The Relationship between Depression Severity and Prefrontal Hemodynamic Changes in Adolescents with Major Depression Disorder: A Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy Study

Objective@#Numerous studies have identified hemodynamic changes in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) by using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). However, studies on adolescents with MDD are limited. As adolescence is a stage of rapid brain development, differences may occur depending on age. This study used fNIRS as an objective tool to investigate hemodynamic changes in the frontal lobe according to depression severity and age in adolescents with MDD. @*Methods@#Thirty adolescents (12 aged 12−15 years and 18 aged 16−18 years) were retrospectively investigated. The Children’s Depression Inventory was used as a psychiatric evaluation scale, fNIRS was used as an objective brain function evaluation tool, and the Verbal Fluency Test was performed. @*Results@#During the Verbal Fluency Test, in the younger MDD group, oxygenated-hemoglobin concentration increased in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex region as the severity of depression increased. In the older MDD group, the oxygenated-hemoglobin concentration decreased in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex region as the severity of depression increased. @*Conclusion@#These results suggest that fNIRS may be an objective tool for identifying age differences among adolescents with MDD. To generalize the results and verify fNIRS as a potential biomarker tool, follow-up studies with a larger sample group should be conducted.

The Ethanolic Extract of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat Flower Activates Parasympathomimetic and Anti-inflammatory Effects for Prevention of Presbyopia

Presbyopia is characterized by a loss of the accommodative ability of the eye that negatively affects vision-aided health-related quality of life. Local inflammation in the eye diminishes parasympathetic cholinergic stimulation and contraction of the iris and ciliary muscle in the eyes via the muscarinic (cholinergic) receptor.Along with the cholinergic agent, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent is often integrated to ameliorate presbyopia. Chrysanthemum morifolium belongs to the Asteraceae. We examined whether Chrysanthemum morifolium flower extract (CME) has parasympathomimetic and anti-inflammatory activity in HLE-B3 human lens epithelial cells and RAW 264.7 macrophages. CME induced time- and dose-dependent production of IP 1 and Ca 2+ accumulation in HLE-B3 cells. In the LPS-induced inflammatory response, CME treatment downregulated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nitric oxide in RAW 264.7 macrophages. CME downregulated the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) with no change in TNF-α levels. In addition, the phosphorylation of JNK and p38 was reduced with no change in ERK by CME in LPS-treated cells. These findings suggest that the parasympathetic and anti-inflammatory efficacy of CME can be applied to develop therapeutics against presbyopia.

Reliability and Validity of the Korean Version of the Parental Stress Scale for Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Objective@#This study standardizes the Parental Stress Scale (PSS) for Republic of Korean parents of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and verifies its reliability and validity. @*Methods@#Data from 160 parents of children with ADHD who completed the following self-reported questionnaires were analyzed: the Korean ADHD Rating Scales, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, the PSS, and the Global Assessment of Recent Stress Scale. All scale items were measured for reliability and validity, and the appropriate factors for measuring stress in Korean parents with ADHD children were extracted. @*Results@#Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses derived two sub-factors and 11 items. Goodness of fit was confirmed, and the scale was deemed suitable for explaining stress in parents of children with ADHD. @*Conclusion@#In this study, the validity and reliability of the K-PSS-ADHD were investigated. We expect that the K-PSS-ADHD will be used as a basis for future studies on stress in parents of children with ADHD.

Associations between the Mismatch-negativity Potential and Symptom Severity in Medication-naïve Children and Adolescents with Symptoms of Attention Deficit/hyperactivity Disorder

Objective@#The mismatch negativity (MMN) event-related potential is an index of the pre-attentive stage of neural auditory information processing and an electrophysiological signal indicative of the integrity of auditory information processing with regard to the attention deficit symptom of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We investigated the association between the MMN amplitude and latency in frontal brain regions and symptom severity in children with ADHD and subclinical ADHD symptoms. @*Methods@#This study included 29 children: 16 (10 boys; mean age, 13.06 ± 3.67 years) with ADHD (ADHD group) and 13 (eight boys; mean age, 13.40 ± 3.31 years) with sub-clinical ADHD symptoms (subclinical ADHD group). We performed the following assessments: Korean ADHD rating scale-IV (K-ARS-IV), children depression inventory, state/trait anxiety inventory for children, and MMN (measured at Fz, FCz, Cz, and CPz). @*Results@#There were no sex or mean age differences between the groups (2 = −0.01, p = 0.958; Z = −1.88, p = 0.060, respectively). The ADHD group had a significantly higher mean K-ARS-IV score (26.13 ± 9.56 vs. 17.15 ± 11.73, Z = −2.11, p = 0.035). Significant differences were found according to symptom severity in the MMN amplitude at FCz (Z = −2.11, p = 0.035) and MMN latency at Fz and FCz (Z = −2.48, p = 0.013; Z = −2.57, p = 0.010). The K-ARS-IV, K-ARS inattention subscale, and K-ARS hyperactivity-impulsivity subscale scores in the ADHD group correlated significantly with the MMN amplitude at Cz and CPz. @*Conclusion@#This study found differences in the MMN amplitude and latency according to the severity of ADHD symptoms and identified MMN as a potential adjunct to the diagnosis of ADHD.

The Moderating Effect of Working Memory on the Relationship between Inattention and Aggressive Behavior in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Objectives@#Although aggressive behavior in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has previously shown correlations with hyperactivity/impulsivity, few studies have examined its association with inattention or the effect of working memory on aggressive behavior. This study aimed to assess the relationship between inattention and aggressive behavior and the effect of working memory on the relationship between inattention and aggressive behavior in children and adolescents with ADHD. @*Methods@#Thirty-one children and 26 adolescents with ADHD were retrospectively investigated. The subjects completed the Korean Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition (K-WISC-IV), the Korean Child Behavior Checklist (K-CBCL), and the Korean Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI). @*Results@#Inattention was positively correlated with aggressive behavior in children and adolescents with ADHD and working memory showed an insignificant correlation. However, working memory had a significant moderating effect on aggressive behavior by interacting with inattention. The moderating effect of working memory manifested when the working memory index score on the K-WISC-IV was 73.5 points or higher, and it had a significant effect on aggressive behavior. @*Conclusion@#This study shows that the severity of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity should be addressed to provide appropriate treatment to children and adolescents with ADHD who exhibit aggressive behavior.

Age-Related Changes in Auditory Nogo-N200 Latency in Medication-Naïve Children and Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Objective@#Event-related potential (ERP) changes with brain development in healthy children and adolescents. However, few studies have focused on age-related changes in the N200 and P300 components among individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Therefore, this study aimed to assess age-related differences in the auditory nogo-N200 components in individuals with ADHD. @*Methods@#We enrolled 46 participants with auditory nogo-N200 and nogo-P300 components. We assessed ADHD symptoms using the Advanced Test of Attention (ATA) and Korean ADHD Rating Scale-IV (K-ARS-IV). Moreover, we assessed emotional and behavioral problems using the Korean Child Behavior Checklist (K-CBCL). Further, we measured auditory ERPs. @*Results@#There were no differences with respect to sex or ATA, K-ARS-IV, and K-CBCL scores between the groups. With a 1-year increase in age, the nogo-N200 latency at Fz and Cz decreased by 6.08 ms and 4.88 ms, respectively; this result was statistically significant in multivariable linear regression adjusted by sex and dominant hand. @*Conclusion@#Our findings revealed age-related changes in nogo-N200 latency at the Fz and Cz electrodes in individuals with ADHD. Future studies should perform comparisons with healthy controls to determine whether auditory nogo-N200 can be used to evaluate the developmental level in individuals with ADHD.

Analysis of Coexistence Rates of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Patients with Depression / 정신신체의학

OBJECTIVES@#Cognitive dysfunction, including inattention, is often observed in patients with depression. Inattentive symptoms in patients with depression is similar to those among attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients. It is important to diagnose the two diseases accurately, because the treatment varies depending on the cause of inattention. This study aimed to investigate the coexistence rate of ADHD and the correlation between ADHD symptoms and depression in patients with depression.@*METHODS@#Participants in this study were 158 outpatients presenting with depression, who visited the psychiatric department from March 2015 to July 2018. Participants divided into a depression and a non-depression group according to the Korean version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D) score and were administered the following : a sociodemographic variables form (age, sex, academic background, occupation), the self-reporting test for adult ADHD (Adult Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder self-report scale-V 1.1; ASRS V1.1), and the Korean version of the Connors adult ADHD rating scale (K-CAARS). Descriptive statistical analysis, crossover analysis, t-tests, and Pearson's correlation coefficient were conducted on the data.@*RESULTS@#The coexistence rate of adult ADHD symptom was as high as 36.7% in patients with depression (p<0.001). In K-CAARS, the depression group (Inattention=1.80, Hyperactivity=1.92, Impulsivity=1.56, Self-concept=2.06) showed higher average scores on ADHD symptoms than the non-depressive group (Inattention=1.28, Hyperactivity=1.25, Impulsivity=1.09, Self-concept=1.42, p<0.001).@*CONCLUSIONS@#This study confirmed that ADHD symptoms coexist in the depression group. When evaluating the symptoms of patients who complain of depression, it is suggested that they should be accurately diagnosed and appropriately treated with interest to the coexistence of ADHD symptoms and the possibility for ADHD diagnosis.

The Effect of Environmentally Friendly Wallpaper and Flooring Material on Indoor Air Quality and Atopic Dermatitis: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND: Formaldehyde (FA) and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are considered among the main causes of atopic aggravation. Their main sources include wallpapers, paints, adhesives, and flooring materials. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of environmentally friendly wallpaper and flooring material on indoor air quality and atopic dermatitis severity. METHODS: Thirty patients with atopic dermatitis were enrolled in this study. To improve air quality, the wallpaper and flooring in the homes of the subjects were replaced with plant- or silica-based materials. The indoor air concentration of FA and the total VOCs (TVOCs) were measured before remodeling and 2, 6, and 10 weeks thereafter. Pruritus and the severity of atopic eczema were evaluated by using a questionnaire and the eczema area and severity index (EASI) score before and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after remodeling. The subjects were instructed to continue their therapy for atopic dermatitis. RESULTS: The houses of 24 subjects were remodeled; all subjects completed the study. The concentration of FA in ambient air significantly decreased within 2 weeks after remodeling. The TVOC level showed a decrease at week 2 but increased again at weeks 6 and 10. The reduction of pruritus and EASI score was statistically significant in patients whose baseline EASI score was >3. CONCLUSION: Replacing the wallpaper and flooring of houses with environmentally friendly material reduced FA in ambient air and improved pruritus and the severity of atopic eczema. The improvement of pruritus and eczema was statistically significant in patients whose baseline EASI score was >3.

Toll-like Receptor3-mediated Induction of Chemokines in Salivary Epithelial Cells

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) functionally expressed in salivary epithelial cells, but their roles remain elusive. Among TLRs family, TLR3 is activated by dsRNA, a byproduct of viral infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of TLR3 in the inflammatory immune responses using HSG cells. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), real-time PCR and ELISA were performed to identify expression of TLRs and TLR3-mediated chemokine inductions. The chemotaxis assay of activated T lymphocytes was also performed. Treatment of HSG cells with polyinosinic: polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) significantly increased interferon-gamma-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), interferoninducible T-cell alpha chemoattractant (I-TAC), and regulated on activation, normal T-cells expressed and secreted (RANTES) gene expressions in a concentration-dependent manner. Anti-TLR3 antibody blocked the increases of IP-10 and I-TAC genes. Poly(I:C)-induced increases of IP-10 and I-TAC were also confirmed at protein levels from cell lysates, but their release into extracellular medium was detected only in IP-10. We found that the culture media from HSG cells stimulated with poly(I:C) significantly increases T lymphocyte migration. Our results suggest that TLR3 plays an important role in chemokine induction, particularly IP-10, in salivary epithelial cells.

Five Rare Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria Species Isolated from Clinical Specimens / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Recently, the rate of infections with non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) has been increasing in Korea. Precise identification of NTM is critical to determination of the pathogen and to target treatment of NTM patients. METHODS: Sixty-eight unclassified mycobacteria isolates by rpoB PCR-RFLP assay (PRA) collected in 2008 were analyzed by National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) search after sequencing of 16S rRNA, hsp65, rpoB genes. RESULTS: Nineteen strains of 68 isolates were specified as species after sequencing analysis of 3 gene types. We found 3 M. lentifulavum, 5 M. arupense, 4 M. triviale, 4 M. parascrofulaceum, and one M. obuense. One M. tuberculosis and another M. peregrinum were mutated at the Msp I recognition site needed for rpoB PRA. The remaining 49 isolates did not coincide with identical species at the 3 kinds genes. CONCLUSION: Sequencing analysis of 16S rRNA, hsp65, rpoB was useful for identification of NTM unclassified by rpoB PRA.

Diagnosis of Cervical Neoplasia Using Immunohistochemical Staining of p16(INK4A) / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: There is need for more objective diagnostic parameters to identify cervical dysplastic or neoplastic cells. So, we examined the p16(INK4A) expression in the cervical tissues to evaluate the value of p16(INK4A) as a diagnostic parameter. METHODS: We examined the p16(INK4A) expression by immunohistochemical staining in normal cervical tissues (n=3), preneoplastic lesions (n=6), carcinoma in situ (CIS, n=5), and invasive carcinomas (n=5) of the cervix, which were selected randomly by H and E staining from the archives of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues and we also examined the status of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the same tissues. RESULTS: The positive rates of p16(INK4A) expression was significantly higher in all abnormal cervical tissues including subclinical papillomavirus infection (SPI), dysplasia, CIS, and invasive carcinoma than in normal cervical epithelium (p=0.001). Despite the strong expression of p16(INK4A) in the area of CIS, no expression of p16(INK4A) was observed in the area of normal epithelium in the vicinity of CIS. 11 cases among 19 cases of examined tissue samples were tested for HPV infection. Seven of them showed positivity for HPV DNA. CONCLUSION: We herein demonstrated that p16(INK4A) would be a sensitive and specific marker for the abnormal cervical cells in tissue sections. This approach will help to reduce interobserver variations in the histopathologic interpretation of cervical biopsy specimens.

A Study on the Consciousness and Preventive Strategies of Adolescent Drug Abuse: The Center of Chun Nam Area / 간호학회지

This study was done to examine consciousness and preventive strategies of adolescent drug abuse. This study design was descriptive survey. The data were collected from 1,830 students from 32 middle and high schools from November 11 to December 20, 1997, using questionnaires. The data were analyzed using SAS computer programs. The study results are as follows : Most of adolescent get the information on narcotics and drug abuse from TV, newspaper, magazine and advertisement. Some of them(48.8%) have received education on drug prevention. However, respondents(49.3%) answered unsatisfactory on preventive education. 69.2% of respondents do not know the legal regulation on alcohol and cigarette. The survey on the degree of cognition on drug abuse shows the serious results : cigarette(79.1%), alcohol(74.1%), bonds(55.1%), gas(49.8%), excitants(48.5%), narcotics(29%), marihwana(27.8%) and, diuretics(21.9%). The situation of adolescent drug abuse is also serious in the order of alcohol 38.2%, cigarette 14.3%, marihwana 9.4%.

A Study on the Consciousness and Preventive Strategies of Adolescent Drug Abuse: The Center of Chun Nam Area / 간호학회지

This study was done to examine consciousness and preventive strategies of adolescent drug abuse. This study design was descriptive survey. The data were collected from 1,830 students from 32 middle and high schools from November 11 to December 20, 1997, using questionnaires. The data were analyzed using SAS computer programs. The study results are as follows : Most of adolescent get the information on narcotics and drug abuse from TV, newspaper, magazine and advertisement. Some of them(48.8%) have received education on drug prevention. However, respondents(49.3%) answered unsatisfactory on preventive education. 69.2% of respondents do not know the legal regulation on alcohol and cigarette. The survey on the degree of cognition on drug abuse shows the serious results : cigarette(79.1%), alcohol(74.1%), bonds(55.1%), gas(49.8%), excitants(48.5%), narcotics(29%), marihwana(27.8%) and, diuretics(21.9%). The situation of adolescent drug abuse is also serious in the order of alcohol 38.2%, cigarette 14.3%, marihwana 9.4%.

A Study on the Factors Affecting Sense of Well-being of Stroke Survivor Family Care Taker / 간호학회지

This was a descriptive study clarifying the factors affecting family caregivers' sense of well-being. This study was conducted with 131 caregivers using structured self-reporting questionnaires and directly interviewing adult patients who had been under treatment in two general hospitals. The hospitals were located in M city from Aug. 10, 2000 until Sep. 2, 2000. The collected data were analyzed using SAS PC+ program, and the data were tested using descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson's Correlation Coefficient, and Stepwise Multiple Regression. The results of this study are as follows; 1) The variables affecting the caregivers' sense of burden were age (F=3.76, p=.0063), education level (F=4.67, p=.0015), monthly income (F=2.49, p=.0466), amount of assistance provided (F=4.19, p=.0037), and the relationship with patient before disease (F=9.49, p=.0001). 2) The variables affecting caregivers' sense of well-being were age (F=9.54, p=.0001), residing with patient (t=11.38, p=.0010), the period of caregiving (F=10.52, p= .0001), education level (F= 2.79, p=.0290), monthly income (F=3.04, p=.0196), and relationship with patient before disease (F= 10.51, p=.0001). Also, all of the variables which showed statistical significance. 3) In viewing the relationship between activities of daily living (ADL) and the senses of burden and well-being, a negative relation- ship between activities of daily living (ADL) and a sense of burden was found (r=-.640, p=.000). However, the relationship between activities of daily living (ADL) and a sense of well-being had a positive correlation (r= .232, p=.008). Also the relationship between the sense of burden and the sense of well-being was revealed to have a negative correlation (r=-.614, p=.000). 4) A sense of burden was the most important indicator to the well-being of the caregivers who took care of stroke patients (R2 =.36). In addition to this, living with the patient (45%), activities of daily living (51%), relationship with patient before disease (53%), and the family's monthly income accounted for 56% of the sense of well-being of the caregivers.

Influence of minilaparotomy total hysterectomy on clinical course of patients / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to evaluate the clinical course of total hysterectomized patient with benign gynecologic disease using minilaparotomy. METHODE: 45 benign gynecologic diseased patients who hysterectomized with Pfannelstiel's skin incision and PCA (patient controlled analgesics). 30 patients were laparotomized, and 15 patients were minilapartomized. We analyzed the data of this patients for age, parity, duration of operation, the weight of the uterus, change of the hemoglobin, removal time of foley catheter, starting time of regular diet, initial time of ambulation and discharge date. RESULT: Minilaparotomy hysterectomized patients have lesser bleeding and show more rapid recovery of bowel movement and bladder function. And they experience lesser pain than the other group. CONCLUSION: Minilaparotomy is a safe and feasible route of hysterectomy for a selected group of patients.

Two Cases Of The Pelvic Actinomycosis Associated With The Intestinal Obstruction / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Pelvic actinomycosis is a chronic, progressive, granulomatous and suppurative disease caused by an anaerobic or microaerobic Gram-positive organism, not fungi. Actinomyces species exhibit branching, filamentous growth and appear in the human skin, oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract. Actinomyces infection in human is relatively rare, however, prolonged use of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) is a well known risk factor of pelvic actinomycosis. Pelvic actinomycosis can mimick pelvic malignancy leading to mutilating surgical excision, and diagnostic problems necessitated a laparotomy in many patients. The pathohistological diagnosis is based on the characteristic microscopic image and specific staining of sulfur granule. Adequate surgical excision and administration of antibiotics show good prognosis. We experienced 2 cases of pelvic actinomycosis with the intestinal obstruction, confirmed patho- histologically after laparotomy.

Two Cases Of The Pelvic Actinomycosis Associated With The Intestinal Obstruction / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Pelvic actinomycosis is a chronic, progressive, granulomatous and suppurative disease caused by an anaerobic or microaerobic Gram-positive organism, not fungi. Actinomyces species exhibit branching, filamentous growth and appear in the human skin, oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract. Actinomyces infection in human is relatively rare, however, prolonged use of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) is a well known risk factor of pelvic actinomycosis. Pelvic actinomycosis can mimick pelvic malignancy leading to mutilating surgical excision, and diagnostic problems necessitated a laparotomy in many patients. The pathohistological diagnosis is based on the characteristic microscopic image and specific staining of sulfur granule. Adequate surgical excision and administration of antibiotics show good prognosis. We experienced 2 cases of pelvic actinomycosis with the intestinal obstruction, confirmed patho- histologically after laparotomy.

A Case of Twin Pregnancy with One Anencephalic Fetus / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Congenital anomalies occur in 2-3% of neonates but this incidence increases in multiple pregnancies, especially when fetuses are monozygotic. when pregnancies are affected with one anomalous fetus combined to a normal one, the proper management and counseling is difficult.We experienced a twin pregnancy in which one anencephalic fetus was combined to a normal one. Karyotype analysis was normal in both fetus. After close counseling we decided to continue the pregnancy. Intermittent amnioreduction was done for persistent polyhydramnios. At 29 weeks of gestation membrane was ruptured prematurely and we delivered by cesarean section due to breech-cephalic presentation. The birth weight of the normal and anencephalic fetuses were 1070 gm and 1050 gm, respectively. The anencephalic fetus died immediately after birth but the healthy one showed good crying and movement and its Apgar score was 6 in 1 minute and 8 in 5 minute. Although the infant needed intensive care for 90 days in the nursery room finally discharged in good condition. We report a case of twin pregnancy in which anencephaly was associated with a normal fetus, so after close counseling we opted to continue the pregnancy resulting in the delivery of a viable fetus.

Expression of FSHR mRNA in female genital organs / 대한산부인과학회잡지

FSH is the pivotal hormone in the regulation of ovarian function and acts by binding to specific receptor, FSH receptor (FSHR), which is belong to the family of G-protein coupled receptor. It have been considered that ovary is the only target organ of FSH because FSHR mRNA was first detected in ovarian follicles. However expression of FSHR mRNA was also detected on fallopian tube in experimental animal study and it is related wih tumorigenesis in postmenopausal women.In this study, in order to understand the FSH function in female genital organs, the ontogeny of the production profile of FSHR and the pattern of its localization in female genital organs were studied. We obtained the fresh tissues of ovary, fallopian tube, uterine body and uterine cervix with blood samples during proliferative phase in women with regular menstrual cycle. To establish FSHR mRNA expression of human internal genital organ, we studied by using in situ hybridization and quantitative competitive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (QC RT-PCR). To localize FSHR transcripts by in situ hybridization, we synthesized digoxigenin-labelled ssRNA probe (about 800 bp) from the cloned FSHR cDNA. For QC RT-PCR, we designed oligonucleotide primers (antisense: 5'-GGCCCTGCTCCTGGTCTCTTTG-3', sense: 3'-AACAGCGGGAGTACCTTCGG-5') which produced 799 bp sized PCR products. Simultaneously we synthesized 149 bp deleted DNA competitor by site-directed mutagenesis to quantify target FSHR mRNA expression comparing as internal control.In situ hybridization with digoxigenin-labelled ssRNA probe showed no signal above the background in primordial follicles. FSHR mRNA was first detected in the single layer of cuboidal granulosa cells surrounding primary follicles. As follicular growth progressed, FSHR mRNA expression increased gradually in antral and graafian follicles. Similary, in fallopian tube, the epithelium stained intensly. But FSHR mRNA expression was absent in uterine body including endometrium and myometrium and uterine cervix. Total RNA was extracted and quantitated by QC RT-PCR. The amounts of FSHR transcript measured were 840.00+/-516.29 in the ovarian tissue, 240.00+/-154.91 in the fallopian tube, 6.06+/-4.13 in the uterine body, 5.48+/-5.00 fg in the uterine cervix. These experiments demonstrated that FSHR mRNA is expressed in the ovary and fallopian tube, albeit only small amount was expressed in uterine body and cervix.In conclusion, the presence of FSHR mRNA in female internal genital organ with site specific pattern suggested that FSH may have some role in female genital organs during the adult reproductive cycle and may act as an factor in the tumorigenesis. Further study about the functional role and tumorigenesis of FSH should be performed in human internal genital organ.