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AIM: The aim of the present study was to clarify the mechanism of signal transduction of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) through their specific down signaling molecules Smads inducing bone formation in response to mechanical stimulus during distraction osteogenesis (DO) in the rat mandible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Osteotomy of the left mandible was performed in 45 rats. Thirty rats underwent mandibular distraction (protocol; 5 days latency, 8 days distraction, and 2 weeks consolidation) while 15 rats served as non-distracted (fracture healing) group. The expression of BMPs-2,-4 and Smads 1, 5, and 8 were evaluated in the new regenerate area using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Expressions of BMPs-2,-4 and Smads 1, 5, and 8 were moderate during latency, significantly increased during distraction and decreased towards consolidation period. CONCLUSIONS: The enhanced expression of BMPs and its Smads during distraction compared to the nondistracted group suggests the possible role of BMP signaling pathway in translation of mechanical forces into biological results during DO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical utility of dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) sialographic images as a diagnostic tool for patients with Sjögren's syndrome. Methods: The morphological findings and various kinds of functional parameters in volunteers on dynamic MR sialographic images were compared with those in five patients with definite Sjögren's syndrome. Results: On the MR sialographs of all five patients with Sjögren's syndrome, the so-called 'apple-tree appearance' was seen. The difference in two functional parameters using the dynamic MR sialographic data was elucidated between the two groups. The maximum area of the detectable ducts in the group of patients was significantly smaller ( P < 0.001) than that in the group of volunteers. The ratio of change in the detectable ducts in the group of patients was significantly lower ( P = 0.011) than that in the group of volunteers. Conclusions: Our study suggests that dynamic MR sialographic data in addition to MR sialographic images might be useful for the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the utility of 3D-FASE for the visualization of salivary gland ducts for use in MR sialographic sequences.We compared MR sialographic images and virtual endoscopic views from 3D-FASE with those from three kinds of sequences described by previous reports in a 3D parotid gland duct model and volunteer. The four sequences were two-dimension fast spin-echo (2D-FSE), three-dimension fast spin-echo (3D-FSE), two-dimension fast asymmetric spin-echo (2D-FASE), and three-dimension fast asymmetric spin-echo (3D-FASE).In the 3D parotid gland duct model, image visibility on visual score was clearest with 3D-FSE, followed by 3D-FASE (P = 0.028). In the volunteers, the visualization of images improved in the following order: 3D-FASE > 3D-FSE > 2D-FSE > 2D-FASE.The technique of 3D-FASE sequencing is more suitable and useful for MR sialography with an appropriate acquisition time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]