Pathological Examination of Experimentally Induced Periodontal Polyp in Mice

The mechanism in the formation of periodontal polyp has been established in several histological studies but details on cell differentiation and/or proliferation have not been elucidated. In the present study, we established a convenient and possible experimental system using ddY mice. Briefly, pentobarbital sodium (Somnopentyl) was injected into the abdominal cavity of the mouse followed by access cavity preparation on maxillary first molar using low speed ½ round bur (Merufa Inc), exposing the pulp and then allowed to perforate the floor of the pulp chamber. Observation was done over time until 6 months using micro CT (m_CT) image photography. Results with transmission image using m_CT showed theexpansion in the width of the periodontal ligament in the furcation area. The lesion was excised as one mass and examined histopathologically. The granulation tissue was covered with stratified squamous epithelium. The present experimental technique has been confirmed to be effective in analyzing the formation of periodontal polyp induced by mechanical perforation

Kamishoyosan and Shakuyakukanzoto promote recovery from paclitaxel-induced neurite retraction in PC12 cells

Background: In chemotherapy, the full round of treatment must be completed as scheduled to achieve the strongest therapeutic effect. However, peripheral neuropathy, a severe side effect of the chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel, can force the premature discontinuation of treatment. As some kampo practitioners have suggested that it may be possible to counteract such side effects, we analyzed the effects of Kamishoyosan, Shakuyakukanzoto, and Goshajinkigan in an in vitro model of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy. Methods: Paclitaxel-treated PC12 cells were assessed for neurite length and performed Western blot analysis for growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43) and light neurofilament protein (NF-L) levels in the presence of nerve growth factor (NGF); they were re-assessed, with additional testing for acetylcholinesterase levels, after application of one of the kampo. We also compared phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk)1/2 and Akt via Western blot analysis. About effect of kampo to anticancer efficacy, we confirmed cell cytotoxicity in A549 cells using MTT assay. Results: Addition of Kamishoyosan or Shakuyakukanzoto, but not Goshajinkigan, significantly improved neurite length and GAP-43 and NF-L levels from paclitaxel-treated PC12 cells, relative to those of only NGF-treated PC12 cells. The promoting effect of Kamishoyosan and Shakuyakukanzoto in neurite outgrowth is confirmed when NGF promoted neurite outgrowth, and it was inhibited partially when Erk1/2 and Akt were blocked by Erk1/2 inhibitor or Akt inhibitor alone. Furthermore, neurite outgrowth induced by TJ24 and TJ68 was inhibited more strongly when Erk1/2 inhibitor and Akt inhibitor were treated at the same time. NGF with Kamishoyosan or Shakuyakukanzoto promoted the proportion of phosphorylated Erk1/2 and phosphorylated Akt compare with NGF only. On the other hand, Kamishoyosan or Shakuyakukanzoto didn’t influence cytotoxicity of paclitaxel in A549 cells. Conclusions: Kamishoyosan or Shakuyakukanzoto promotes neurite outgrowth with NGF via increasing the proportion of phosphorylated Erk1/2 and phosphorylated Akt in PC12 cells. The effect applies to recovery from paclitaxel-induced axonal involvement and might promote recovery from paclitaxel-induced neuropathy without influence of anticancer effect of paclitaxel

マウスにおける実験的根尖部炎症病変の確立

Abstract: Although studies on the formation of apical periodontitis have somehow been carried out but detailed cellular dynamics remain unclear. We recently established an experiment that could easily be performed using ddY mice. First, under general anesthesia using isoflurane inhalation, the coronal portion of the maxillary first molar was penetrated using a round bur and drill with water irrigation causing pulp exposure until the root apex. Micro computed tomography (R_mCT) was taken over time during observation. Four weeks later, R_mCT confirmed the presence of a radiolucent image at the apex of the tooth, which was then removed for histological examination. The results showed that granulation tissue with fibrosis had gradually formed at the periphery of the abscess. The present method confirmed the effectiveness of the experimental mode to exmine the formation of chronic inflammatory lesions at the root apex.根尖部炎症病変のマウスモデルを作製した。マウスをイソフラン吸入により麻酔し、上顎第1大臼歯の歯冠部をラウンドバーにより貫通させた後、水の灌注により穴をあけて根尖まで歯髄を露出させた。処置の4週間後、根尖部にX線透過性部位が存在することが、マイクロコンピュータートモグラフィーにより確認された。この部位について組織学的検査を行った結果、線維増生を示す肉芽組織が膿瘍の周辺に徐々に形成されることが明らかになった。以上より、本モデルは根尖部の慢性炎症病変の形成を調べる上で有用であることが示された

Effects of short-term pulmonary rehabilitation on exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Although the rehabilitation of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) improves both exercise capacity and quality of life, a standard protocol for COPD patients has not been established. To clarify whether physiologic and quality-of-life improvements can be achieved by an inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program 5 days per week for 3 weeks, 18 patients with COPD were enrolled in a rehabilitation program. The physical exercise training regimen consisted of respiratory muscle stretch gymnastics and cycle ergometer exercise training. Pulmonary function tests, an incremental ergometer exercise test, a 6-min walking test, and a quality of life assessment by the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire were administered before and after the program. The peak VO2, an indicator of maximal exercise capacity, did not increase, although the 6-min walking distance, an indicator of functional exercise capacity, increased significantly after rehabilitation. There was a significant improvement in the quality of life in terms of dyspnea, fatigue, and emotional state. These findings suggest that even a 3-week program may be beneficial for COPD patients. Increases in functional exercise capacity, even without an increase in maximal exercise capacity, are helpful for reducing dyspnea and improving quality of life parameters in patients with COPD.</p

Live imaging of apoptosis in a novel transgenic mouse highlights its role in neural tube closure

Imaging of caspase activation in living mouse embryos during development suggests that caspase-mediated cell removal facilitates neural tube closure in a temporally regulated manner