Delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) in skin is evaluated based on swelling of the ear treated with hapten, but no such model is available for the oral cavity. An oral model to evaluate DTH based on the thickness of the tongue was investigated. Mice were sensitized by the application of 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) to the skin of the back. Thereafter, the tongue mucosa was challenged by DNCB to elicit DTH. Swelling of the tongue on the treated side was observed, and the effect was greater in the sensitized group than unsensitized group. In the tongue mucosa treated with DNCB, infiltration of CD4⁺T cells, CD8⁺T cells and CD25⁺T cells was demonstrated. An increase in mRNA for IL1-β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-α and granzyme B, but not IFN-γ and IL-4 was observed. This model represents the characteristics of DTH in which swelling of the tongue, the mucosal infiltration of T cells and the expression of cytokines occur.

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Primary glossodynia is characterized by abnormal sensations such as tongue pain without pathological changes and is not fully understood. The Japanese version of the MOS 36-item short-form health survey version 2 (SF-36v2) is a questionnaire to measure health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in various diseases. We studied HRQoL in 26 primary glossodynia patients who self-completed the SF-36v2. The mean scores on the SF-36v2 subscales in our female patients were significantly lower than the national norms. Furthermore, those in the elderly female patients were significantly lower than those in the middle-aged ones. Conditions of primary glossodynia in the elderly patients were complicated by physical and mental factors; psychosocial supports should be required for their care in addition to pain control. Our study of HRQoL in primary glossodynia patients using the SF-36v2 was shown to be meaningful for understanding primary glossodynia and establishing goals for its care.

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We examined the safety and efficacy of super-long-term pilocarpine hydrochloride administration for oral dryness associated with Sjögren's syndrome. Sixty-two patients administered pilocarpine hydrochloride from October 2007 to March 2009 were assessed 2 or more years after the start of administration. Three cases of heavy sweating were observed 2 or more years after drug initiation. These symptoms were mild, and administration was continued. Furthermore, pre-existing adverse drug reactions showed no aggravation. Abnormal biochemical blood test results were observed in 71.0% of patients (n = 68). All changes were slight, and administration was continued in all patients. Even with continuous administration, the patients showed no symptom aggravation. No significant change in salivary secretion or subjective symptom score was observed in 27 patients after 5 years.

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Osteonecrosis of the palate associated with antiresorptive medications such as bisphosphonates is rare. We underwent surgical removal of the torus after conservative treatment in 2 cases of osteonecrosis of the palate at different stages, who received intravenous zoledronate for metastatic breast cancer. A stage 3 case had poor prognosis with a remaining fistula, while a stage 1 case healed with complete epithelialization. These results suggest that surgical treatment at early stage might be effective for osteonecrosis of the jaw caused by zoledronate.

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