmed as polymicrobial infection. Of the polymicrobial-infected cases, two (50.3%), three (32.2%), four (13.8%), five (3.2%), and six (0.5%) agents were detected. Two- or three-agent infections were the most common, with PRRSV/PCV-2 (44.6%) the most common two-agent infection. PRRSV/PCV-2/H. parasuis (11.0%) was the most common three-agent infection. Comparison of two detection methods (PCR and IHC) in the polymicrobial cases showed that 78.4% were PCV-2 positive with the PCR method, and 26.2% were PCV-2 positive with IHC. SIV was 7.8% by the PCR method and 3.7% positive by the IHC. This result indicates that the PCR method is more useful than IHC for detecting causative agents in PRDC. In the analysis of cytokines in the two- and three-agent infected samples, interleukin (IL)-$1{\alpha}$, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and INF-${\alpha}$ showed the same expression pattern. All cytokines were suppressed, except IL-6. These findings indicate that changes in cytokine expression could be used to understand the mechanism of polymicrobial infection in PRDC.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.65 no.2
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• pp.105-109
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• 2008

Background: Fascin is an actin-bundling protein that plays an important role in cellular motility. Fascin is normally expressed in the neuronal and mesenchymal cells and its expression is low or absent in the epithelia. However, an overexpression of fascin has been linked to the invasive behavior of some neoplasms such as breast, stomach and ovarian tumors. In this study, we evaluated the expression of fascin and its prognostic significance in stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Immunohistochemical staining for fascin was performed on the paraffin-embeded tissue sections of 81 cases of resected NSCLC. Staining of more than 5% of the tumor cells was recorded as positive immunoreactivity. Results: Fascin expression was seen in 73% (59/81) of the cases and this was more frequently seen in squamous cell carcinoma than in adenocarcinoma (93% vs 42%). There were no significant correlations of fascin immunoreactivity with tumor recurrence and overall survival. Conclusion: The expression rate of fascin was relatively high in NSCLC, but this was without prognostic significance. The exact clinical role of fascin should be defined through further investigations.