Mitsuyoshi Matsuda

Effects of injecting GABAergic agents into the medullary reticular formation upon swallowing induced by the superior laryngeal nerve stimulation in decerebrate cats

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of the GABAergic system in the medullary reticular formation (MRF) in the control of swallowing. In acutely decerebrated cats (n = 12), swallowing was induced by electrical stimulation (0.3-6 V at 10-20 Hz for 10-20 s every minute) applied to the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN). The stimulus intensity was adjusted so that swallowing was induced two or four times during the period of the stimulation. Bicuculline, a GABA(A) receptor antagonist, was then injected (0.10-0.15 microl, 5 mM) into the MRF through a stereotaxically placed glass micropipette. In a total of 62 injections, 19 injections (30.6%) increased the frequency of SLN-induced swallowing when it was injected into the lateral part of the MRF corresponding to the nucleus reticularis parvocellularis (NRPv). In eight of the effective injections (42.1%) which increased the frequency of SLN-induced swallowing, SLN stimulation also induced coughing. With two injections, stimulation of the SLN-induced coughing but not facilitation of swallowing. On the other hand, an injection of 0.10-0.15 microl of 5 mM muscimol, a GABA(A) receptor agonist, into the NRPv decreased the frequency of SLN-induced swallowing. These results suggest that the NRPv neurons which are responsible for evoking swallowing are under the tonic inhibitory control of the GABAergic system.

Influence of conventionalization on cecal wall structure of germ-free Wistar rats: quantitative light and qualitative electron microscopic observations

SummaryThe structural changes of the cecal wall in germfree rats were observed at regular intervals after the inoculation of fecal microflora from conventional rats. Quantitative light microscopy showed that most of the elements in the cecal wall increased at 12 or 24 h and reached peak values at 4 days after inoculation. On the 7th day, they decreased approximately to the values for conventional rats. The crypts were bent or widely open till 24 h but were not after the 4th day. Hyperplasia of the crypt epithelial cells including mucous-type cells was observed following microbial inoculation. Electron microscopy revealed that most of the epithelial cells lining the mucosa were typical columnar cells. Desquamation of the epithelial cells and contraction of the muscle fibers were often seen on 4th day. The mucous-type cells were divided into two types, goblet and non-goblet mucous-type cells. Reduction of cecal volume after microbial inoculation may be mainly caused by muscle contraction in the early period and hyperplasia and desquamation of the epithelial cells may suggest their role as the first and non-specific defense line prior to operation of the specific immune system.

Neuropeptide-Y-Immunoreactive Chief Cells in the Carotid Body of Young Rats

The immunolight- and electron-microscopic study revealed neuropeptide Y (NPY) immunoreactivity in the chief cells and a few nerve fibers of the carotid body of young rats. NPY-immunoreactive chief cells were often seen as a single cell or a group of a few chief cells in the carotid body of young rats. The immunoreaction deposits were mainly seen in the dense-cored vesicles and diffusely in the cytoplasm of the chief cells. These findings suggest that NPY may be stored in the core of granules of the chief cells of the carotid body in young rats.

Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma of the Mandible

Abstract This report is of a 32-year-old Japanese woman with malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the mandible. Mandibular resection and reconstruction with an osteocutaneous scapular flap were performed. The clinical course showed no signs of recurrence or metastasis after 5 years of follow-up.

Sarcomas in the Temporomandibular Joint Region: Report of 2 Cases

Abstract Two cases of sarcoma in the temporomandibular joint region are presented — an osteosarcoma and a chondrosarcoma. These tumours in the maxillofacial region, particularly in the temporomandibular joint, are very rare. The patients underwent surgical treatment alone. The follow-up periods were 9 and 6 years, respectively, and no local recurrence or distant metastases were encountered.