The transplantation of ex vivo-expanded human periodontal ligament (HPL) cells or mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) -rich population isolated from the HPL cells with scaffolds into periodontal defects appears to be a powerful strategy to promote periodontal regeneration. However, up to date, there have been few direct evidences that each precursor of various mesenchymal cell types and MSC exist in the heterogeneous HPL cell cultures. In this study, we qualitatively estimated a potential to differentiate into three types of mesenchymal cells in the HPL cells, as compared with that in human bone marrow-derived MSC (HMSC), which were used as a control. As results, the HPL cells contained many osteoblast lineage cells and small number of adipocyte precursors, while chondrocyte precursors might exist at slight levels or not in the cells. Further, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) negative cell-rich (ALP^Low) fraction isolated from the HPL cells contained relatively more adipocyte precursors.

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To prevent over-cutting of the sclerotic dentin, we developed a new caries detector (Caries Check, Nippon Shika Yakuhin Co., Ltd., Japan) composed of polypropylene glycol containing acid red. The purpose of this study was to observe the ultra microstructure of the adhesive interface between resin composite and dentin after cutting the dentin in accordance with the conventional Caries Detector or Caries Check staining. In the Caries Check specimen, the dentin tubules were filled with debris and penetration of the bonding agent was limited in the peri-tubular dentin. In the Caries Detector specimen, the dentin tubules were open and a resin tag formed in the dentin tubules. It was possible to conclude that the sclerotic dentin was preserved under the guide of staining by Caries Check. The results suggest that dentin bonding was not obtained by monomer penetration into the superficial substrate dentin or into the dentin tubules.

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The aim of the present study was to investigate systematically the effects of noxious stimulation applied to the oral-facial region on visceromotor responses to colorectal distention. In the present study an electromyogram (EMG) of the external abdominal oblique muscle evoked by colorectal distention was measured as a visceromotor reflex response, and inhibitory effects of noxious stimulation were estimated by the decrease of EMG activity. Under halothane anesthesia (1 % in air), colorectal distentions (60 or 80 mmHg) were produced by inflating a balloon inside the descending colon and rectum. Innocuous brush and press stimuli applied to the facial skin did not induce any change in EMG responses evoked by colorectal distention. Noxious pinch stimuli produced a profound reduction of EMG responses during application of pinch. This inhibitory effect remained even after the cessation of pinch stimulation. Pinch stimulation was effective both ipsilaterally and contralaterally indicating a bilateral effect. When the inhibitory effects of ipsilateral pinch stimulation at various parts of the oral-facial region were examined, no significant difference in the inhibitory effect was observed among the oral mucosa, the tip of the tongue and the root of the tongue. A comparison of the inhibitory effects of ipsilateral pinch stimulation among the areas innervated by three branches of the trigeminal nerve showed no significant difference in the inhibitory effect among areas. Electrical stimulation of the tooth pulp (1.6 mA, 50 Hz, 0.1 ms pulses) also reduced the EMG responses to colorectal distention. Following the application of naloxone (2 mg/kg, i.p.), an opioid receptor antagonist, the decreased EMG responses during pinch stimulation were reversed. These results suggest that noxious stimulation to the oral-facial region can suppress visceromotor reflex responses to colorectal distention and that this suppression is mediated by the opioid system. A possible mechanism for trigeminal suppression of visceromotor function is discussed.

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[in Japanese]

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