<Objective> This study were carried out to study to assess the relationship between job characteristics, general characteristics,　health behaviors, and psychosocial distress and suggested the preventive oriental medicine approaches in occupational health area. <Methods> We measured job characteristics(job demand, job control, jop insecurity) by The Karasek's Job Content Questionnaire, health behaviors(smoking, drinking, exercise, coffee), general characteristics at work by a self-administered questionnaire. Psycho social distress was measured by PWI(Psychosocial Well-being Index), a 18-item selfadministered instrument. 370 data for research were collected through the process of oriental health examination with questionnaire in workplace. Statistical analysis was done by t test, oneway ANOVA, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis with SPSSWIN (version 10.0) <Results> Among the 152 respondents, the prevalence of high job strain was 27%(41 persons). The Odds ratio of high job strain was 3.11(95 2.12∼4.11), and those of passive group and active group were 2.01(95 0.83∼2.76) and 1.80(95 0.83∼2.76), respectively. Our results supported the association between psychosocial distress and job strain. <Conclusion> The odds ratio of high strain isolated group(high strain group+low social support) was 3.59(95 2.05 5.13), but the odds ratio of high strain collective group was 1.32(95 0.23 2.41). Social support at work was modifing factor of the association between psycho social distress and job strain. Therefore we reviewed the evidence that economic depression was associated with psycho social distress in this study, and that the strength of the social support was important in maintain health.

This experimental study was designed to investigate the effects of Chrysanthemi Flos extract (CFE) on the change of cerebral hemodynamics〔regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and mean arterial blood pressure(MABP)〕in normal and cerebral ischemic rats, and to determine the mechanism of action of CFE. This study was also designed to investigate whether CFE inhibit lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in neuronal cells and cytokines production in serum of cerebral ischemic rats. The results were as follows ; 1. CFE increased rCBF and increased MABP significantly in a dose-dependent manner. 2. The CFE-induced increase in rCBF was significnatly inhibited by pretreatment with indometh acin(IDN), an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase and methylene blue(MTB), an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase. 3. The CFE-induced increase in MABP was significnatly inhibited by pretreatment with IDN and MTB. 4. CFE 100㎍/㎖ significantly inhibited lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) activity in neuronal cells. 5. rCBF was significantly and stably increased by CFE (1㎎/㎏, i.p.) during the period of cerebral reperfusion, which contrasted with the findings of rapid and marked increase in control group. 6. In serum, by drawing from femoral arterial blood after middle cerebral arterial occlusion (MCAO) 1 hr and reperfusion 1 hr, sample group was significantly decreased IL-1β production compared to that of the control group. 7. In serum, by drawing from femoral arterial blood after MCAO 1 hr and reperfusion 1 hr, sample group was significantly decreased TNF-α production compared to that of the control group. 8. In serum, by drawing from femoral arterial blood after reperfusion 1 hr, sample group significantly increased TGF-β production compared to that of the control group. 9. In serum, by drawing from femoral arterial blood after reperfusion 1 hr, sample group increased IL-10 production compared to that of the control group. These results suggested that the mechanism of CFE was mediated by cyclooxygenase and guanylate cyclase, and CFE had inhibitive effect on the brain damage by inhibited LDH activity, IL-1β and TNF-α production, but accelerated TGF-β production and IL-10 production.thought that CFE should have an anti-ischemic effect on the improvement of cerebral hemodynamics and inhibitive effect on the brain damage.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antagonistic effects of water extracts of Chinese gooseberry (Actinidia chinensis P.) root on the natriuretic peptide receptor system in the rat kidney. By using in vitro receptor autoradiography, specific 125I-atrial natriuretic peptide (125I-ANP) binding sites were localized in glomerulus, inner medulla, intrarenal artery, vasa recta bundle, and renal pelvis of Sprague Dawley rat kidney. These specific bindings were competitively displaced by water extracts of Chinese gooseberry root in a dose dependent manner. Also, productions of 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) by activation of particulate guanylyl cyclase (GC) were stimulated by ANP in the glomerular and inner medullary membranes from rat kidney. These cGMP productions were inhibited by water extracts of Chinese gooseberry root in a dose dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of water extracts of Chinese gooseberry root on activation of GC was more potent rather than on 125I-ANP bindings to these renal structures. From affinity cross-linking study, the water extracts of Chinese gooseberry root inhibited the 125I-ANP labeling of GC-coupled natriuretic peptide receptor from renal glomerulus. Intravenous infusion of ANP elicits a potent diuresis, and urinary sodium and chloride excretions in New Zealand White rabbit. The pre-treatment of intravenous water extracts of Chinese gooseberry root infusion decreased competitively various renal effects of ANP with out changes in systemic hemodynamics. These results indicate that the water extracts of Chinese gooseberry root specifically inhibits the GC-coupled natriuretic peptide receptor subtypes (NPR-A), and suggest that the water extracts of Chinese gooseberry root may contain an antagonistic molecule regulating the biological functions of ANP system in the kidney and other organs.

This study investigated diagnostic skills that use meridian points and meridian which shows the signs of illness. From the text of Yeong-Chu, we tried to find out the relationship with meridian(contain meridian point) and disease. The diagnosis with the meridian, we made a study of the relationship with multiple abscess, channel disease, so-saeng-byung. The diagnosis with the meridian point, we considered that the relationship with characteristic of each meridian point, disease and diagnosis.

This study investigate the correlation of Dan-Jeon and Meridian point in the lower abdomen. We considered that Dan-Jeon is not one meridian point of Lower Abdomen surface but a elastic and cubic round space of lower abdomen. And we considered that Dan-Jeon and meridian point in the lower abdomen has close relationship and similar function with characteristic of each meridian point, disease and diagnosis.

Meningiomas are tumors that arise from the leptomeninges. They are generally benign tumors, and only rarely do they undergo malignant transformation. Meningiomas account for approximately 15% of all brain tumors. Meningiomas grow very slowly, often over many years. Because these tumors grow so slowly, they can sometimes become extremely large before being detected. This was especially true in past eras, before advanced imaging modalities were available (i.e. CT scans and MRI scans). Today, with our multitude of MRI and CT scan machines, meningiomas are most often detected when they are relatively small. MRI scanning is currently the best diagnostic tool for detecting and defining meningiomas.

The inhibitory effects of water extract of Cortex Mori(CM) was investigated for allergic asthma in a mouse model. Experimental allergic asthma was induced by repeated intraperitoneal sensitization and aerosol challenge of ovalbumin (OVA). CM extract (10mg/mouse/day) was administrated orally whereas control mice were given with identical volume of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for 7 days during the course of challenge. When airway hyperreactivity(AHR) measured by β-methacoline-induced airflow obstruction was compared, AHR of CM-treated mice was significantly lower than those of control mice, indicating that CM extract can attenuate an asthmatic symptom. Airway recruitment of leukocytes and cytokine levels in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed in order to evaluate CM effect on pulmonary inflammation. Total number of leukocytes in BALF was lower in CM-treated mice than in control without significance. Interestingly, CM treatment elevated a distribution of eosinophils which are crucial in asthmatic response. However, comparison of absolute number showed that it resulted from a decrease of total leukocyte and macrophage numbers. Levels of type 2 (Th2) cytokines (IL4, IL5 and IL 13) measured by ELISA in BALF were not significantly reduced by CM and IFN-γ, a type 1 (Th1) cytokine, was also comparable between two groups, indicating that CM treatment has little or no effect on airway inflammation and secretion of relevant cytokines. For an insight into the mechanism of CM effect on AHR, immunemodulatory activity of CM was analyzed at a cellular level. Peribronchial lymph node(LN) cells and lung-infiltrating lymphocytes (LIL) collected from CM-treated and control mice were in vitro stimulated with OVA antigen. Although there was no significance, number of LN cell and LIL was higher in CM-treated mice than controls and their Ag-specific proliferative response (3H-TdR uptake assay) was similar. Production of Th2 cytokine, IL 5 and IL 13 was relatively enhanced, but without statistical significance, while IFN-γ production was minimally altered in CM-treated mice. Immunemodulation of CM in the field of humoral immunity, antibody levels in serum were measured and compared. No significant difference was observed in the levels of IgE. However, levels of type 1 and 2 antibody IgG2a and IgG1 were signifcantly enhanced by CM treatment. As CM-mediated alleviation of AHR was not clearly explained by above results, degranulation of eosinophils was finally examined by their release of peroxidase. Levels of peroxidase in BALF was significantly lower in CM treated mice, suggesting that CM inhibits in vivo degranulation of eosinophils, although its effect was not shown during their in vitro incubation. Taken together, data from current study indicate CM extract alleviates AHR through inhibition of eosinophil degranulation rather than any immunological regulation. Instead, immunemodulatory activity of CM is likely to be adversely effective in (Th2)

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), a circulating peptide hormone with 28 amino acids secreted from cardiac atria, plays an important role in the maintenance of fluid and electrolytes homeostasis. The actions of ANP appear to be mediated by specific receptors on target cells. However, the specific antagonist for ANP receptors is not yet to be defined. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antagonistic effects of water extract obtained from the gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides Ellis) on the natriuretic peptide receptor system in the kidney. In the kidney of Sprague Dawley rats, specific 125I-ANP binding sites were localized in glomerulus, inner medulla, intrarenal artery, and vasa recta bundle by using quantitative in vitro receptor autoradiography. These specific bindings were competitively displaced in a dose dependent manner by water extract obtained from the gardenia. Moreover, productions of 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) via activation of particulate guanylyl cyclase (GC) by ANP were increased in receptor proteins from the glomerulus and inner medulla of rat kidney. These cGMP productions were inhibited in a dose dependent manner by water extract obtained from the gardenia. The inhibitory effect of water extract obtained from the gardenia on activation of GC was quantitatively more potent rather than on 125I-ANP bindings to these renal structures. From affinity cross-linking study on the specific receptor proteins, the water extract obtained from the gardenia inhibited the 125I-ANP labeling of GC-coupled natriuretic peptide receptor from renal glomerulus of rat. Intravenous infusion of ANP elicits the potent diuresis, increment of urine osmolariry, and excretions of urinary chloride, creatinine and PAH in New Zealand White rabbit. These renal effects of ANP were inhibited by the intravenous pre-treatment of water extract obtained from the gardenia without changes in systemic hemodynamics including mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate. These results indicate that the water extract obtained from the gardenia may could be block the GC-coupled natriuretic peptide receptor, and suggest that the extract may contain a natural antagonistic molecule regulating the renal natriuretic peptide system.

For the purpose of developing Korean Herbalogy with the plants of Rosaceae which grow wild and is planted in Korea, the these and writings on herbalogy, from literature of successive generations, have been thoroughly investigated and the results obtained as follows: 1. There were totaled to 36 genera and 262 in Korea and among them medicinal plants are 27 genera, 117species, some 44% in total, but the number of species may be added because of the similiar plants. 2. According to sum of 262 species in Rosaceae family, they were classified into Agrimonia genera 3, Potentilla genera 26, Prunus genera 48,pyrus genera 17, Rosa genera 24, Rubus genera 28, Sorbaria genera 17, Spiraea genera 20. Thus it was noticed that Prunus genera was the main kind in total. 3. According to the oriental names which can be used for medical purpose, the medicinal plants belonging to the Rosaceae family were classified as Herba 24, Radix 43, Foilum 31, Fructus 48, Semen 11, cortex 14, Lignum, Ramulus;12 each Flos 3, pericarpium 3, resina 2, the others 6. so Fructus is 24% of all and it is the most applied in the clinical treatments. 4. According to nature and flavour of medicinal plants, they were classified into balance 84, warmth, heat; 44 each, cold, cool; 35 each bitter taste 79, sweet taste 74, sour taste 61 thus it was noticed that balance and bitter taste is the main in nature and flavour of medicinal plants 5. According to meridian tropism of herbs they were classified into liver meridian 50 lung meridian 28, stomach meridian 22, spleen meridian 20, heart meridian 19 thus it was noticed that liver meridian is the main kind 6. According to the Properties and Principal curative action, they were classified into drugs for treating detoxicant 72, drugs for treating febrifugal 55, drugs for invigorating blood circulation 53, drugs for removing dampness 46, drugs for expelling wind and drugs to stop bleeding 38 each, drugs to cure tramatic swelling and drugs for relieving pain 36 each. Thus it was noticed that drugs for treating detoxicant and febrifugal was the main kind 7. It was researched that toxic drugs include minor toxin were 10 kinds From this result, it was revealed that Fructus was the main kind in the plants for medical purpose of Rosaceae. and toxic plants was slightly poisonous that it will be used for clinical treatments more easily. It is considered that many experiments and clinical approaches must be continued to use Rosaceae plants widely.

For the purpose of developing Korean Herbalogy with the plants of Lauraceaewhich grow wild and is planted in Korea, the these and writings on herbalogy, from literature of successive generations, have been thoroughly investigated and the results obtained as follows: 1. There were totaled to 8 genera and 20 in Korea and among them medicinal plants are 5 genera, 10species, some 50% in total, but the number of species may be added because of the similiar plants. 2. According to sum of 20 species in Lauraceae family, they were classified into Lindera genera 7, Cinnamomum genera 3. Thus it was noticed that Lindera genera was the main kind in total. 3. According to the oriental names which can be used for medical purpose, the medicinal plants belonging to the Lauraceae family were classified as Radix 3, Foilum 4, Fructus 4, Cortex 5. So Cortex is 50% of all and it is the most applied in the clinical treatments. 4. According to nature and flavour of medicinal plants, they were classified into warmth 15; pungent taste 18 thus it was noticed that warmth and pungent taste is the main in nature and flavour of medicinal plants 5. According to meridian tropism of herbs they were classified into liver meridian 6, stomach meridian 6, spleen meridian 5 thus it was noticed that liver meridian and stomach meridian is the main kind 6. According to the Properties and Principal curative action, they were classified into drugs for expelling wind 10, drugs for relieving pain 11. Thus it was noticed that drugs for relieving pain was the main kind 7. It was researched that toxic drugs include minor toxin were 2 kinds From this result, it was revealed that Cortex was the main kind in the plants for medical purpose of Lauraceae. And toxic plants was slightly poisonous that it will be used for clinical treatments more easily. It is considered that many experiments and clinical approaches must be continued to use Lauraceae plants widely.

The purpose of this present study is to measure the changes of regional cerebral blood flow(rCBF) was continually monitored by laser-doppler flowmeter (Transonic Instrument, USA) through the data acquisition system composed of MacLab and Macintosh computer. Contractile force was measured with force displacement transducer under 1.5 g loading tension. Rhus verniciflua stokes increased the changes of rCBF in rats, significantly. The rCBF of Rhus verniciflua stokes was decreased by pretreated propranolol, l-NNA and methylene blue. But atropine indomethacin did not change the rCBF. Contractions evoked by PE 0.1μM were significantly inecreased by Rhus verniciflua stokes. Propranolol significantly altered the effect of Rhus verniciflua stokes, but l-NNA, ODQ and indomethacin did not change the relaxation of Rhus verniciflua stokes. These results suggest that Rhus verniciflua stokes can increase the rCBF and relax EP induced contraction of isolated rat aorta, and that is related to sympathetics and nitric oxide.