• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.382-385
• /
• 2006

To know the effect of water treatment sludge (WTS) as a rice seedling culture soil, rice seeds are sown, germinated and grown on the culture soils mixed with different ratios of WTS to sand (100:0, 50:50, 30:70, respectively), and their growth effects was compared to that of control, commercial culture soil. When WTS is used as a culture soil for rice, the length and weight of the top part of rice seedling somewhat decreased than those of control treatment while their root length and weight in all WTS treatments significantly increased. Although phosphorus and potassium uptake of rice seedling in WTS treatments was slightly decreased, WTS treatment showed to develop root growth which is necessary in the seedling stage of all plane. Such a stimulatory effect on root growth of rice seedling was significant in the mixture ratio of 50% WTS to 50% sand.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• v.3 no.6
• /
• pp.631-640
• /
• 1999

The present study investigated the stimulatory effects of iron (or ascorbate) on cyclosporine-induced kidney mitochondrial damage. Damaging effect of $50\;{\mu}M$ cyclosporine plus $20\;{\mu}M\;Fe^{2+}$ on mitochondrial lipids and proteins of rat kidney and hyaluronic acid was greater than the summation of oxidizing action of each compound alone, except sulfhydryl oxidation. Cyclosporine and $100\;{\mu}M$ ascorbate showed an enhanced damaging effect on lipids but not on proteins. The peroxidative action of cyclosporine on lipids was enhanced with increasing concentrations of $Fe^{2+}.$ Ferric ion $(20\;{\mu}M)$ also interacted with cyclosporine to stimulate lipid peroxidation. Damaging action of cyclosporine on mitochondrial lipids was enhanced by ascorbate $(100\;{\mu}M\;and\;1\;mM)$. Iron chelators, DTPA and EDTA, attenuated carbonyl formation induced by cyclosporine plus ascorbate. Cyclosporine $(100\;{\mu}M)$ and $50\;{\mu}M\;Fe^{2+}$ $(or\;100\;{\mu}M\;ascorbate)$ synergistically stimulated degradation of $2-{\alpha}$ deoxyribose. Cyclosporine $(1\;to\;100\;{\mu}M)$ reduced ferric ion in a dose dependent manner, which is much less than ascorbate action. Addition of $Fe^{2+}$ caused a change in absorbance spectrum of cyclosporine in $230{\sim}350$ nm of wavelengths. The results show that cyclosporine plus iron (or ascorbate) exerts an enhanced damaging effect on kidney mitochondria. Iron and ascorbate appear to promote the nephrotoxicity induced by cyclosporine.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• v.8 no.3
• /
• pp.161-165
• /
• 2004

Exogenous carbon monoxide (0.2%) increases L-type calcium $(Ca^{2+})$ current in human jejunal circular smooth muscle cells. The stimulatory effect of carbon monoxide (CO) on L-type $Ca^{2+}$ current is inhibited by pre-application of L-NNA, a classical competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) with no significant isoform selectivity (Lim, 2003). In the present study, we investigated which isoform of NOS affected CO induced stimulation of L-type $Ca^{2+}$ current in human jejunal circular smooth muscle cells. Cells were voltage clamped by whole-cell mode patch clamp technique, and membrane currents were recorded with 10 mM barium as the charge carrier. Before the addition of CO, cells were pretreated with each inhibitor of three NOS isoforms for 15 minutes. CO-stimulating effect on L-type $Ca^{2+}$ current was partially blocked by N-(3-(Amino-methyl) benzyl) acetamidine 2HCl (1400W, an iNOS inhibitor). On the other hand, 3-bromo-7-nitroindazole (BNI, a nNOS inhibitor) or $N^5-(1-Iminoethyl)-L-ornithine$ dihydrochloride (L-NIO, an eNOS inhibitor) completely blocked the CO effect. These data suggest that low dose of exogenous CO may stimulate all NOS isoforms to increase L-type $Ca^{2+}$ channel through nitric oxide (NO) pathway in human jejunal circular smooth muscle cells.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
• /
• v.43 no.4
• /
• pp.563-571
• /
• 2003

Dysfunction of mesangial cells has been contributed to the onset of diabetic nephropathy. Insulin like growth factors (IGFs) are also implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. However, it is not yet known about the effect of high glucose on IGF-I and IGF-II secretion in the mesangial cells. Furthermore, the relationship between cAMP and high glucose on the secretion of IGFs was not elucidated. Thus, we examined the mechanisms by which high glucose regulates secretion of IGFs in mesangial cells. Glucose increased IGF-I secretion in a time- (>8 hr) and dose- (>15 mM) dependent manner (p<0.05). Stimulatory effect of high glucose on IGF-I secretion is predominantly observed in 25 mM glucose (high glucose), while 25 mM glucose did not affect cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase release. High glucose also increased IGF-II secretion. The increase of IGF-I and IGF-II secretion is not mediated by osmotic effect, since mannitol and L-glucose did not affect IGF-I and IGF-II secretion. 8-Br-cAMP mimicked high glucose-induced secretion of IGF-I and IGF-II. High glucose-induced stimulation of IGF-I and IGF-II secretion was blocked not by pertussis toxin but by SQ 22536 (adenylate cyclase inhibitor). Rp-cAMP (cAMP antagonist), and myristoylated protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor amide 14-22 (protein kinase A inhibitor). These results suggest that cAMP/PKA pathways independent of Gi protein may mediate high glucose-induced increase of IGF-I and IGF-II secretion in mesangial cells. Indeed, glucose (>15 mM glucose) increased cAMP formation. In conclusion, high glucose stimulates IGF-I and IGF-II secretion via cAMP/PKA pathway in mesangial cells.

• Environmental Mutagens and Carcinogens
• /
• v.24 no.4
• /
• pp.163-170
• /
• 2004

CYP1B1 enzyme metabolize PAHs and estradiol. CYP1B1 metabolize estradiol to 4-hydroxyestradiol that is considered as carcinogenic metabolite. Luciferase activity was induced about 20 folds over that control by 1 nM TCDD (2,3,7,8-tetrchlorodibenzo-p-dioxin) and these inductions were dose-dependent. Recent industrialized society, human hasbeen widely been exposed to widespread environmental contaminants such as PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) that are originated from the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. PAHs are known to be ligands of the AhR (aryl hydrocarbon receptor). Induction of cytochrome P4501B1(CYP1B1) in cell culture is widely used as a biomarket for PAHs. Therefore we have studied the effect of PAHs in the human breast cancer cells MCF-7 to evaluate bioactivity of PAHs. Cytochrome P4501B1(CYP1B1) is known to be inducible by xenobiotic compounda such as policyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and dioxins such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin(TCDD). And these induction of CYP1B1 is also regulated by many categories of chemicals. In order to investigate the effects of several chemicals on CYP1B1 gene expression in luciferase gene, and then transfected into these cells. After treatment of chemicals, the luciferase activity was measured. We examined effects of PAHs on the CYP1B1-lucifrease reporter gene and CYP1B1 mRNA level. Benzo(k)fluoranthene showed strong response to CYP1B1 promoter activity stimulation, and also CYP1B1 mRNAs increase in MCF-7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. flvonoids such as genistein decreased B(k)F induced luciferase activity at low concentration. it exhibited stimulatory effect at high concentration.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
• /
• v.59 no.5
• /
• pp.207-214
• /
• 2015

P2Y receptors, a type of P2 receptor family, are G-protein coupled receptors and 8 subtypes have been characterized ($P2Y_1$, $P2Y_2$, $P2Y_4$, $P2Y_6$, $P2Y_{11-14}$). Recently, several studies have shed light on the role of P2Y receptors in bone biology. Among them, little is known on the role of $P2Y_6$ receptor on osteoclast differentiation. Thus, we investigated the role of $P2Y_6$ receptor on osteoclastogenesis using $P2Y_6$ receptor selective antagonist, MRS 2578. When osteoblasts and bone marrow cells were co-cultured in the presence of $VitD_3$ and $PGE_2$, $P2Y_6$ antagonist increased the formation of TRAP positive osteoclasts. To elucidate the target cells of $P2Y_6$ antagonist, we first checked the effect of MRS 2578 on osteoblasts. Treatment of MRS 2578 did not affect OPG : RANKL mRNA ratio in osteoblasts. Next, we checked the effects of $P2Y_6$ antagonist on osteoclast precursors using mouse bone marrow macrophages (BMMs). Addition of MRS 2578 increased the number of osteoclasts in RANKL-treated BMMs. Although $P2Y_6$ antagonist had no effect on RANKL-induced NFATc1, c-Fos and MafB expression levels, it significantly stimulated RANKL-induced Blimp1 mRNA expression in BMMs. Taken together, these data indicate that $P2Y_6$ antagonist increases osteoclast formation by upregulation of Blimp1 expression.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.21-28
• /
• 1980

In order to investigate the effect of cholinergic substance on the electrical and the mechanical activities of the stomach muscle, 10 isolated cat stomachs were studied. At various sites of a stomach muscle preparation, the electrical activity was monopolarly recorded by using capillary electrodes containing chlorided silver wires, and the isometric contractile activity was recorded simultaneously at the terminal portion of the antrum in Krebs solution$(36^{\circ}C)$ which was aerated with a gas mixture consisting of 95% $O_2$ and 5% $CO_2$. The recording of these activities were performed before (control period) and after acetylcholine$(10^{-5}M)$ and atropine $(10^{-6}M)$ administrations serially. Following results were obtained: 1) The mean frequency of the slow wave was $4.36{\pm}0.22\;cycles/min$ at all the various sites of the cat stomach. The slow wave was propagated caudad in sequence and its velosity of propagation increased as the slow wave approached the pylorus in normal Krebs solution. 2) After acetylcholine administration, the frequency of the slow wave increased transiently and the increase of slow wave frequency was followed by the isometric contraction of antral muscle in association with the second potential which succeeded the slow wave. 3) By atropine administration, the stimulatory effect of acetylcholine on the antral muscle contraction was abolished completely, and the frequency of the slow wave decreased significantly compared with that of the control period, which tendency was more prominent in the antrum. The above results suggest that the transient increase in the frequency of gastric slow wave by acetylcholine may have some influence upon the contraction mechanism of the cat antral muscle.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
• /
• v.31 no.2
• /
• pp.219-231
• /
• 1995

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide(VIP) and ${\beta}-adrenergic$ agonists have immunomodultory effects on the peripheral blood T-lymphocytes of rat through their own receptors. Both of them utilize the same signal transduction pathway. That is, the stimulatory guanine nucleotide binding protein(G protein) mediates the receptor-adenylyl cyclase coupling, producing intracellular increase of cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP). In the previous experiment, propranolol, a ${\beta}-adrenergic$ receptor blocker, inhibited the VIP-induced protein phosphorylation in lymphocytes. However, propranolol could not block the effect induced by forskolin. Therefore, this study was designed to elucidate the mechanism of the inhibitory action of propranolol on the effects of VIP. Using peripheral blood lymphocytes of rats, the effect of propranolol on the receptor binding characteristics of VIP was observed. And the effects of propranolol were compared to the effects of timolol on the cAMP increase induced by isoproterenol, VIP or forskolin. The results obtained are as follows. 1) Receptor binding study showed no significant differences in the affinity or density of VIP receptor between the control and propranolol-pretreated groups. 2) VIP-induced increase of cAMP was inhibited by propranolol, but not by timolol. 3) Both propranolol and timolol suppressed the isoproterenol-induced cAMP increase. 4) Propranolol also inhibited the histamine-induced cAMP increase. 5) Propranolol did not inhibit the increase of cAMP stimulated by forskolin. 6) Lidocaine did not block the VIP-induced cAMP increase. These results show that the inhibitory mechanism of propranolol is not related to ${\beta}-adrenergic$ receptor or its membrane stabilizing effect, and it is suggested that propranolol can block the effects of VIP by inhibiting the intermediate step between the VIP receptor and adenylyl cyclase.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• v.6 no.5
• /
• pp.261-267
• /
• 2002

The aim of the present study was to investigate the interaction of $estradiol-17{\beta}-bovine$ serum albumin $(E_2-BSA)$ and calcitropic hormones, such as parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, and vitamin D, in regulation of $Ca^{2+}$ uptake in primary cultured renal proximal tubule cells. Statistically significant increase in $Ca^{2+}$ uptake was found from 2 hours after $(E_2-BSA)\;(10^{-9}\;M)$ treatment, while $estradiol-17{\beta}\;(10^{-9}\;M)$ did not affect. Treatment of the cells with $(E_2-BSA)\;(10^{-9}\;M)$ together with parathyroid hormone (PTH) $(10^{-8}\;M),$ vitamin D $(10^{-8}\;M),$ or calcitonin $(10^{-8}\;M)$ significantly stimulated $Ca^{2+}$ uptake by 32.50%, 29.30%, or 27.75%, respectively, compared with the control. However, calcitropic hormones did not exhibit any synergistic effect on the E2-BSA-induced stimulation. $E_2-BSA$ significantly increased cAMP generation and PKC activity. The stimulatory effect of cotreatment of $E_2-BSA$ and PTH or vitamin D was blocked by SQ22536 (an adenylate cyclase inhibitor) and staurosporine (a PKC inhibitor), but the effect of cotreatment of $E_2-BSA$ and calcitonin was not blocked. Furthermore, 8-Br-cAMP and TPA (an artificial PKC promoter) increased $Ca^{2+}$ uptake by 25.51% and 16.47%, respectively, compared with the control. In conclusion, $E_2-BSA$ combined with calcitropic hormones regulated $Ca^{2+}$ uptake partially via cAMP and PKC-dependent mechanisms in renal proximal tubule cells.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
• /
• v.17 no.6
• /
• pp.1327-1331
• /
• 2008

In order to determine whether peach contains compounds to regulate adipocyte differentiation, extracts of flesh/pericarp of yellow/white peach were prepared in water, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), or n-butanol solvent and determined for effects on adipocyte differentiation in C3H10T1/2 or 3T3-L1 cells. Interestingly, none of peach extracts has statistically significant stimulatory effect on the adipocyte differentiation in C3H10T1/2. Furthermore, the presence of EtOAc extract of white peach pericarp (WPP) was found to inhibit lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells both by microscopic examination of Oil Red O-stained lipid droplets and by spectrophotometric quantification of extracted stain, indicating a significant inhibitory effect on adipocyte differentiation. The inhibition of lipid accumulation was accompanied by a significant decrease in the expression levels of adipocyte molecular markers-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor $\gamma$, CAAT enhancer binding protein $\alpha$, and fatty acid-binding protein. Thus, this study determined that WPP EtOAc extract contains the inhibitory compound(s) on adipogenesis.