Hyun Ju Song

Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea

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Publications (27)52.73 Total impact

  • Article: Signaling pathway of lysophosphatidic Acid-induced contraction in feline esophageal smooth muscle cells.
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    ABSTRACT: Lysolipids such as LPA, S1P and SPC have diverse biological activities including cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. We investigated signaling pathways of LPA-induced contraction in feline esophageal smooth muscle cells. We used freshly isolated smooth muscle cells and permeabilized cells from cat esophagus to measure the length of cells. Maximal contraction occurred at 10(-6) M and the response peaked at 30s. To identify LPA receptor subtypes in cells, western blot analysis was performed with antibodies to LPA receptor subtypes. LPA1 and LPA3 receptor were detected at 50 kDa and 44 kDa. LPA-induced contraction was almost completely blocked by LPA receptor (1/3) antagonist KI16425. Pertussis toxin (PTX) inhibited the contraction induced by LPA, suggesting that the contraction is mediated by a PTX-sensitive G protein. Phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitors U73122 and neomycin, and protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor GF109203X also reduced the contraction. The PKC-mediated contraction may be isozyme-specific since only PKCε antibody inhibited the contraction. MEK inhibitor PD98059 and JNK inhibitor SP600125 blocked the contraction. However, there is no synergistic effect of PKC and MAPK on the LPA-induced contraction. In addition, RhoA inhibitor C3 exoenzyme and ROCK inhibitor Y27632 significantly, but not completely, reduced the contraction. The present study demonstrated that LPA-induced contraction seems to be mediated by LPA receptors (1/3), coupled to PTX-sensitive G protein, resulting in activation of PLC, PKC-ε pathway, which subsequently mediates activation of ERK and JNK. The data also suggest that RhoA/ROCK are involved in the LPA-induced contraction.
    Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 04/2013; 17(2):139-47. · 0.96 Impact Factor
  • Article: Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of QGC in Cultured Feline Esophageal Epithelial Cells.
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    ABSTRACT: Quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside (QGC) is a flavonoid glucoside extracted from Rumex Aquaticus Herba. In the present study, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of QGC were tested in vitro. Epithelial cells obtained from cat esophagus were cultured. When the cells were exposed to acid for 2 h, cell viability was decreased to 36%. Pretreatment with 50 µM QGC for 2 h prevented the reduction in cell viability. QGC also inhibited the productions of intracellular ROS by inflammatory inducers such as acid, lipopolysaccharide, indomethacin and ethanol. QGC significantly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, and also induced the expression of SOD2, while it restored the decrease of catalase expression in cells exposed to acid. QGC inhibited NF-κB translocation, cyclooxygenase-2 expression and PGE(2) secretion in cells exposed to acid, which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of esophagitis. The data suggest that QGC may well be one of the promising substances to attenuate oxidative epithelial cell injury and inflammatory signaling in esophagus inflammation.
    Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 02/2013; 17(1):81-7. · 0.96 Impact Factor
  • Article: The effects of pigs' feet consumption on lactation.
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    ABSTRACT: Pigs' feet are traditionally consumed by Korean women to increase milk production during lactation. In this study, we evaluated the perceived effectiveness and safety of consuming pigs' feet. Parous women were recruited to complete survey questionnaires in South Korea. Of the 516 respondents, 188 (36%) claimed they consumed pigs' feet. One-hundred twenty women (64%) who consumed pigs' feet reported experiencing an increase in breast milk production. Seventy-three (61%) women from this same group exclusively breastfed. In contrast, 16 (25%) of 65 respondents who did not embrace the same purported effect of pigs' feet indicated that they solely breastfed. Ninety-eight (82%) respondents who consumed pigs' feet and reported galactagoguic effects would recommend its use. Study findings reveal that the majority of women who consume pigs' feet believe in its milk-promoting effects. The results of this study suggest that further investigation of the galactagoguic effects of pigs' feet via conduction of an experimental study is warranted.
    Ecology of Food and Nutrition 01/2013; 52(3):223-38. · 0.76 Impact Factor
  • Article: Quercetin-3-O-beta-d-glucuronopyranoside (QGC)-induced HO-1 expression through ERK and PI3K activation in cultured feline esophageal epithelial cells.
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    ABSTRACT: Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is one of the antioxidant enzymes which help protect against cellular damage. The present study examined the ability of Quercetin-3-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside (QGC), flavonoid glucoside extracted from Rumex Aquaticus Herba, to induce expression of HO-1 and analyzed its signaling mechanism in cultured feline esophageal epithelial cells (EEC). Culture of the esophageal epithelial cells from cat was prepared. The data suggested that QGC could result in enhanced antioxidant enzyme defense system via HO-1 expression and Nrf2 translocation involving both the ERK and PI3K-Akt pathways as well as partly PKC pathways in EEC.
    Fitoterapia 09/2009; 81(2):85-92. · 1.85 Impact Factor
  • Article: Eupatilin with heme oxygenase-1-inducing ability protects cultured feline esophageal epithelial cells from cell damage caused by indomethacin.
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    ABSTRACT: We previously reported that eupatilin (5,7-dihydroxy-3,4,6-trimethoxyflavone) extracted from Artemisia asiaitica, augmented the cellular antioxidant defense capacity through induction of the antioxidant protein heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), thereby protecting ileal smooth muscle cells from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced intestinal toxicity. In the present study, we used cultured feline esophageal epithelial cells (EEC) to investigate the ability of eupatilin to induce expression of HO-1 and to analyze its cytoprotective effect against indomethacin-induced damage, since NSAID users have a higher risk of esophageal ulcers or esophagitis than non-NSAID users. A culture of EEC from cat was prepared. The identity of the cultures was confirmed by immunocytochemistry using cytokeratin antibodies. Western blot analysis showed a concentration- and time- dependent expression of HO-1 in response to eupatilin. Phosphorylation of extracellular regulating protein kinase (ERKs) and Akt, and nuclear translocation of nuclear related factor 2 (Nrf2) were induced by 150 microM eupatilin in a time-dependent manner. Eupatilin-induced HO-1 expression and Nrf2 were partly attenuated by MEK inhibitor PD98059 and almost completely by phosphatidyl-inactiol 3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002, but not by c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP600125 or p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor SB202190. MTT assay showed that treatment with 2 mM indomethacin for 2 h decreased cell viability to about 41%. Pre-treatment of cells with eupatilin resulted in the dose-dependent inhibition of indomethacin-induced cell damage. We confirmed that ZnPP, an HO-1 inhibitor, repressed eupatilin-induced HO-1 activity and showed the protective effect of eupatilin against indomethacin-induced cell injury. The data suggested that HO-1 was partly responsible for the eupatilin-mediated protective action of esophageal epithelial cells against indomethacin via both ERKs and PI3K/Akt pathways as well as Nrf2 translocation.
    Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin 05/2009; 32(4):589-96. · 1.66 Impact Factor
  • Article: Participation of Rho-associated kinase in electrical stimulated and acetylcholine-induced contraction of feline esophageal smooth muscle.
    Sun Young Park, Hyun Ju Song, Uy Dong Sohn
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    ABSTRACT: The RhoA/Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway has been known to play a critical role in Ca(2+)-sensitization of smooth muscle contraction. In this study, we investigated the role of ROCK in feline esophageal body smooth muscle contraction induced by electrical field stimulation and exogenous acetylcholine in vitro. Y-27632 [(+)-(R)-trans-4-(1-aminoethyl)-(4-pyridyl) cyclohexanecarboxamide dihydrochloride], ROCK inhibitor, and specific antibodies to ROCK1 and ROCK2 proteins, which are two isoforms of ROCK, were used. Electrical field stimulation induced off-contraction and on-contraction in the presence of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methylester, originating from the cholinergic nerve. Y-27632 inhibited both excitatory contractions in a concentration-dependent manner. Exogenous acetylcholine concentration-dependently induced two types of contractions: an initial contraction which occurred immediately after the addition of acetylcholine during short periods, and a sustained contraction which sluggishly continued after the initial contraction. Maximal initial and sustained contractions were reached at 10(-5) M acetylcholine. Y-27632 significantly inhibited both acetylcholine-induced contractions in a concentration-dependent manner. Western blot analysis revealed that acetylcholine maximally increased the level of phosphorylation in the 20 kDa regulatory light chain of myosin II (MLC(20)) at Ser(19) from 0.25 min to 1 min, and then declined after 2 min. The level changes of MLC(20) phosphorylation during the 5 min paralleled with those of acetylcholine-induced contractions. The expression of ROCK1 and ROCK2 in membrane fractions of muscle was increased by acetylcholine; more specifically, ROCK2 continually expressed up to 5 min. Taken together, ROCK may be involved in neural-evoked and acetylcholine-induced contraction via translocation to the membrane in feline esophageal smooth muscle.
    European journal of pharmacology 03/2009; 607(1-3):220-5. · 2.59 Impact Factor
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    Article: Signaling mechanisms of sphingosine 1-phosphate-induced ERK1/2 activation in cultured feline esophageal smooth muscle cells.
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    ABSTRACT: Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid, stored and released from activated platelets, macrophages, and other mammalian cells. We previously reported that S1P induces esophageal smooth muscle contraction in freshly isolated intact cells. Here, we measured S1P-induced ERK1/2 activation and upstream signaling in cultured feline esophageal smooth muscle cells. Activation of ERK1/2 by S1P peaked at 5 min, was sustained up to 30 min, and was blocked by PTX. In contrast, S1P did not activate p38 MAPK or JNK. PTX inhibited S1P-induced ERK1/2 activation. We then used phospholipase inhibitors, DEDA for PLA(2), U73122 for PLC, and rhoCMB for PLD, to determine that ERK1/2 activation was downstream of PLC activation. The PKC inhibitors, GF109203X and chelerythrine, also suppressed ERK1/2 activation. Whereas the PTK inhibitor, genistein, partially inhibited ERK1/2 activation, the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, tyrphostin 51, had no effect. Taken together, S1P-induced ERK1/2 activation in cultured ESMCs requires a PTX-sensitive G protein, stimulation of the PLC pathway, and subsequent activation of the PKC and PTK pathways.
    Archives of Pharmacal Research 12/2008; 31(11):1437-45. · 1.59 Impact Factor
  • Article: Regulation of lysophosphatidic acid-induced COX-2 expression by ERK1/2 activation in cultured feline esophageal epithelial cells.
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    ABSTRACT: Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a potent bioactive phospholipid, mediates diverse cellular responses by binding to specific G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). We investigated the signaling mechanisms underlying LPA-induced COX-2 expression in primary cultures of feline esophageal epithelial cells. The identity of the cultures was confirmed by immunocytochemistry using a cytokeratin antibody. Western blot analysis revealed a concentration-and time-dependent induction of COX-2 in response to LPA. Of the three major MAPKs, only ERK1/2 was activated by LPA in a time-dependent manner. LPA-induced COX-2 expression was significantly attenuated by the MEK inhibitor, PD98059, but not by the JNK inhibitor, SP600125, or the p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB212090. LPA-induced COX-2 expression was repressed by pertussis toxin, GF109204X, and Ki16425, indicating the involvements of PTX-sensitive G(i/o) protein, PKC, and the LPA(1/3) receptor, respectively. Our data suggest that in esophageal epithelial cells, LPA-induced COX-2 expression requires activation of PKC and ERK1/2 downstream of the LPA(1/3) receptor, Understanding the regulation of COX-2 expression induced by LPA in esophageal epithelial cells might provide a new therapeutic strategy for esophageal inflammatory diseases.
    Archives of Pharmacal Research 11/2008; 31(10):1331-8. · 1.59 Impact Factor
  • Article: The protective effect of eupatilin on indomethacin-induced cell damage in cultured feline ileal smooth muscle cells: involvement of HO-1 and ERK.
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    ABSTRACT: Chronic users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs frequently develop ulcerative lesions in their intestines. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether eupatilin, an active ingredient derived from Artemisia plants, prevents this side effect in vitro. Extracts of the whole herb of Artemisia asiatica Nakai have been used in oriental medicine for the treatment of inflammation. As measured by the MTT assay, the treatment of cultured feline ileal smooth muscle cells (ISMCs) with 2.5mM indomethacin for 2h decreased the cell viability to 43%. Pretreatment with eupatilin resulted in dose-dependent inhibition on indomethacin-induced cell damage. This cytoprotective effect of eupatilin required concentrations of more than 150 microM and incubation periods of longer than 16 h. Pretreatment of ISMC with cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, attenuated the cytoprotective effect of eupatilin, suggesting that eupatilin induces proteins that are responsible for the cytoprotection. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which is known as a cytoprotective enzyme due to its anti-inflammatory actions, is a candidate protein since ZnPP, an HO-1 inhibitor, repressed the protective effect of eupatilin on indomethacin-induced cell damage in a concentration-dependent manner. Western blot analysis revealed that eupatilin-mediated HO-1 induction occurred in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. We also found that PD98059, a MEK (MAPK/ERK kinase) inhibitor, attenuated the eupatilin-induced HO-1 expression and nuclear translocation of transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2). Taken together, the data imply that eupatilin protects ISMC from cell damage caused by indomethacin, and that its cytoprotective action could be attributed to eupatilin-mediated HO-1 induction via ERK and Nrf2 signaling in ISMC.
    Journal of Ethnopharmacology 07/2008; 118(1):94-101. · 3.01 Impact Factor
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    Article: The signaling mechanism of the sphingosylphosphorylcholine-induced contraction in cat esophageal smooth muscle cells.
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    ABSTRACT: We investigated the signaling pathway on sphingosinephosphorylcholine (SPC) -induced contraction in cat esophageal smooth muscle cells. SPC induced in a dose-dependent manner contractile effect. We have previously shown that lysophospholipid (LPL) receptor subtypes including the S1P1, S1P2, S1P3, and S1P5 receptor are present in esophageal smooth muscle. Only EDG-5 (S1P2) receptor antibody penetration into permeablilized cells inhibited the SPC-induced contraction. Pertussis toxin (PTX) and specific antibodies to G(i1), G(i2), G(i3) and G(o) inhibited the contraction, implying that SPC-induced contraction depends on PTX-sensitive G(i1), G(i2), G(i3), and G(o) protein. A phospholipase inhibitor U73122 and incubation of permeabilized cells with PLC-beta3 antibody inhibited SPC-induced contraction. The PKC-mediated contraction may be isozyme specific since only PKCepsilon antibody inhibited the contraction. Preincubation with MEK inhibitor PD98059 blocked the SPC-induced contraction, but p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190 did not. Cotreatment with GF109203X and PD98059 did not show synergistic effects, suggesting that these two kinases are involved in the same signaling pathway in the SPC-induced contraction. The data suggest that S1P-induced contraction in feline esophageal smooth muscle cells depends on activation of the G(i1), G(i2), G(i3) and G(o) proteins and the PLCbeta3 isozyme via the S1P2 receptor, leading to stimulation of a PKCE pathway, which subsequently activates a p44/p42 MAPK pathway.
    Archives of Pharmacal Research 01/2008; 30(12):1608-18. · 1.59 Impact Factor
  • Article: Effect of hydrogen peroxide on VIP-induced relaxation of the cat lower esophageal sphincter.
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    ABSTRACT: We investigated the effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on relaxation of the cat lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) caused dose-dependent relaxation of LES, and H2O2 reduced VIP-induced relaxation. Relaxation was also attenuated by pertussis toxin (PTX), indicating a Gi/o component. VIP treatment increased [35S]GTPgammaS binding to Gs and Gi3 protein, but not to Go, Gq, Gil or Gi2. This increase in Gs or Gi3 binding was reduced by H2O2. However, the relaxation induced by sodium nitroprusside (SNP), 3-morpholino sydnomine (SIN-1), 8-br cGMP (cGMP analog), forskolin (adenylate cyclase activator), and dibutyryl-cAMP (a stable cAMP analog) was not reduced by H2O2. These data suggest that H202 inhibits VIP-induced relaxation via a Gi-dependent pathway, perhaps by inhibiting the activation of G(i3) or Gs downstream of the VIP receptor and independent of cAMP or NO-cGMP signaling.
    Archives of Pharmacal Research 12/2007; 30(11):1419-25. · 1.59 Impact Factor
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    Article: Reactive oxygen species mediate ET-1-induced activation of ERK1/2 signaling in cultured feline esophageal smooth muscle cells.
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    ABSTRACT: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been shown to play a critical role in propagating the signals of several growth factors, peptide hormones, and cytokines, such as epidermal growth factor, insulin, and interleukin-1. We investigated a possible role for ROS generation in mediating the action of ET-1 on activation of ERK1/2 in cultured feline esophageal smooth muscle cells (ESMC). Confluent layers of ESMC were stimulated by 10nM ET-1; activation of ERK was examined by western blot analysis with phospho-specific antibodies of ERKs. ET-1 induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation in a dose- and time- dependent manner. ERK1/2 activation by ET-1 reached the maximal levels at 5min showing slight activation up to 20min, and then slowly declined. It was confirmed that the activation of ERK1/2 was reduced by MEK inhibitor PD98059. We observed the dose-dependent inhibitory effect of diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), an inhibitor of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase on the ET-1-enhanced ERK1/2 phosphorylation in ESMC. Pretreatment of ESMC with N-acetylcysteine, a ROS scavenger, also attenuated the ET-1-induced ERK1/2 activation. In addition, DPI significantly inhibited the ET-1- induced ROS production when ROS was measured as a function of DCF fluorescence. The results suggest that ROS might be critical mediators of the ET-1-induced ERK1/2 signaling events in ESMC.
    Archives of Pharmacal Research 10/2007; 30(9):1080-7. · 1.59 Impact Factor
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    Article: Cyclic AMP dependent down regulation in the relaxation of smooth muscle cells of cat esophagitis.
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    ABSTRACT: We investigated whether the signal mechanism for relaxation may be affected by inflammation of the cat esophagus. Acute esophagitis was induced by perfusion with 0.1N HCI at a rate of 1 mL/min for 45 min over three consecutive days. We then isolated esophageal smooth muscle cells by enzymatic digestion with collagenase. We pre-contracted the isolated smooth cells with acetylcholine (ACh) (10(-5) M) and compared the agonist-induced relaxation of pre-con tracted normal cells with those of esophagitic cells. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) caused a dose-dependent relaxation in normal cells, and this curve was down shifted in esophagitic cells. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) or SIN-1 (NO donor) produced dose-dependent relaxation in normal cells, which was not affected by esophagitis. 8-Br-cGMP (a cGMP ana log) also induced dose-dependent relaxation to a similar extent in both normal and esoph agitic cells. Forskolin (a cAMP activator) or db-cAMP (a cAMP analog) produced dose-dependent relaxation in normal cells, and this relaxation curve was down shifted in esoph agitic cells. Western blotting was used to determine what subtype of adenylyl cyclase was involved in the cAMP pathway. Western blot analysis of homogenates derived from esophageal smooth muscle using antibodies against adenylyl cyclase types II, III, IV and V/VI revealed the presence of type V and/or type VI only. This result suggests that relaxation via a cAMP-dependent pathway rather than a cGMP dependent-pathway is down regulated in cat acute esophagitis. This subsensitivity of the cAMP related pathway may be related to the activ ity of adenylyl cyclase V/VI.
    Archives of Pharmacal Research 07/2007; 30(6):715-22. · 1.59 Impact Factor
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    Article: Activation of p38 MAPK is involved in endothelin-1-stimulated COX-2 expression in cultured Feline esophageal smooth muscle cells.
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    ABSTRACT: We investigated the possible role of p38 MAPK and ETB receptors in ET-1 induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in cultured feline esophageal smooth muscle cells (ESMC). Confluent layers of ESMC were stimulated with 10 nM ET-1 and expression of COX-1 and COX-2, involvement of receptors, and activation of p38 MAPK, were examined by Western blot analysis. Levels of PGE2 induced by ET-1 were measured by Elisa. Using ETA and ETB antagonists (BQ-123 and BQ-788, respectively), the contribution of the ET receptors to COX-1 and COX-2 expression induced by ET-1 was determined. Western blot analysis revealed that treatment of ESMC with ET-1 resulted in transient expression of COX-2 and activation of p38 MAPK. Activation of p38 MAPK was maximal after 1 h. SB202190, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, reduced expression of COX-2, but not COX-1. ET-1-induced release of PGE2 was also blocked by SB202190. COX-2 expression was upregulated only via the ETB receptor, and COX-1 expression was not affected by either antagonist. Taken together, our data suggest that ET-1 causes p38 MAPK-dependent expression of COX-2 by interacting with ETB receptors on ESMC.
    Molecules and Cells 09/2006; 22(1):44-50. · 2.18 Impact Factor
  • Article: The effect of luteolin-7-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside on gastritis and esophagitis in rats.
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    ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the inhibitory action of luteolin-7-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside, luteolin which was isolated from Salix gilgiana leaves, and omeprazole on reflux esophagitis and gastritis in rats. Reflux esophagitis and gastritis were induced surgically and by the administration of indomethacin, respectively. The intraduodenal administration of luteolin-7-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside decreased the ulcer index, injury area, gastric volume and acid output, and increased the gastric pH compared with luteolin. Luteolin-7-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside significantly decreased the size of the gastric lesions that had been induced by exposing the gastric mucosa to indomethacin. The malondialdehyde content, which is the end product of lipid peroxidation, was increased significantly after inducing of reflux esophagitis. The malondialdehyde content was decreased by Luteolin-7-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside but not luteolin or omeprazole. Luteolin-7-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside has a more potent antioxidative effect than luteolin. Luteolin-7-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside is a promising drug for the treatment of reflux esophagitis and gastritis.
    Archives of Pharmacal Research 07/2006; 29(6):484-9. · 1.59 Impact Factor
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    Article: Electrically stimulated relaxation is not mediated by GABA in cat lower esophageal sphincter muscle.
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    ABSTRACT: This study examined the effect of Gamma-Amino butyric acid (GABA) and selective GABA receptor related drugs on the electrically stimulated relaxation in the lower esophageal sphincter muscle (LES) of a cat. Tetrodotoxin (10(-6) M) suppressed the electrically stimulated (0.5-5 Hz) relaxation of the LES. However, guanethidine (10(-6) M) and atropine (10(-6) M) had no effect indicating that the relaxations were neurally mediated via the nonadrenergic and noncholinergic (NANC) pathways. NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (10(-4) M, L-NAME) also inhibited the relaxant response but did not completely abolish the electrically stimulated relaxation with 60 % inhibition, which suggests the involvement of nitric oxide as an inhibitory transmitter. This study examined the role of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, on neurally mediated LES relaxation. GABA (10(-3)-10(-5) M, non selective receptor agonist), muscimol (10(-3)-10(-5) M, GABA-A agonist), and baclofen (10(-3)-10(-5) M, GABA-B agonist) had no significant effect on the electrically stimulated relaxation. Moreover, bicuculline (10(-5) M, GABA-A antagonist) and phaclofen (10(-5) M, GABA-B antagonist) had no inhibitory effect on the electrically stimulated relaxation. This suggests that GABA and the GABA receptor are not involved in the electrically stimulated NANC relaxation in the cat LES.
    Archives of Pharmacal Research 06/2006; 29(5):400-4. · 1.59 Impact Factor
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    Article: Signal transduction of bombesin-induced circular smooth muscle cell contraction in cat esophagus.
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    ABSTRACT: To investigate the mechanism of bombesin-induced circular smooth muscle cell contraction in cat esophagus. Specific G protein or phospholipase C involved in cat esophagus contraction was identified, muscle cells were permeabilized with saponin. After permeabilization of muscle cells, the Gi3 antibody inhibited bombesin-induced smooth muscle cell contraction. Incubation of permeabilized circular muscle cells with PLC-beta3 antibody could inhibit bombesin-induced contraction. H-7, chelerythrine (PKC inhibitor) and genistein (protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor) inhibited bombesin-induced contraction, but DAG kinase inhibitor, R59949, could not inhibit it. To examine which mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was involved in bombesin-induced contraction, the specific MAPK inhibitors (MEK inhibitor, PD98059 and p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB202190) were used. Preincubation of PD98059 blocked the contraction induced by bombesin in a concentration-dependent manner. However, SB202190 had no effects on contraction. Bombesin-induced circular muscle cell contraction in cat esophagus is madiated via a PKC or a PTK-dependent pathway or p44/p42 MAPK pathway.
    World Journal of Gastroenterology 05/2006; 12(14):2259-63. · 2.47 Impact Factor
  • Article: Sphingosine 1-phosphate-induced signal transduction in cat esophagus smooth muscle cells.
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    ABSTRACT: We investigated the mechanism of contraction induced by S1P in esophageal smooth muscle cells. Western blot analysis demonstrated that S1P(1), S1P(2), S1P(3), and S1P(5) receptors existed in the cat esophagus. Only penetration of EDG-5 (S1P(2)) antibody into permeabilized cells inhibited S1P-induced contraction. Pertussis toxin (PTX) also inhibited contraction, suggesting that it was mediated by S1P(2) receptors coupled to a PTX-sensitive G(i) protein. Specific antibodies to G(i2), G(q) and G(beta) inhibited contraction, implying that the S1P-induced contraction depends on PTX-insensitive G(q) and G(beta) dimers as well as the PTX-sensitive G(i2). Contraction was not affected by the phospholipase A2 inhibitor DEDA, or the PLD inhibitor rho-chloromer-curibenzoate, but it was abolished by the PLC inhibitor U73122. Incubation of permeabilized cells with PLCb3 antibody also inhibited contraction. Contraction involved the activation of a PKC pathway since it was affected by GF109203X and chelerythrine. Since PKCepsilon antibody inhibited contraction, PKCe may be required. Preincubation of the muscle cells with the MEK inhibitor PD98059 blocked S1P-induced contraction, but the p38 MAP kinase inhibitor SB202190 did not. In addition, co-treatment of cells with GF 109203X and PD98059 did not have a synergistic effect, suggesting that these two kinases are involved in the same signaling pathway. Our data suggest that S1P-induced contraction in esophageal smooth muscle cells is mediated by S1P(2) receptors coupled to PTX-sensitive G(i2) proteins, and PTX-insensitive G(q) and G(beta) proteins, and that the resulting activation of the PLCb3 and PKCepsilon pathway leads to activation of a p44/p42 MAPK pathway.
    Molecules and Cells 03/2006; 21(1):42-51. · 2.18 Impact Factor
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    Article: IL-1beta activates p44/42 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases via different pathways in cat esophageal smooth muscle cells.
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    ABSTRACT: To examine the pathway related to the IL-1beta-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases in cat esophageal smooth muscle cells. Culture of the esophageal smooth muscle cells from cat was prepared. Specific inhibitors were treated before applying the IL-1beta. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expressions of COX, iNOS and MAP kinases. In the primary cultured cells, although IL-1beta failed to upregulate the COX and iNOS levels, the levels of the phosphorylated forms of p44/42 MAP kinase and p38 MAP kinase increased in both concentration- and time-dependent manner, of which the level of activation reached a maximum within 3 and 18 h, respectively. The pertussis toxin reduced the level of p44/42 MAP kinase phosphorylation. Tyrphostin 51 and genistein also inhibited this activation. Neomycin decreased the density of the p44/42 MAP kinase band to the basal level. Phosphokinase C (PKC) was found to play a mediating role in the IL-1beta-induced p44/42 MAP kinase activity. In contrast, the activation of p38 MAP kinase was inhibited only by a pretreatment with forskolin, and was unaffected by the other compounds. Based on these results, IL-1beta-induced p44/42 MAP kinase activation is mediated by the Gi protein, tyrosine kinase, phospholipase C (PLC) and PKC. The pathway for p38 MAP kinase phosphorylation is different from that of p44/42 MAP kinase, suggesting that it plays a different role in the cellular response to IL-1beta.
    World Journal of Gastroenterology 03/2006; 12(5):716-22. · 2.47 Impact Factor
  • Article: Extremely low frequency magnetic fields modulate bicuculline-induced-convulsion in rats.
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    ABSTRACT: The effect of extremely low frequency (ELF, 60 Hz) magnetic fields (MFs) on convulsions was investigated in rats. We determined the onset and duration of convulsions induced by bicuculline alone or by co-exposure to MFs and bicuculline. In addition, we measured the GABA concentrations in the rat brains using HPLC-ECD. MFs strengthened the convulsion induced by bicuculline (0.3, 1, and 3 microg, i.c.v.), with a shortening of the onset time, but lengthening of the duration time. Co-exposure to MFs and bicuculline decreased the GABA levels in the cortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus, whereas MFs alone reduced the level of GABA only in the hippocampus. These results suggest that the exposure to MFs may modulate bicuculline-induced convulsions due to GABA neurotransmissions in rat brains.
    Archives of Pharmacal Research 06/2005; 28(5):587-91. · 1.59 Impact Factor