Sung Joong Lee

Seoul National University, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea

Are you Sung Joong Lee?

Claim your profile

Publications (49)186.56 Total impact

  • Article: TLR3-Triggered Reactive Oxygen Species Contribute to Inflammatory Responses by Activating Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-1.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) are essential secondary messengers in many signaling cascades governing innate immunity and cellular functions. TLR3 signaling is crucially involved in antiviral innate and inflammatory responses; however, the roles of ROS in TLR3 signaling remain largely unknown. In this study, we show that TLR3-induced ROS generation is required for the activation of NF-κB, IFN-regulatory factor 3, and STAT1-mediated innate immune responses in macrophages. TLR3 induction led to a rapid increase in ROS generation and a physical association between components of the NADPH oxidase (NOX) enzyme complex (NOX2 and p47(phox)) and TLR3 via a Ca(2+)-c-Src tyrosine kinase-dependent pathway. TLR3-induced ROS generation, NOX2, and p47(phox) were required for the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of STAT1 and STAT2. TLR3-induced activation of STAT1 contributed to the generation of inflammatory mediators, which was significantly attenuated in NOX2- and p47(phox)-deficient macrophages, suggesting a role for ROS-STAT1 in TLR3-mediated innate immune responses. Collectively, these results provide a novel insight into the crucial role that TLR3-ROS signaling plays in innate immune responses by activating STAT1.
    The Journal of Immunology 05/2013; · 5.79 Impact Factor
  • Article: Toll-like receptors: sensor molecules for detecting damage to the nervous system.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are type I transmembrane signaling molecules that are expressed in cells of the innate immune system. In these cells, TLRs function as pattern recognition receptors (PRR) that recognize specific molecular patterns derived from microorganisms. Upon activation, TLRs trigger a cascade of intracellular signaling pathways in innate immune cells, leading to the induction of inflammatory and innate immune responses, which in turn regulate adaptive immune responses. In the nervous system, different members of the TLR family are expressed on glial cells (astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, and Schwann cells) and neurons. Recently, increasing evidence has supported the idea that TLRs also recognize endogenous molecules that are released from damaged tissue, thereby regulating inflammatory responses and subsequent tissue repair. These findings imply that TLRs on glial cells may also be involved in the inflammatory response to tissue damage in the nervous system. In this review, we discuss recent studies on TLR expression in the cells of the nervous system and their roles in acute neurological disorders involving tissue damage such as strokes, traumatic spinal cord and brain injuries, and peripheral nerve injuries.
    Current Protein and Peptide Science 02/2013; · 2.89 Impact Factor
  • Article: Toll-like receptor 2 mediates peripheral nerve injury-induced NADPH oxidase 2 expression in spinal cord microglia.
    Hyoungsub Lim, Donghoon Kim, Sung Joong Lee
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: We have previously reported that NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2) is upregulated in spinal cord microglia after spinal nerve injury, demonstrating that it is critical for microglia activation and subsequent pain hypersensitivity. However, the mechanisms and molecules involved in Nox2 induction have not been elucidated. Previous studies have shown that Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are involved in nerve injury-induced spinal cord microglia activation. In this study, we investigated the role of TLR in Nox2 expression in spinal cord microglia after peripheral nerve injury. Studies using TLR knock-out mice have shown that nerve injury-induced microglial Nox2 upregulation is abrogated in TLR2, but not in TLR3 or 4 knock-out mice. Intrathecal injection of lipoteichoic acid (LTA), a TLR2 agonist, induced Nox2 expression in spinal cord microglia both at the mRNA and protein levels. Similarly, LTA stimulation induced Nox2 expression and reactive oxygen species production in primary spinal cord glial cells in vitro. Studies on intracellular signaling pathways indicate that p38 MAP kinase activation is required for TLR2-induced Nox2 expression in spinal cord glial cells. Conclusively, our data show that TLR2 mediates nerve injury-induced Nox2 gene expression in spinal cord microglia via p38 activation, and thereby may contribute to spinal cord microglia activation.
    Journal of Biological Chemistry 02/2013; · 4.77 Impact Factor
  • Article: Microglial activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by the priming signals derived from macrophages infected with mycobacteria.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: The inflammasome is a multimolecular complex that orchestrates the activation of proinflammatory caspases and interleukin (IL)-1β, which is generally increased in the cerebrospinal fluids of patients with tuberculous meningitis. However, it has not been clarified whether mycobacteria can activate the inflammasome and induce IL-1β maturation in microglia. In this study, we found that the priming of primary murine microglial cells with conditioned media from cultures of macrophages infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) led to robust activation of caspase-1 and IL-1β secretion after Mtb stimulation. Potassium efflux and the lysosomal proteases cathepsin B and cathepsin L were required for the Mtb-induced caspase-1 activation and maturation of IL-1β production in primed microglia. Mtb-induced IL-1β maturation was also found to depend on the nucleotide binding and oligomerization of domain-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 protein (NLRP3) and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), as well as the generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). Notably, the priming of microglia with tumor necrosis factor-α or oncostatin M resulted in caspase-1 cleavage and IL-1β secretion in response to Mtb. Moreover, dexamethasone, as an adjunctive therapy for patients of tuberculous meningitis, significantly reduced the Mtb-induced maturation of IL-1β through inhibition of mitochondrial ROS generation. Collectively, these data suggest that Mtb stimulation induces activation of the microglial NLRP3 inflammasome (composed of NLRP3, ASC, and cysteine protease caspase-1) through microglia-leukocyte interactions as a priming signal, and that dexamethasone decreases inflammasome activation through inhibition of ROS of mitochondrial origin. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
    Glia 12/2012; · 4.82 Impact Factor
  • Article: c-Jun N-terminal phosphorylation is essential for hippocampal synaptic plasticity.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), a member of the MAPK family, is an important regulatory factor of synaptic plasticity as well as neuronal differentiation and cell death. Recently, JNK has been reported to modulate synaptic plasticity by the direct phosphorylation of synaptic proteins. The specific role of c-Jun phosphorylation in JNK mediated synaptic plasticity, however, remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of c-Jun phosphorylation on synaptic structure and function by using c-Jun mutant mice, c-JunAA, in which the active phosphorylation sites at serines 63 and 73 were replaced by alanines. The gross hippocampal anatomy and number of spines on hippocampal pyramidal neurons were normal in c-JunAA mice. Basal synaptic transmission, input-output ratios, and paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) were also no different in c-JunAA compared with wild-type mice. Notably, however, the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) at hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses in c-JunAA mice was impaired, whereas induction of long-term depression (LTD) was normal. These data suggest that phosphorylation of the c-Jun N-terminus is required for LTP formation in the hippocampus, and may help to better characterize JNK-mediated modulation of synaptic plasticity.
    Neuroscience Letters 10/2012; · 2.11 Impact Factor
  • Article: Identification and characterization of triamcinolone acetonide, a microglial-activation inhibitor.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Recent studies show that necrotic neuronal cells (NNC) activate microglia, thereby leading to neuronal cell death. This suggests that chemicals that inhibit microglia activation may be used as neuroprotective drugs. In this context, we screened a chemical library for inhibitors of microglia activation. Using a screening system based on a nitrite assay, we isolated two chemicals that inhibit nitric oxide (NO) release from activated microglia: triamcinolone acetonide (TA) and amcinonide. The half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of TA and amcinonide for NO release inhibition were 1.78 nM and 3.38 nM, respectively. These chemicals also inhibited NNC-induced expression of the proinflammatory genes iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-1β in glial cells. A study based on a luciferase assay revealed that TA attenuated NNC-induced microglia activation by blocking the NF-κB signaling pathway. In addition, TA protected cortical neurons in coculture with microglia from LPS/IFN-γ-induced neuronal cell death. In conclusion, TA may inhibit microglia activation and may protect neuronal cells from death induced by microglial activation.
    Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology 05/2012; · 1.83 Impact Factor
  • Source
    Article: Imiquimod enhances excitability of dorsal root ganglion neurons by inhibiting background (K(2P)) and voltage-gated (K(v)1.1 and K(v)1.2) potassium channels.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Imiquimod (IQ) is known as an agonist of Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) and is widely used to treat various infectious skin diseases. However, it causes severe itching sensation as its side effect. The precise mechanism of how IQ causes itching sensation is unknown. A recent report suggested a molecular target of IQ as TLR7 expressed in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. However, we recently proposed a TLR7-independent mechanism, in which the activation of TLR7 is not required for the action of IQ in DRG neurons. To resolve this controversy regarding the involvement of TLR7 and to address the exact molecular identity of itching sensation by IQ, we investigated the possible molecular target of IQ in DRG neurons. When IQ was applied to DRG neurons, we observed an increase in action potential (AP) duration and membrane resistance both in wild type and TLR7-deficient mice. Based on these results, we tested whether the treatment of IQ has an effect on the activity of K(+) channels, K(v)1.1 and K(v)1.2 (voltage-gated K(+) channels) and TREK1 and TRAAK (K(2P) channels). IQ effectively reduced the currents mediated by both K(+) channels in a dose-dependent manner, acting as an antagonist at TREK1 and TRAAK and as a partial antagonist at K(v)1.1 and K(v)1.2. Our results demonstrate that IQ blocks the voltage-gated K(+) channels to increase AP duration and K(2P) channels to increase membrane resistance, which are critical for the membrane excitability of DRG neurons. Therefore, we propose that IQ enhances the excitability of DRG neurons by blocking multiple potassium channels and causing pruritus.
    Molecular Pain 01/2012; 8:2. · 3.53 Impact Factor
  • Source
    Article: Toll-like receptor 2 contributes to chemokine gene expression and macrophage infiltration in the dorsal root ganglia after peripheral nerve injury.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: We have previously reported that nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain is attenuated in toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) knock-out mice. In these mice, inflammatory gene expression and spinal cord microglia actvation is compromised, whereas the effects in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) have not been tested. In this study, we investigated the role of TLR2 in inflammatory responses in the DRG after peripheral nerve injury. L5 spinal nerve transection injury induced the expression of macrophage-attracting chemokines such as CCL2/MCP-1 and CCL3/MIP-1 and subsequent macrophage infiltration in the DRG of wild-type mice. In TLR2 knock-out mice, however, the induction of chemokine expression and macrophage infiltration following nerve injury were markedly reduced. Similarly, the induction of IL-1β and TNF-α expression in the DRG by spinal nerve injury was ameliorated in TLR2 knock-out mice. The reduced inflammatory response in the DRG was accompanied by attenuation of nerve injury-induced spontaneous pain hypersensitivity in TLR2 knock-out mice. Our data show that TLR2 contributes to nerve injury-induced proinflammatory chemokine/cytokine gene expression and macrophage infiltration in the DRG, which may have relevance in the reduced pain hypersensitivity in TLR2 knock-out mice after spinal nerve injury.
    Molecular Pain 09/2011; 7:74. · 3.53 Impact Factor
  • Source
    Article: IKK-β-mediated myeloid cell activation exacerbates inflammation and inhibits recovery after spinal cord injury.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is followed by massive infiltration and activation of myeloid cells such as neutrophils and macrophages, but the functions of these cells are controversial. In this study, our objective was to elucidate the in vivo role of a signaling pathway involved in activation of these innate immune cells in SCI using myeloid cell-specific IκB kinase (IKK)-β conditional knockout (ikkβΔmye) mice. In these mice, the ikkβ gene has been specifically deleted from myeloid cells, compromising their in vivo IKK/NF-κB-dependent activation. We found that ikkβΔmye mice had significantly reduced neutrophil and macrophage infiltrations after SCI compared to ikkβ(+/+) controls. SCI-induced proinflammatory gene expression was also reduced in ikkβΔmye mice. Reduced neuroinflammation in ikkβΔmye mice was accompanied by attenuated neuronal loss and behavioral deficits in motor activity. In addition, the SCI-induced expression of CXC ligand 1 was reduced in ikkβΔmye mice, which may be responsible for the reduced neutrophil infiltration in these mice. Our data demonstrate that IKK-β-dependent myeloid cell activation potentiates neuroinflammation and neuronal damage after SCI.
    European Journal of Immunology 03/2011; 41(5):1266-77. · 5.10 Impact Factor
  • Article: Analysis of cellular and behavioral responses to imiquimod reveals a unique itch pathway in transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)-expressing neurons.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Despite its clinical importance, the mechanisms that mediate or generate itch are poorly defined. The identification of pruritic compounds offers insight into understanding the molecular and cellular basis of itch. Imiquimod (IQ) is an agonist of Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) used to treat various infectious skin diseases such as genital warts, keratosis, and basal cell carcinoma. Itch is reportedly one of the major side effects developed during IQ treatments. We found that IQ acts as a potent itch-evoking compound (pruritogen) in mice via direct excitation of sensory neurons. Combined studies of scratching behavior, patch-clamp recording, and Ca(2+) response revealed the existence of a unique intracellular mechanism, which is independent of TLR7 as well as different from the mechanisms exploited by other well-characterized pruritogens. Nevertheless, as for other pruritogens, IQ requires the presence of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)-expressing neurons for itch-associated responses. Our data provide evidence supporting the hypothesis that there is a specific subset of TRPV1-expressing neurons that is equipped with diverse intracellular mechanisms that respond to histamine, chloroquine, and IQ.
    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 02/2011; 108(8):3371-6. · 9.68 Impact Factor
  • Source
    Article: The role of endothelin receptor A during myelination of developing oligodendrocytes.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Endothelin (ET)-1 and its receptors (ETA and ETB receptor) are present in the central nervous system. ET exerts biological effects on gliogenesis and glial cell functions. In order to define a possible mechanism of ETA receptor signaling, the distribution of the ETA receptor in developing oligodendrocytes and the effects of ET-1 on the myelination of oligodendrocytes were examined. ETA receptor immunoreactivity was confined to the perivascular elements of the blood vessels during early postnatal development. However later in development, ETA receptor immunoreactivity was no longer observed in the vessels but became localized to the myelinating oligodendrocytes of the primitive corpus callosum of the white matter, apart from the vessels. ET-1 induced myelin basic protein (MBP) in primary oligodendrocyte precursor cell culture though the ETA receptor and was blocked by an ETA receptor antagonist. In addition, ET-1 evoked the release of Ca(2+) which is a central regulator of oligodendrocyte differentiation. Our results provide a link between ET-1 and its ETA receptor and myelination during oligodendrocyte differentiation.
    Journal of Korean medical science 01/2011; 26(1):92-9. · 0.84 Impact Factor
  • Article: Microglial Toll-like Receptor 2 Contributes to Kainic Acid-induced Glial Activation and Hippocampal Neuronal Cell Death
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Recent studies indicate that Toll-like receptors (TLRs), originally identified as infectious agent receptors, also mediate sterile inflammatory responses during tissue damage. In this study, we investigated the role of TLR2 in excitotoxic hippocampal cell death using TLR2 knock-out (KO) mice. TLR2 expression was up-regulated in microglia in the ipsilateral hippocampus of kainic acid (KA)-injected mice. KA-mediated hippocampal cell death was significantly reduced in TLR2 KO mice compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Similarly, KA-induced glial activation and proinflammatory gene expression in the hippocampus were compromised in TLR2 KO mice. In addition, neurons in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs) from TLR2 KO mouse brains were less susceptible to KA excitotoxicity than WT OHSCs. This protection is partly attributed to decreased expression of proinflammatory genes, such as TNF-α and IL-1β in TLR2 KO mice OHSCs. These data demonstrate conclusively that TLR2 signaling in microglia contributes to KA-mediated innate immune responses and hippocampal excitotoxicity.
    Journal of Biological Chemistry 12/2010; 285(50):39447-39457. · 4.77 Impact Factor
  • Article: Microglial Toll-like receptor 2 contributes to kainic acid-induced glial activation and hippocampal neuronal cell death.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Recent studies indicate that Toll-like receptors (TLRs), originally identified as infectious agent receptors, also mediate sterile inflammatory responses during tissue damage. In this study, we investigated the role of TLR2 in excitotoxic hippocampal cell death using TLR2 knock-out (KO) mice. TLR2 expression was up-regulated in microglia in the ipsilateral hippocampus of kainic acid (KA)-injected mice. KA-mediated hippocampal cell death was significantly reduced in TLR2 KO mice compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Similarly, KA-induced glial activation and proinflammatory gene expression in the hippocampus were compromised in TLR2 KO mice. In addition, neurons in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs) from TLR2 KO mouse brains were less susceptible to KA excitotoxicity than WT OHSCs. This protection is partly attributed to decreased expression of proinflammatory genes, such as TNF-α and IL-1β in TLR2 KO mice OHSCs. These data demonstrate conclusively that TLR2 signaling in microglia contributes to KA-mediated innate immune responses and hippocampal excitotoxicity.
    Journal of Biological Chemistry 10/2010; 285(50):39447-57. · 4.77 Impact Factor
  • Source
    Article: NADPH oxidase 2-derived reactive oxygen species in spinal cord microglia contribute to peripheral nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Increasing evidence supports the notion that spinal cord microglia activation plays a causal role in the development of neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve injury; yet the mechanisms for microglia activation remain elusive. Here, we provide evidence that NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2)-derived ROS production plays a critical role in nerve injury-induced spinal cord microglia activation and subsequent pain hypersensitivity. Nox2 expression was induced in dorsal horn microglia immediately after L5 spinal nerve transection (SNT). Studies using Nox2-deficient mice show that Nox2 is required for SNT-induced ROS generation, microglia activation, and proinflammatory cytokine expression in the spinal cord. SNT-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were similarly attenuated in Nox2-deficient mice. In addition, reducing microglial ROS level via intrathecal sulforaphane administration attenuated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in SNT-injured mice. Sulforaphane also inhibited SNT-induced proinflammatory gene expression in microglia, and studies using primary microglia indicate that ROS generation is required for proinflammatory gene expression in microglia. These studies delineate a pathway involving nerve damage leading to microglial Nox2-generated ROS, resulting in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines that are involved in the initiation of neuropathic pain.
    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 08/2010; 107(33):14851-6. · 9.68 Impact Factor
  • Article: Toll-like Receptor3-mediated Induction of Chemokines in Salivary Epithelial Cells.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) functionally expressed in salivary epithelial cells, but their roles remain elusive. Among TLRs family, TLR3 is activated by dsRNA, a byproduct of viral infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of TLR3 in the inflammatory immune responses using HSG cells. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), real-time PCR and ELISA were performed to identify expression of TLRs and TLR3-mediated chemokine inductions. The chemotaxis assay of activated T lymphocytes was also performed. Treatment of HSG cells with polyinosinic: polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) significantly increased interferon-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), interferoninducible T-cell α chemoattractant (I-TAC), and regulated on activation, normal T-cells expressed and secreted (RANTES) gene expressions in a concentration-dependent manner. Anti-TLR3 antibody blocked the increases of IP-10 and I-TAC genes. Poly(I:C)-induced increases of IP-10 and I-TAC were also confirmed at protein levels from cell lysates, but their release into extracellular medium was detected only in IP-10. We found that the culture media from HSG cells stimulated with poly(I:C) significantly increases T lymphocyte migration. Our results suggest that TLR3 plays an important role in chemokine induction, particularly IP-10, in salivary epithelial cells.
    Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 08/2010; 14(4):235-40. · 0.96 Impact Factor
  • Article: Effects of saccharin intake on hippocampal and cortical plasticity in juvenile and adolescent rats.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: The sensory system is developed and optimized by experiences given in the early phase of life in association with other regions of the nervous system. To date, many studies have revealed that deprivation of specific sensory experiences can modify the structure and function of the central nervous system; however, the effects of sensory overload remains unclear. Here we studied the effect of overloading the taste sense in the early period of life on the synaptic plasticity of rat hippocampus and somatosensory cortex. We prepared male and female Sprague Dawley rats with ad libitum access to a 0.1% saccharin solution for 2 hrs per day for three weeks after weaning on postnatal day 22. Saccharin consumption was slightly increased in males compared with females; however, saccharin intake did not affect chow intake or weight gain either in male or in female rats. We examined the effect of saccharin-intake on long term potentiation (LTP) formation in hippocampal Schaffer collateral pathway and somatosensory cortex layer IV - II/III pathways in the 6-week old saccharin-fed rats. There was no significant difference in LTP formation in the hippocampus between the control group and saccharin-treated group in both male and female rats. Also in the somatosensory cortex, we did not see a significant difference in LTP among the groups. Therefore, we conclude that saccharin-intake during 3~6 weeks may not affect the development of physiological function of the cortical and hippocampal synapses in rats.
    Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 04/2010; 14(2):113-8. · 0.96 Impact Factor
  • Article: Caffeine-mediated inhibition of calcium release channel inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor subtype 3 blocks glioblastoma invasion and extends survival.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Calcium signaling is important in many signaling processes in cancer cell proliferation and motility including in deadly glioblastomas of the brain that aggressively invade neighboring tissue. We hypothesized that disturbing Ca(2+) signaling pathways might decrease the invasive behavior of giloblastoma, extending survival. Evaluating a panel of small-molecule modulators of Ca(2+) signaling, we identified caffeine as an inhibitor of glioblastoma cell motility. Caffeine, which is known to activate ryanodine receptors, paradoxically inhibits Ca(2+) increase by inositol 1,4,5-trisphospate receptor subtype 3 (IP(3)R3), the expression of which is increased in glioblastoma cells. Consequently, by inhibiting IP(3)R3-mediated Ca(2+) release, caffeine inhibited migration of glioblastoma cells in various in vitro assays. Consistent with these effects, caffeine greatly increased mean survival in a mouse xenograft model of glioblastoma. These findings suggest IP(3)R3 as a novel therapeutic target and identify caffeine as a possible adjunct therapy to slow invasive growth of glioblastoma.
    Cancer Research 02/2010; 70(3):1173-83. · 7.86 Impact Factor
  • Article: Human astrocytic bradykinin B(2) receptor modulates zymosan-induced cytokine expression in 1321N1 cells.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Bradykinin is an important modulator of the neurons and glial cells of the nervous system. Bradykinin secreted from neurons affects astrocytic functions such as neurovascular coupling and astrocytic cytokine production. In human astrocytes, however, the detailed mechanism of bradykinin-mediated modulation of astrocytic functions has not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we report the functional expression of the bradykinin B(2) receptor and its modulation of zymosan-induced cytokine expression in human astrocytoma 1321N1 cells. Bradykinin increased cytosolic [Ca(2+)] in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas [des-Arg(10)] kallidin (an agonist of the B(1) receptor) did not have this effect. Bradykinin also triggered intracellular InsP(3) production. Pretreating the cells with HOE140 (icatibant acetate, a B(2) receptor antagonist) inhibited the bradykinin-induced increase in cytosolic [Ca(2+)] and InsP(3) production. In contrast, [des-Arg(10)]HOE140 (a B(1) receptor antagonist) did not show any inhibitory effect. Bradykinin increased the zymosan-induced expression of TNF-alpha, and interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) but did not affect the expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6) or interleukin 10 (IL-10). Interestingly, a cyclooxygenase-2 specific inhibitor blocked the bradykinin-induced effect. In contrast to the result in human glioma cells, bradykinin inhibits the zymosan-induced expression of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta in rat astrocytes, which shows a species-dependent manner. These data suggest that bradykinin B(2) receptors are expressed in human astrocytoma cells and that they modulate the expression pattern of inflammatory cytokines.
    Peptides 10/2009; 31(1):101-7. · 2.43 Impact Factor
  • Chapter: Toll-Like Receptors in Peripheral Nerve Injury and Neuropathic Pain
    Donghoon Kim, Soojin Lee, Sung Joong Lee
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Peripheral nerve injury triggers a series of responses in the injured nerve, such as the dissolution of distal axons, the activation of Schwann cells, the production of various proinflammatory mediators, and the infiltration of circulating immune cells. These orchestrated events regulate the degeneration and subsequent regeneration of the injured nerve. In addition, peripheral nerve injury often accompanies chronic pain. Studies in this field have revealed that spinal cord microglia activation plays a critical role in the development of pain hypersensitivity. Recent studies using genetically modified mice indicate that Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are involved in nerve degeneration (Wallerian degeneration) and chronic pain (neuropathic pain) development after nerve injury. Here, we review studies that have implicated TLRs in mediating nerve degeneration/regeneration and neuropathic pain following nerve injury. In addition, we discuss possible mechanisms underlying the roles of TLRs in these neurological disorders.
    08/2009: pages 169-186;
  • Article: Histamine H1 receptor induces cytosolic calcium increase and aquaporin translocation in human salivary gland cells.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: One of the common side effects of antihistamine medicines is xerostomia (dry mouth). The current consensus is that antihistamine-induced xerostomia comes from an antimuscarinic effect. Although the effect of antihistamines on salivary secretion is both obvious and significant, the cellular mechanism whereby this happens is still unclear because of the lack of knowledge of histamine signaling in human salivary glands. Here, we have studied histamine receptors and the effect of antihistamines on human submandibular acinar cells. In primary cultured human submandibular gland and a HSG cell line, histamine increased the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration. The histamine-induced cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) increase was inhibited by histamine H1 receptor-specific antagonists, and the expression of the functional histamine H1 receptor was confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Interestingly, histamine pretreatment did not inhibit a subsequent carbachol-induced [Ca(2+)](i) rise without "heterologous desensitization." Chlorpheniramine inhibited a carbachol-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase at a 100-fold greater concentration than histamine receptor antagonism, whereas astemizole and cetrizine showed more than 1000-fold difference, which in part explains the xerostomia-inducing potency among the antihistamines. Notably, histamine resulted in translocation of aquaporin-5 to the plasma membrane in human submandibular gland cells and green fluorescent protein-tagged aquaporin-5 expressing HSG cells. We found that histidine decarboxylase and the histamine H1 receptor are broadly distributed in submandibular gland cells, whereas choline acetyltransferase is localized only at the parasympathetic terminals. Our results suggest that human salivary gland cells express histamine H1 receptors and histamine-synthesizing enzymes, revealing the cellular mechanism of antihistamine-induced xerostomia.
    Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 06/2009; 330(2):403-12. · 3.83 Impact Factor

Institutions

  • 2004–2013
    • Seoul National University
      • • Department of Dentistry
      • • Dental Research Institute
      • • College of Dentistry
      • • Department of Physiology
      Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
    • LG Life Sciences
      Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
  • 2007–2012
    • Chungnam National University
      • Department of Microbiology
      Seongnam, Gyeonggi, South Korea
  • 2006–2010
    • Seoul National University Dental Hospital
      Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
  • 2002
    • University of California, San Diego
      • Department of Pharmacology
      San Diego, CA, USA