In-Chul Sohn

Anatomical Discrimination of the Differences Between Torn Mesentery Tissue and Internal Organ-surface Primo-vessels

The most difficult step in the morphological study of the internal organ-surface primo-vessel (Bong-Han duct) system is the correct identification of samples, due to similarities between torn mesentery and primo-vessel tissue. Without proper sample discernment, the subsequent parts of morphological studies cannot be trusted. Here, we present differences between torn mesentery and primo-vessel tissues as determined by minimal operation, using stereoscopic and microscopic observation. Stereoscopic observation revealed that torn mesentery is tightly connected to the organ surface and does not branch; the detached margin has a fan-shaped membrane without any swollen portions. Primo-vessels are slightly connected to the organ surface and branched, while detached margins lack a membrane and possess a swelling termed the primo-node (Bong-Han corpuscle). Microscopic observation shows bundle patterns in primo-vessel tissue, but irregular arrangement in torn mesentery tissue. These characteristics can be used to distinguish torn mesentery from primo-vessels.

Primo Microcell in a Primo Node as a Possible Origin of Adult Stem Cells

Adult stem cells have been intensively studied for their cell-therapeutic potential to renew damaged tissues or organs because their use eliminates the ethical, legal, and political concerns with using embryonic stem cells. On the other hand, a microcell contains a micronucleus that has one or a few chromosomes with a small amount of cytoplasm. Recently, microcells have become a possible origin of adult stem cells because of their ability to induce undifferentiated cells. In the early 1960s, after its first observation by Kim, the primo vascular system (PVS) was thought to be an anatomical basis for traditional acupuncture systems (termed kyungrak theory or meridians). Kim also claimed that about 1.0-μm-sized DNA-containing granules, named primo microcells or sanals, flowed through the PVS consisting of primo vessels and primo nodes to internal organs to proliferate and differentiate into specific cells in the organs in a manner similar to that of adult stem cells. In this study, we harvested primo microcells from Sprague Dawley rats about 250–300 g. The primo microcells were observed to grow into cell-like body entities. These interesting results suggest that Kim’s manual pictures from his article 1965 and Sanal theory may be true based on experimental studies similar to ours. Also, primo microcells in primo nodes might be one possible origin of adult stem cells. Understanding the primo microcell is thought to be one of the most fundamental studies for cell therapy.

Review of Stimulating Technologies of Acupuncture Points in Patients

Objectives: This study estimated the antioxidant effects of the moxi with ginger tar (MGT), i.e., the chemical combustion products produced by moxibustion with ginger during combustion. Methods: We investigated the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, the SOD (superoxide dismutase) scavenging activity, and the ABTS (2.2-azino-bis-3-erthylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) & DPPH (2,2-dipheny1-1-picryl-hydrazyl) radical’s scavenging ability of MGT. Results: The total polyphenol content of MGT was 7.8 0.09 mg/g in 10 mg/ml, the SOD activity was 42.51 3.39% in 200 ug/ml, the DPPH radical scavenging effect of MGT was 83.24 0.01% in 200 ug/ml and the ABTS radical scavenging effect was 41.88 0.16% in 200 ug/ml. Conclusions: In this study, the effects of moxi with ginger could be induced by not only heating stimuli on acupoints but also chemical stimuli produced during combustion of moxibustion. An advanced study of the biological mechanism of moxibustion with MGT based on the meridian and considering skin aging and inflammation will be required.