• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.69-82
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• 2004

Objectives : In the present study, the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) applied to hand yang meridian on the ankle sprain model was examined. Methods & Results : A common source of persistent pain in humans is the lateral ankle sprain. To model this condition, the rat's right ankle was bent repeatedly, overextending lateral ligaments, for 4 min under halothane anesthesia. The rat subsequently showed swelling of the ankle and a reduced stepping force of the affected limb for the next several days. The reduced stepping force of the limb was presumably due to a painful ankle. EA was applied to the several acupuncture point on the contralateral forelimb for 30 min under gaseous anesthesia. After the termination of EA, behavioral tests measuring stepping force were periodically conducted during the next 4 h. EA applied to SI-6 point produced a significant improvement of stepping force of the sprained foot lasting for at least 2 h. However, neigher LI-4 point nor TE-3 point produced any significant increase of weight bearing force. The improvement of stepping pressure was interpreted as an analgesic effect. The analgesic effect was specific to the acupuncture point since the analgesic effect on the ankle sprain pain model could not be mimicked by EA applied to a nearby point, LI-4 or TE-3. The analgesic effect of EA applied to SI-6 was more powerful when EA was applied by low-frequency and high-intensity stimulation. In addition, this effect need to be stimulated more than 15 min. Conclusions : These data suggest that EA produces a potent analgesic effect on the ankle sprain pain model in the rat. This analgesic effect is produced by applying EA to a Tae-Yang meridian at opposite side from the painful area in a stimulus point-specific way.

• The Journal of Dong Guk Oriental Medicine
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.19-54
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• 1993

To see both $Sh{\grave{u}}nq{\grave{i}}daot{\acute{a}}nt{\bar{a}}ng$(dissipate phlegm and promote vital energy circulation) and $Hu{\grave{a}}y{\bar{u}}t{\bar{a}}ng$(blood circulation and disperse blood stasis) influencing on thrombosis, contusion-hyperemia, and hyperlipidemia, at first we measured the density of FDP, the quantity of fibrinogen, prothrombin time, and the number of platelet of rat taken thrombosis by endotoxin. Secondly we measured the increase-rate of "paw swelling", the number of platelet, the quantity of fibrinogen, and prothrombin time of rat taken contusion-hyperemia. And then we measured the quantity of total cholesterol in serum and of H.D.L-cholesterol and of triglyceride and of phospholipid and of ${\beta}-lipoprotein$, its weight, and the variation of the quantity of electrolyte of rat taken hyperlipidemia by the oral-injection of choleserol. As a result, we can conclude as follows : 1. Out of the test of thrombosis, we can recognize not only the noticeable increae of the number of platelet and the quantity of fibrinogen, but also the noticeable decrease of prothrombin time and the density of FDP in case of $Sh{\grave{u}}nq{\grave{i}}daot{\acute{a}}nt{\bar{a}}ng$-injected rat and $Hu{\grave{a}}y{\bar{u}}t{\bar{a}}ng$-injected rat. 2. Out of the test of contusion-hyperemia, we can recognize not only the noticeable increase of the number of platelet and the quantity of fibrinogen, but also the noticeable decrease of prothrombin time and "increase-rate of paw swelling" in case of $Sh{\grave{u}}nq{\grave{i}}daot{\acute{a}}nt{\bar{a}}ng$-injected rat and $Hu{\grave{a}}y{\bar{u}}t{\bar{a}}ng$-injected rat. 3. Out of the test of hyperlipidemia, at first we can recognize that test rat's weight increased as close as that of normal rat. And we can recognize the noticeable decrease of the triglyceride and phospholipid and ${\beta}-lipoprotein$." Also, in case of the variation of electrolyte we can recognize the decrease of calcium and potassium in $Sh{\grave{u}}nq{\grave{i}}daot{\acute{a}}nt{\bar{a}}ng$-injected rat, and of sodium and magnesium in $Hu{\grave{a}}y{\bar{u}}t{\bar{a}}ng$-injected rat. Thus, as the above-mentioned, in covering thrombosis, contusion-hypermia, and hyperlipidemia, the effect of $Sh{\grave{u}}nq{\grave{i}}daot{\acute{a}}nt{\bar{a}}ng$ and $Hu{\grave{a}}y{\bar{u}}t{\bar{a}}ng$ can be recognized. Granting that $Hu{\grave{a}}y{\bar{u}}t{\bar{a}}ng$ reveals its effectiveness in thrombosis and contusion-hyperemia, and $Sh{\grave{u}}nq{\grave{i}}daot{\acute{a}}nt{\bar{a}}ng$ in hyperlipidemia, it can be inferred that contusion-hyperemia is like "model of blood stasis form" as thrombosis and hyperlipidemia "phlegm-retention diseases form", and both phlegm-retention and blood stasis have correlation each other.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.261-265
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• 2013

Scutellaria barbata D. Don (S. barbata), a traditional Chinese medicine, is used to treat cancers, inflammation, and urinary diseases. This study aimed to determine any protective effects of S. barbata crude extract (CE-SB) against rat liver tumorigenesis induced by diethylnitrosamine (DENA). Liver malfunction indices in serum were measured by biochemical examination. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to examine liver pathology. Contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured in liver homogenates to evaluate oxidative stress. The levels of liver malfunction indices in the CE-SB groups, especially in the CE-SB high dose group, were lower than that of the model group (P<0.05). The results from histological examination indicated that the number of liver nodules in the CE-SB groups decreased compared with the model group (P<0.05). Content of MDA determined in liver was significantly decreased, and level of SOD elevated by CE-SB. CE-SB can inhibit experimental liver tumorigenesis and relieve hepatic injury in rats.

• 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.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.9
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• pp.4295-4300
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• 2012

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic potential of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) as a vaccine to induce an immune response and provide antitumor protection in a rat model. Methods: Cross-reactivity of antigens between hESCs and tumour cells was screened by immunohistochemistry. Fischer 344 rats were divided into 7 groups, with 6 rats in each, immunized with: Group 1, hESC; Group 2, pre-inactivated mitotic NuTu-19; Group 3 PBS; Group 4, hESC; Group 5, pre-inactivated mitotic NuTu-19; Group 6, PBS; Group 7, hESC only. At 1 (Groups 1-3) or 4 weeks (Groups 4-6) after the last vaccination, each rat was challenged intraperitoneally with NuTu-19. Tumor growth and animal survival were closely monitored. Rats immunized with H9 and NuTu-19 were tested by Western blot analysis of rat orbital venous blood for cytokines produced by Th1 and Th2 cells. Results: hESCs presented tumour antigens, markers, and genes related to tumour growth, metastasis, and signal pathway interactions. The vaccine administered to rats in Group 1 led to significant antitumor responses and enhanced tumor rejection in rats with intraperitoneal inoculation of NuTu-19 cells compared to control groups. In contrast, rats in Group 4 did not display any elevation of antitumour responses. Western blot analysis found cross-reactivity among antibodies generated between H9 and NuTu-19. However, the cytokines did not show significant differences, and no side effects were detected. Conclusion: hESC-based vaccination is a promising modality for immunotherapy of ovarian cancer.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.117-123
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• 2002

To investigate the antiinflammatory and analgesic effects of Sophorae radix extracts administered to the arthritic rat model, immunohistochemical stains for CGRP in the L4, L5 and L6 spinal cord and ganglia were done, and paw swelling thickness were measured. Complete Freund,s Adjuvant(CFA) were injected to subcutaneous tissue of left foot paw of rats to induce arthritis. Sophorae radix extracts was administered immediately after CFA injection for 10 days. The spinal cord and ganglia were frozen sectioned(30㎛). These sections were stained by CGRP immunohistochemical staining method, and observed with light microscope. The results were as follows : 1. The change of paw swelling thickness of experimental group decreased from 4 day to 10day after CFA injection compared to control group. 2. The change of differential leukocytes counts of experimental group increased the ratio of lymphocytes. and decreased the ratio of neutrophils compared to control group. 3. The change of CGRP immunoreactive nerve fiber of dorsal horn of experimental group was dense stained compared to control group. 4. The number of CGRP immunoreactive neurons of L4 and L5 spinal cord of experimental group was less than in those control group. These results suggested that Sophorae radix extracts reduces the number of CGRP immunoreactive neurons and nerve fibers of spinal cord and ganglia, and decrease paw swelling thickness in arthritic rat model, which may be closely related to analgesic and antiinflammatory effects of Sophorae radix.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.30-38
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• 2015

Objectives : The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of low level laser treatment (LLLT) on the gait behavior in the rat model of arthritis. Methods : Knee arthritis was induced by the injection of $125{\mu}l$ of Complete Freund's Adjuvant(CFA) into the right hind knee joint cavity. Arthritic rats were divided 3 groups; arthritis group was used for control(CON), 10 min of laser treated group(LSR10), and 30 min of laser treated group(LSR30). LLLT was applied to KI 1 for 11 times under gaseous anesthesia. We performed several analyses under catwalk test including stand and swing time, duty cycle of paw steps, intensity and print area of steps, and stride length. Results : Stand and duty cycle of paw steps were increased significantly at 12 days after arthritis induction in LSR30 group. Swing time was decreased significantly at 12 days after arthritis induction in LSR10 group. In the analysis of intensity, print area and stride length, however, results did not show statistical significance during the time point of experiments. Conclusions : The data suggest that LLLT on the rat model of CFA induced arthritis showed beneficial effects by increase of stand time and duty cycle of paw steps and decrease of swing time. Therefore, LLLT could be useful option to improve gait discomfort in arthritis patients.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.43-54
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• 2009

Objectives : To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Prunella vulgaris pharmacopuncture in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory rat model. Methods : Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups; normal control (n=8), LPS control (n=8), LPS+Prunella vulgaris pharmacopuncture at CV4 (CV4, n=8), LPS+Prunella vulgaris pharmacopuncture at ST36 (ST36, n=8), and LPS+Prunella vulgaris pharmacopuncture at CV12 (CV12, n=8). Pharmacopuncture was given every two days for 4 weeks followed by inflammation induction by peritoneal LPS injection (5mg/kg). Proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$ (TNF-$\alpha$), interleukin-10 (IL-10), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) from blood and liver tissue were compared before and 5 hrs after inflammation induction. Results : In CV4 and CV12 groups, plasma IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6 and TNF-$\alpha$ levels increased by LPS injection, significantly decreased 5 hrs after injection (p<0.05). For CV12 group, plasma IL-10 concentration significantly increased (p<0.05). Liver IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 levles significantly decreased in CV4 and CV12 groups (P<0.05), while normal and LPS control groups were not significantly different in TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-10 levels. Plasma TBARS concentration was significantly decreased in CV12 group, while there was no significant difference among LPS control and pharmacopuncture groups for liver TBARS concentration. Conclusions : Based on the present findings, Prunella vulgaris pharmacopuncture at CV12 may have a potentially preventive anti-inflammatory effect in an LPS-induced inflammatory rat model.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.205-213
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• 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Myocardial infarction (MI) is caused by extensive myocardial damage attributed to the occlusion of coronary arteries. Our previous study in a rat model of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) demonstrated that administration of arabinoxylan (AX), comprising arabinose and xylose, protects against myocardial injury. In this study, we undertook to investigate whether psyllium seed husk (PSH), a safe dietary fiber containing a high level of AX (> 50%), also imparts protection against myocardial injury in the same rat model. MATERIALS/METHODS: Rats were fed diets supplemented with PSH (1, 10, or 100 mg/kg/d) for 3 d. The rats were then subjected to 30 min ischemia through ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, followed by 3 h reperfusion through release of the ligation. The hearts were harvested and cut into four slices. To assess infarct size (IS), an index representing heart damage, the slices were stained with 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC). To elucidate underlying mechanisms, Western blotting was performed for the slices. RESULTS: Supplementation with 10 or 100 mg/kg/d of PSH significantly reduces the IS. PSH supplementation (100 mg/kg/d) tends to reduce caspase-3 generation and increase BCL-2/BAX ratio. PSH supplementation also upregulates the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), and its target genes including antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione S-transferase mu 2 (GSTM2) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2). PSH supplementation upregulates some sirtuins ($NAD^+$-dependent deacetylases) including SIRT5 (a mitochondrial sirtuin) and SIRT6 and SIRT7 (nuclear sirtuins). Finally, PSH supplementation upregulates the expression of protein kinase A (PKA), and increases phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) (pCREB), a target protein of PKA. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study indicate that PSH consumption reduces myocardial I/R injury in rats by inhibiting the apoptotic cascades through modulation of gene expression of several genes located upstream of apoptosis. Therefore, we believe that PSH can be developed as a functional food that would be beneficial in the prevention of MI.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.13-23
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• 2008

The aim of the present study was designed to establish comparatively the inhibitory effects of $D_1$-like and $D_2$-like dopaminergic receptor agonists, SKF81297 and R(-)-TNPA on the release of catecholamines (CA) evoked by cholinergic stimulation and membrane depolarization from the isolated perfused model of the rat adrenal medulla. SKF81297 $(30{\mu}M)$ and R-(-)-TNPA $(30{\mu}M)$ perfused into an adrenal vein for 60 min, produced great inhibition in the CA secretory responses evoked by ACh $(5.32{\times}10^{-3}\;M)$, DMPP $(10^{-4}\;M)$, McN-A-343 $(10^{-4}\;M)$, high $K^+$ $(5.6{\times}10^{-2}\;M)$, Bay-K-8644 $(10{\mu}M)$, and cyclopiazonic acid $(10{\mu}M)$, respectively. For the release of CA evoked by ACh, high $K^+$, DMPP, McN-A-343, Bay-K-8644 and cyclopiazonic acid, the following rank order of inhibitory potency was obtained: SKF81297>R-(-)-TNPA. However, R(+)-SCH23390, a selectve $D_1$-like dopaminergic receptor antagonist, and S(-)-raclopride, a selectve $D_2$-like dopaminergic receptor antagonist, enhanced the CA secretory responses evoked by ACh, high $K^+$, DMPP, McN-A-343, Bay-K-8644 and cyclopiazonic acid only for $0{\sim}4$ min. The rank order for the enhancement of CA release evoked by high $K^+$, McN-A-343 and cyclopiazonic acid was R(+)-SCH23390>S(-)-raclopride. Also, the rank order for ACh, DMPP and Bay-K-8644 was S(-)-raclopride > R(+)-SCH23390. Taken together, these results demonstrate that both SKF81297 and R-(-)-TNPA inhibit the CA release evoked by stimulation of cholinergic (both nicotinic and muscarinic) receptors and the membrane depolarization from the isolated perfused rat adrenal gland without affecting the basal release, respectively, but both R(+)-SCH23390 and S(-)-raclopride facilitate the CA release evoked by them. It seems likely that the inhibitory effects of SKF81297 and R-(-)-TNPA are mediated by the activation of $D_1$-like and $D_2$-like dopaminergic receptors located on the rat adrenomedullary chromaffin cells, respectively, whereas the facilitatory effects of R(+)-SCH23390 and S(-)-raclopride are mediated by the blockade of $D_1$-like and $D_2$-like dopaminergic receptors, respectively: this action is possibly associated with extra- and intracellular calcium mobilization. Based on these results, it is thought that the presence of dopaminergic $D_1$ receptors may play an important role in regulation of the rat adrenomedullary CA secretion, in addition to well-known dopaminergic $D_2$ receptors.