• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.730-737
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• 2013

The purpose of this study is to investigate vasorelaxant effect of Epimedium koreanum(EK) extract on rabbit carotid artery. In this study, to determine vasorelaxant effect of EK extract on rabbit carotid artery, arterial rings with intact or damaged endothelium were used for experiment using organ bath, and were contracted by norepinephrine(NE). After being contracted, arterial rings were treated with EK extract in a dose-dependent manner To study its mechanism, the contracted arterial rings induced by NE were pretreated with indomethacin(IM), $N_{\omega}$-nitro-L-arginine(L-NNA), methylene blue(MB) or tetraethylammonium chloride(TEA) and 0.1 $mg/m{\ell}$ EK extract was added. To analyze the effect of the EK extract on influx of extracellular calcium chloride($Ca^{2+}$) in rabbit carotid artery, in $Ca^{2+}$-free krebs solution, krebs solution containing 1 mM $Ca^{2+}$ was infused into the contracted arterial ring by NE after pretreatment of EK extract. To measure the cytotoxicity of the EK extract, cell viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cell(HUVEC) was measured by MTT assay, and nitric oxide(NO) was measured by Griess reagent. The EK extract significantly was relaxed the arterial ring with intact endothelium contracted by NE, but the vasorelaxant effect of the EK extract was inhibited in the arterial rings with damaged endothelium. The vasorelaxant effect of the EK extract was not different between the IM-pretreatedand and non-treated arterial rings. The vasorelaxant effect of EK extract were significantly inhibited, when arterial rings were pretreated with L-NNA, TEA, MB. And in $Ca^{2+}$-free krebs solution, increasing of arterial contraction by $Ca^{2+}$ addition were also inhibited by the treatment of EK, but not significant. The treatment of EK extract was increased NO concentration in HUVEC. This study suggested that the vasorelaxant effect of EK extract would be related with EDHF and NO production and increasing of cyclic GMP.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.437-445
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• 2013

This study was investigated to evaluate the vasorelaxant effect of Rubus coreanus(RC) extract on contracted rabbit carotid artery and its mechanism. To study the effect of RC extract on contracted rabbit carotid arterial strips, arterial strips with intact or damaged endothelium were used for experiment using organ bath. The pre-contracted arterial strips with norepinephrine(NE) or potassium chloride(KCl) was treated with various concentrations of an extract of RC(0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 $mg/m{\ell}$). To determine the mechanisms of RC-induced vasorelaxant, RC extract was infused into contracted arterial rings which had been pretreated by indomethacin(IM), tetraethylammonium chloride(TEA), $N{\omega}$-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), methylene blue(MB). And calcium chloride(Ca) 1 mM was infused into precontracted arterial ring induced by NE or KCl after treatment of RC extract in $Ca^{2+}$-free krebs solution. Cytotoxic activity of RC extract on human umbilical vein endothelial cell(HUVEC) was measured by MTT assay, and nitric oxide(NO) prodution was measured by Griess reagent. RC extract revealed significant relaxation on NE-induced arterial contraction, but didn't relax on KCl-induced arterial contraction. RC extract also had an effective relaxation to the intact endothelium arterial ring, but not the damaged endothelium arterial ring. Treatment of IM, TEA, L-NNA, MB reduced the relaxation of RC extract. Pretreatment of RC extract inhibited the contraction by influx of extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ in contracted arterial ring induced by NE, but it didn't work the contraction by influx of extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ in contracted arterial ring induced by KCl in $Ca^{2+}$-free krebs solution. RC extract increased nitric oxide production on HUVEC. This study indicated that the relaxation effect of RC extract on contracted rabbit carotid artery is related with NO-cGMP pathway, EDHF, prostacyclin.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.54 no.7
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• pp.292-297
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• 2011

Purpose: Our study aimed to evaluated sex differences in clinical features of obese high school students. Methods: One hundred three obese high school students (body mass index [BMI]${\geq}$85th percentile) and 51 control students (BMI<85th percentile) were enrolled in this study. Anthropometric measurements were performed. Fasting serum glucose, insulin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and high-sensitive C-reactive protein were measured. Abdominal fat thickness, degree of fatty liver, and carotid intima-media thickness were measured by ultrasound. Results: In control and obese groups, waist circumference was significantly longer in boys but body fat mass was Significantly higher in girls. In the control group, total cholesterol and LDL-C were higher in girls. In the obese group, however, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and triglyceride were higher and HDL-C was lower in boys. Preperitoneal fat thickness was significantly higher in obese girls. In obese group, the degree of fatty liver was significantly higher in boys. Carotid intima-media thickness was not significantly different between boys and girls. Conclusion: Obese adolescents had distinguishable sex differences in body measurements, metabolic abnormalities, abdominal fat thickness and fatty liver. We can infer that these characteristics may extend into adult obesity.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.155-160
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• 2013

Objective : The introduction and development of the embolic protecting device (EPD) has resulted in a decreased rate of stroke after carotid artery stenting (CAS). The authors performed a retrospective study to investigate the risk factors for developing large emboli after CAS which can lead to ischemic events. Methods : A total of 35 consecutive patients who underwent CAS between January 2009 and March 2012 were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups including those with small emboli (group A; grade 1, 2) and those with large emboli (group B; grade 3, 4). The size and number of emboli were assigned one of four grades (1=no clots, 2=1 or 2 small clots, 3=more than 3 small clots, 4=large clots) by microscopic observation of the EPD after CAS. We compared demographic characteristics, medical history, and angiographic findings of each group. Results : Thirty-five patients underwent CAS, and technical success was achieved in all cases. Twenty-three patients were included in group A and 12 patients in group B. Our results demonstrated that advanced age [odds ratio (OR) 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.52; p=0.044] and smoking (OR 42.06; CI 2.828-625.65, p=0.006) were independent risk factors for developing large emboli after CAS. Conclusion : In patients with carotid artery stenosis treated with CAS, advanced age and smoking increased the number and size of emboli. Although use of an EPD is controversial, it may be useful in CAS in patients with risk factors for large emboli in order to reduce the risk of ischemic events.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.12-18
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• 2015

Objective : Covered stent has been recently reported as an effective alternative treatment for direct carotid cavernous fistulas (DCCFs). The purpose of this study is to describe our experiences with the treatment of DCCF with covered stents and to evaluate whether a covered stent has a potential to be used as the first choice in selected cases. Methods : From February 2009 through July 2013, 10 patients underwent covered stent placement for a DCCF occlusion. Clinical and angiographic data were retrospectively reviewed. Results : Covered stent placement was performed for five patients primarily as the first choice and in the other five as an alternative option. Access and deployment of a covered stent was successful in all patients (100%) and total occlusion of the fistula was achieved in nine (90%). Complete occlusion immediately after the procedure was obtained in five patients (50%). Endoleak persisted in five patients and the fistulae were found to be completely occluded by one month control angiography in four. The other patient underwent additional coil embolization by a transvenous approach. Balloon inflation-related arterial dissection during the procedure was noted in two cases; healing was noted at follow-up angiography. One patient suffered an asymptomatic internal carotid artery occlusion noted seven months post-treatment. Conclusion : Although endoleak is currently a common roadblock, our experience demonstrates that a covered stent has the potential to be used as the first choice in DCCF; this potential is likely to increase as experience with this device accumulates and the materials continue to improve.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.313-317
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• 2004

The present study were designed to characterize the action mechanisms of acetylcholine (ACh)-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation in arteries precontracted with high $K^+$(70 mM). For this, we simultaneously measured both muscle tension and cytosolic free $Ca^{2+}$ concentration $([Ca^{2+}]_i)$, using fura-2, in endothelium-intact, rabbit carotid arterial strips. In the artery with endothelium, high $K^+$ increased both $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ and muscle tension whereas ACh $(10{\mu}M)$ significantly relaxed the muscle and increased $[Ca^{2+}]_i$. In the presence of $N^G$-nitro-L-arginine (L-NAME, 0.1 mM), ACh increased $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ without relaxing the muscle. In the artery without endothelium, high $K^+$ increased both $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ and muscle tension although ACh was ineffective. 4-DAMP (10 nM) or atropine $(0.1{\mu}M)$ abolished ACh-induced increase in $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ and relaxation. The increase of $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ and vasorelaxation by ACh was siginificantly reduced by either $3{\mu}M$ gadolinium, $10{\mu}M$ lanthanum, or by $10{\mu}M$ SKF 96365. These results suggest that in rabbit carotid artery, ACh-evoked relaxation of 70 mM $K^+$-induced contractions appears to be mediated by the release of NO. ACh-evoked vasorelaxation is mediated via the $M_3$ subtype, and activation of the $M_3$ subtype is suggested to stimulate nonselective cation channels, leading to increase of $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ in endothelial cells.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.55-58
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• 2013

Persistent proatlantal artery (PPA) is a rare embryologically remnant carotico-vertebrobasilar anastomoses. There are two types of PPA according to embryological considerations, origin and anatomic course. Type I PPA usually originate from internal carotid artery and not traversing transverse foramen. Type II PPA traverses from external carotid artery to C1 transverse foramen. The PPA is usually found incidentally without clinical symptoms, but can be related to several clinically significant vascular lesions, such as hypoplastic vertebral artery, intracranial arteriovenous malformation and in a case of carotid endarterectomy or external carotid artery embolization. So, thorough understanding of this anomaly is needed and we report a case of type II PPA diagnosed by MR angiography.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.101-108
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• 2016

This study is conducted to investigate vasorelaxant effect of Corni Fructus(CF) on rabbit carotid artery. To determine vasorelaxant effect of CF on rabbit carotid artery, arterial sections with intact or removed endothelium were used in this organ bath study. After being contracted by phenylephrine(PE), arterial sections were treated with CF extract in a dose-dependent manner. To identity its mechanism, the contracted arterial sections by PE were pretreated with indomethacin(IM), tetraethylammonium chloride(TEA), Nω-nitro-L-arginine(L-NNA) or methylene blue(MB) and 1.0 ㎎/㎖ CF extract. We also studied to confirm the effect on influx of extracellular calcium chloride(Ca²⁺) of the CF extract in rabbit carotid artery. To measure the cytotoxicity of the CF extract, cell viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cell(HUVEC) was measured by MTT assay. Generation of nitric oxide(NO) was also measured by Griess reagent. The arterial sections with intact endothelium were relaxed significantly by CF extract, but this effect was inhibited in the arterial sections with damaged endothelium. The vasorelaxant effect was inhibited significantly when arterial sections were pretreated with IM, TEA, L-NNA, MB. In Ca²⁺-free krebs solution, increasing of arterial contraction by Ca²⁺ was also inhibited by CF significantly. The treatment of CF extract increased NO concentration in HUVEC. This study suggested that the vasorelaxant effect of CF extract would be related with endothelium derived relaxing factor(EDRF) such as NO, prostacyclin(PGI₂), endothelium derived hyperpolarization factor(EDHF).

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.607-613
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• 2014

In a previous study, we have shown that mulberry leaves (Mori Folium) extract MFE) and its compounds have the antioxidant effect in human red blood cells. However, the possible effect of MFE and its compounds on improvement of blood flow were not reported. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of MFE and its compounds on improvement of blood flow in a rat model of topical ferric chloride ($FeCl_3$)-induced carotid artery damage. The $FeCl_3$ treatment seriously damaged the carotid artery: the walls of the artery, blood flow rate, blood vessel diameter, blood vessel area and blood flow amount. However, administration of MFE or its compound has ameliorated the blood flow and suppressed thrombus in blood vessels. Moreover, the concentrations of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol in the MET and its compound groups were remarkably reduced in comparison to the control group, and HDL cholesterol concentration was higher in the MET and its compound groups than in the control group. These results suggest that MFE and its compounds ameliorate the thrombosis against blood vessel damage.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.3 s.39
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• pp.77-86
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• 1999

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of Sunghyangchungi-san (SHCS) on the oxidant-induced contraction and lipid peroxidation in rabbit carotid artery. Vascular rings isolated from rabbit carotid artery were exposed to t-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP), an extrinsic oxidant, and the effect of SHCS on the changes of vascular tension and lipid peroxidation induced by t-BHP was determined. t- BHP induced a slowly developing and sustained contraction of the arterial rings. SHCS effectively relaxed the arterial rings that were pre-contracted by t-BHP. The responses to SHCS were partially dose-dependent at concentrations lower than 0.5 mg/ml. When SHCS was applied prior to the exposure to t-BHP, it inhibited the t-BHP-induced contraction as well. t- BHP increased lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner. SHCS as well as well-known anti-oxidants GSH and DPPD reduced significantly lipid peroxidation induced by t-BHP. SHCS partially blocked the increase in $^{45}Ca$ uptake induced by t-BHP. In contrast to SHCS, anti-oxidants GSH and DPPD failed to inhibit significantly the t- BHP-induced contraction or $^{45}Ca$ uptake. From the above results, it is suggested that SHCS relaxed t-BHP-induced contraction of rabbit carotid artery independently of its anti-oxidant action, and inhibition of $Ca^{2+}$ influx may contribute to the underlying mechanism.