Takafumi Ooka

Orosensory deprivation alters taste-elicited c-Fos expression in the parabrachial nucleus of neonatal rats

In the present study we examined the effects of neonatal orosensory deprivation on taste-elicited gustatory activity in the rat parabrachial nucleus (PBN) using the functional anatomical marker c-Fos. Animals in three groups (GG, GO and GM) received gastric cannula implantation surgery on postnatal day 9 (P9). Animals in the fourth group (MR) did not receive any surgery. GG rats were fed by infusion of artificial milk directly into the stomach. GO rats were fed by intraoral infusion of artificial milk. GM and MR rats were reared by their mother with free access to mothers milk, water and rat chow. Rats from all groups were similar in body weight and length by P21. On P21 rats in all groups were intraorally presented with 0.5M sucrose solution and the brains were extracted and processed for c-Fos immunohistochemistry. Taste-elicited c-Fos expression in both the gustatory waist area, and the external lateral subnucleus of the PBN in rats in the GG group was significantly more robust than in the other three groups. These findings suggest a substantial alteration in orosensory-evoked neuronal response in this nucleus, due to sensory or motor deprivation during a critical developmental stage.

Effects of gum chewing exercises on saliva secretion and occlusal force in community-dwelling elderly individuals: A pilot study

Elderly individuals face the risk of reductions in saliva secretion and occlusal force caused by systemic diseases or medications that can eventually result in malnutrition and systemic complications. We tested the hypothesis that regular gum chewing exercises (GCE) would enhance saliva secretion and occlusal force in an elderly population.

The relationship between feeding characteristics and feeding function in children with intellectual disability

Abstract To develop strategies to support feeding and swallowing functions from early stage, we evaluated chief complaints regarding feeding, and assessment of the feeding function. The subjects consisted of 53 preschool children and their guardians, who participated in feeding consultation in a welfare center. In this study, we extracted chief complaints and assessment of the feeding function, and made comparisons. The primary illnesses were intellectual disability (n=20), autism (n=16), and Downs syndrome (n=17). Chief complaints regarding food selectivity, self-feeding, utensils, and chewing were common, and, particularly, the frequency of chief complaints concerning self-feeding and utensils was significantly higher in the groups with intellectual disability or autism, compared to children with Downs syndrome. As for evaluation of the feeding function, the proportion of children classified as having a disordered self-feeding function was significantly higher in the groups with intellectual disability and autism (approximately 70%) than children with Downs syndrome. As a result of comparing chief complains reported by guardians and assessment of the feeding function, in the groups with intellectual disability and autism, many children with chewing as the chief complaint were classified as having a disordered self-feeding function. Regarding children with Downs syndrome, however, a disordered food-capturing or chewing function was prevalent, even in those with self-feeding as the chief complaint. Thus, children with intellectual disability exhibited many problems regarding chewing, the self-feeding function, and cognitive function. Additionally, inconsistencies between chief complaints and functional evaluation often occurred, suggesting that there is a need for appropriate actions and support.