• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.183-187
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• 2003

Purpose : Long-term stress to the fetus causes alterations in adrenal steroidogenesis. The purpose of this study was to analyze the association of cord blood cortisol with stress during delivery. Methods : Cord blood samples were collected from 58 neonates at once to labor. Cortisol was measured by RIA method(DPC, USA). Cortisol level according to gestational age(<34, 34-37, >38 wks) and method of delivery(Cesarean section vs. vaginal delivery), Apgar score and uterine contraction, were compared to know stress during labor. Results : Cortisol of cord blood had considerable differences between each group, according to gestational age(P<0.001). It was statistically higher in the cases of vaginal delivery than cessarian delivery(P<0.001). The concentration of cortisol was significantly higher according to duration of labor (P<0.05). There was a significant relationship between cortisol level and uterine contraction(P<0.05). The concentration of cortisol was significantly low when Apgar score at 1 min was low(P<0.05). Conclusion : Cord cortisol has close association with stress during labor. And so do with post birth prognosis of neonate.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.454-474
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• 2002

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a very potent dilatator and a nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) neurotransmitter or neuromodulator in the peripheral and the central nervous systems. The mechanisms of action of VIP were examined in aortic circular and in uterine longitudinal smooth muscle strips of the rat. The effects of sympathetic neurotransmitter were investigated in gastric and aortic circular muscle strips of the mouse and the rat. The effects of silver spike point, SSP, low frequency electrical stimulations of VIP, sympathetic neurotransmitter and $\beta$-endorphin were examined in plasma, serum and 24h urine from the healthy volunteer. In gastric smooth muscle strips from the mouse, adrenergic neurotransmitter norepinephrine was inhibitory effected, followed by caused phasic and tonic contraction to the, muscrine receptor agonist carbachol and acetylcholine, respectively. In urine from the healthy volunteer, both norepinephrine and epinephrine were significantly decreased in continue type and low frequency (3 Hz) of SSP electrical stimulations. The contractile responses to S-HT in uterine longitudinal smooth muscle strips of the rats were completely decreased by a VIP 1 $\mu$M. The contractile responses to PGF2$\alpha$ were not decreased by a VIP. In plasma and serum from the healthy volunteer, both VIP and $\beta$-endorphin were significantly increased in continue type and low frequency (3 Hz) of SSP electrical stimulations. Therefore, this study demonstrate that VIP has the capacity to relax vascular or gastric smooth muscles in part by stimulating the generation of NO, and silver spike point low frequency electrical stimulation has the capacity both to decrease sympathetic neurotransmitters and to increase VIP, $\beta$-endorphin.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.305-309
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• 2013

Pyometra is a diestrual, chronic disease process with acute manifestations in the adult, ovary-intact bitch. Serosal inclusion cysts develop during postpartum involution as mesothelium becomes trapped during rapid uterine contraction. A 10-year-old golden retriever bitch presented with lethargy, anorexia, tachypnea, abdominal distention, and abnormal vaginal discharge. Radiographic, ultrasound, and laboratory examinations were performed. On ultrasound examination, the uterus was distended by fluid containing echogenic "snow storm" particles; cystic structures containing anechoic fluid were found adjacent to the body of the uterus. Leukocytosis, neutrophilia, and anemia were diagnosed by a complete blood cell count. The initial diagnosis was pyometra, and an ovariohysterectomy was performed. Macroscopically, the uterine body and horns were expanded and partially adhered to the abdominal wall; numerous cysts containing clear fluid protruded over the entire surface of the uterus. Escherichia coli that was sensitive to enrofloxacin, was cultured from the lumen of the uterus. Histopathological assessment confirmed a final diagnosis of pyometra and serosal inclusion cysts of the uterus.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.38-41
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• 1961

By varying groups on biologically active molecules, it is possible to produce analogues which sometimes inhibit the action of the parent compound. Such is true of taurine(${\beta}$-amino-ethane sulfonic acid)as an analogue of ${\beta}$-alanine and of pantoyl taurine for pantothenic acid. It seemed possible that the sulfonic acid analogues of amino acids built into peptides might possibly produce inhibition of the parent peptide. Tauryl-L-histidine was selected to prepare as an analogue of carnosine(${\beta}$-alanyl-L-histidine). There were several reasons for this choice. Camosine causes a slight contraction of isolated uterine muscle and inhibition of this action can be easily tested. Also, taurine, being a ${\beta}$-amino sulfonic acid, is much more stable than the ${\beta}$-amino sulfonic acids. Phthalyl tauryl-L-histidine methyl ester was prepared by condensing phthalyl tauryl chloride with histidine methyl ester in chloroform. The yields were quite low possibly due to reaction between the acid chloride and the imidazole of histidine. Approximately 50 per cent yield of crude amorphous product was obtained, but upon purification by crystallization they yielded only 25 percent of a pure product. The methyl ester was removed by acid hydrolysis to prevent partial cleavage of the phthalyl group. Crystalline tauryl histidine was then obtained from this acid by removal of the phthalyl group by hydrazinolysis. Tests for inhibition were carried out by comparing the action of camosine on isolated uterine muscle before and after tauryl histidine had been added to the bath surrounding the muscle strip. Only in very high relative concentrations of tauryl histidine was there any demonstrable inhibition.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.359-381
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• 1992

This study was designed to investigate the effect of diazepam on the spontaneous contraction and oxytocin induced contraction of the isolated rat uterus. Female rat(Sprague-Dawley) pretreated with oophorectomy and 4 days administration of estrogen, weighing about 200 g, was sacrificed by cervical dislocation, and the uteruses were isolated. A longitudinal muscle strip was placed in temperature controlled($37^{\circ}C$) muscle chamber containing Locke's solution and myographied isometrically. Diazepam inhibited the spontaneous contraction and oxytocin induced contraction of the isolated rat uterus in a concentration-dependent manner. GABA, muscimol, a GABA A receptor agonist, bicuculline, a competitive GAGA A receptor antagonist, picrotoxin, a non competitive GABA A receptor antagonist, baclofen, a GABA B receptor agonist, and delta-aminovaleric acid, a GABA B receptor antagonist, did not affect on the spontaneous and oxytocin induced contraction of the isolated rat uterus. The inhibitory actions of diazepam on the spontaneous and oxytocin induced contraction were not affected by all the GABA receptor agonists and antagonists, but exceptionally potentiated by bicuculline. This potentiation-effect by bicuculline was not antagonized by muscimol. In normal calcium PSS, addition of calcium restored the spontaneous contraction preinhibited by diazepam and recovered the contractile of oxytocin preinhibited by diazepam. A23187, a calcium inophore, enhanced the restoration of both the spontaneous and oxytocin induced contraction by addition of calcium. In calcium-free PSS, diazepam suppressed the restoration of spontaneous motility by addition of calcium but allowed the recovery of spontaneous motility to a considerable extent. Diazepam could not inhibit some development of contractility by oxytocin in calcium-free PSS, but inhibited the increase in contractility by subsequent addition of calcium. These results suggest that the inhibitory action of diazepam on the rat uterine motility does not depend on or related to GABA receptors and that diazepam inhibits the extracellular calcium influx to suppress the spontaneous and oxytocin induced contractilities.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.51-60
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• 2008

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism and the clinical significance of prohibition of acupuncture of LI4 and SP6 during the period of pregnancy. Methods : It was investigated the prohibition of acupuncture during the period of pregnancy based on the literature reviews. Previous studies identified the acupuncture treatment of animal and clinical studies during the period of pregnancy and labor in China Academic Journal(CAJ). These papers were classified and investigated to clarify the rationale of the prohibition of acupuncture during the period of pregnancy. Results and Conclusions : The contraindicated points during the period of pregnancy are Hapgok (LI4), Samumgyo (SP6), Songmun (CV5), Kwanwon (CV4), Sosang (LU11), Chium (BL67), Kollyun (BL60). The uterine contraction can be induced by the stimuli of Hapgok (LI4) via endocrine system and Samumgyo (SP6) via nervous system. Both Hapgok (LI4) and Samumgyo (SP6) also can be used in various diseases such as induction of abortion, facilitation of parturition, stabilization of embryos, cross birth and so on.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.138-151
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• 2003

Purpose: In the study effects of San-Yin-Jiao (SP6) acupressure on anxiety and pulse during labor, and on neonatal status were examined. Method: The design was a randomized controlled clinical trial with a double-blind method. Data were collected before (pre) and after (post) treatment using structured questionnaire, anxiety scale, pulse rate, umbilical vein pH and Apgar scores. The experimental group received SP6 acupressure for the duration of each uterine contraction over a period of 30 minutes, but the control group received SP6 touch. Results: The anxiety scores between the two groups increased, but the increase was less in the SP6 acupressure group and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.019). Maternal pulse rate was not significantly different immediately after treatment (p=0.711), at 30 and at 60 minutes (p=0.140 ; p=0.108), but while the SP6 acupressure group had a stable pulse, the SP6 touch group showed an increased rate. There was no significant difference between the two groups for umbilical vein pH (p=0.124), and neonatal Apgar score at one and five minutes (p=0.387 ; p=0.979). Conclusion: These findings strengthen the belief that SP-6 acupressure can be used to relieve anxiety during labor with no side effects to either mother or baby.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.103-109
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• 1988

Cyclobuxine D, extracted from Buxus microphylla var. koreana Nakai, is a steroidal alkaloid. Many pharmacological effects of cyclobuxine D were examined in our Lab. Cyclobuxine D showed a significant bradycardic effect in the rat heart and an inhibitory action on acetylcholine and $Ba^{++}-induced$ contraction of the longitudinal muscle isolated from the rabbit jejunum. In this study, we investigated the effect of cyclobuxine D on the contractile response-elicited by acetylcholine, oxytocin and $Ba^{++}$ in rat uterine. In order to analyse the inhibitory action of cyclobuxine D on the smooth muscle, we examined the inhibitory action of cyclobuxine D against the contractile response of the high potassium-depolarized rat ileum to calcium. Concentration-dependent decrease in the peak tension and duration of the acetylcholine, oxytocin and $Ba^{++}-induced$ contraction in the isolated rat uterus was observed when cyclobuxine D was added to the organ bath. The isolated longitudinal muscle from the rat ileum was immersed calcium-depleted potassium-depolarizing solution. Ten minutes after, 1.8 mM $CaCl_2$ was added to muscle bath and elicited a biphasic increase in muscle tension. Cyclobuxine D $(6.2{\times}10^{-5}\;M)$ produced an appreciable inhibition of both components of the mechanical response. In addition, $3.1{\times}10^{-4}\;M$ cyclobuxine D, introduced at a point when the tonic response had reached its maximum level, caused the muscle to exhibit a rapid lose of tension. Based on these experimental results, we propose the possibility that the inhibitory action of cyclobuxine D on the acetylcholine, oxytocin and $Ba^{++}-induced$ contraction in the isolated rat uterus may be due to blocking potassium-activated calcium channels, voltage-sensitive calcium channels.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.1 no.6
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• pp.769-774
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• 1997

Non-neuronal high affinity binding sites for benzodiazepines have been found in many peripheral tissues including cardiac muscle and vascular smooth muscle, and have been designated as 'peripheral benzodiazepine receptor'. Benzodiazepines have been shown to induce relaxation of the ileal, vesical, and uterine smooth muscles. However, it is still unclear about possible involvement of peripheral benzodiazepine receptor on the contractility of trachealis muscle. This study was performed to investigate the role of the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor on the contractility of canine trachealis muscle. Canine trachealis muscle strips of 15 mm long were suspended in an isolated organ bath containing 1 ml of physiological salt solution maintained at $37^{\circ}C$, and aerated with $95%\;O_2/5%\;CO_2$. Isometric myography was performed, and the results of the experiments were as follows: Ro5-4684, FGIN-1-27 and clonazepam reduced a basal tone of isolated canine trachealis muscle strip concentration dependently, relaxant actions of RoS-4684 and FGIN-1-27 were antagonized by PK11195, a peripheral benzodiazepine receptor antagonist. Flumazenil, a central type antagonist, did not antagonize the relaxant action of Peripheral type agonists. Saturation binding assay of [3H]Ro5-4864 showed a high affinity$(Kd=5.33{\pm}1.27nM,\;Bmax=\;867.3{\pm}147.2\;fmol/mg\;protein)$ binding site on the canine trachealis muscle. Ro 5-4684 suppressed the bethanechol-, 5-hydroxyoyptamine- and histamine- induced contractions. Platelet activating factor (PAF) exerted strong and prolonged contraction in trachealis muscle strip. Strong tonic contraction by PAE was attenuated by Ro 5-4684, but not by WEB 2086, a PAF antagonist. Based on these results, it is concluded that the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor mediates the inhibitory regulation of contractilty of canine trachealis muscle.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.547-556
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• 2016

Myometrial relaxation of mouse via expression of two-pore domain acid sensitive (TASK) channels was studied. In our previous report, we suggested that two-pore domain acid-sensing $K^+$ channels (TASK-2) might be one of the candidates for the regulation of uterine circular smooth muscles in mice. In this study, we tried to show the mechanisms of relaxation via TASK-2 channels in marine myometrium. Isometric contraction measurements and patch clamp technique were used to verify TASK conductance in murine myometrium. Western blot and immunehistochemical study under confocal microscopy were used to investigate molecular identity of TASK channel. In this study, we showed that TEA and 4-AP insensitive non-inactivating outward $K^+$ current (NIOK) may be responsible for the quiescence of murine pregnant longitudinal myometrium. The characteristics of NIOK coincided with two-pore domain acid-sensing $K^+$ channels (TASK-2). NIOK in the presence of $K^+$ channel blockers was inhibited further by TASK inhibitors such as quinidine, bupivacaine, lidocaine, and extracellular acidosis. Furthermore, oxytocin and estrogen inhibited NIOK in pregnant myometrium. When compared to non-pregnant myometrium, pregnant myometrium showed stronger inhibition of NIOK by quinidine and increased immunohistochemical expression of TASK-2. Finally, TASK-2 inhibitors induced strong myometrial contraction even in the presence of L-methionine, a known inhibitor of stretch-activated channels in the longitudinal myometrium of mouse. Activation of TASK-2 channels seems to play an essential role for relaxing uterus during pregnancy and it might be one of the alternatives for preventing preterm delivery.