The superior salivatory nucleus in the medulla oblongata is the parasympathetic center of the sublingual and the submandibular (SM) glands. The preganglionic axons originating in this parasympathetic center connect postganglionic neurons in the submandibular ganglia. In spite of an earlier electrophysiological study by Langley in 1890¹³⁾, intracellular electrical studies on SM ganglion neurons had not been done because of the technical difficulties in impaling neurons. It was in only 1972 that the authors begun the intracellular electrical studies of SM ganglia in adult rats and hamsters. In this review, we describe the membrane properties of neurons, spontaneous activities of neurons, types of connection between pre- and post-ganglionic neurons, synaptic potentials including fast EPSP, slow IPSP, slow EPSP and slow hyperpolarizing synaptic potential, characteristics of the reflex spike discharges and modulation of synaptic transmission by biogenic substances in SM ganglion neurons. Transfer of information within the ganglia is more complex than simple nicotinic-cholinergic relay, and seems to be specialized for compatibility with the salivary glands. These data reflect the specific characteristics of synaptic transmission in the SM ganglia.

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We examined the prevalence of Staphylococcus species and Candida albicans in swabbed samples from elderly persons who live together in a nursing home. Samples were obtained from 48 elderly persons from 64 to 101 years of age who required daily nursing care. The percentages of Staphylococcus species, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Candida albicans detected in samples from the elderly were 95.8%, 4.2%, and 77.1%, respectively. Pulsefield gel electrophoresis analysis of isolated strains from two subjects indicated identity of two strains, suggesting an MRSA infection in this nursing home. The numbers of C. albicans cells recovered in samples were correlated with the numbers of Staphylococcus species (ρ=0.441, p<0.001).

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The procedures and possibilities for personal identification by DNA analysis of samples from dental prostheses made of acrylic resin were investigated. Acrylic resin pieces dipped in whole saliva for a moment, dried in air and left for at least two months at room temperature retained saliva stains that could be used as materials for DNA analysis for personal identification. The amounts of DNA extracted from 0.5×0.5×0.1cm resin pieces prepared from 55 resin prostheses used by the patients ranged from 35.7ng to 1.52μg and were significantly different among the samples. The amounts of extractable DNA did not correlate with the period of time the prostheses were left at room temperature or the period of time they were used in the oral cavity. Sex determination by amplification of segments of the amelogenin gene and typing of the 184bp fragment in the D4S43 locus was possible from all of the extracted DNA. Resin prostheses used in the oral cavity and left at room temperature for as long as approximately 200 days could be used for DNA extraction followed by DNA analysis. The present results provide a procedure that can be used from sampling of DNA from resin prostheses used in the oral cavity to typing by DNA analysis.

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Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) symptoms immediately after surgery have lately been regarded as potential warnings of impending postoperative complications and multiple organ failure. Reports discussing the relationship between operative stress and SIRS are found in the field of digestive surgery, but not in that of oral surgery. Forty oral cancer cases who had undergone neck dissection (Level III or higher) from January 1998 to June 1999 were involved in this study. We assigned 16 cases who met two of the several diagnostic criteria for SIRS and continued to meet them for at least 24 hours after surgery to the SIRS group. The other 24 patients were assigned to the non-SIRS group. Postoperative complications occurred in 56.3% of the SIRS group and 8.3% of the non-SIRS group (p<0.05). In two cases, the postoperative fluctuation of IL-6 level was evaluated. These results suggest the importance of careful management of postoperative SIRS patients to prevent complications.

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To facilitate understanding of the conditions in the upper compartment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), we performed contrasted 3D-CT arthrography (C-3D CT) and observed the figures to examine adhesion, then we compared these results with those of arthroscopic observation.
    From 1996 through 1999, we examined 17 joints of 14 patients, 2 males and 12 females who underwent TMJ arthroscopic surgery following C-3D CT examinations in our hospital. A contrast medium was injected into the upper compartment of the TMJ and the C-3D CT was reconstructed. The arthroscopic findings from each region of the upper compartment of the TMJ were compared with the C-3D CT features. It was not possible to observe the external and internal region. The rates of concordance between the figure defect and the arthroscopic findings were 88.2% in the anterior region, 64.7% in the middle region and 68.8% in the posterior region. The rates of concordance between the marginal figure and the arthroscopic findings were 82.4% in the anterior region, and 56.3% in the posterior region. We concluded that the C-3D CT findings were well concordant with arthroscopic findings. The C-3D CT provides useful data for diagnosing intra-articular adhesions.

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