Takaharu Tatsukawa

Localization of transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) in the human larynx

Conclusion. Transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) 1, 2, 3, and 4 were expressed in the human larynx, which may act as laryngeal nociceptors perceiving luminal noxious stimuli, play an important role in thermal sensation and osmotic sensation, and are also related to some pathological conditions and prevention of aspiration. Objective. Expression of TRPV1, 2, 3, and 4 in the human larynx was analyzed. Materials and methods. Specimens of human epiglottic epithelium obtained from six patients were used in this study. The localization of TRPV1, 2, 3, and 4 in the laryngeal epithelium was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Results. Immunohistochemical study revealed the presence of TRPV1, 2, 3, and 4 in the laryngeal epithelial cells. Chemoradiotherapy may reduce the expression of TRPV1, 2, 3, and 4, which might be a result of the mucositis and neuropathy in laryngeal epithelium.

Localization of transient receptor potential channel vanilloid subfamilies in the mouse larynx

Conclusion. Laryngeal epithelium contains TRPV1, 2, 3 and 4, which may act as laryngeal nociceptors perceiving luminal noxious stimuli, play an important role in thermal sensation, osmotic sensation, and are also related to pathological conditions, such as inflammatory response, genesis of cough, asthma. Objective. Expression of TRPV1, 2, 3 and 4 in the normal CBA/J mouse larynx was analysed. Materials and methods. CBA/J mice were used in this study. The localizations of TRPV1, 2, 3 and 4 in the laryngeal epithelium were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Results. Immunohistochemical study revealed the presence of TRPV1, 2, 3 and 4 in the laryngeal epithelial cells. TRPV1 and TRPV2 were often co-localized with substance P, while the co-localization of substance P and TRPV3 was rare and TRPV4 was not co-localized with substance P.

A case of vascular leiomyoma of the larynx

We present a 68-year-old woman with a vascular leiomyoma of the larynx, a benign tumour that rarely involves that organ. Chief complaints were a feeling of a narrowing of the pharynx and difficulty in breathing in the supine position. A spherical tumour measuring 1.5 cm and covered with normal mucosa was found at the margin of her epiglottis. The patient was administered a general anaesthetic and the tumour was successfully removed via direct laryngoscopy. Histological examination revealed that the tumour lay beneath a layer of stratified squamous epithelium and was encased in a well-defined fibrous capsule. The tumour parenchyma was composed of proliferated fibres that consisted of elongated cells, surrounded by an abundance of blood vessels. Its complete removal is the treatment of choice with care taken to avoid profuse bleeding. Recurrence is rare.

A Clinical Study of Tongue Carcinoma

We report a clinical study of 104 patients with tongue carcinoma initially treated at Hiroshima University Hospital between 1978 and 1992. The overall five-year survival rate was 69.0%. (Stage I ; 79.3%, Stage III; 71.7%, Stage III; 67.2%, Stage N ; 42.9%) Among the Ti and T2 cases treated only by interstitial radium therapy, metastatic cervical lymph nodes were found in 16 cases. These results indicated that preventive neck dissection should be performed even in Ti and T2 cases.