• Molecules and Cells
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• v.46 no.8
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• pp.461-469
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• 2023

The tail of the striatum (TS) is located at the caudal end in the striatum. Recent studies have advanced our knowledge of the anatomy and function of the TS but also raised questions about the differences between rodent and primate TS. In this review, we compare the anatomy and function of the TS in rodent and primate brains. The primate TS is expanded more caudally during brain development in comparison with the rodent TS. Additionally, five sensory inputs from the cortex and thalamus converge in the rodent TS, but this convergence is not observed in the primate TS. The primate TS, including the caudate tail and putamen tail, primarily receives inputs from the visual areas, implying a specialized function in processing visual inputs for action generation. This anatomical difference leads to further discussion of cellular circuit models to comprehend how the primate brain processes a wider range of complex visual stimuli to produce habitual behavior as compared with the rodent brain. Examining these differences and considering possible neural models may provide better understanding of the anatomy and function of the primate TS.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.71-78
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• 2014

Objectives : This study evaluates the neuroprotective effects of Sopung-tang, a mixture of Notopterygii Rhizoma, Saposhnikoviae Radix, Angelicae Gigantis Radix, Cnidii Rhizoma, Hoelen, Aurantii Nobilis Pericarpium, Pinelliae Tuber, Linderae Radix, Angelicae Dahuricae Radix, Cyperi Rhizoma, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Asari Radix, Glycyrrhizae Radix on the cerebral infarct combined with hyperlipidemia. Method : The hyperlipidemia was induced by the beef tallow 30% diet for 14 days on Sprague-Dawley rats. The cerebral infarct was induced by the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2 hours with intraluminal thread method. Then the water extract of Sopung-tang was administered a day for 5 days at 3 hours after the cerebral infarct by MCAO. Effect of Sopung-tang was evaluated with the infarct volume and edema percentage by a TTC-stained brain section, and the expressions of Bax and Bcl-2 in the brain tissue by a immunohistochemical stain method. Results : Sopung-tang reduced the infarct size partly in a TTC-stained brain section of the hyperlipidemic MCAO rats. Sopung-tang reduced the infarct volume of the hyperlipidemic MCAO rats significantly. Sopung-tang reduced the edema percentage of the hyperlipidemic MCAO rats, but not significant statistically. Sopung-tang suppressed the Bax expressions in the cerebral penumbra and caudate putamen of the hyperlipidemic MCAO rats significantly. Sopung-tang upregulated the Bcl-2 expression in the caudate putamen of the hyperlipidemic MCAO rats. Conclusion : These results suggest that Sopung-tang plays an anti-apoptotic neuroprotective effect through the suppression of Bax and up-regulation of Bacl-2 expressions in the brain tissues.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.33-43
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• 2008

Objectives : Sunghyangjungki-san(Xingxiangzhengqi-san) is a herb decoction prescribed frequently for stroke patients. The present study investigated neuroprotective effects of Sunghyangjungki-san(Xingxiangzhengqi-san) against the ischemic damage of the rat brain. Neuronal cell death under the cerebral ischemia is distinguished with the delayed cell death through apoptosis. Consequently, the effects of Sunghyangjungki-san(Xingxiangzhengqi-san) was evaluated with Bax and Bcl-2 expressions as apoptosis related factors in the brain tissues. Methods : The ischemic damage was induced by the middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO) method in Sprague-Dawley rats. Water extract of Sunghyangjungki-san(Xingxiangzhengqi-san) was treated for 5 days after the MCAO. Neurological scores and infarct size with TTC were measured. Bax and Bcl-2 expressions in the brain tissues were observed with immunohistochemistry. Results : Sunghyangjungki-san(Xingxiangzhengqi-san) treatment improved neurological score significantly at 5 days after the MCAO. Sunghyangjungki-san(Xingxiangzhengqi-san) treatment decreased infarct size by the MCAO, but it was not significant statistically. Sunghyangjungki-san(Xingxiangzhengqi-san) treatment attenuated Bax positive neurons significantly in the cerebral penumbra and the caudate putamen. Bcl-2 positive neurons were increased, but not significant. Sunghyangjungki-san(Xingxiangzhengqi-san) treatment increased Bcl-2/Bax expression ratios significantly in the cerebral penumbra and the caudate putamen. Conclusions : These results suggest that Sunghyangjungki-san(Xingxiangzhengqi-san) has a neuroprotective effect on the stroke with modulation of apoptosis related factors.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.179-187
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• 2008

Objectives & Methods : This study was to investigate effect of low frequency electroacupuncture on NADPH-d positive neurons in the brain cortex of rat with adjuvant induced rheumatoid arthritis. Experimental groups were divided into 6 groups ; Normal, Control, $ST_{36}$, $SP_9$, $ST_{36}+SP_9$ and Non-Acupoint. Normal group, non-arthritic group, was injected normal saline, and the other groups were injected FCA. Each acupoint groups were treated by 2Hz electroacupuncture at each acupoints and NA group was treated by 2Hz electroacupuncture at non-acupoint. Each groups were evaluated by the number of NADPH-d positive neurons in primary somatosensory area(S1), secondary somatosensory area(S2), motor area and caudate putamen by using an image analyzer and a microscope. Results : 1. In S1, the number of NADPH-d positive neuron cells in the $ST_{36}$ group were significantly(p<0.05) increased compared with the control group. 2. In S2, the number of NADPH-d positive neuron cells in all electroacupuncture groups were not significantly changed compared with the control group. 3. In motor area, the number of NADPH-d positive neuron cells in $ST_{36}$ group, $SP_9$ group, NA group were significantly(p<0.05) increased compared with the control group. 4. In Caudate putamen, the number NADPH-d positive neuron cells in all electroacupuncture groups were significantly(p<0.05) decreased compared with the control group. Conclusions : Our result demonstrated that low frequency electroacupuncture on $ST_{36}$ & $SP_9$ normalized expression of NADPH-d positive neurons in the brain cortex of the rheumatoid arthritis model in rats.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.818-824
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• 2009

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of purgation therapy with Natrii sulfas, a therapy for stroke patients with constipation in the oriental medicine, on the ischemic brain damage of the rats. The ischemic brain damage was induced by the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), Natrii sulafas was administered once after the MCAO. After 48 hours, expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, c-Fos, and HSP72 on the brain tissues were observed by immunohistochemistrical methods or technique. Purgation therapy with Natrii sulfas attenuated the excess of Bax expression caused by the ischemic brain damage. It was significant statistically in the penumbra of cerebral cortex, but not in the caudate putamen, of the MCAO rats. Purgation therapy with Natrii sulfas did not attenuate the excess of Bcl-2 expression caused by the ischemic brain damage. Purgation therapy with Natrii sulfas did not attenuate the excess of c-Fos expression caused by the ischemic brain damage. Purgation therapy with Natrii sulfas attenuated the excess of HSP72 expression caused by the ischemic brain damage. It was significant statistically in the penumbra of cerebral cortex, but not in the caudate putamen, of the MCAO rats. These results suggest that purgation therapy with Natrii sulfas has a neuroprotective effect on the ischemic brain damage and an anti-apoptotic effect.

• Proceedings of the Ginseng society Conference
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• 2002.10a
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• pp.96-112
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• 2002

In the present study, we have investigated the effects of centrally administered ginsenoside Rc or Rgl on the modulation of NMDA receptor and $GABA_A$ receptor binding in rat brain. The NMDA receptor binding was analyzed by quantitative autoradiography using $[^3H]MK-801$ binding, and $GABA_A$ receptor bindings were analyzed by using $[^3H]muscimol\;and\;[^3H]flunitrazepam$ in rat brain slices. Rats were infused with ginsenoside Rc or Rg1 ($10\;{\mu}g/10{\mu}l/hr$, i.c.v.) for 7 days, through pre-implanted cannula by osmotic minipumps (Alzet, model 2ML), The levels of $[^3H]MK-801$ binding were highly decreased in part of cortex and cingulated by ginsenoside Rc and Rgl. The levels of $[^3H]muscimol$ binding were strongly elevated in almost all regions of frontal cortex by the treatment of ginseoside Rc but decreased by ginsenoside Rg 1. However, the $[^3H]flunitrazepam$ binding was not modulated by ginsenoside Rc or ginsenoside Rgl infusion. These results suggest that prolonged infusion of ginsenoside could differentially modulate $[^3H]MK-801\;and\;[^3H]muscimol$ binding in a region-specific manner. Also, we investigated the influence of centrally administered ginsenoside on the regulation of mRNA levels of the family of NMDA receptor subtypes (NR1, NR2A, NR2B, NR2C) by in situ hybridization histochemistry in the rat brain. The level of NR1 mRNA is significantly increased in temporal cortex, caudate putamen, hippocampus, and granule layer of cerebellum in Rgl-infused rats as compared to control group. The level of NR2A mRNA is elevated in the frontal cortex. In contrast, it was decreased in CAI area of hippocampus in Rgl-infused rats. However, there was no significant change of NR1 and NR2A mRNA levels in Rc-infused rats. The level of NR2B mRNA is elevated in cortex, caudate putamen, and thalamus in both Rc- and Rg-infused rats. In contrast, NR2B level is decreased in CA3 in Rgl-infused rats. The level of NR2C mRNA is increased in the granule layer of cerebellum in only Rg1 but not Rc infused rats. These results show that structure difference of ginsenoside may diversely affect the modulation of expression of NMDA receptor subunit mRNA after infusion into cerebroventricle in rats.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.224-231
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• 2002

Purpose: This pilot study was performed to understand the pharmacological effect of olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic agent, on dopamine transporter in schizophrenic patients. Materials and Methods: Six patients (3 male, 3 female) with schizophrenia, who had not taken any psychotropic drugs for at least four weeks, were studied. Nuclear imaging using $[^{123}I]-{\beta}-CIT$ SPECT was obtained before and after 4-week treatment with olanzapine. Analysis of ROI on the striatum, caudate nucleus, and putamen was performed. Results: Post-treatment uptake was significantly increased in all the ROIs compared with pre-treatment uptake. Conclusion: This preliminary study with the small number of schizophrenic patients suggested an increase in uptake of dopamine transporter in the striatum, caudate nucleus, and putamen after 4-week treatment with olanzapine, which warrants a large-scaled controlled study to confirm the current findings.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.237-248
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• 2003

Recent evidence on behaviors in macaque monkeys indicate that the medial temporal cortical areas such as the entorhinal cortex (EC), perirhinal cortex, and parahippocampal cortex (PHC) are importantly involved in limbic and sensory memory function. Neuroanatomical studies also have demonstrated that the medial temporal cortical areas are connected with the ventral striatum, although comparatively little is known about the precise topography of these connections. We investigated the topographic organization of connections between the medial temporal cortical areas and the ventral striatum by placing retrograde tracers into five different regions of the ventral striatum: the ventromedial caudate nucleus, ventral shell, central shell, dorsal core of the nucleus accumbens (NA), and ventrolateral putamen. We found that the shell of the NA was the main projection site from the medial temporal cortical areas. Within the shell of the NA, there were also differential connections: EC diffusely innervates shell of the NA, while the projections from the perirhinal cortex and PHC concentrate on the ventral shell of the NA. Taken together, it is possible that the ventral shell of the NA is the main integration site of the limbic and sensory memory coming from the EC, perirhinal cortex, and PHC.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.53-66
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• 1978

An attempt has been made to discriminate the synapses in the striatum consisting caudate nucleus, putamen and fundus striati of the cat with emphasis on the characteristic structures of axon terminals and postsynaptic profiles. The differentiation is based on the size and shape of vesicle in the bouton terminal, and the symmetrical or asymmetrical thickening the pre- and postsynaptic membrane. Four types of synapses could be differentiated: Type I: the bontons with asymmetrical,synaptic thickenings contain round 45 nm diameter vesicles and contact cell soma, dendritic shafts and dendritic spines (74%). Type II : the boutons contain round 45nm diameter vesicles and are associated with symmetrical membrane thickenings. These synapses are formed on the soma and dendritic shafts (6%). Type III: the boutons with symmetrical membrane thickenings contain 50-60 nm diameter pleomorphic vesicles, and contact soma and dendritic shafts (18%). Type IV: the terminals contain flattened vesicles ($25{\times}45 nm$) and are associated with symmetrical membrane thickenings. These synapses are found in contact with soma and dendritic shafts. Additionally, the bouton en passant, which is expanded from myelinated or unmyelinated axons containing round vesicles (45nm diameter) contacts the dendritic shaft or dendritic spine with asymmetrical membrane thickenings. Two unusual types of synapses, axo-axonic and dendro-dendritic, are found occasionally.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.540-547
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• 2015

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, affecting approximately 5% of children. However, the neural mechanisms underlying its development and treatment are yet to be elucidated. In this study, we report that an ADHD mouse model, which harbors a deletion in the Git1 locus, exhibits severe astrocytosis in the globus pallidus (GP) and thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN), which send modulatory GABAergic inputs to the thalamus. A moderate level of astrocytosis was displayed in other regions of the basal ganglia pathway, including the ventrobasal thalamus and cortex, but not in other brain regions, such as the caudate putamen, basolateral amygdala, and hippocampal CA1. This basal ganglia circuit-selective astrocytosis was detected in both in adult (2-3 months old) and juvenile (4 weeks old) $Git1^{\check{s}/\check{s}}$ mice, suggesting a developmental origin. Astrocytes play an active role in the developing synaptic circuit; therefore, we performed an immunohistochemical analysis of synaptic markers. We detected increased and decreased levels of GABA and parvalbumin (PV), respectively, in the GP. This suggests that astrocytosis may alter synaptic transmission in the basal ganglia. Intriguingly, increased GABA expression colocalized with the astrocyte marker, GFAP, indicative of an astrocytic origin. Collectively, these results suggest that defects in basal ganglia circuitry, leading to impaired inhibitory modulation of the thalamus, are neural correlates for the ADHD-associated behavioral manifestations in $Git1^{\check{s}/\check{s}}$ mice.