• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.209-215
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• 2022

Objectives: Aqueous leaf extract of Tridax procumbens (ALETP) has potent relaxant activity. However, this relaxant activity in respiratory smooth muscle remains uninvestigated. This study investigates the effect of ALETP on the contractile activity of tracheal smooth muscle (TSM) in adult male Wistar rats. Methods: Twelve male Wistar rats divided into 2 groups and were treated with either 100 mg/kg of ALETP (ALETP treatment group) or vehicle (distilled water; control group) through oral gavage for 4 weeks. Dose responses of TSM from the 2 groups to acetylcholine (10^-9 to 10^-5 M), phenylephrine (10^-9 to 10^-5 M), and potassium chloride (KCl; 10^-9 to 10^-4 M) were determined cumulatively. Furthermore, cumulative dose responses to acetylcholine (10^-9 to 10^-5 M) after pre-incubation of TSM with atropine (10^-5 M), L-NAME (10^-4 M), indomethacin (10^-4 M), and nifedipine (10^-4 M), were determined. Results: Treatment with ALETP substantially inhibited TSM contraction stimulated by cumulative doses of acetylcholine, phenylephrine, and KCl. Furthermore, preincubation of TSM from the 2 groups in atropine significantly inhibited contractility in TSM. Incubation in L-NAME and indomethacin also significantly inhibited contractility in TSM of ALETP-treated rats compared to that of controls. Contractile activity of the TSM was also inhibited significantly with incubation in nifedipine in ALETP-treated rats. Conclusion: ALETP enhanced relaxant activity in rat TSM primarily by blocking the L-type calcium channel and promoting endothelial nitric oxide release. ALETP contains agents that may be useful in disorders of the respiratory tract.

• Proceedings of the Ginseng society Conference
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• 1993.09a
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• pp.84-93
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• 1993

It has been reported that ginseng is effective in the central nervous system, immune system, and the strong inflammatory responses. However, there has been no research report yet about the effect of ginseng on allergic hypersensitivity reactivity. To confirm the ginseng effects on the release of mediators(histamine. leukotrienes etc.) which cause the hypersensitivity reactivity and inflammatory response, we used actively sensitized guinea pig airway tissues by utilizing the superfusion technique. In this procedure. the contractile response and mediators released after antigen stimulation of sensitized tissues, and IgG and IgE antibody products were measured in sera of immunized animals. Then the results of the controll group were compared to those of ginseng pretreatment groups. In the total saponin(TS) and panaxatriol(PT) pretreatment, histamine release decreased by $20\%$ in the tracheal tissues after active sensitization by ovalbumin(OVA, 10mg/kg), but in the lung parenchyma, histamine release decreased by $40\%.$ Panaxadiol(PD) significantly decreased histamine release by $40\%$ in the both tissues after active sensitization. TS, PT and PD of ginseng poorly blocked leukotrienes (LTs) and prostagrandin $D_2(PGD_2)$ release(less than $10\%$). Ginseng TS and PT had no effect on the serum IgG antibody production by ovalbumin, whereas PD significantly increased serum IgG antibody contents(approximately by 2 times). However, $IgG_1$ antibody products in the serum of guinea pig actively sensitized with ovalbumin after PD pretreatment were decreased, compared to that with ovalbumin alone. IgE antibody production by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis(PCA) titer in the TS pretreatment increased 3 times more than in the absence of TS(PCA titer by PT was not detected). These studies show that some ginseng saponins can in part act to inhibit mediator release in antigen - induced airway smooth muscle by inducing the IgG antibody production which has been changed in the specificity.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.263-274
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• 1993

Potassium $(K^+)$ channels are present in airway smooth muscle cells, and their activation results in hyperpolarization and relaxation. Because these effects may have therapeutic relevance to hypersensitivity and asthma, we examined the effect of a potassium channel activator, cromakalim (BRL 34915, CK) on the release of mediators from superfused tracheal and parenchymal strips after passive sensitization with $IgG_1$ antibody. Both tissues were superfused with CK $(2{\times}10^{-6}\;M)$ for 30 min and challenged with CK and antigen (Ox-HSA). Using monodispersed, partially purified, highly purified guinea pig lung mast cells, we also examined the effect of CK on mediator release from these cells after passive sensitization with $IgG_{1}$ antibody $({\alpha}-OA)$. Guinea pig lung mast cells were purified using enzyme digestion method, count current elutriation, and discontinuous Percoll density gradient. After CK pretreatment, passively sensitized mast cells were challenged with varying concentration of antigen (OA, immunological stimuli) or with varying concentration of calcium ionophore (CaI, non-immunological stimuli). Histamine (Hist) release was determined by spectrophotofluorometry, and leukotrienes (LT) by radioimmunoassy. CK pretreatment decreased Hist by 35% and LT release by 40% in the antigen-induced tracheal tissue after $IgG_1$ sensitization but did not decrease the contractile response. In the antigen-induced parenchymal tissue CK decreased Hist release by 25% but poorly decreased LT. Both immunologic and non-immunologic stimuli caused a dose-dependent release of Hist and LT from monodispersed, partially purified and highly purified lung mast cells. Verification of LT release was obtained by the use of 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, A64077 (Zileuton). CK decreased Hist and LT release by 20% respectively in the OA-induced guinea pig lung mast cells after $IgG_1$ sensitization. The inhibitory effects of CK on the Hist and LT release in the Ox-HSA-induced airway smooth muscle tissues or in the OA-induced and CaI-induced mast cells after $IgG_1$ sensitization were completely blocked by TEA and GBC. These studies show that guinea pig lung mast cells seem to be an important contributor to LT release, and that CK (which has been known as an airway smooth muscle relaxant) can in part act to inhibit mediator release in the antigen-induced airway smooth muscle, and that CK may also act to inhibit mediator release in the OA-induced and CaI-induced highly purified mast cells. These results suggest that Hist and LT release evoked by mast cell activation might in part be associated with $K{^+}4 channel activity.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.247-250
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• 1997

Bronchogenic cysts are thought to be uncommon developmental anomalies. They develop from small buds or diverticuli that separate from the foregut in the formation of the tracheo-bronchial tree. They are nearly always located near the tracheal bifurcation; However, these lesions can occur anywhere along the tracheo-bronchial tree. We experienced a case of cervical bronchogenic cyst presenting sorely as an anterior neck mass in a 26-year-old woman. The neck ultrasonography showed as $1.4{\times}1.1cm$ sized hypoechoic lesion with a well-defined margin on the isthmic portion of the thyroid gland. Excision of the mass was carried out. The mass was superfical to the strap muscle and was contained within the subcutaneous tissue in the midline without any connection to the trachea. Grossly, the mass was an oval-shaped cystic lesion which measured 1.5 cm in the greatest diameter. The cyst was filled with thick, yellow, jelly-like material and the inner surface was smooth and glistening. Microscopically, the cyst showed a lining of ciliated columnar epithelium, beneath which was a loose areolar stroma containing plaques of mucous glands and mature cartilage. We thought this cervical bronchogenic cyst appeared to represent an expression of complete aberrent accessory lung bud detachment from the primitive foregut.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.427-439
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• 2004

It has been reported that Bopheyangyoungjeon(BYJ) has an effect on deficiency asthma(喘虛) clinically. The aim of this study was to determine an appropriate dosage of BYJ to treat asthma. In order to study the effects of orally administered BYJ on allergic asthma, mice were pretreated with three oral doses of the herbal solution of BYJ before antigen sensitization. 2 days later Mice were actively sensitized with a subcutaneous injection of ovalbumin and 13 day later ovalbumin aerosols were used to provoke asthmatic reaction. Serum level of IgE, IL-4, WBC, RBC, HGB, cell numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF), and in vitro isometric contractile responses of the isolated tracheal smooth muscle(TSM) to acetylcholine(ACh, 0.1-1000uM), KCl were measured. The results were as follows ; 1. Contractile responses of TSM to ACh significantly increased in C group at Ach 0.3, 1, 3, 10, 30, 100, 300, 1000uM(P<0.05, P<0.01) and increased in D at 0.1, 0.3, 3, 30, 30, 100, 300, 1000uM. 2. The sensitivity of TSM to Ach increased more in A, B group, but it was not significant. 3. The maximal contractile response of TSM to ACh decreased more significantly in C group(P<0.01) and D group(P<0.05) the control group. 4. The maximal contractile response of TSM to KCI decreased more significantly in B group and C group(P<0.001) than in the control group. 5. The counts of lymphocytes in BALF decreased more significantly in B group and D group(P<0.05) than in the control group. 6. The counts of macrophages in BALF decreased more significantly in B group, C(P<0.05) than in the control group. 8. Serum IgE level increased more significantly in B group and C group(P<0.05) than the control group. 9. The counts of WBC, RBC, HGB in blood increased more significantly in A group than the control group. The above results support a role for BYJ orally administered in treatment of deficiency allergic Asthma.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.111-123
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• 2004

Objectives : It has been reported that Cordyceps militaris Mycelia(CMM) has an effect on deficiency allergic asthma(虛喘) clinically. The aim of this study was to determine an appropriate oriental treatment and the doses of CMM to treat asthma. Methods : In order to study the effect of herbal acupuncture solution of the CMM on allergic asthma, the mouse were pretreated by CMM herbal acupuncture at BL13, LU4 before antigen sensitization. 2 days later Mice were actively sensitized with a subcutaneous injection of ovalbumin(OA) and 13 days later they were provoked with OA aerosols. IL-4, lymphocyte, macrophage in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF), IgE in serum, WBC, RBC, HGB in blood, and in vitro isometric contractile responses of the isolated tracheal smooth muscle(TSM) to acetylcholine$(ACh,\;0.1-1000\;{\mu}M)$, KCl were measured. Results : Contractile responses of TSM to ACh were significantly increased in CMM herbal acupuncture 1 group $(Ach\;1000\;{\mu}M)$, CMM herbal acupuncture 2 group $(ACh\;1,\;10\;{\mu}M)$, CMM herbal acupuncture 3 group $(Ach\;0.3,\;1,\;30,\;300\;{\mu}M)$. The sensitivity of TSM to ACh was significantly decreased in CMM herbal acupuncture 3 group. The maximal contractile response of TSM to ACh was significantly decreased in CMM herbal acupuncture 1, 3 group. The maximal contractile response of TSM to KCl was significantly decreased in CMM herbal acupuncture 1, 2, 3 group. The counts of lymphocytes in BALF was significantly increased in CMM herbal acupuncture 3 group. The counts of macrophages in BALF was significantly decreased in CMM herbal acupuncture 3 group. Interleukin-4 level in BALF was significantly increased in CMM herbal acupuncture 1,3 group. and it was increased in CMM herbal acupuncture 2 group, but there was no significance. Serum IgE level was significantly decreased in CMM herbal acupuncture 1, 2, 3 group. The counts of WBC in blood was significantly increased in CMM herbal acupuncture 1, 3 group Conclusion : Based on the above results it is assumed that CMM herbal acupuncture at BL13, LU4 can help the treatment of deficiency allergic Asthm.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.211-219
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• 2000

The therapeutic effect of AS2-006A, a derivative of asiaticoside, has been studied and is being developed as a new wound-healing agent. In the present study, the general pharmacological effects on 1) central nervous system, 2) autonomic nervous system, 3) respiratory system, 4) gastrointestinal system. 5) cardiovascular system. and 6) urinary system were assessed in experimental animals and in in vitro models. 1. In vivo animal study: External applications of the 1 % gel ointment of AS2-006A to rats at the doses of 200. 600 or 2000 mg/kg body weight showed no observable pharmacological effects. The effects on the central nervous system were assessed by observation of behavior, hexobarbital-induced sleeping time, pentetrazole-induced convulsion assay, body temperature measurements, and observations on spontaneous activity and catalepsy. The gel ointment exhibited no effects on the cardiovascular system (i.e. blood pressure and heart rate), renal physiology (i.e. urine volume and electrolytes excretion) and gas-trointestinal physiology (i.e. intestinal charcoal propulsion and gastric mucosal irritation). 2. In vitro experiments: The effects of AS2-006A on the physiology of smooth and cardiac muscles were assessed. Muscle contractions were isotonically and isometrically measured in organ chambers using a physiograph. Cumulative additions of AS2-006A (10$^{-9}$ -10$^{-5}$ M) induced no changes in the tension of isolated guinea pig ileum and tracheal muscles. AS2-006A only slightly increased contractility of rat atrial and papillary muscles at 10$^{-2}$ M, which was not statistically different from control. These data showed that the gel ointment of AS2-006A could be externally applied as a wound-healing agent with no potential side effects.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.135-147
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• 2008

Objectives: Oriental pear was used as traditional remedies for respiratory diseases like cough and asthma etc. The purpose of this study was to observe the effects of preventing asthma by the combination of phenolic compound extracted from pear and herbal drugs. Methods: In order to study the effects of preventing asthma by the combination of phenolic compound extracted from pear and herbal drugs(Platycodon grandiflorum, Prunus armeniaca) on allergic asthma, mice were pre-treated by oral administration of the solution before antigen sensitization for 10 days and 20days. And 2 days later, mice were actively sensitized with a subcutaneous injection of ovalbumin and 13 days later, they were provoked with ovalbumin aerosols. The experimental groups were divided 6groups(10d1P, 10d2P, 10d4P, 20d1P, 20d2P and 20d4P) by meditation quantity and period. We measured isometric contractile responses to acetylcholine(ACh) and KCl in the isolated tracheal smooth muscle(TSM), IL-4, eosinophil and lymphocyte in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF), IgE in serum, WBC, RBC and hemoglobin in blood. Results: Contractile responses of TSM to ACh, the sensitivity of TSM to Ach and the maximal contractile response of TSM to KCl were decreased by direct proportion of meditation quantity. Eosinophil and IL-4 level in BALF were more significantly decreased, and IgE level in serum was more significantly increased in 10d4P and 20d4P group than the control group. Conclusions: Based on the above results, it is assumed that oral administration of the combination of phenolic compound extracted from pear and herbal drugs(Platycodon grandiflorum, Prunus armeniaca) can help the preventing effects of allergic asthma.