Bicipital origin and the course of the plantaris muscle / 대한해부학회지

The plantaris muscle (PM) has a small fusiform muscle belly and a long slender tendon sandwiched between the soleus (SM) and gastrocnemius muscle (GM). During routine dissection for research, an additional PM in the popliteal region of a 75-year-old Korean female was discovered. Two distinct PMs were present, the superior PM (sPM) and inferior PM (iPM). While the sPM originates from the lower lateral supracondylar ridge and the knee capsule, the iPM originates from the femoral condyle and sPM tendon splitting into two parts at the distal belly. The lateral side of the iPM tendon travels between GM and SM and ends at the calcaneal tendon. sPM and the medial side of the iPM tendon run along with the sPM tendon and inserts at the fascia at the inner surface of proximal 1/3 of the medial head of GM. This case report introduces a new variation of the PM that should be taken into consideration.

Bicipital origin and the course of the plantaris muscle / 대한해부학회지

The plantaris muscle (PM) has a small fusiform muscle belly and a long slender tendon sandwiched between the soleus (SM) and gastrocnemius muscle (GM). During routine dissection for research, an additional PM in the popliteal region of a 75-year-old Korean female was discovered. Two distinct PMs were present, the superior PM (sPM) and inferior PM (iPM). While the sPM originates from the lower lateral supracondylar ridge and the knee capsule, the iPM originates from the femoral condyle and sPM tendon splitting into two parts at the distal belly. The lateral side of the iPM tendon travels between GM and SM and ends at the calcaneal tendon. sPM and the medial side of the iPM tendon run along with the sPM tendon and inserts at the fascia at the inner surface of proximal 1/3 of the medial head of GM. This case report introduces a new variation of the PM that should be taken into consideration.

Anatomical popliteal artery entrapment syndrome

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze anatomical popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) and to individualize the treatment of this condition according to the anatomical status of the artery and the adjacent structure. METHODS: A total of 35 anatomical PAES legs in 23 consecutive patients treated within the Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea between 1995 and 2011 were analyzed retrospectively. Anatomical PAES was diagnosed by MRI and/or CT scans of the knee joint, and CT or conventional transfemoral arteriography of the lower extremities. RESULTS: We noted a type II gastrocnemius medial head (GNM) anomaly, a type III GNM anomaly, or an aberrant plantaris muscle in 51.4%, 20%, and 28.6% of PAES legs, respectively. In assessments of the arterial lesions, popliteal or tibial artery occlusion was noted in 19 of 26 symptomatic PAES legs. For cases without popliteal artery lesions, myotomy of the anatomically deranged muscle was performed in 5 of 7 symptomatic and 4 of 9 asymptomatic PAES legs. For occluded popliteal arteries, we performed ten direct repairs of the pathological popliteal artery and 4 femoro-below the knee popliteal bypass surgeries. As a result of the arterial Surgery, 9 direct procedures with myotomy yielded a patent artery, while 3 graft failures were noted in the bypass group. The median follow-up period was 84 months (range, 12–206 months). CONCLUSION: We recommend that treatment of PAES should be individualized based on pathology, symptoms, and various imaging studies.

Superior Cervical Sympathetic Ganglion: Normal Imaging Appearance on 3T-MRI

OBJECTIVE: To identify superior cervical sympathetic ganglion (SCSG) and describe their characteristic MR appearance using 3T-MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, we recruited 53 consecutive patients without history of head and neck irradiation. Using anatomic location based on literature review, both sides of the neck were evaluated to identify SCSGs in consensus. SCSGs were divided into definite (medial to internal carotid artery [ICA] and lateral to longus capitis muscle [LCM]) and probable SCSGs based on relative location to ICA and LCM. Two readers evaluated signal characteristics including intraganglionic hypointensity of all SCSGs and relative location of probable SCSGs. Interrater and intrarater agreements were quantified using unweighted kappa. RESULTS: Ninety-one neck sites in 53 patients were evaluated after exclusion of 15 neck sites with pathology. Definite SCSGs were identified at 66 (73%) sites, and probable SCSGs were found in 25 (27%). Probable SCSGs were located anterior to LCM in 16 (18%), lateral to ICA in 6 (7%), and posterior to ICA in 3 (3%). Intraganglionic hypointensity was identified in 82 (90%) on contrast-enhanced fat-suppressed T1-weighted images. There was no statistical difference in the relative location between definite and probable SCSGs of the right and left sides with intragnalionic hypointensity on difference pulse sequences. Interrater and intrarater agreements on the location and intraganglionic hypointensity were excellent (κ-value, 0.749-1.000). CONCLUSION: 3T-MRI identified definite SCSGs at 73% of neck sites and varied location of the remaining SCSGs. Intraganglionic hypointensity was a characteristic feature of SCSGs.

The Effect of Intrathecal Bupivacaine with Hypothermia on Neuronal Protection against Transient Spinal Cord Ischemia in Rats / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Local anesthetics can reduece excitotoxic neuronal injury from ischemia. We investigated neuroprotective effects of intrathecally administered bupivacaine and hypothermia in rat model of transient spinal cord ischemia. METHODS: A PE-10 intrathecal catheter was implanted into thirty six male Sprague-Dawley rats through L4-5 interlaminar space. Animals of normothermia (N) and hypothermia (H) groups were administered 15microliter of normal saline, and 15microliter of 0.5% bupivacaine for bupivacaine (B) and bupivacaine-hypothermia (BH) groups. Transient spinal cord ischemia was induced by inflation of a 2 F Fogarty catheter placed into aortic arch for 12 minutes. During ischemia, rectal temperature was maintained to 37.0+/-0.5 degrees C for N and B groups, 34.5 +/- 0.5degrees C for H and BH groups. Motor and sensory deficit score were assessed 2 and 24 hour after reperfusion. Lumbar spinal cords were harvested for histopathology, and for immunoreactivity of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). RESULTS: The motor and sensory deficit score of N and B group was significantly higher than H group (P < 0.05) and BH group (P < 0.05). There were also significant difference in the motor and sensory deficit score between H and BH group at 24 hr (P < 0.05). Neuronal cell death and immunoreactivity of HSP70 was frequently observed in the N and B groups, but not in the H and BH groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that intrathecal bupivacaine did not provide neuroprotection during normothermic transient spinal cord ischemia in rats, but it can enhance neuroprotective effects of hypothermia.

Alterations of the Cerebellar Inhibitory Interneurons and Inhibitory Synapse Following KA-induced Seizures / 대한해부학회지

Most epileptic patients have commonly suffered from recurrent seizures for many years. These seizures are usually associated with inhibitory synaptic reorganization of the hippocampal region, but it is not known whether cerebellar inhibitory synaptic changes can be induced by seizure activity. We sought to determine the pattern of cerebellar alterations in the cerebellar inhibitory interneurons (basket and stellate cells) and then tested if the alterations are associated with their synaptic transmission at the cerebellar GABAergic synapses between inhibitory interneurons and Purkinje cells after systemic kainic acid administration by immunohistochemistry, western blot analysis, dot blot analysis and confocal microscopy. A dramatic increase of the intensity of GAP-43 immunostaining was obvious in the pinceau structures following KA-induced seizures and the intense GAP-43 immunoreaction involved in high expression of PKC-sigma. The activation of the presynaptic terminal at the cerebellar inhibitory synapse is accompanied with strong GABA immunoreactivity in pinceau region (especially 48 h) after KA-seizures. These results suggest a possibility that KA-seizures increase the release of GABA at the cerebellar inhibitory presynaptic terminal and it would be contribute to the depression of Purkinje cell activity, disinhibition, during the epileptogenesis.

The Study of Wound Healing Using Cultured Autologous Dermal Fibroblast of Guinea Pig / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Autologous cultured dermal fibroblasts can be transplanted to the full thickness of skin wounds and this successfully accelerates the early wound healing of epidermis and dermis with less inflammation and scarring than allogeneic transplantations. The wound-healing effect of dermal fibroblasts is thought to be due to their growth factor and extracellular matrix releasing effects. Fibroblasts could therefore help chronic wound healing, where lower concentration of growth factors have been observed. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the early wound healing effects of the autologous cultured dermal fibroblasts and to confirm that several growth factors and fibroblasts are closely associated in the mechanism of wound healing. METHODS: Suspensions of cultured autologous dermal fibroblasts were transplanted to full thickness wounds in 15 guinea pigs, and the wounds were then covered with transparent membrane. Wound biopsy materials were excised and collected from 9 guinea pigs at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after wounding. Comparisons of the clinical wound healings between the experimental and control groups at the 3rd, 7th and 14th day after fibroblast transplantations were made in 8 guinea pigs, in which continuous clinical observation was possible in the same guinea pigs. Samples were processed for routine hematoxylin and eosin stains, immunohistochemical stains for fibroblast growth factor (FGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), and insulin like growth factors (IGF). RESULTS: The experimental groups showed decreased wound surface area at 3 and 7 days after transplantations, and more vascular, granulomatous wounds and fibroplasia responses compared with the control groups. Immunohistochemal stains revealed increased positive staining for FGF, TGF beta, and VEGF at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd weeks, compared with the controls. CONCLUSION: Transplantations of autologous cultured dermal fibroblasts proved to be clinically effective in the early wound healing of full thickness wounds of guinea pigs, and growth factors such as FGF, TGF VEGF must have some role in the mechanism of wound healing by autologous dermal fibroblasts.

Gender Difference on Corpus Callosum in Korean Adults / 체질인류학회지

Corpus callsoum (CC) is the largest commissural fiber connecting the cerebral hemispheres. The gender difference in the size or the shape of CC is a long standing dispute. Some reported that adult female CC had more bulbous splenium and larger area considering brain size, but others failed to replicate this findings. There is no definite consensus on sexual dimorphism of CC yet, although extensive studies on sexual dimorphism has been expected to provide a clue to explain sociopsychological differences between male and female. This variable results are attributed to limited number of subjects, measured parameters, and method of measurement. We have employed comprehensive analytic parameters with large subjects to understand gender differences on CC of healthy Korean adults. We have analyzed the magnetic resonance image (MRI) in adults free from neurological disorders. The subjects were composed of 108 young people (3rd decade; male : 51, female : 57). Total area, its 5 sub-areas, linear parameters including height, length, and width and five specific angles of the CC were measured on the midsagittal MR images with NIH Image program (R) (Ver 1.6). The gender differences were observed in the area of splenium and length in the group. The male CC have larger splenium and longer length than female. The angle between neural axis and base of corpus callosum in female was significantly larger than that of male. This study reports not only gender difference of adult CC, but Korean adult standard morphometric data of CC research. These results might serve a useful basic data for various research in the fields of neuroanatomy, neuroradiology, and neuropsychiatry.

Roles of Stem Cell Factor and c-kit Receptor in the Development of Cerebellar GABAergic Neurons / 대한해부학회지

Evidence that Stem cell factor (SCF) and c-Kit receptor tyrosine kinase are expressed in the cerebellum during postnatal development, suggests a possible contribution of the SCF/Kit signaling pathway in the cerebellar development. In the present study, we prepared cerebellar cultures from C57Bl/6J mouse at postnatal day 1and 7 to investigate the role of c-kit receptor and SCF in regulation of growth and differentiation in the postnatal cerebellar GABAergic cells. SCF increased the number of survival cerebellar cells and density of glutamic acid decarboxylase 65/67 (GAD65/67) and calbindin D-28K expression in the immunoblot analysis. SCF also improved the neurite extension of the interneuron neuritis and dendritogenesis of Purkinje cells. Treatment with c-Kit antibody accelerated cellular loss in serum-free media and decreased the growth ability and dendritogenesis of Purkinje cells and cerebellar inhibitory interneurons. Our data suggest that SCF and c-kit receptor are required for the normal growth of postnatal cerebellum and a possible involvement of functional regulation through the SCF/c-kit receptor pathways in the postnatal cerebellar development.

In situ hybridization Study on the Age-related Changes of Ghrelin mRNA Expression in Rat Stomach / 대한해부학회지

Ghrelin is a recently identified member of growth hormone secretagogue, which is synthesized as peptide of 28 amino acids in stomach, pituitary and intestines. Ghrelin controls food intake, and induces gastric acid secretion. It has been reported that synthesis and secretion of ghrelin changes according to age of animals. In this study, in situ hybridization technique with digoxigenin-labeled oligonucleotide probe is applied to elucidate the developmental change of ghrelin mRNA expression pattern in rat stomach. Ghrelin mRNA positive cells first appeared in stomach of 9 day rats, mainly in base of gastric glands. It showed the highest density and spread to neck area of the gastric gland in 6 week rats. Number of positive cells decreased significantly in 18 months. Most of ghrelin mRNA positive cells were found as closed-type endocrine cells in fundus area. These results suggest that ghrelin expression may be involved in development and ageing process.

Effect of Nitric Oxide on Neuropeptide Y Immunoreactivity in Rat Spinal Cord on the Allodynia of Inflammation Induced by Freund's Complete Adjuvant / 대한해부학회지

Injection of Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) into peripheral tissue induces inflammatory responses with accompanying pain behaviors. Injection of FCA produced a significant mechanical allodynia over time and nitric oxide(NO) is involved in this mechanism. The role of neuropeptide Y (NPY) on allodynia induced by inflammation is still controversal. We invastigated the change of spinal NPY and nitric oxide in rats with inflammation induced by subcutaneous injection of FCA and L-NG-nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) into hind paw. The results are: The number of NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons and staining intensity of area increased at ipsilateral spinal ventral/dorsal horn of inflammation model. No significant changes were found with L-NAME posttreatment. Staining intensity of NPY immunoreactive (ir) area increased at ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn after FCA injection. No significant changes were found with L-NAME posttreatment. NPY-ir and NADPH-d reactive neurons were found in Rexed III-IV lamina at spinal dorsal horn. No significant change were found on all groups. The results suggest that spinal NPY is involved in the mechanism of the development and maintenance of allodynia in a state of FCA-induced inflammaion. NO may be also involved in the regulation of the quantity of NPY in spinal cord level.

Effect of Nitric Oxide on the Change of Spinal Neuropeptide in the Inflammation Model by Freund's Complete Adjuvant / 대한해부학회지

Injection of Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) into the plantar surface of the rat induces inflammatory responses with accompanying pain behaviors. Signs of pain behaviors observed in FCA-injected animals are reported to be similar to symptoms seen in patients with inflammatory pain. In the previous study, injection of FCA produced a significant mechanical allodynia over time. The role of substance-P and calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP) on allodynia induced by inflammation is still controversial. We investigated the change of spinal neuropeptides and nitric oxide (NO) in rats with inflammation induced by subcutaneous injection of FCA into hind paw. The results are: 1. The number of NADPH-diaphorase and substance P positive neurons increased at ipsilateral spinal ventral horn after FCA injection. No significant changes were found with L-NAME posttreatment. 2. Staining intensity of substance P-immunoreactive area increased at ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn after FCA injection. No significant changes were found with L-NAME posttreatment. 3. CGRP immunoreactivity changed in the same pattern with substance P in all group. The results suggest that spinal neuropeptide substance P and CGRP are involved in the mechanism of the development and maintenance of allodynia in a state of FCA-induced inflammaion. NO may be also involved in the regulation of the quantity of substance P and CGRP in spinal cord.

Gender Difference of Corpus Callosum in Korean Neonate / 체질인류학회지

Corpus callosum is a co mmisural fiber connecting the cerebral hemispheres. The gender difference in the size or the shape of corpus callosum is a long standing dispute. Analysis of sexual dimorphism has been expected to provide a clue to explain sociopsychological differences. Some reported that adult female CC had more bulbous splenium and larger area considering brain size, others failed to show sexual dimorphism reported in previous studies. Only few studies were reported on sexual dimorphism of the during development. The 200 midsagittal ultrasonographs were obtained through anterior fontanelle from healthy Korean neonates (100 males, 100 females). The neonates born after 38 ~42 weeks conception were scanned and each image was analyzed with NIH image. The average area of total corpus callosum was 97.61 +/-21.05 (Mean +/-SD) mm 2 in male, 99.54 +/-20.82 mm 2 in female. Mean length of corpus callosum was 45.06 +/-4.51 mm in male, 44.46 +/-3.71 in female and mean height was 14.06 +/-1.86 mm in male, 13.4 +/-1.75 mm in female. The height of male corpus callosum was significantly higher than that of female. We could find out sexual dimorphism of spatial orientation of the corpus callosum, although there was no significant gender difference in area of corpus callosum.

A change of nitric oxide in rat DRG following Freund's Complete Adjuvant induced inflammtory pain / 대한해부학회지

It has been reported that injection of Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) into the hindpaw of a rat induces inflammatory responses with accompanying pain behaviors. Signs of pain behaviors observed in FCA-injected animals were reported to be similar to symptoms seen in patients with inflammatory pain. The nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d) is a selective histochemical marker for the nitric oxide synthesizing enzyme, nitric oxide synthase (NOS). N (G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) is a NOS inhibitor. In the present study, we examined if inflammaory pain causes increases in NADPH-diaphorase reactivities in neurons of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). The results were as follows; 1. FCA-induced inflammation on a limb increased staining density (SD) of NADPH-d positive neurons in the ipsilateral side DRG. 2. Pretreatment of L-NAME did not changed SD of NADPH-d positive neurons on the inflammation of contralateral side DRG 3. Posttreatment of L-NAME decreased the inflammation induced SD of NADPH-d positive neurons. 4. n-NOS immunoreactivity did not match NADPH-d histochemical study, implying the constant level of enzyme itself. Inflammation pain on a hindlimb increased staining density of NADPH-diaphorase positive neuron in the DRG, which was decreased by L-NAME. L-NAME also decreased pain perception. This suggests a role of NO in the pain perception and/or modulation at the level of DRG.

The Role of Spinal NO on the Mechanical Allodynia in the Inflammation Model by Freund's Complete Adjuvant / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The effect of spinal nitric oxide (NO) on mechanical allodynia brought about by Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA)-induced inflammation is not known. From our previous experiment nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor nitroG-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) given intraplantarly during the induction period decreased a mechanical hyperalgesia occurring because of FCA-induced inflammation. Therefore, we investigated the spinal effect of NO on mechanical allodynia after the development of allodynia produced by FCA-induced inflammation in rats. METHODS: Male Sprague Dawley rats were prepared with lumbar intrathecal catheter implantation. Inflammation was induced in the rats by injecting 0.1 ml of FCA under halothane anesthesia. Behavioral tests were done 1, 3, 6, 24, and 48 hours after injection of FCA. In the other group, intrathecal L-NAME (10 microgram) was given prior to FCA injection to examine the effect of pretreatment. On postinjection day 2, either L-NAME (10 microgram) or methylene blue (10 and 30 microgram) was administered intrathecally after the baseline measurement. The withdrawal response on mechanical allodynia was assessed by applying von Frey filaments to the right lesioned hindpaw and contralateral paw (as control) at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. Sodium nitroprusside was administered intrathecally to determine the reversal effect of increased threshold in the L-NAME group. RESULTS: Injection of FCA produced a significant mechanical allodynia over time. Pretreatment with L-NAME did not prevent such a mechanical allodynia. Intrathecal L-NAME, but not methylene blue, reduced the mechanical allodynia, which was reversed by sodium nitroprusside. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal NO is likely invloved in the mechanism of the development and maintenance of mechanical allodynia in a state of FCA-induced inflammation.

Effects of Substance P Antagonist, D-Arg, D-Phe, D-Trp, Leu- Substance P on the Mechanical Hyperalgesia of Inflammation Induced by Freund's Complete Adjuvant in Rat Paw / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The effect of substance P (SP) on the hyperalgesia induced by inflammation is controversial, and as SP remains in the periphery just for a short period of time after release from the nerve ending, the contribution of SP on the development of sustained mechanical hyperalgesia in rats with inflammation is questionable. The purpose of this experiment is to evaluate the effect of SP on the development of mechanical hyperalgesia induced by Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) using SP antagonist [D-Arg, D-Phe, D-Trp, Leu]-substance P (SPA). METHODS: Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups; control (normal saline) and three different doses of SPA (0.25 microgram, 2.5 microgram, 25 microgram/0.1 ml). Inflammation was induced in rats by injecting 0.15 ml of FCA intraplantarly. Rats showed typical hyperalgesia within 12 hours after injection and maintained it for about one week. To test the effect of SPA on the developement of inflammation, either SPA or saline was injected at 1 h before and at the time of FCA injection under light halothane anesthesia after a baseline test. The effect of SPA on hyperalgesia was assessed by measuring mechanical hyperalgesia at 2, 6, 12, 24 hrs and 4 days after injection of the drug. To test the effect of SPA on fully developed inflammation, tests were done 2 days after injection of FCA. Mechanical hyperalgesias were assessed at 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 min after the drug injections. RESULTS: SPA injected to suppress the initial SP spill over decreased the mechanical hyperalgesia in a dose dependent manner. SPA injected after the full development of inflammation also decreased mechanical hyperalgesia. CONCLUSIONS: SP released at the initial phase of inflammation as well as SP released after the development of inflammation are all important for the maintainance of mechanical hyperalgesia.

A Study on Age-related change of the neuropeptide Y and NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons in the cerebral cortex and striatum of Apodemus agrarius / 대한해부학회지

Apodemus agrarius has been used for experimental purpose to identify the route of infection and pathogenesis of Korean hemorrhagic fever. However, despite the increasing amount of information being published at present about the physiologic and ecologic characteristics of Apodemus, few data are available about the morphologic findings in the brain. This study was aimed to clarify the change of NADPH-d and neuropeptide Y (NPY) associated with aging of the Apodemus. The number of NADPH-d positive or negative NPY neurons in the cerebral cortex and striatum were compared between two age groups of Apodemus (4 months and 24 months) after the histochemical and immunohis-tochemical staining. 1. The number of NADPH-d positive NPY neurons in cerebral cortex or striatum were not different between the two age groups. 2. The number of NADPH-d negative NPY neurons in cerebral region or caudatoputamen striatum were not different between the two age groups. 3. Most of NADPH-d or NPY neurons were bipolar or multipolar neurons with complex and long dendrites in the control group. 4. The NADPH-d or NPY neurons in cerebral cortex were more tortous and shorter than control in the aged group. These findings demonstrate that NADPH-d positive NPY neurons and NPY neurons do not seem to be change of age in cerebral cortex or striatum of Apodemus agrarius.

The expression of Protein Kinase C Isozymes in the Rat Brain / 대한해부학회지

The mRNA expression of protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes (alpha, beta, gamma, delta, epsilon and zeta) in the rat nervous system was investigated with in situ hybridization histochemistry. In the central nervous system of rat, each PKC isozyme mRNAs was expressed in isozyme-specific pattern. PKC alpha mRNA was highly expressed in the olfactory bulb, piriform cortex, hippocampus, substantia nigra compacta, and inferior olive. The expression of PKC beta was highest in the olfactory tubercle, piriform cortex, caudate putamen, accumbens nucleus, neocortex, hippocampus, basolateral amygdaloid nucleus, pontine nucleus, and cerebellum. PKC gamma mRNA was distributed in the caudate putamen, hippocampus and cerebellum and PKC delta was expressed in the thalamus. PKC epsilon had widespread distribution, with relatively high levels in the anterior olfactory nucleus, olfactory tubercle, tinea tecta, piriform cortex, dorsal lateral septal nucleus, neocortex, hippocampus and cerebellum. PKC zeta had widespread and low expression. The spacially differential expression of PKC isozymes (alpha, beta, gamma, delta, epsilon and zeta) suggests that each PKC isozyme may be related with specific cellular function in the nervous system.

A Study on the Postnatal Development of NADPH-Diaphorase Positive Neurons in the Cerebral Cortex and Striatum of Apodemus agrarius / 대한해부학회지

Nitric oxide (NO) is a short lived membrane permeable gas, a recently identified neuronal messenger molecule, and implicated in several activity-dependent forms of synaptic plasticity. The histochemical staining of NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d) provides a simple method to select populations of neurons containing nitric oxide synthase (NOS), throughout the brain. The NADPH-d positive neurons, uniquely resistant to toxic insults and neurodegenerative diseases, have been colocalized with neurons in the brain and peripheral tissue containing NOS. Apodemus agrarius has been used for experimental purpose to identify the route of infection and pathogenesis of korean hemorrhagic fever. However, despite of the increasing publication at present about the physiologic and ecologic characteristics of Apodemus, a few data are available about the morphologic findings in the brain. In this study we used NADPH-d histochemistry to evaluate the distribution of neurons, contain NOS, on the postnatal development in cerebral cortex and striatum of the Apodemus agrarius. In the cerebral cortex of Apodemus agrarius, NADPH-d positive neurons were observed in all cortical layers, but were concentrated in V-VI layer. NADPH-d positive neurons of forebrain were more dense than other cortical regions. At 1 week after birth, NADPH-d positive neurons had short processes and immature features. In contrast, at 12 weeks after birth, NADPH-d positive neurons had longer and more complex processes than that of earlier ages. In the striatum, NADPH-d positive neurons were intensely stained, predominantly medium-sized neurons. They had multipolar or bipolar dendritic branches which belong to fusiform or stellate cell types in all groups. In addition, at 4 and 12 weeks after birth, NADPH-d positive neurons had long and complex fiber network. The number of NADPH-d positive neurons in the striatum was relatively decreased during postnatal development. However, the length and complexity of their processes were relatively increased after birth. Present results showed postnatal maturation patterns such as morphological features of NADPH-d positive neurons. These findings suggest that NADPH-d positive neurons will be reach adult level after 4 weeks of postnatal age. Therefore, this report provide the morphological evidence supporting the hypothesis that NO may be play a role in regulation of neuronal development and synaptic plasticity during postnatal development of Apodemus agrarius.

beta-amyloid Peptides Induced Neuronal Apoptosis without Tau Phosphorylation / 대한해부학회지

beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta) consisting of 40 to 42 amino acid is the principle constituent of senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease. Although, the hypothesis that deposition of AP triggers a cascade of events leading to the pathology of Alzheimer's disease has been widely accepted, direct evidence for triggering accumulation of phosphorylated tau in paired helical filament is rare. In this study, we examined neurotoxicity induced by 3 kinds of beta-amyloid peptides 1 ~28, 25~,35 and 1~40 to elucidate the way of mechanism trading to neuronal cell death caused by Abeta using cultured hippocampal neurons. For this purpose, we measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the culture media after treatment with Abeta combined with anti-oxidant drug, trolox, or not. By histochemical and TUNEL method, we studied the change of immunoreaction to anti-MAP-2 (microtubule associated protein -2, the main component of neuritis) and detected apoptotic cells, respectively, in the hippocampal neurons treated with Abeta. To investigate whether tau phosphorylation involve neurotoxicity induced by Abeta, we immunostained the neurons with anti-SMI-31 to recognize phosphorylated Ser 396/404 of tau. From our data, we suggested that Abeta1-40 and Abeta25-35 induced marked neurodegenerative changes, and the mechanism responsible for cell death caused by Abeta -neurotoxicity was associated with the apoptosis. Because Abeta-neurotoxicity was not inhibited by anti-oxidant, trolox, we suggested that anti-oxidant did not protect the neuronal cells against the damage induced by Abeta in ou. expo.imental envi.onment. Finally, we suggested that AP treatment did not potentiate the immunoreactivity to anti-phosphorylated tau antibody and we speculated that Abeta-neurotoxicity led hippocampal cells to apoptosis without tau phosphorylation.