• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.115-121
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• 1990

The interaction between a calcium channel blocker nifedipine and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) was examined in normotensive and renal hypertensive rats. The infusion of either ANP or nifedipine produced a significant decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP). The combined infusion of ANP with nifedipine resulted in a greater fall of MAP than did the infusion of each drug alone. ANP significantly increased urinary volume and excretion of sodium, while nifedipine was without effects. The diuretic/natriuretic effects of ANP were potentiated by the combined infusion with nifedipine. The vasodepressor and renal effects of ANP or nifedipine were qualitatively similar between the normotensive and hypertensive rats. Nifedipine caused an upward and leftward shift of the ANP dose-relaxation curve of the phenylephrine-precontracted thoracic aortic rings isolated from the normotensive rats , suggesting that the vasodilation sensitivity to ANP is increased in the presence of nifedipine. These results indicate that nifedipine enhances the vasodepressor effect of ANP, the likely mechanisms being attributable to a contraction of effective intravascular volume as a consequence of potentiated renal excretion and a greater peripheral vasodilation.

• The Korean Journal of Zoology
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.163-182
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• 1972

The effects of caffeine on the ATPase activity and Ca uptake of the fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum isolated from rabbit skeletal muscle were studied. The ATPase activity of the heavy fraction (2,000-8,000xG) was stimulated by caffeine while that of other lighter fractions was not. It is suggested that the enhancement of the ATPase by the caffeine treatment. The Ca uptake of the heavy and middle (10,000-20,000xG) fractions was inhibited by caffeine when measured at the medium Ca concentration higher than 200 nmoles/mg protein, while only that of the heavy fraction was inhibited when measured at the Ca concentration below 200 nmoles/mg protein. Experiments with dicumarol suggested that caffeine inhibits the Ca uptake of the mitochondria as well as that of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and that the inhibition of the Ca uptake by caffeine in the low Ca concentration in the heavy fraction is due to the inhibition of the mitochondrial Ca uptake by caffeine. It appeared highly probable that the potentiation of muscle contraction caused by caffeine is solely due to the inhibition of the Ca uptake by and to the release of the accumulated Ca from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.59 no.4
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• pp.158-163
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• 2015

Cardiac myocytes are subjected to fluid shear stress during each contraction and relaxation. Under pathological conditions, such as valve disease, heart failure or hypertension, shear stress in cardiac chamber increases due to high blood volume and pressure. The shear stress induces proarrhythmic longitudinal global $Ca^{2+}$ waves in atrial myocytes. In the present study, we further explored underlying cellular mechanism for the shear stress-induced longitudinal global $Ca^{2+}$ wave in isolated rat atrial myocytes. A shear stress of ${\sim}16dyn/cm^2$ was applied onto entire single myocyte using pressurized fluid puffing. Confocal $Ca^{2+}$ imaging was performed to measure local and global $Ca^{2+}$ signals. Shear stress elicited longitudinally propagating global $Ca^{2+}$ wave (${\sim}80{\mu}m/s$). The occurrence of shear stress-induced atrial $Ca^{2+}$ wave was eliminated by the inhibition of ryanodine receptors (RyRs) or inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors ($IP_3Rs$). In addition, pretreatment of phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U73122, but not its inactive analogue U73343, abolished the generation of longitudinal $Ca^{2+}$ wave under shear stress. Our data suggest that shear-induced longitudinal $Ca^{2+}$ wave may be induced by $Ca^{2+}$-induced $Ca^{2+}$ release through the RyRs which is triggered by $PLC-IP_3R$ signaling in atrial myocytes.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.18 no.7
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• pp.933-941
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• 2005

To develop a functional cDNA chip, specific genes expressed in the tissues of swine Kagoshima Berkshire were screened. A total of 4,434 ESTs were obtained by constructing a cDNA library from total RNA isolated from the muscle and fat tissues, affirming their functions by investigating similarity of nucleotide sequences with the database at the NCBI. Among them, 1,230 ESTs were confirmed as novel genes, which, to date, have not been identified. Attaching the genes to a cDNA microarray slide revealed expression patterns of genes in muscle and fat according to the growth stages of swine. As specific genes expressed in the muscle tissues of swine with body weight of 30 kg, 60 genes including actin, myosin, tropomysin, transfer RNA-trp synthetase, Kel-like protein 23, KIAA0182 and COI, Foocen-m, etc were obtained. In addition, 18 novel genes were obtained. As specific genes expressed in fat tissues of swine with body weight of 30 kg, 47 genes including annexin II, Collagen, Fibronectin, Pleckstrin homology domain, serine protease, etc were obtained. 21 novel genes were also obtained. The genes specifically expressed in the muscle and fat tissues of swine affect contraction and relaxation of the muscle and the fat. However, studies on the expression mechanisms of the genes are insufficient. To reveal species of structural genes in swine muscle and fat tissue, interrelation studies in expression and function of genes by using the cDNA chip should be conducted.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 2005.11a
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• pp.49-66
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• 2005

Panax ginseng has been useful for the treatment of diverse disease in oriental countries for thousands of years. In addition, a folk medicine prescribed by seven herbal drugs including Panax ginseng has been antinarcotics in the treatment of morphine-dependent patients. Many articles have been reported on these works. Therefore, we review the protective effects of Panax ginseng on the neurotoxicity induced by abuse drugs. Ginseng total saponins (GTS) extracted and isolated by Panax ginseng antagonized Morphine-induced analgesia, and inhibited the development of analgesic tolerance to and physical dependence on morphine. GTS inhibited morphine-6 dehydrogenase, which catalyzes production of mophinone from morphine, and increased hepatic glutathione level responsible to toxicity. Therefore, we hypothesized that these dual actions of ginseng can be associated with the detoxication of morphine. In addition, the inhibitory or facilitated effects of GTS on electrically evoked contraction in guinea pig ileum ($\mu$-receptors) and mouse vas deferens($\delta$-receptors) were not mediated through opioid receptors, suggesting non-opioid mechanisms. On the hand, antagonism of U-50,488H ($\kappa$-agonist)-induced antinociception is mediated by serotonergic mechanisms. GTS also inhibited hyperactivity, reverse tolerance (sensitization) and conditioned place preference-induced by psychostimulants such as methamphetamine, cocaine and morphine. On the other hand, GTS reduced the dopamine levels induced by methamphetamine. Moreover, GTS blocked the development of dopamine receptor activation, showing antidopaminergic effect. We suggest that GTS Prevent the methamphetamine-induced striatal dopaminergic neurotoxicity. In addition, Ginsenoside also attenuates morphine-induced cAMP signaling pathway. These results suggested that GTS might be useful for the therapy of the adverse actions of drugs with abuse liability.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.19-24
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• 2002

The effects of a newly synthesized $H^+/K^+$ ATPase inhibitor,1-(2-methyl-4-methoxypheny)-4-[(3-hy-droxypropyl)amino] -6-methyl-2,3-dihydropyrrolo (3,2-c) quinoline (DBM-819) , on the central nervous system, isolated smooth muscle, cardiovascular and digestive systems and renal function were investigated in various experimental animals. Oral administration of DBM-819 had no effect on the central nervous system except body temperature of mice slightly decreased at doses of 15 and 50 mg／kg. DBM-819 produced a moderate analgesic effect in acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice at 50 mg／kg (p.o.). In conscious rats, DBM-819 (15 and 50 mg／kg, p.o.) showed a slight increase in blood pressure and a small decrease in heart rate. DBM-819 had an significant effect on agonist-induced contraction of guinea pig ileum at $1.5{\times}10^{-5}g/ml.$ No significant effect of DBM-819 (5 and 15 mg／kg, i.p) on urinary volume or urinary excretion of $Na^+,\;K^+$ and Cl- was observed in rats. DBM-819 had no significant effect on intestinal transport of a semisolid meal in mice at 15 and 50 mg／kg (p.o.). These findings suggest that DBM-819 exerts no significant pharmacological effects on the central nervous system and renal function at 15 mg／kg (p.o.), but produces some effects on the smooth muscle and circulatory system.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.167-174
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• 1989

KR-1008 and KR-30006 are 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives, new vasodilatory calcium antagonists from KRICT. Calcium antagonistic properties of the compounds were studied in the isolated heart (Langendorff preparation), pulmonary artery (vasodilation), and in the papillary muscle (negative inotropic effect) of the guinea pig. Antihypertensive effect were also investigated after i.v. or oral administration in the SHR (spontaneously hypertensive rat). They produced a sigificant inhibition of Ca-induced contraction in the guinea pig pulmonary artery at the concentrations of above $10^{-8}M$. The negative inotropic effect of the electrically stimulated papillary muscle appeared from the concentration of $10^{-6}M$, which is about hundred times higer than the concentration of vasodilation effect. Left ventricular pressure also decreased from the concentration of $3\;{\times}\;10^{-6}M$ in KR-1008 and KR-3006 in the Langendorff heart preparations. Coronary flow rate increased from $10^{-6}M$ in KR-1008 and nicardipine and appeared no change in KR-30006. The antihypertensive effect of KR-1008 (EC 20: $2.9\;{\mu}g/kg$) was potent more than nicardipine (EC 20: $3.4\;{\mu}g/kg$) and than Kr-30006 (EC 20: $6.8\;{\mu}g/kg$) was, after i.v. bolus injection in the anesthetized SHR. The antihypertensive effect in the conscious SHR appeared 30 minutes after oral administration of 10 mg/kg and persisted 4 hrs in KR-1008 and 12 hrs in KR-30006. Heart rate tended to increase for 0.5-1 hr after oral administration of the test compounds.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.247-250
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• 2011

An increase in ventricular pressure can alter cardiac excitation and contraction. Recent report has demonstrated that fluid pressure (FP) suppresses L-type $Ca^{2+}$ current with acceleration of the current inactivation in ventricular myocytes. Since the L-type $Ca^{2+}$ channels known to be regulated by intracellular pH ($pH_i$), this study was designed to explore whether pressurized fluid flow affects pHi in isolated rat ventricular myocytes. A flow of pressurized (~16 dyne/$cm^2$) fluid, identical to that bathing the myocytes, was applied onto single myocytes, and intracellular $H^+$ concentration was monitored using confocal $H^+$ imaging. FP significantly decreased $pH_i$ by $0.07{\pm}0.01$ pH units (n=16, P<0.01). Intracellular acidosis enhances the activity of $Na^+-H^+$ exchanger (NHE). Therefore, we examined if the NHE activity is increased by FP using the NHE inhibitor, HOE642. Although HOE642 did not alter $pH_i$ in control conditions, it decreased $pH_i$ in cells pre-exposed to FP, suggesting enhancement of NHE activity by FP. In addition, FP-induced intracellular acidosis was larger in cells pre-treated with HOE642 than in cells under the control conditions. These results suggest that FP induces intracellular acidosis and that NHE may contribute to extrude $H^+$ during the FP-induced acidosis in rat ventricular myocytes.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.357-366
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• 2004

We studied the effect of propofol (PPF) on the endothelium-dependent vascular responses in isolated rat thoracic aorta. In aortic rings with endothelium, PPF inhibited the phenylephrine (PE)-induced contraction in a concentration-dependent manner. In PE-precontracted preparations, PPF attenuated the endothelium-dependent relaxation by acetylcholine but not by A23187. And PPF did not attenuate the endothelium-independent relaxation by sodium nitroprusside (SNP). The relaxation induced by acetylcholine in PE-precontracted aortic rings was significantly augmented by zaprinast, a cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor, and this augmentation was inhibited by PPF. Although SNP-induced relaxation was significantly augmented by zaprinast, this augmentation was not inhibited by PPF. In preparations preconstricted with PE, the PPF-induced relaxation was inhibited by atropine. In addition, PPF attenuated the vasorelaxation by phosphodiesterase inhibitors (IBMX, Ro20-1724 or zaprinast except milrinone). In vivo, the infusion of acetylcholine and SNP showed decreased arterial blood pressure in rats. The pre-injection of PPF inhibited the acetylcholine-induced blood pressure lowering, but not the SNP-induced blood pressure lowering. These results suggest that PPF can attenuate in part the acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation and blood pressure lowering through the inhibition of the acetylcholine receptor-mediated endothelium-derived relaxing factor by acting on endothelium. It is considered that the inhibitory effect of PPF on the vasorelaxation is due to the decreased level of cGMP which can be attributed to the inhibition of the muscarinic receptor and/or receptor-G-protein interaction.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.143-147
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• 2011

Defensins, cysteine-rich cationic polypeptides released from neutrophils, are known to have powerful antimicrobial properties. In this study, we sacrificed 30 rats to investigate the effects of ${\alpha}$-defensin 1 on detrusor muscle contractions in isolated rat bladder. From the experiments we found relaxing effects of ${\alpha}$-defensin 1 on the contractions induced by phenylephrine (PE) but not by bethanechol (BCh) in the detrusor smooth muscles. To determine the mechanisms of the effects of ${\alpha}$-defensin 1, the changes of effects on PE-induced contraction by ${\alpha}$-defensin 1 pretreatment were observed after pretreatment of Rho kinase inhibitor (Y-27632), protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor (Calphostin C), potent activator of PKC (PDBu; phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate), and NF-${\kappa}B$ inhibitors (PDTC; pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate and sulfasalazine). The contractile responses of PE ($10^{-9}{\sim}10^{-4}$ M) were significantly decreased in some concentrations of ${\alpha}$-defensin 1 ($5{\times}10^{-9}$ and $5{\times}10^{-8}$ M). When strips were pretreated with NF-kB inhibitors (PDTC and sulfasalazine; $10^{-7}{\sim}10^{-6}$ M), the relaxing responses by ${\alpha}$-defensin 1 pretreatment were disappeared. The present study demonstrated that ${\alpha}$-defensin 1 has relaxing effects on the contractions of rat detrusor muscles, through NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway. Further studies in vivo are required to clarify whether ${\alpha}$-defensin 1 might be clinically related with bladder dysfunction by inflammation process.