• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.599-604
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• 2000

$\beta$-Sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol have been known to the phytosterols the most frequently found in plants. Metabolism of phytosterols was investigated using rat feces and liver microsomes. Feces were collected after phytosterols (a well characterized mixture of $\beta$-sitosterol 40%, campesterol 30% and dihydrobrasicasterol) were administered orally (0.5 ${g/kg$) to rats. Metabolites of phytosterols were identified using GC/MS. Three peaks were eluted at 12.47, 12.65, 12.87 min and had characteristic molecular ions m/z 428, 430, 432, respectively. Three fecal metabolites were identified as androstadienedione, androstenedione, and androstanedione. No metabolites could be detected in the rat liver microsomal reaction mixture. The results suggest that the metabolites of phytosterols in rat feces are formed by oxidation at 3- position, saturation at 5- and 6- position, and 17- side chain cleavage in the rat large intestine.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.215-220
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• 1995

A simple, efficient and sensitive method was described for the simultaneous determination of catecholamine, indoleamine and related metabolites from the homogenates of the rat brain striatum by HPLC-ECD. The optimum mobile phase on a reverse phase $C_{18}$ column was 35mM sodium acetate buffer(included 10mM citric acid, 0.13mM $Na_4EDTA$, 0.58mM SOS, pH3-4):MeOH=85:15. The column temperature was $30^{\circ}C$. Dopamine(DA), 3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid(DOPAC), homovanilic acid(HVA), 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid(5-HIAA), serotonin(5-HT) and noradrenaline(NA) could be separated and analysed to very small amount. The detection limits of this method were 2~10pg per injection for all components. The effects of age and sex of rat on the contents of the catecholamines and their metabolites in rat brain striatum were studied. The levels of DA and 5-HT contents of the 7 week old female rats were higher than those of the 7 week old male rats. As the age of rat increases, the contents of DOPAC increased significantly.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.34 no.4 s.135
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• pp.314-317
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• 2003

Inhibitory effects of the whole extract and isolated compounds from the leaves of Vaccinium koreanum (Ericaceae) on rat lens aldose reductase (RLAR) and on platelet aggregation were investigated for the prevention or the treatment of chronic diabetic complications. Arbutin, isolated from n-butanol fraction of methanol extract, exhibited a potent inhibitory effects on rat platelet aggregation induced by ADP $(IC_{50}=0.12\;{\mu}M)$ and collagen $(IC_{50}=0.039\;{\mu}M)$ and showed same inhibitory activities with positive control, tetramethylene glutaric acid, on RLAR.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.97-106
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• 2007

The present study was attempted to investigate the effect of nicorandil, which is an ATP-sensitive potassium ($K_{ATP}$) channel opener, on secretion of catecholamines (CA) evoked by cholinergic stimulation and membrane depolarization from the isolated perfused rat adrenal glands. The perfusion of nicorandil ($0.3{\sim}3.0mM$) into an adrenal vein for 90 min produced relatively dose-and time-dependent inhibition in CA secretion evoked by ACh (5.32 mM), high $k^+$ (a direct membrane depolarizer, 56 mM), DMPP (a selective neuronal nicotinic receptor agonist, $100{\mu}M$ for 2 min), McN-A-343 (a selective muscarinic $M_1$ receptor agonist, $100{\mu}M$ for 4 min), Bay-K-8644 (an activator of L-type dihydropyridine $Ca^{2+}$ channels, $10{\mu}M$ for 4 min) and cyclopiazonic acid (an activator of cytoplasmic $Ca^{2+}$-ATPase, $10{\mu}M$ for 4 min). In adrenal glands simultaneously preloaded with nicorandil (1.0 mM) and glibenclamide (a nonspecific $K_{ATP}$-channel blocker, 1.0 mM), the CA secretory responses evoked by ACh, high potassium, DMPP, McN-A-343, Bay-K-8644 and cyclopiazonic acid were recovered to the considerable extent of the control release in comparison with that of nicorandil-treatment only. Taken together, the present study demonstrates that nicorandil inhibits the adrenal CA secretion in response to stimulation of cholinergic (both nicotinic and muscarinic) receptors as well as by membrane depolarization from the isolated perfused rat adrenal glands. It seems that this inhibitory effect of nicorandil may be mediated by inhibiting both $Ca^{2+}$ influx and the $Ca^{2+}$ release from intracellular store through activation of $K_{ATP}$ channels in the rat adrenomedullary chromaffin cells. These results suggest that nicorandil-sensitive $K_{ATP}$ channels may play an inhibitory role in the regulation of the rat adrenomedullary CA secretion.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.273-282
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• 2006

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of R-(-)-2,10,11-trihydroxy-N-propylnoraporphine [R-(-)-TNPA], a selective agonist of dopaminergic $D_2$ receptor and S(-)-raclopride, a selective antagonist of dopaminergic $D_2$ receptor, on the secretion of catecholamines (CA) evoked by cholinergic stimulation and membrane-depolarization in the isolated perfused model of the rat adrenal gland, and also to establish its mechanism of action. R-(-)-TNPA $(10{\sim}100\;{\mu}M)$ perfused into an adrenal vein for 60 min produced dose- and time-dependent inhibition in CA secretory responses evoked by ACh (5.32 mM), high $K^+$ (56 mM), DMPP $(100\;{\mu}M)$ and McN-A-343 $(100\;{\mu}M)$. R-(-)-TNPA itself did also fail to affect basal CA output. Also, in adrenal glands loaded with R-(-)-TNPA $(30\;{\mu}M)$, the CA secretory responses evoked by Bay-K-8644 $(10\;{\mu}M)$, an activator of L-type $Ca^2+$ channels and cyclopiazonic acid $(10\;{\mu}M)$, an inhibitor of cytoplasmic $Ca^{2+}-ATPase$ were also inhibited. However, S(-)-raclopride $(1{\sim}10\;{\mu}M)$, given into an adrenal vein for 60 min, enhanced the CA secretory responses evoked by ACh, high $K^+$, DMPP and McN-A-343 only for the first period (4 min), although it alone has weak effect on CA secretion. Moreover, S(-)-raclopride $(3.0\;{\mu}M)$ in to an adrenal vein for 60 min also augmented the CA release evoked by BAY-K-8644 and cyclopiazonic acid only for the first period (4 min). However, after simultaneous perfusion of R-(-)-TNP A $(30\;{\mu}M)$ and S(-)-raclopride $(3.0\;{\mu}M)$, the inhibitory responses of R(-)-TNPA $(30\;{\mu}M)$ on the CA secretion evoked by ACh, high $K^+$, DMPP, McN-A-343, Bay-K-8644, and cyclopiazonic acid were significantly reduced. Taken together, these experimental results suggest that R-(-)-TNPA greatly inhibits the CA secretion from the perfused rat adrenal medulla evoked by cholinergic stimulation (both nicotininc and muscarinic receptors) and membrane depolarization, but S(-)-raclopride rather enhances the CA release by them. It seems that this inhibitory of R-(-)-TNPA may be mediated by stimulation of inhibitory dopaminergic $D_2$ receptors located on the rat adrenomedullary chromaffin cells, while the facilitatory effect of S(-)-raclopride is due to the blockade of dopaminergic $D_2$ receptors, which are relevant to extra- and intracellular calcium mobilization. Therefore, it is thought that dopaminergic $D_2$ receptors may be involved in regulation of CA release in the rat adrenal medulla.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 1994.04a
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• pp.305-305
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• 1994

It has been shown that there are several subtypes of $\kappa$ opioid receptor, We have evaluated the properties of non-${\mu}$, non-$\delta$ binding of 〔$^3$H〕DIP, a nonselective opioid antagonist, in rat cortex membranes. Binding to ${\mu}$ and $\delta$ sites was inhibited by the use of an excess of competing selective agonists (DAMGO, DPDPE) for these sites. (-)Ethylketocyclazocine(EKC) inhibited 〔$^3$H〕DIP binding with Ki. of 70 nM. However, arylacetamides (U69593 and U50488H) gave little inhibition. Also, we have examined the opioid modulation of K$\^$+/(30 mM)-induced histamine release in rat frontal cortex slices labeled with 1-〔$^3$H〕histidine. The 〔$^3$H〕histamine release from cortex slices was inhibited by EKC, a $\kappa$$_1$-and $\kappa$$_2$-agonist, in a concentration-dependent manner(10 to 10,000 nM). The IC$\sub$50/ of EKC was 107 ${\pm}$ 6 nM. However, the $\delta$ receptor selective agonists, DPDPE and deltorphine II, ${\mu}$ receptor agonists, DAMGO and TAPS, $\kappa$$_1$-agonists, U69593 and U50488H, and $\varepsilon$-agonist, ${\beta}$-endorphin, did not inhibit histamine release even in micromoiar dose, indicating that ${\mu}$, $\delta$ or $\kappa$$_1$ receptors are not involved. The concentration-response curve of EKC was shifted to right in the presence of naloxone (300 nM), a ${\mu}$ preferential antagonist, norbinaltorphimine(300 nM), a $\kappa$$_1$ preferential antagonist and bremazocine(1 nM), a $\kappa$$_1$-agonist and $\kappa$$_2$-antagonist. These results suggest that $\kappa$$_2$ opioid receptor regulates histamine release in the frontal cortex of the rat.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.413-420
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• 2004

The objectives of present study were to investigate the effects of benzo[a]pyrene(BaP) on cytotoxicity, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in rat hepatocyte primary culture. Primary cultures of rat hepatocytes were incubated for 24 hr, 48 hr or 72 hr in the presence of various concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30, 50 or 100 $\mu.$ M) of BaP. Cytotoxicity and cell viability were determined by measuring glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase(GOT) activity, lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) activity and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide(MIT) value. Lipid peroxidation was evaluated using thiobarbituric acid reactive substances(TBARS) assay. Effects on antioxidant system were determined by measuring glutathione peroxidase(GPx) activity, glutathione reductase(GR) activity and glutathione concentration. Activities of GOT and LDH, MTT value as well as TBARS concentration were not affected by up to 100 $\muM$ of BaP for 24 hr incubation. However, BaP at the concentration of 50 $\muM$ for 48 hr incubation or at the concentration of 30 $\muM$ for 72 hr incubation began to increase LDH activity and TBARS concentration but decrease MTT value, representing that BaP caused cytotoxicity and decreased cell viability in dose- and time-dependent manners. GPx activity began to be decreased by BaP at the concentration of 50 $\muM$ for 72 hr incubation. Whereas, GR activity began to be decreased by BaP at the concentration of 20 $\muM$ for 72 hr incubation. Glutathione concentration began to be decreased by BaP at the concentration of 20 $\muM$ for 72 hr incubation and was further reduced to 90% by 100 $\muM$ of BaP. These results demonstrate that BaP caused cytoctoxicity and decreased cell viability by increasing lipid peroxidation and decreasing glutathione concentration as well as activities of GPx and GR.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 1998.11a
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• pp.146-146
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• 1998

The present study was designed to examine the effect of total ginseng saponin on contractile responses of vasoconstrictors in the rat aorta. Phenylephrine (an adrenergic ${\alpha}$$_1$-receptor agonist) and high potassium (a membrane depolarizing agent) caused greatly contractile responses in the rat aorta, respectively. However, in the presence of total ginseng saponin (600 $\mu\textrm{g}$/$m\ell$), the contractile responses of phenylephrine (10$\^$-5/ and 10$\^$-7/ M) and high potassium (3.5 ${\times}$ 10$\^$-2/ and 5.6 ${\times}$ 10$\^$-2/ M) were markedly potentiated whereas prostaglandin F$\sub$2${\alpha}$/ (5 ${\times}$ 10$\^$-6/ M)-induced contractile response was not affected. The contractile responses induced by phenylephrine (10$\^$-5/ M) and high potassium (3.5 ${\times}$ 10$\^$-2/ M) even in the presence of total ginseng saponin (600 $\mu\textrm{g}$/$m\ell$) were greatly inhibited by the pretreatment of nicardipine (10$\^$-6/ M), a calcium channel blocker. Taken together, these experimental results suggest that total ginseng saponin can enhance the contractile responses evoked by stimulation of adrenergic ${\alpha}$$_1$-receptor and the membrane depolarization in the rat aorta, which seems to be associated to calcium influx.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.47-52
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• 2003

The prostate gland contains numerous neuroendocrine cells that are believed to influence the function of the prostate gland. Our recent study demonstrated the expression of both ${\alpha}1$- and ${\alpha}2$-ARs, signaling the release of stored $Ca^{2+}$ and the inhibition of N-type $Ca^{2+}$ channels, respectively, in rat prostate neuroendocrine cells (RPNECs). In this study, the effects of NA on the resting membrane potential (RMP) of RPNECs were investigated using a whole-cell patch clamp method. Fresh RPNECs were dissociated from the ventral lobe of rat prostate and identified from its characteristic shape; round or oval shape with dark cytoplasm. Under zero-current clamp conditions with KCl pipette solution, the resting membrane potential (RMP) of RPNECs was between -35 mV and -85 mV. In those RPNECs with relatively hyperpolarized RMP (＜-60 mV), the application of noradrenaline (NA, $1{\mu}M$) depolarized the membrane to around -40 mV. In contrast, the RPNECs with relatively depolarized RMP (＞-45 mV) showed a transient hyperpolarization and subsequent fluctuation at around -40 mV on application of NA. Under voltage clamp conditions (holding voltage, -40 mV) with CsCl pipette solution, NA evoked a slight inward current (＜-20 pA). NA induced a sharp increase of cytosolic $Ca^{2+}$ concentration ($[Ca^{2+}]_c$), measured by the fura-2 fluorescence, and the voltage clamp study showed the presence of charybdotoxin-sensitive $Ca^{2+}$-activated $K^+$ currents. In summary, adrenergic stimulation induced either depolarization or hyperpolarization of RPNECs, depending on the initial level of RMP. The inward current evoked by NA and the $Ca^{2+}$-activated $K^+$ current might partly explain the depolarization and hyperpolarization, respectively.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.613-619
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• 2000

We investigated the expression profiles of rat fibrotic liver induced by bile duct ligation and scission (BDL/S) using the 3'-directed cDNA libraries. The possibility that the 3'-directed cDNA library represents the mRNA population faithfully was examined by northern blots. During the northern analysis based on fibrotic liver expression profile, we found for the first time that purine specific sodium nucleoside cotransporter (SPNT) was upregulated in BDL/S-induced fibrotic liver. To determine whether the accumulation of bile juice could affect the expression of SPNT mRNA or not, we examined the change of SPNT mRNA expression at 3, 14, 28 days after BDL/S operation. No change in SPNT expression was observed in rat liver at 3 days after surgery. In contrast, there were significant increases in SPNT expression at 14 and 28 days after surgery. We also examined whether chronic liver damage affected SPNT mRNA expression. SPNT mRNA level was significantly increased in BDL/S-induced fibrotic rat liver, whereas no significant change was obserbed in fibrotic livers chronically exposed to carbon tetrachloride or dimethylnitrosamine. From the above results, although further study might be needed, it was considered that the increment of SPNT mRNA in BDL/S liver morphological compatibility to human was remarkable.