• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.231-235
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• 2005

Histamine-releasing factors (HRFs) are soluble mediators that can release histamine and other mediators from basophils and mast cells and their activity can vary, depending on the type of IgE. The activity of HRFs is affected by the presence of IgE, although HRF is thought to bind to a specific receptor other than IgE. Until now, HRF signaling pathway including its receptor remains unclear in spite of numerous studies. Since there had been many reports about reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a signaling molecule rather than as a by-product of metabolism, we investigated the possibility of ROS as an intracellular messenger involved in HRF-mediated histamine degranulation. In RBL-2H3 cells, ROS was generated by HRF using $H_2O_2$-sensitive fluorescence of fluorescent 2', 7'-dichlorofluorescein ($H_2DCFDA$). These effects were blocked by anti-oxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC). These results suggest that ROS generation could play a role as an intracellular messenger in histamine release by HRF.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.147-151
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• 2008

This review briefly summarizes the relevant knowledge of psychoneuroimmunological basis for neuroimmunology, with particular emphasis on bidirectional neural-immune interactions. The immune system and the nervous system maintain extensive communication, including hardwiring of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves to lymphoid organs. Immune system is modulated by various neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, norepinephrine, substance P and histamine. Neuroendocrine hormones such as corticotrophin-releasing hormone(CRH) or substance P regulate cytokine balance. The immune system modulates brain activity including sleep and body temperature. Recent studies have revealed that psychological factors which influence immunity and immune-related disease may modulate brain-to -immune interaction. But, we still await the scientific research and evidences to prove whether or how behavioral or treatment intervention of stress can influence the development, progress or prevention of a specific disease.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.1869-1880
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• 2004

In the oriental medicine, a mixture of herbs has been commonly used as important components to control allergic and inflammatory diseases. In the present study, we prepared a mixture of Dictamni Radicis Cortex(Baiksunpee), Houttuyniae Herba(Uhsungcho), and Aurantii Immaturus Fructus(Jisil) to examine its anti-allergic effects in activated mouse splenic cells and found that Mix-1 is involved in regulating levels of B cell activating factors (CD23 and CD11a), IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and 1gE as well as HRF expression. It was observed that Mix-1 did not have cytotoxic effects on mLFC. Mix-1 showed inhibition of CD23 and CD11 alpaha expression in mouse B cells, and also decreased the production of IL-6, TNF-α, and 1gE. Both RT-PCR and ELISA analyses indicated that IL-6 and TNF alpha production were regulated at the gene expression level. In contrast, IL-10 mRNA and protein levels were increased in activated B cells by Mix-1 treatment. We also found that Mix-1 inhibited B cell proliferation and inhibited histamine releasing factor(HRF) expression, suggesting its inhibitory effect on histamine secretion. These data indicated that Mix-1 has an anti-allergic effect in activated macrophages and further suggest the possible application of Mix-1 as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of allergy-related diseases.