Inhibition of Rho-associated coiled coil-containing kinase (ROCK) has been reported to promote differentiation of neuronal cells. Here, we examined the effect of Y-27632, a ROCK inhibitor, on the outgrowth of neurites in PC12 cells. Y-27632 caused a rapid induction of neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells in a time-dependent manner. The neurite outgrowth, triggered by Y-27632, was accompanied by Rac1 activation, and was attenuated by Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766, in a concentration-dependent manner. Y-27632 also induced an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine, an ROS scavenger, inhibited the ROS generation and neurite outgrowth in response to Y-27632. These results indicate that the activation of Rac1 and the generation of ROS contribute to the neurite outgrowth triggered by Y-27632 in PC12 cells.

“Neulbora” is a new leaf vegetable perilla (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton) variety developed from a cross between Ipdeulkkae1/YCPL173 and YCPL199 at the Yeongnam Agricultural Research Institute, NICS, RDA, in 2005. Wrinkled leaf shape and purple color o

“Saebora” is a new leaf vegetable perilla (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton) variety developed from a cross between “Ipdeulkkae1” and YCPL199 at the Yeongnam Agricultural Research Institute, NICS, RDA, in 2004. Purple backside leaf color is a very importan

“Sangbeak” (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton), is a cultivar for leaf vegetable, from a cross between YPL5 (Ipdeulkkae1/ YCPL187) and “Namcheon” at the National Yeongnam Agricultural Experiment Station (NYAES), RDA, in 2003. The size of fully grown leaf is a important trait in delayed harvesting. The maximum leaf size of “Sangbeak” is 18.5cm, smaller than 21.4cm of a check cultivar, “Ipdeulkkae”1, leading to the constant leaf quality in delayed harvest. The fresh leaf yield of “Sangbeak” is 6% higher than that of “Ipdeulkkae 1” (5029 vs. 4742 kg/10a). For the leaf production, “Sangbeak” could be grown in whole area of South Korea. However, because of its late maturity, seed production culture is available in South Gyeongsang and South Jeolla provinces.