• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제8권4호
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• pp.219-225
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• 2004

The pelvic ganglia provide autonomic innervations to the various urogenital organs, such as the urinary bladder, prostate, and penis. It is well established that both sympathetic and parasympathetic synaptic transmissions in autonomic ganglia are mediated mainly by acetylcholine (ACh). Until now, however, the properties of ACh-induced currents and its receptors in pelvic ganglia have not clearly been elucidated. In the present study, biophysical characteristics and molecular nature of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) were studied in sympathetic and parasympathetic major pelvic ganglion (MPG) neurons. MPG neurons isolated from male rat were enzymatically dissociated, and ionic currents were recorded by using the whole cell variant patch clamp technique. Total RNA from MPG neuron was prepared, and RT-PCR analysis was performed with specific primers for subunits of nAChRs. ACh dose-dependently elicited fast inward currents in both sympathetic and parasympathetic MPG neurons $(EC_{50};\;41.4\;{\mu}M\;and\;64.0\;{\mu}M,\;respectively)$. ACh-induced currents showed a strong inward rectification with a reversal potential near 0 mV in current-voltage relationship. Pharmacologically, mecamylamine as a selective antagonist for ${\alpha}3{\beta}4$ nAChR potently inhibited the ACh-induced currents in sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons $(IC_{50};\;0.53\;{\mu}M\;and\;0.22\;{\mu}M,\;respectively)$. Conversely, ${\alpha}-bungarotoxin$, ${\alpha}-methyllycaconitine$, and $dihydro-{\beta}-erythroidine$, which are known as potent and sensitive blockers for ${\alpha}7$ or ${\alpha}4{\beta}2$ nAChRs, below micromolar concentrations showed negligible effect. RT-PCR analysis revealed that ${\alpha}3$ and ${\beta}4$ subunits were predominantly expressed in MPG neurons. We suggest that MPG neurons have nAChRs containing ${\alpha}3$ and ${\beta}4$ subunits, and that their activation induces fast inward currents, possibly mediating the excitatory synaptic transmission in pelvic autonomic ganglia.

• Applied Microscopy
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• 제26권2호
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• pp.137-155
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• 1996

The development of the ganglia of the trachea was studied by electron microscopy in human fetuses ranging from 40 mm to 260 mm crown rump length. At 40 mm fetus, the tracheal ganglia was observed in the submucosa of the trachea. The primitive ganglia consisted of neuroblasts, undifferentiated cells, and unmyelinated nerve fibers. At 50 mm fetus, the neuroblast and their processes in the tracheal ganglia ware ensheathed by the bodies or processes of satellite cells. The cytoplasm of the neuroblast contained rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, Golgi complex, and ribosomes. At 70 mm fetus, cholinergic and adrenergic axon terminals were observed. Cholinergic axon terminals with agranular vesicles were abundant in the tracheal ganglia with increasing age. During next prenatal stage from 100 mm fetus, the ganglion cells and its processes were completely covered by a thin processes of the satellite cells. Unmyelinated nerve fibers were also completely ensheathed by processes of Schwann cell. Synaptic contacts between the cholinergic axon and dendrite of ganglion cells and a few dendrodendritic synapses were first observed at 100 mm fetus. The granule-containing cells were first identified in the tracheal ganglia at 200 mm fetus. These findings indicate that tracheal ganglia of human fetus resembles other parasympathetic and sympathetic ganglia, but not the enteric ganglia.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• 제51권4호
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• pp.266-273
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• 2018

The ganglion cardiacum or juxtaductal body is situated along the left recurrent laryngeal nerve in the aortic window and is an extremely large component of the cardiac nerve plexus. This study was performed to describe the morphologies of the ganglion cardiacum or juxtaductal body in human fetuses and to compare characteristics with intracardiac ganglion. Ganglia were immunostained in specimens from five fetuses of gestational age 12-16 weeks and seven fetuses of gestational age 28-34 weeks. Many ganglion cells in the ganglia were positive for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH; sympathetic nerve marker) and chromogranin A, while a few neurons were positive for neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS; parasympathetic nerve marker) or calretinin. Another ganglion at the base of the ascending aorta carried almost the same neuronal populations, whereas a ganglion along the left common cardinal vein contained neurons positive for chromogranin A and NOS but no or few TH-positive neurons, suggesting a site-dependent difference in composite neurons. Mixtures of sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons within a single ganglion are consistent with the morphology of the cranial base and pelvic ganglia. Most of the intracardiac neurons are likely to have a non-adrenergic non-cholinergic phenotype, whereas fewer neurons have a dual cholinergic/noradrenergic phenotype. However, there was no evidence showing that chromogranin A- and/or calretinin-positive cardiac neurons corresponded to these specific phenotypes. The present study suggested that the ganglion cardiacum was composed of a mixture of sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons, which were characterized the site-dependent differences in and near the heart.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제35권3호
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• pp.250-260
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• 2022

Background: Cranial nerve ganglia, which are prone to viral infections and tumors, are located deep in the head, so their detailed anatomy is difficult to understand using conventional cadaver dissection. For locating the small ganglia in medical images, their sectional anatomy should be learned by medical students and doctors. The purpose of this study is to elucidate cranial ganglia anatomy using sectioned images and three-dimensional (3D) models of a cadaver. Methods: One thousand two hundred and forty-six sectioned images of a male cadaver were examined to identify the cranial nerve ganglia. Using the real color sectioned images, real color volume model having a voxel size of 0.4 × 0.4 × 0.4 mm was produced. Results: The sectioned images and 3D models can be downloaded for free from a webpage, anatomy.dongguk.ac.kr/ganglia. On the images and model, all the cranial nerve ganglia and their whole course were identified. In case of the facial nerve, the geniculate, pterygopalatine, and submandibular ganglia were clearly identified. In case of the glossopharyngeal nerve, the superior, inferior, and otic ganglia were found. Thanks to the high resolution and real color of the sectioned images and volume models, detailed observation of the ganglia was possible. Since the volume models can be cut both in orthogonal planes and oblique planes, advanced sectional anatomy of the ganglia can be explained concretely. Conclusions: The sectioned images and 3D models will be helpful resources for understanding cranial nerve ganglia anatomy, for performing related surgical procedures.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제6권5호
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• pp.247-253
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• 2002

Major pelvic ganglia (MPG) neurons are classified into sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons according to the electrophysiological properties; membrane capacitance (Cm), expression of T-type $Ca^{2+}$ channels, and the firing patterns during depolarization. In the present study, function and molecular expression of ATP-sensitive $K^+\;(K_{ATP})$ channels was investigated in MPG neurons of male rats. Only in parasympathetic MPG neurons showing phasic firing patterns, hyperpolarizing changes were elicited by the application of diazoxide, an activator of $K_{ATP}$ channels. Glibenclamide $(10{\mu}M),$ a $K_{ATP}$ channel blocker, completely abolished the diazoxide-induced hyperpolarization. Diazoxide increased inward currents at high $K^+$ (90 mM) external solution, which was also blocked by glibenclamide. The metabolic inhibition by the treatment with mitochondrial respiratory chain inhibitors (rotenone and antimycin) hyperpolarized the resting membrane potential of parasympathetic neurons, which was not observed in sympathetic neurons. The hyperpolarizing response to metabolic inhibition was partially blocked by glibenclamide. RT-PCR analysis revealed that MPG neurons mainly expressed the $K_{ATP}$ channel subunits of Kir6.2 and SUR1. Our results suggest that MPG neurons have $K_{ATP}$ channels, mainly formed by Kir6.2 and SUR1, with phenotype-specificity, and that the conductance through this channel in parasympathetic neurons may contribute to the changes in excitability during hypoxia and/or metabolic inhibition.

• 대한의생명과학회지
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• 제12권2호
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• pp.113-118
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• 2006

Major pelvic ganglia (MPG) in rats are an unique autonomic ganglia, containing both sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons related with the function of bladder, penis and bowel. It has been widely known that ionotropic $GABA_A$ receptors are the molecular target of $\gamma$-aminobutric acid (GABA), a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in central nervous system. However, their functions and regulations of $GABA_A$ receptors expressed in autonomic ganglia have been poorly understood. 1 examined the modulatory role of adenylyl cyclase (AC) and protein kinase A(PKA) on $GABA_A$-induced inward currents in the neurons of rat MPG. $GABA_A$ receptors were identified using immunofluorescent labeling in the rat major pelvic ganglion. Electrophysiological experiments were performed to record the activities of $GABA_A$ receptors. $GABA_A$ receptors were expressed only in sympathetic neurons. GABA induced marked inward currents in a concentration-dependent manner. Mucimol ($5{\mu}M$), a $GABA_A$ receptor agonist induced inward currents were significantly reduced in the presence of SQ 225361 $20{\mu}M$, a AC inhibitor and myristoylated PKA inhibitor 100 nM. In addition, forskolin ($1{\mu}M$), AC activator, augmented the GABA induced currents. The activation of AC/PKA-dependent pathway could involve in the regulation $GABA_A$ receptors, expressed only in sympathetic neurons of rat MPG. These findings are helpful for the better understanding the function of various pelvic organs innervated by MPG.

• 대한후두음성언어의학회지
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• 제20권2호
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• pp.105-109
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• 2009

The laryngeal peripheral nerve system is presented on the basis of our results in the animal. This present paper forcused on the localization of each laryngeal motoneuron, the myotopical arrangements of motoneurons innervating the pharyngeal and esophageal striated muscles whitin the nucleus ambiguous in the motor nerve supply, and the pathway to the larynx in the sensory and symphathetic nerve supplies. Regarding the parasympathetic nerve supply, the neural ganglia and the ganglionic cells in and around the laryngeal nerves and in the laryngeal framework are demonstrated. Most of this innervations, however, is still unclear. In addition, we presented about external branch of superior laryngeal nerve and inferior laryngeal nerve. Discuss from the literature are also reported.

• 대한수의학회지
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• 제43권1호
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• pp.11-24
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• 2003

This experimental studies was to investigate the location of PNS and CNS labeled neurons following injection of 2% WGA-HRP and pseudorabies virus (PRY), Bartha strain, into the ductus deferens of rats. After survival times 4-5 days following injection of 2% WGA-HRP and PRV, the rats were perfused, and their brain, spinal cord, sympathetic ganglia and spinal ganglia were frozen sectioned ($30{\mu}m$). These sections were stained by HRP histochemical and PRY inummohistochemical staining methods, and observed with light microscope. The results were as follows ; 1. The location of sympathetic ganglia projecting to the ductus deferens were observed in pelvic ganglion, inferior mesenteric ganglion and L1-6 lwnbar sympathetic ganglia. 2. The location of spinal ganglia projecting to the ductus deferens were observed in T13-L6 spinal ganglia. 3. The PRY labeled neurons projecting to the ductus deferens were observed in lateral spinal nucleus, lamina I, II and X of cervical segments. In thoracic segments, PRY labeled neurons were observed in dorsomedial part of lamina I, II and III, and dorsolateral part of lamina IV and V. Densely labeled neurons were observed in intermediolateral nucleus. In first lumbar segment, labeled neurons were observed in intermediolateral nucleus and dorsal commisural nucleus. In sixth lumbar segment and sacral segments, dense labeled neurons were observed in sacral parasympathetic nuc., lamina IX and X. 4. In the medulla oblongata, PRV labeled neurons projecting to the ductus deferens were observed in the trigeminal spinal nuc., A1 noradrenalin cells/C1 adrenalin cells/caudoventrolateral reticular nuc., rostroventrolateral reticular nuc., area postrema, nuc. tractus solitarius, raphe obscurus nuc., raphe pallidus nuc., raphe magnus nuc., parapyramidal nuc., lateral reticular nuc., gigantocellular reticular nuc.. 5. In the pons, PRV labeled neurons projecting to the ductus deferens were ohserved in parabrachial nuc., Kolliker-Fuse nuc., locus cooruleus, subcooruleus nuc. and AS noradrenalin cells. 6. In midbrain, PRV labeled neurons projecting to the ductus deferens were observed in periaqueductal gray substance, substantia nigra and dorsal raphe nuc.. 7. In the diencephalon, PRV labeled neurons projecting to the ductus deferens were observed in paraventricular hypahalamic nuc., lateral hypothalamic nuc., retrochiasmatic nuc. and ventromedial hypothalamic nuc.. 8. In cerebrum, PRV labeled neurons projecting to the ductus deferens were observed in area 1 of parietal cortex. These results suggest that WGA-HRP labeled neurons of the spinal cord projecting to the rat ductus deferens might be the first-order neurons related to the viscero-somatic sensory and sympathetic postganglionic neurons, and PRV labeled neurons of the brain and spinal cord may be the second and third-order neurons response to the movement of smooth muscles in ductus deferens. These PRV labeled neurons may be central autonomic center related to the integration and modulation of reflex control linked to the sensory and motor system monitaing the internal environment. These observations provide evidence for previously unknown projections from ductus deferens to spinal cord and brain which may be play an important neuroanatornical basic evidence in the regulation of ductus deferens function.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제23권4호
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• pp.805-817
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• 2009

This study was to investigate central localization of neurons projecting to the urinary bladder and urinary bladder-related acupoints(Wijung, $BL_{40}$) and neurons of immunoreactive to hormones and hormone receptors regulating urinary bladder function by using peudorabies virus(PRV). In this experiment, Bartha's strain of pseudorabies virus was used in rats to trace central localization of urinary bladder-related neurons and urinary bladder-related acupoints($BL_{40}$) which can regulate urinary system. PRV was injected into the urinary bladder and acupoints($BL_{40}$) related urinary system. After six days survival of rats, mainly common labeled neurons projecting to the urinary bladder and urinary bladder-related acupoints were identified in spinal cord, medulla, pons and diencephalon by PRV immunohistochemical staining method. First-order PRV labeled neurons projecting to urinary bladder and urinary bladder-related acupoints were found in the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral spinal cord. Commonly labeled preganglionic neurons were labeled in the lumbosacral spinal cord and thoracic spinal cord. They were found in the lateral horn area(sacral parasympathetic nucleus and intermediolateral nucleus), lamina V-X, intermediomedial nucleus and dorsal column area. The area of sensory neurons projecting to urinary bladder and Wijung($BL_{40}$) was L5-S2 spinal ganglia and T12-L1 spinal ganglia, respectively. In the brainstem, the neurons were labeled most evidently and consistently in the nucleus of tractus solitarius, area postrema, dorsal motor nucleus of vagus nerve, reticular nucleus, raphe nuclei(obscurus, magnus and pallidus), C3 adrenalin cells, parapyramidal area(lateral paragigantocellular nucleus), locus coeruleus, subcoeruleus nucleus, A5 cell group, Barrington's nucleus and periaqueductal gray matter. In the diencephalon, PRV labeled neurons were marked mostly in the paraventricular nucleus and a few ones were in the lateral hypothalamic nucleus, posterior hypothalamic nucleus, ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus, arcuate nucleus, median eminence, perifornical nucleus, periventricular nucleus and suprachiasmatic nucleus. In cerebral cortex, PRV labeled neurons were marked mostly in the frontal cortex, 1,2 area, hind limb area, agranular insular cortex. Immunoreactive neurons to Corticotropin releasiing factor(CRF), Corticotropin releasiing factor-receptor(CRF-R), c-fos and serotonin were a part of labeled areas among the virus-labeled neurons of urinary bladder and Wijung($BL_{40}$). The commonly labeled areas were nucleus tractus solitarius, area postrema, reticular nucleus, raphe nuclei(obscurus, magnus and pallidus), locus coeruleus, A5 cell group, Barrington,s nucleus, arcuate nucleus, paraventricular nucleus, frontal cortex 1, 2 area, hind limb, and perirhinal(agranular insular) cortex. These results suggest that overlapped CNS locations are related with autonomic nuclei which regulate the functions of urinary bladder-relate organs and it was revealed by tracing PRV labeled neurons projecting urinary bladder and urinary bladder-related acupoints. These commonly labeled areas often overlap with the neurons connected with hormones and hormone receptors related to urination.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제63권1호
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• pp.78-82
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• 2007

대개 양성 고립성 신경초종의 경우 무증상으로 우연히 발견되며, 흉수로 인한 호흡곤란을 동반하는 증례는 매우 드물다. 저자들은 호흡곤란과 흉통을 주소로 내원하여 흉수를 동반한 양성 고립성 신경초종으로 진단된 2예를 경험하였기에 보고하는 바이다.