• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.51-58
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• 2008

Cardiac fibroblasts constitute one of the largest cell populations in the heart, and contribute to structural, biochemical, mechanical and electrical properties of the myocardium. Nonetheless, their cardiac functions, especially electrophysiological properties, have often been disregarded in studies. $Ca^{2+}$-activated $K^+\;(K_{Ca})$ channels can control $Ca^{2+}$ influx as well as a number of $Ca^{2+}$-dependent physiological processes. We, therefore, attempted to identify and characterize $K_{Ca}$ channels in rat Cardiac fibroblasts. First, we showed that the cells cultured from the rat ventricle were cardiac fibroblasts by immunostaining for discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR-2), a specific fibroblast marker. Secondly, we detected the expression of various $K_{Ca}$ channels by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and found all three family members of $K_{Ca}$ channels, including large conductance $K_{Ca}$ (BK-${\alpha}1-\;and\;-{\beta}1{\sim}4$subunits), intermediate conductance $K_{Ca}$ (IK), and small conductance $K_{Ca}$ (SK$1{\sim}4$ subunits) channels. Thirdly, we recorded BK, IK, and SK channels by whole cell mode patch clamp technique using their specific blockers. Finally, we performed cell proliferation assay to evaluate the effects of the channels on cell proliferation, and found that the inhibition of IK channel increased the cell proliferation. These results showed the existence of BK, IK, and SK channels in rat ventricular fibroblasts and involvement of IK channel in cell proliferation.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.291-295
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• 2005

To define the effect of silica on the stimulator of signaling pathway, we studied the phospholipase D (PLD) activity in the Rat2 fibroblasts. Silica stimulated the accumulation of labeled $[^3H]$ phosphatidylethanol$([^3H]\;PEt)$ in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. This Silicainduced PLD activity was partially attenuated by the pretreatment with U73122 (phospholipase C inhibitor), genistein (protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor), PD 98056 (MEK inhibitor) and mepacrine (phospholipase $A_2$ inhibitor). But, sphingosine (protein kinase C inhibitor) and DPI (NADPH reductase inhibitor) had not effect the PLD activity. Silica also increased the PLD activity about four fold, which imply that the PLD activity is more influenced by the mobilization of PLD than other signaling mediators. The PLD activity also partially inhibited calcium chelator EGTA or/and BAPTA/AM compared to silica. Finally, we concluded that a silica-stimulated phospholipase D activity is present in the Rat2 fibroblasts and is modulated by combination of various signaling mediators.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.141-165
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• 1997

Radiation-impaired wound healing in animal experiments was believed to be an another logical experimental model to understand the wound healing mechanism in patients. The purpose of this study was to reveal the block point which would result in impaired healing. Twenty four rats(Sprague-Dawley strains) were divided into two groups according to the time interval between irradiation and wounding. Group I, observing the healing effect on the 1st day and Group II are the healing effects on the 7th days after irradiation to the wound of the rat tongue. Experimental animals were sacrificed 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours after wounding. The specimens were examined by the light microscope and transmission electron microscope. The following results were obtained 1. Fibroblasts in both groups showed degenerative changes which were dilated mitochondria and rER, reduced microorganelle, vacuoles and little cytoplasmic process. 2. Average length between bands and Quantity of the newly produced collagen fibers around fibroblasts remained unchanged against control group. 3. The severity of degenerative change of the fibroblast and impairment of wound healing including shortening of the thickness of collagen fibers were more severe in the group II than in the group I.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.192-209
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• 1995

The purpose of this study was to evaluate drug-loaded biodegradable membranes for guided tissue regeneration(GTR). The membranes were made by coating mesh of polyglycolic acid(PGA) with polylactic acid(PLA) containing 10% flurbiprofen or tetracycline. The thickness of membrane was $150{\pm}30{\mu}m$, and the pore size of surface was about $8{\mu}m$ in diameter. The release of drugs from the membrane was measured in vitro. Cytotoxity test for the membrane was performed by gingival fibroblast cell culture, and the tissue response was observed after implant of membrane into the dorsal skin of the rat for 8 wks. Ability to guided tissue regeneration of membranes were tested by measuring new bone in the calvarial defects(5mm in diameter) of the rat for 5 weeks. The amount of flurbiprofen and tetracycline released from membrane were about 30-60% during 7 days. Minimal cytotoxity was observed in the membrane except 20% drug containing membrane. In histologic finding of rat dorsal skin, many inflammatory cells were observed around e-PTFE, polyglactin 910 and PLAPGA membrane after 1 or 2 weeks. PLA-PGA membrane was perforated by connective tissue after 4 or 6 weeks, and divided as a segment at 8 weeks. In bone regeneration guiding potential test, tetracycline loaded membrane was most effective (p

• Toxicological Research
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.123-129
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• 2001

This study were carried out to investigate cytotoxicity of paraquat and bentazon that is scattering to farm products were essensial for human diet and compensatory effects of 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, The 5.0$\times$$10^4$ cell/ml of NIH 3T3 fibroblast in each well of 24 multidish were cultured. After 24 hours, the cells were treated with solution of paraquat and bentazon (1, 25, 50, 100 pM respectively). After the NIH 3T3 fibroblast of all groups were cultured in same condition for 48 hours, Sulfohordamin B Protein (SRB) assay were performed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of cell organelles. Paraquat and bentazon $SRB_50$ were 1860.73 $\mu\textrm{M}$, 1913.38 $\mu$M respectively. In vivo, Sprague Dawley male rats divided into paraquat and bentazon only administered group and simultaneous application group of paraquat and bentazon and 3-MC. At 30 min. and 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 96 hrs. interval after each treatment, the animals were sacrificed by decapitation and kidney were immediately removed, immersed in fixatives, and processed with routine method for light microscopic study. Paraffin sections were stained with H-E, PAM, and PAS. Under the light microscope, atrophic change of renal corpuscles were frequently observed from 3 hrs after paraquat and bentazon treatment. The increase of the mesangium was apparent from 12 hrs later after paraquat and bentazon treatment. Necrotic changes of the epithelium and loss of brush border of proximal tubules were most severe at 48 hrs after paraquat and bentazon treatment, respectively. In contrast there were no evidences of the toxic effects on renal tissues at 48hrs in paraquat and bentazon plus 3-MC treated groups.

• Proceedings of the PSK Conference
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• 2002.10a
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• pp.359.2-359.2
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• 2002

In the previous study, we reported that 2'-hydroxy-4'-methxoychalcone, synthetic chalcone inhibited PGE2 production in TPA- stimulated rat peritoneal macrophages by inhibiting the induction of COX-2 protein. The present study was carried out to clarify whether 2'-hydroxy-4'-methoxychalcone inhibit angiogenesis by the experimental methods in vitro and in vivo. 2'-Hydroxy-4'-methoxychalcone decreased angiogenesis of both chick embryos in the chorioallantoic membrane assay and basic fibroblast growth factor-induced vessel formation inthe mouse Martigel plug assay. (omitted)

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.17-35
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• 1998

Chitosan, with a chemical structure similar to hyaluronic acid, has been implicated as a wound healing agent. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effects of chitosan on the characteristics of periodontal ligament cells, calvaria cells and gingival fibroblasts and to define the effects of chitosan on bone formation in vitro. In control group, the cells were cultured alone with Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium contained with 10% Fetal bovine serum, 100unit/ml penicillin, $100{\mu}g/ml$ streptomycin, $0.5{\mu}g/ml$ amphotericin-B. In experimental group, chitosan($40{\mu}g/ml$) is added into the above culture condition. And then each group was characterized by examining the cell proliferation at 1,3,5,7,9,12,15 day, the amount of total protein synthesis, alkaline phosphatase activity at 3, 7 day and the ability to produce mineralized nodules of rat calvaria cell at 11 day. The results were as follows : 1. At early time both periodontal ligament cells and calvaria cells in chitosan-treated group proliferated more rapidly than in non-treated control group, but chitosan-treated group of periodontal ligament cells at 9 days and calvaria cells at 12days showed lower growth rate than control group. Gingival fibroblast in chitosan-treated group had lower growth rate than in control group but the difference was not statistically significant (P< 0.01).2. Both periodontal ligament cells and calvaria cells in chitosan-treated group showed much protein synthesis than in control group at 3 days, but showed fewer than in control group at 7 days. Amount of total protein synthesis of gingival fibroblast didn't have statistically significant difference among the two groups(P< 0.01). 3. At 3 and 7 days, alkaline phosphatase activity of periodontal ligament cells and calvaria cells was increased in chitosan-treated group, but at 7 days there was not statistically significant difference among the two groups of calvaria cells (P< 0.01). Alkaline phosphatase activity of gingival fibroblast didn't have statistically significant difference among the two groups(P<0.01). 4. Mineralized nodules in chitosan-treated group of rat calvaria cells were more than in control group. In summery, chitosan had an effect on the proliferation, protein systhesis, alkaline phosphatase activity of periodontal ligament cells and calvaria cells, and facilitated the formation of bone. It is thought that these effects can be used clinically in periodontal regeneration therapy.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.272-279
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• 2006

$\underline{Purpose}$: This study investigated the influence of irradiation and cisplatin on PrxI & PrxII expression and on their survival rates (SR) in SK-N-BE2C and Rat2 cell lines. $\underline{Materials\;and\;Methods}$: The amount of PrxI & PrxII production with or without N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) pretreatment was studied using a western blot after 20 Gy irradiation to determine the degree of inhibition of ROS accumulation. In addition, the amount of PrxI & PrxII production after cisplatin and after combination with cisplatin and 20 Gy irradiation was studied. The SRs of the cell lines in SK-N-BE2C and Rat 2 cells, applied with 20 Gy irradiation only, with various concentrations of cisplatin and with the combination of both, were studied. The 20 Gy irradiation-only group and the combination group were each subdivided according to NAC pretreatment, and corresponding SRs were observed at 2, 6, 12 and 48 hours after treatment. $\underline{Results}$: Compared with the control group, the amount of PrxI in SK-N-BE2C increased up to 60 minutes after irradiation and slightly increased after irradiation with NAC pretreatment 60 minutes. It did not increase in Rat2 after irradiation regardless of NAC pretreatment. PrxII in SK-N-BE2C and Rat2 was not increased after irradiation regardless of NAC pretreatment. The amounts of PrxI and PrxII in SK-N-BE2C and Rat2 were not increased either with the cisplatin-only treatment or the combination treatment with cisplatin and irradiation. SRs of irradiation group with or without NAC pretreatment and the combination group with or without NAC pretreatment were compared with each other in SK-N-BE2C and Rat2. SR was significantly high for the group with increased amount of PrxI, NAC pretreatment and lower the cisplatin concentration. SR of the group in SK-N-BE2C which had irradiation with NAC pretreatment tended to be slightly higher than the group who had irradiation without NAC pretreatment. SR of the group in Rat2 which had irradiation with NAC pretreatment was significantly higher than that the group which had irradiation without NAC pretreatment. Compared to the combination group, the irradiation-only group revealed statistically significant SR decrease with the maximal difference at 12 hours. However, at 48 hours the SR of the combination group was significantly lower than the irradiation-only group. $\underline{Conclusion}$: PrxI is suggested to be an antioxidant enzyme because the amount of PrxI was increased by irradiation but decreased pretreatment NAC, a known antioxidants. Furthermore, cisplatin may inhibit PrxI production which may lead to increase cytotoxicity of irradiation. The expression of PrxI may play an important role in cytotoxicity mechanism caused by irradiation and cisplatin.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.83-87
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• 1999

Since the blastocyst is broken and spreads out on a flat plastic culture dish (two dimensional culture) during in vitro development, it has been difficult to study the implantation process. It also has been difficult to analyse the interactions between endometrial epithelial and stromal cells because of the lack of a long-term in vitro model which can stimulate in vivo characteristics, as these cells eventually fail to proliferate or cease to express differentiated functions. Recently nontransformed cell lines, CUE-P and CUS-V2, derived from rat endometrial epithelium and stroma were reported. In this study, morphology of CUE-P and CUS-V2 was examined and oxytocin gene expression by CUE-P cells was demonstrated by RT-PCR. The CUE-P cells have a cuboidal morphology and CUS-V2 cells resemble fibroblast and exhibit a spindle-like morphology. In RT-PCR, same size of PCR products of oxytocin gene at hypothalamus, uterus and CUE-P cells were demonstrated. These results showed three dimensional culture system could be made by using the new cell lines.

• Proceedings of the Korea Society of Environmental Toocicology Conference
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• 2001.05a
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• pp.129-129
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• 2001

1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP), a soil fumigant against nematodes, is a genotoxic carcinogen and also is classified by World Wildlife Fund as endocrine disruptors. DBCP has been extensively studied on genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and damage in male reproductive-related organs. However, information on precise mechanism of mutagenesis and carcinogenesis of DBCP is yet unknown. (omitted)