• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.11-20
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• 1997

A regulation of differentiation in human neuroblastoma cells remains poorly understood, although it is of great importance in the clinical therapy of neuroblastoma. This study was aimed to elucidate effects of DNA synthesis inhibitors on the differentiation of neuroblastoma cells on the basis of morphological, biochemical and molecular respects. Three DNA synthesis inhibitors, sodium butyrate, hydroxyurea, cytosine arabinoside were used to explore their effects on the cellular morphology, the expression of c-myc and the elevation of choline acetyltransferase activity. They led to the extension or neurite-like processes reflecting differentiation or IMR-32 cells. In addition, the treatment of three DNA synthesis inhibitors resulted in the remarkable increases in the expression of c-myc as well as the stimulation of choline acetyltransferase activity which is involved in the synthesis of acetylcholine in the differentiated cholinergic neurons. Taken together, these results indicate that DNA synthesis inhibitors play an important role in the induction of cellular differentiation in IMR-32 cells. Furthermore these DNA synthesis inhibitors seem to be future useful to give an important clue (for the treatment of neuroblastoma).

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.45-50
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• 1997

Neuroblastoma, a pediatric malignant neoplasm of neural crest origin, has a wide range of clinical virulence. The mechanisms contributing to the development of neuroblastomas are largely unclear, but non-random chromosomal changes identified over the past years suggest the involvement of genetic alterations. Amplification of the human N-myc proto-oncogene is frequently seen either in extrachromosomal double minutes or in homogeneously staining regions (HSRs) of aggressively growing neuroblastomas. N-myc maps to chromosome 2 band 24, but HSR have never been observed at this band, suggesting transposition of N-myc during amplification. We have constructed and analyzed the region-specific painting probe for HSR in neuroblastoma IMR-32 to determine the derivative chromosomes. Microdissection was performed on HSR using an inverted microscope with the help of microglass needles and an micromanipulator. We pretreated the microdissected fragments with Topoisomerase I which catalyzes the relaxation of supercolled DNA, and performed two initial rounds of DNA synthesis with T7 DNA polymerase followed by conventional PCR to enable the reliable preparation of Fluorescent in situ hybridization probe from a single microdissected chromosome. With this method, it was possible to construct the region-specific painting probe for HSR. The probe hybridized specifically to the HSRs of IMR-32, and to 2p24, 2p13 of normal chromosome. Our results suggest there was coamplification of N-myc together with DNA of the chromosome 2p24 and 2p13. Moreover, the fluorescent signals for the amplified chromosomal regions in IMR-32 cells were also easily recognized at a Thus this painting probe can be applied to detect the similar amplification of N-myc in neuroblastoma tissue, and the probe pool for HSR may be used to identify the cancer-relevant genes.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.137-142
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• 2006

Apigenin, a natural flavonoid found in a variety of vegetables and fruits, has been shown to possess many biological functions. In this study we investigated the role of apigenin in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the modulation of activity of $K^+-Cl^-$-cotransport (KCC) in IMR-32 human neuroblastoma cells. Apigenin induced $Cl^-$-dependent $K^+$ efflux, a hallmark of KCC activity, which was markedly prevented by different kinds of KCC inhibitors (calyculin-A, genistein and $BaCl_2$). These results indicate that KCC is functionally present, and activated by apigenin in the IMR-32 cells. Treatment with apigenin also induced a sustained increase in the level of intracellular ROS. The KCC inhibitors also significantly inhibited the apigenin-induced ROS generation. Taken together, these results suggest that apigenin can modulate ROS generation through the activation of a membrane ion transporter, KCC. These results further suggest that the alteration of KCC activity may play a role in the mechanism of degenerative diseases and/or carcinogenesis in neuronal tissues through the regulation of ROS production.

• The Korean Journal of Zoology
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.542-549
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• 1995

The effect of extraceflular matrix (ECM) protein on the neuronai differentiation of SI(-N-SH and IMR-32 human neuroblastoma cell lines was examined. When ceils were cultured on the laminin/collagen coated plate for 7 days, the extensive neurite outgrowth was observed In IMR-32. To address the reason why IMR-32 cell llne did not respond to ECM proteins, the ECM mediated early signalling mechanisms were analysed in both SK-N-SH and IMR-32. When cells were plated on the laminin/collagen coated plates, tyrosine phosphorylated proteins were Increased within an hour In both of these cells. Moreover, the foaal adhesion IlInase (FAK) was tyrosine phosphorylated in both of these two cell lines. These results suggest that the ECM mediated early signalling mechanism was normal in IMR-32 cell line. The expression of both NSE and Bcl-2 was increased by ECM treatment in SK-N-SH. However, these components were not changed by ECM In IMR 32 cells to ECM component Is likely due to the abnomality of the transcriptional regulation mechanism which Is responsible for the neuronal differentiation.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.404-409
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• 1999

The inhibitory effects of the constituents of Gastrodia elata Bl. (GE) on glutamate-induced apoptosis in human neuronal cells were investigated using IMR32 human neuroblastoma cells. Glutamate (GLU) induced DNA fragmentation, a hallmark of apoptosis, in a dose-dependent manner. GLU also induced a slow and sustained increase in intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration. Treatment with EGTA, an extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ chelator, in a nominal $Ca^{2+}$ -free buffer solution abolished the GLU-induced intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ increase, indicating that GLU stimulated Ca2+ influx pathway in the IMR32 cells. BAPTA, an intracellualr $Ca^{2+}$ chelator, significantly inhibited the GLU-induced apoptosis assessed by the flow cytometry measuring hypodiploid DNA content indicative of apoptosis, implying that intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ rise may mediate the apoptotic action of GLU. Vanillin (VAN) and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde(p-HB), known constituents of GE, significantly inhibited both intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ rise and apoptosis induced by GLU. These results suggest that the apoptosis-inhibitory actions of the constituents of GE may account, at least in part, for the basis of their antiepileptic activities. These results further suggest that intracelluarl $Ca^{2+}$ signaling pathway may be a molecular target of the constituents of GE.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.19-27
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• 1999

Apoptosis has been implicated in the pathophysiological mechanisms of various neurodegenerative diseases. In a variety of cell types, oxidative stress has been demonstrated to play an important role in the apoptotic cell death. However, the exact mechanism of oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in neuronal cells is not known. In this study, we induced oxidative stress in IMR-32 human neuroblastoma cells with tert- butylhydroperoxide (TBHP), which was confirmed by significantly reduced glutathione content and glutathione reductase activity, and increased glutathione peroxidase activity. TBHP induced decrease in cell viability and increase in DNA fragmentation, a hallmark of apoptosis, in a dose-dependent manner. TBHP also induced a sustained increase in intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration, which was completely prevented either by EGTA, an extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ chelator or by flufenamic acid (FA), a non-selective cation channel (NSCC) blocker. These results indicate that the TBHP-induced intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ increase may be due to $Ca^{2+}$ influx through the activation of NSCCs. In addition, treatment with either an intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ chelator (BAPTA/AM) or FA significantly suppressed the TBHP-induced apoptosis. Moreover, TBHP increased the expression of p53 gene but decreased c-myc gene expression. Taken together, these results suggest that the oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in neuronal cells may be mediated through the activation of intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ signals and altered expression of p53 and c-myc.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.27-33
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• 2007

The psychopharmacological profile of ginsenosides has not yet been confirmed systematically although various neuropharmacological activities associated with them have been investigated. In the present study, the psychological activities of Rb1 were investigated to evaluate whether it can be used in treatment or prevention of psychological disorders. Rb1 was intravenously injected at doses of O.2,2,5 and 10 mg/kg. The effects of Rb1 on the $Cl^-$ ion influx were investigated using IMR-32 human neuroblastoma cells. Moreover, locomotor activity, forced swimming activity, activity on rotating rod and activity in elevated plus-maze were tested in mice. Rb1 increased the $Cl^-$ influx into the intracell region in a dose-dependent manner. Rb1 did not cause change in behavior in total open field when locomotor activity was tested, however it increased activities, especially, such as rearing frequency in center area. Administration of Rb1 at 0.2 mg/kg significantly reduced activities on rotating rod however administration at high dosages had no effect on them. Rb1 administration decreased animal immobile time in a water chamber in a dose dependent manner, and increased the strong mobile time of animals. In conclusion, the present results demonstrate that Rb1 contributes to the psychopharmacological effects of ginseng and may be used in treatment or prevention of psychological disorders such as anxiety or depression.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.267-279
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• 2018

Neurolathyrism is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by spastic paraplegia resulting from the excessive consumption of Lathyrus sativus (Grass pea). ${\beta}$-N-Oxalyl-L-${\alpha},{\beta}$-diaminopropionic acid (L-ODAP) is the primary neurotoxic component in this pea. The present study attempted to evaluate the proteome-wide alterations in chick brain 2 hr and 4 hr post L-ODAP treatment. Proteomic analysis of chick brain homogenates revealed several proteins involved in cytoskeletal structure, signaling, cellular metabolism, free radical scavenging, oxidative stress and neurodegenerative disorders were initially up-regulated at 2 hr and later recovered to normal levels by 4 hr. Since L-ODAP mediated neurotoxicity is mainly by excitotoxicity and oxidative stress related dysfunctions, this study further evaluated the role of L-ODAP in apoptosis in vitro using human neuroblastoma cell line, IMR-32. The in vitro studies carried out at $200{\mu}M$ L-ODAP for 4 hr indicate minimal intracellular ROS generation and alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential though not leading to apoptotic cell death. L-ODAP at low concentrations can be explored as a stimulator of various reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated cell signaling pathways not detrimental to cells. Insights from our study may provide a platform to explore the beneficial side of L-ODAP at lower concentrations. This study is of significance especially in view of the Government of India lifting the ban on cultivation of low toxin Lathyrus varieties and consumption of this lentil.