Histological and Immunohistochemical Studies to Determine the Mechanism of Cleft Palate Induction after Palatal Fusion in Mice Exposed to TCDD

Rupture of the basement membrane in fused palate tissue can cause the palate to separate after fusion in mice, leading to the development of cleft palate. Here, we further elucidate the mechanism of palatal separation after palatal fusion in 8–10-week-old ICR female mice. On day 12 of gestation, 40 μg/kg of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), sufficient to cause cleft palate in 100% of mice, was dissolved in 0.4 mL of olive oil containing toluene and administered as a single dose via a gastric tube. Fetal palatine frontal sections were observed by H&E staining, and epithelial cell adhesion factors, apoptosis, and cell proliferation were observed from the anterior to posterior palate. TUNEL-positive cells and Ki67-positive cells were observed around the posterior palatal dissection area of the TCDD-treated group. Moreover, in fetal mice exposed to TCDD, some fetuses exhibited cleft palate dehiscence during fusion. The results suggest that palatal dehiscence may be caused by abnormal cell proliferation in epithelial tissues, decreased intercellular adhesion, and inhibition of mesenchymal cell proliferation. By elucidating the mechanism of cleavage after palatal fusion, this research can contribute to establishing methods for the prevention of cleft palate development

An Acrofacial Dysostosis Case of Rodriguez Type

Acrofacial dysostosis (AFD) is an extremely rare syndrome, characterized by severe mandibulofacial dysostosis and various limb anomalies. Based on the variation in limb deformities, two major types are recognized: (1) Nager?type AFD, presenting predominantly pre?axial anomalies; and (2) Miller?type AFD, presenting predominantly postaxial limb anomalies. Here, we report the case of a newborn female with AFD syndrome combined with Nager and Miller type, as delineated by Rodriguez et al. The infant presented with severe mandibulofacial dysostosis, pre? and postaxial deformities of the upper limbs, phocomelia of the left lower limb, and other anomalies.ArticleAcrofacial Dysostoses（AFD）は非常にまれな症候群で，様々なタイプの上肢の低形成を伴う下顎・顔面異骨症である。上肢の低形成により２つのタイプに分類されており，軸前の低形成を示すNager type AFDと軸後の低形成を示すMiller type AFDである。われわれはNager typeとMiller typeの複合タイプであるRodriguez AFDの女児を経験したので報告する。富山大学医学会誌, 21(1), 2010.10, pp.37-3

Heparanase Localization during Palatogenesis in Mice

Palatogenesis is directed by epithelial-mesenchymal interactions and results partly from remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the palatal shelves. Here, we assessed heparanase distribution in developing mouse palates. No heparanase was observed in the vertically oriented palatal shelves in early stages of palate formation. As palate formation progressed, the palatal shelves were reorganized and arranged horizontally above the tongue, and heparanase localized to the epithelial cells of these shelves. When the palatal bilateral shelves first made contact, the heparanase localized to epithelial cells at the tips of shelves. Later in fusing palatal shelves, the cells of the medial epithelial seam (MES) were labeled with intense heparanase signal. In contrast, the basement membrane heparan sulfate (HS) was scarcely observed in the palatal shelves in contact. Moreover, perlecan labeling was sparse in the basement membrane of the MES, on which laminin and type IV collagen were observed. Moreover, we assessed the distribution of matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) 9, MMP-2, and MMP-3 in developing mouse palates and these MMPs were observed in the MES. Our findings indicated that heparanase was important for palate formation because it mediated degradation of the ECM of palatal shelves. Heparanase may, in concert with other proteases, participate in the regression of the MES

Parental Accompaniment in Operating Rooms Reduces Child Anxiety

Background: We believe that parental presence before the induction of anesthesia for surgery among children with a cleft palate/lip would be effective in mitigating their preoperative anxiety. Objective: We assessed the states of patients with a cleft palate/lip when their parents accompanied them into operating rooms and clarified their and their parents’ cognition using a questionnaire. Methods: Data were collected via nursing observation when patients and their parents entered the operating room. Furthermore, an anonymous questionnaire was administered to patients and parents after the operation regarding their feelings about parental presence in the operating room. Results: In total, nine patients cried when they entered the surgical room. Furthermore, six patients and three parents reported preoperative anxiety. In addition, eight patients agreed that they were satisfied with the presence of their parents before induction. Conclusion: Approximately half of the patients cried. However, the presence of parents before the induction of anesthesia was effective in reducing anxiety among most patients and their parents

Perception of Cleft Palate Speech by Japanese Listeners—an Assessment of Palatalized Articulations

To examine how people react to palatalized articulation, we used one cleft palate speech (CPS) sample of palatalized articulation that was purchased in Japan and one recorded sample of speech from a non-cleft palate individual. Study design The two speech samples were rated by 137 native listeners. Each participant rated the set of speech samples for 10 features using a 10-point scale. Alpha factor analysis was performed. Results Two factors were extracted from the entire set of features with alpha factor analysis. Conclusions Although native listeners could not distinguish between CPS and non-CPS using the psychometrical measurements applied in this study, this method of analyzing speech represents a useful technique for planning treatments in cleft disorder patients