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Background: With transitions in the disease concept of orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst (OOC), the pathogenesis and etiology have not been sufficiently elucidated. Objectives: OOC cases were reclassified and observed to understand the clinico-histopathological characteristics. In addition, literature review of OOC was performed to better organize the pathology. Materials and methods: Subjects with jawbone cysts lined by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium from 2005 to 2018 were reclassified, and clinico-histopathological findings were analyzed. Previous reports of OOC/orthokeratinized-type odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) from 1980 to 2019 were organized. Results: Five cases of OOC were diagnosed, representing 2.1% of odontogenic developmental cysts (total, 239 cases). Mean age was 37.6 years, with a female predominance. The mandibular molar area was the frequent site, and all cysts were solitary. Sixty percent involved an impacted tooth. Mean maximum diameter of the cyst was 2.2 cm. Histopathologically, 4 cases were unilocular, and partial palisading of the basal layer and scattered epithelial islands were observed in 2 cases each and formation of daughter cysts was noted in 3 cases. Previous papers described that most were unilocular and related to impacted teeth. Mean age ranged between 20 and 40 years, and the mandibular molar region was dominant. Recurrence rates were low. Conclusion: OOC shows a different biological attitude to OKC and is closer to dentigerous cyst. Meanwhile, OOC shows a similar histology of epidermoid cysts accompanying the granular layer. We thus surmised that OCC represents an independent concept as an odontogenic developmental cyst.

Background: A new microorganism identification method using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been developed, however, reports on its use for delineating Candida spp. are scarce. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the identification accuracy of mixed infection between culture test and MALDI-TOF MS. Materials and Methods: Eighty-nine denture wearers (average 74.0 ± 9 years) were selected. Specimens were immediately inoculated onto selective medium for CHROMagarTM Candida, and were also carried out using MALDI-TOF MS. The distribution frequencies of them were analyzed. Results: The numbers and rates of detection/non-detection by MALDI-TOF MS of genus Candida were 58/31 (65.2%/34.8%), respectively. Infection types were single infection in 34 (38.2%), mixed infection in 24 (27.0%), and non-infection in 31 (34.8%) cases. Concerning the single infection, C. albicans was the most predominant (58.8%), followed by C. parapsilosis (17.6%), C. glabrata (14.7%), C. tropicalis (5.9%), and C. krusei (2.9%). As for the mixed infection, the most frequent combination was C. albicans and C. glabrata (50.0%), followed by C. albicans and C. parapsilosis (29.2%), C. albicans and C. tropicalis (8.3%), C. glabrata and C. tropicalis (4.2%), C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. parapsilosis (4.2%), and C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, and C. glabrata (4.2%). There were four MALDI-TOF MS positive results that were negative by the culture test. Conversely, there were six MALDI-TOF MS negative results that were positive by the culture test. The sensitivity and specificity of MALDI-TOF MS were 0.929 and 0.840, respectively. The concordance rate of genus Candida was 0.644, indicating substantial agreement. Conclusion: Candida infection is complicated by disease type and oral cavity environment changes due to aging. A rapid microorganism detection method, such as MALDI-TOF MS, will be helpful to quickly determine the causative pathogen in dental infections.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) often causes lymphatic metastasis, particularly to the regional cervical lymph nodes. Although lymphatic metastasis is closely associated with lymphangiogenesis in the tumor tissues, the detailed mechanisms are not yet fully understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the morphological association of lymphangiogenesis in the tumor stromal tissue with cervical lymph node metastases in OSCC. The medical records of 13 patients treated for OSCC affecting the tongue at the Department of Oral Surgery of Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo Hospital between November 2003 and March 2011 were reviewed. The 13 cases were divided into two groups, with 7 cases in the metastasis group and 6 cases in the non-metastasis group. Histopathological (hematoxylin-eosin stain) and immunohistochemical (D2-40 antibody) examinations were performed. Lymphatic vascular density and lymphatic vascular area, lymphatic vascular morphology, and the number of lymph vessels were quantified using ImageJ software. The lymphatic vessels in the metastasis group were distributed with higher density and ran irregularly, with more remarkable deformation than those in the non-metastasis group. Cervical lymph node metastasis is one of the factors affecting progression and the prognosis of OSCC patients. In the present study, lymphatic vessels were found in the OSCC stroma, which also suggests that an increased density of lymphatic vessels leads to cervical lymph node metastases.

Tumor growth is closely related to the development of an intrinsic vascular network. However, microvascular appearance was not regarding highly to pathological diagnosis, though clinical applicability of endoscopic narrow-bad imaging (NBI) is developed in the oral cavity. To analyze changes of intraepithelial papillary capillary loop (IPCLs) patterns as the utility for pathological diagnosis, comparative histomorphometric analysis of IPCLs among squamous cell hyperplasia, leukoplakia with low- or high-grade dysplasia, and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) had performed. Subjects were 40 clinically hyperkeratosis, histologically consisted 5 groups; each 10 of squamous cell hyperplasia, low- or high-grade dysplasia, OSCC and normal mucosae. Sections with smooth muscle actin and CD34 immunoreactivities were used to examine comparative histomorphometric analysis on the basis of IPCL irregularities. The area, shortest diameter, proximity to the basement membrane and circularity were measured using Win Roof image analysis software. Statistical analyses were done by Kruskal–Wallis and Steel–Dwass tests. Values of p

We investigated the effect of organic germanium compound (Ge-132) on experimental dermal injury in rats and cultured human dermal fibroblasts cells. For in vivo studies, the dermal wound was formed by extracting a full-thickness skin of parietal region in rats. The dermal wound was treated with 250 μl of 1.8% Ge-132 isotonic solution or physiological saline solution as a control once a day. At 1, 3, 7, and 14 days, the area of wound was measured and the dermal wound part was subjected to the histopathological examination. For in vitro studies, Hs68 cells were treated with Ge-132 (0.1–10 μg/ml) for 24 h, and then wound contraction was measured by collagen gel contraction assay and TGF-β1 and α-SMA mRNA expressions were measured by RT-PCR. A group without the addition of Ge-132 served as a control. We found that Ge-132 significantly reduced the wound area at 7 (P

Myositis ossificans (MO) is an extraskeletal tumor-like lesion with bone formation, and is relatively rare in the head and neck region. We report herein a clinicopathological analysis of MO associated with a muscle of mastication. The patient was a 70-year-old Japanese woman who presented with a tumorous mass in the right parotid area and no history of trauma. The surgically excised tumorous lesion consisted of proliferating fibroblastic cells with no atypia in the central portion, and a formation of trabecular osteoid and/or bony tissue in the peripheral portion as the so-called “zonal phenomenon”. The final histological diagnosis was MO, and the lesion was located in the posterior belly of the digastric muscle on computer tomography. A review of the literature showed that many cases of MO predominantly affected the medial pterygoid and masseter muscle and showed a history of previous trauma. The present case represents a rare case of nontraumatic MO in the uncommon location of the posterior belly of the digastric muscle.

The purpose of the present study was to histopathologically and immunohistochemically investigate the distribution of proteoglycans in human periodontal ligament (PDL). Specimens from osteotomy and tooth extraction having healthy PDL were studied. Histologically, PDL consisted of fibrous tissues, involving a compact arrangement area and edematous or myxoid area. Immuno-histochemically, versican binding region (12C5), versican link protein (8A4) and biotinylated hyaluronic acid binding protein (B-HABP) were distributed in PDL. In addition, positive immunore-activity for 12C5 and 8A4 was stronger in the compact arrangement area than in the edematous or myxoid area. Reactivity for B-HABP was stronger in the edematous or myxoid area than in the compact fibrous area. These results suggest that versican and link protein are associated with fibrous tissues, whereas hyaluronic acid is related to the formation of edematous and/or myxoid tissue in human PDL. These substances may play a role in periodontal homeostasis by protecting against mechanical stress.

Verruciform xanthoma is a rare tumor-like lesion, predominantly affecting the oral mucosa. Although several studies of verruciform xanthoma have been reported, the characteristic features and pathogenesis have not been fully clarified. The purpose of the present study is to perform immunohistochemical analysis using markers of proliferative cell activity and cytokeratins, and to perform comparative analysis between cytological and histological features in order to clarify the characteristic features of verruciform xanthomas. Histological findings showed exophitic proliferation of stratified squamous epithelium and accumulation of foamy macrophages between epithelial processes. Immunohistochemically, accumulated foamy cells showed positive immuno-reactivity for CD68, and positive cells were also present in the epithelium. Expression of pancy-tokeratin was observed in most layers of the epithelium, whereas cytokeratin 13 was also detected in prickle cell layers. Positive reactivity for Ki-67 was observed in epithelial cell nuclei. Positive reactivity was largely distributed in basal and/or parabasal cell layers, and the positive cell rate was 20%. In addition, exfoliative cytological findings showed hyperkeratotic epithelial cells with picnosis, thus suggesting the characteristics of hyperplastic epithelium in verruciforma, although foamy cells were not observed in the cytological specimens. These results suggest that benign morphological characteristics with local cellular immune response of verruciform xanthoma may be evaluated based on immunohistochemical expression of cytokeratin and Ki-67, as well as exfoliative cytological findings.

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 375–388 Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate how T-helper 17 cells (Th17 cells), interleukin (IL)-17, and interleukin-6 contribute to root resorption during orthodontic tooth movement. Materials and Methods: Fifteen male 6-week-old Wistar rats were subjected to orthodontic force of 10 or 50 g to induce a mesially tipping movement of the upper first molars for 7 days. The expression levels of TRAP, IL-17, the IL-17 receptor (IL-17R), and IL-6 proteins were determined in periodontal ligament (PDL) by immunohistochemical analysis. Moreover, the fluorescent localization immunoassay was performed to detect Th17 cells. Furthermore, the effects of IL-17 on IL-6 release were investigated using human PDL cells in vitro. The effect of IL-17 on osteoclastogenesis was evaluated by TRAP staining, actin ring staining, and the pit formation assay. Results: The immunoreactivity for Th17, IL-17, IL-17R, and IL-6 was detected in PDL tissue subjected to the orthodontic force on day 7. IL-17 increased the release of IL-6 from human periodontal ligament cells in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, IL-17 stimulated osteoclastogenesis from human osteoclast precursor cells, and these effects were partially suppressed by an anti-IL-6 antibody. Conclusion: These results suggest that Th17 cells may aggravate the process of orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption.

われわれは，口腔粘膜表層および表層直下組織の状態を拡大観察することを目的に，接触拡大粘膜鏡視検査（CMUS）を実施している。本報告では，臨床診断において口腔扁平苔癬37例，口腔白板症39例のCMUSと病理組織像を対比検討した。口腔扁平苔癬37例の内34例（91.9%）の病変で，「白色線条ならびに放射状毛細血管」のCMUS所見を得，病理組織検査では口腔扁平苔癬の診断であった。口腔扁平苔癬のCMUSの感度，特異度はともに100%であった。39例の口腔白板症では，34例（87.2%）が隆起性白斑で，その内29例は上皮乳頭内毛細血管ループの形態変化を認めなかった。「毛細血管の変化を認めない隆起性白斑」とした口腔白板症のCMUSの感度，特異度はそれぞれ84.8%，83.3%であった。CMUSにより口腔粘膜病変の表面の状態とIPCL形態を観察することで，OLPや白板症の臨床的鑑別が可能と考えられた。

The materials of high molecular compounds have been widely used in the field of dental clinics. Although preparation of the tooth abutment and contamination of the metal fragments are known to cause the discoloration and injury in the periodontal tissues in the field of crown and bridge prosthodontic clinics, the changes by the precipitation of composite resin fragments have not been fully clarified, yet. In addition, diabetes mellitus has recently been increased because of an advanced age, life style and conditions, and also, the patients with diabetes have increased in dental clinics. Therefore, the present study was undertaken the histopathological, histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses, in order to elucidate the changes of the periodontal tissues by injecting the composite resin fragments. The histopathological reactions of the periodontal tissues in both healthy (m+/m+) and diabetic (db/db) mice were also compared. Histopathologically, neutrophil infiltration was remarkably observed around the fragments of the composite resin at 3 days after the injection, and then, the formation of the granulation tissues with appearance of macrophages (foamy cells) at 7 and 14 days in m+/m+. Multinuclear giant cells were also observed at 14 days in m+/m+. In db/db, neutrophil infiltration was not so remarkable at 3 days, and relatively increase of the infiltration was observed at 7 days, and formation of the granulation tissues with appearance of the foamy cells at 14 days. The numbers of the mast cells, indicated metachromasia with toluidine blue pH 2.5 staining, peaked at 3 days and then decreased at 7 and 14 days in m+/m+, whereas the peak of the mast cells was at 7 days in db/db. Immunohistochemically, the peak cell rate of CD68-positive macrophage was found at 3 days after the injection, and the rate decreased at 7 and 14 days in m+/m+, whereas the rate gradually increased and showed the peak at 14 days after the injection in db/db. The peak of the cell rate of matrix metalloproteinase-2-positive macrophage was observed at 3 days, and the rates tended to gradually decrease at 7 and 14 days after the injection in m+/m+, whereas lower cell rate without peak point was recognized at each day in db/db. These results suggested that db/db showed delay of the process of biological reactions for the foreign bodies of the composite resin fragments compared to m+/m+. Furthermore, the delay of the reaction depended on the inhibition for the fibrosis accelerated by macrophages and mast cells.

Long-term stability is the major goal of orthodontic treatment. However, long-term observation of treated cases after retention often reveals a disturbing degree and frequency of relapse. Relaxin is a member of the insulin/relaxin family of structurally related hormones. This hormone is produced in many mammals during pregnancy, and has been shown to promote cervical softening and elongation of interpubic ligaments in mice and cattle. Furthermore, relaxin is related to many other physiologic processes, such as collagen turnover, angiogenesis, and antifibrosis in both males and females. So far, no study concerning the effect of relaxin on orthodontic tooth movement has been done. The purposes of this study were to investigate whether local administration of relaxin in rats has an effect on relapse after orthodontic tooth movement and to explore the molecular mechanism of its role. In the present study, the upper first molars were moved mesially in 16male, 6-week-old, Wistar strain rats using a coil spring with a force of 10g. After 14days, the appliance was removed, animals in the experimental group were given attachment gingivae injections of relaxin at 20μl for 7days, and animals in the control group received phosphate-buffered saline. The results were evaluated by micro-computed tomography (μCT). At days 0, 14 and 21 after tooth movement, histopathological features were examined by immunohistochemistry based on proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Relapse distances and percentages were significantly lower in the experimental group compared to those of the control group. Relapse in the control group was greater and faster than that in the experimental group. The ratio of PCNA-positive cells increased at day 14 after tooth movement and then decreased at day 21. Our results indicated that relaxin inhibited the relapse of experimentally moved rat molars, and this hormone might prevent relapse following orthodontic treatment.

Schwannoma is a relatively rare, benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor that affects the oro-maxillofacial region. The peripheral nerve tissues are known to be closely related to vascular tissues from viewpoints of morphology and physiology. Therefore, the authors speculate that schwannoma of peripheral nerve origin is also associated with vascular tissues ; however, the histogenesis with regard to vasculature is not fully understood. The authors investigated the localization of the blood and lymphatic vessels in schwannoma using histopathological and immunohistochemical methodologies. The tumor parenchyma consisted of a proliferation of relatively long spindle cells with nuclear palisading (Antoni A type), diffuse spreading with myxoid or edematous background (Antoni B type), and encapsulation with fibrous tissue (capsular tissue). In one case, the tumor exhibited multicystic growth. Dilation and hyperplasia of the vessels were observed in the Antoni A and B zones, the border of the Antoni A and B zones (border zone), and capsular tissue. With periodic acid-Schiff reaction-alcian blue pH2.5 staining, the myxoid matrix in the Antoni B zone was stained blue. Immunohistochemically, CD-34-positive blood vessels were found in all cases. The vessels were predominantly observed in the Antoni B zone, and only moderately in the Antoni A zone, border zone, and capsular tissue. Four cases showed that D2-40-positive lymphatic vessels were mainly observed in the Antoni B zone and capsular tissue, and only moderately in the Antoni A zone. In the other four cases, D2-40-positive lymphatic vessels were only indicated in the capsular tissue. In addition, positive immunoreactivity for D2-40 was found in the cyst-lining cells in the multicystic case. Microvessel density (MVD, numbers of blood vessels per unit area) was calculated for CD-34-positive blood vessels. MVD was 3.4±2.1 in the Antoni A zone, 6.0±1.7 in the border zone, 9.4±3.2 in the Antoni B zone, and 2.7±1.0 in the capsular tissue. In addition, lymphatic vessel density (LVD, numbers of lymphatic vessels per unit area) was calculated for D2-40-positive vessels. LVD was 0.2±0.5 in the Antoni A zone, 2.7±3.5 in the Antoni B zone, and 2.4±0.9 in the capsular tissue. These results suggest that the localization of the blood and lymphatic vessels was closely associated with the histogenesis of the Antoni B zone in schwannoma, not only by the degeneration and over-expression of the myxoid matrix but also by the edematous change from circulation disturbance in the tumor tissues during benign tumor growth and development.

Oral Diseases (2011) 17, 489–498 Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate how interleukin (IL)-8 (cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant; CINC-1) and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1/CCL2 contribute to root resorption during orthodontic tooth movement. Materials and methods: Forty 6-week-old male Wistar rats were subjected to orthodontic force of 10 or 50 g to induce a mesially tipping movement of the upper first molars for 7 days. We determined the expressions of CINC-1, CXCR2, and MCP-1 proteins in root resorption area using immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of compression forces (CF) on IL-8 and MCP-1 production by human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells. We observed an effect of chemokine treatment on rat odonto/osteoclasts in dentin slices that recapitulated root resorption. Results: The immunoreactivity for CINC-1/CXCR2 and MCP-1 was detected in odontoclasts and PDL fibroblasts by the orthodontic force of 50 g on day 7. CF increased the secretion and the expression of mRNA of IL-8 and MCP-1 from PDL cells in a magnitude-dependent manner. Moreover, CINC-1 and MCP-1 stimulated osteoclastogenesis from rat osteoclast precursor cells. Conclusion: IL-8 (CINC-1) and MCP-1 may therefore facilitate the process of root resorption because of excessive orthodontic force.

Kaempferol is a typical flavonol-type flavonoid that is present in a variety of vegetables and fruits, and has a protective effect on postmenopausal bone loss. Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is thought to function in the initial mineralization of bone and could be crucial for osteoblast differentiation, bone matrix mineralization and tumor metastasis. In the present study we investigated the regulation of BSP transcription by kaempferol in rat osteoblast-like UMR106 cells, and the effect of kaempferol on new bone formation. Kaempferol (5 microM) increased BSP and Osterix mRNA levels at 12 h and up-regulated Runx2 mRNA expression at 6 h. Kaempferol increased luciferase activity of the construct pLUC3, which including the promoter sequence between nucleotides -116 to +60. Transcriptional stimulation by kaempferol abrogated in constructs included 2 bp mutations in the inverted CCAAT, CRE, and FRE elements. Gel shift analyses showed that kaempferol increased nuclear protein binding to CRE and FRE elements, whereas the CCAAT-protein complex did not change after kaempferol stimulation. Twelve daily injections of 5 microM kaempferol directly into the periosteum of parietal bones of newborn rats increased new bone formation. These data suggest that kaempferol increased BSP gene transcription mediated through inverted CCAAT, CRE, and FRE elements in the rat BSP gene promoter, and could induce osteoblast activities in the early stage of bone formation.

It has previously been reported that low-energy laser irradiation stimulated the velocity of tooth movement via the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (RANK)/RANK ligand and the macrophage colony-stimulating factor/its receptor (c-Fms) systems. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, cathepsin K, and alpha(v) beta(3) [alpha(v)beta3] integrin are essential for osteoclastogenesis; therefore, the present study was designed to examine the effects of low-energy laser irradiation on the expression of MMP-9, cathepsin K, and alpha(v)beta3 integrin during experimental tooth movement. Fifty male, 6-week-old Wistar strain rats were used in the experiment. A total force of 10g was applied to the rat molars to induce tooth movement. A Ga-Al-As diode laser was used to irradiate the area around the moving tooth and, after 7 days, the amount of tooth movement was measured. To determine the amount of tooth movement, plaster models of the maxillae were made using a silicone impression material before (day 0) and after tooth movement (days 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7). The models were scanned using a contact-type three-dimensional (3-D) measurement apparatus. Immunohistochemical staining for MMP-9, cathepsin K, and integrin subunits of alpha(v)beta3 was performed. Intergroup comparisons of the average values were conducted with a Mann-Whitney U-test for tooth movement and the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), MMP-9, cathepsin K, and integrin subunits of alpha(v)beta3-positive cells. In the laser-irradiated group, the amount of tooth movement was significantly greater than that in the non-irradiated group at the end of the experiment (P0.05). Cells positively stained with TRAP, MMP-9, cathepsin K, and integrin subunits of alpha(v)beta3 were found to be significantly increased in the irradiated group on days 2-7 compared with those in the non-irradiated group (P0.05). These findings suggest that low-energy laser irradiation facilitates the velocity of tooth movement and MMP-9, cathepsin K, and integrin subunits of alpha(v)beta3 expression in rats.

Postoperative maxillary cyst (POMC) is a delayed complication many years after surgical intervention of the maxillary sinus. The present study performed histopathological and electron microscopical analyses of POMC in order to clarify the characteristic features associating with its pathogenesis. Histopathologically, various types of epithelial cells lining the cysts were frequently observed. The combination of squamous, columnar or cuboidal epithelium with or without cilia was most major (40 cases, 67%) following by columnar (8 cases, 13%), squamous (7 cases, 12%) and cuboidal epithelium (4 cases, 7%). A case of non-epithelial lining (1%) was also identified. The lamina propria consisted of fibrous connective tissue showing various histopathological changes. Fibrosis, almost including hyalinization, was the most frequent change, 25 cases, 41%, following by mixed changes of fibrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration or edema (24 cases, 40%), inflammatory cell infiltration (7 cases, 12%) and edema (4 cases, 7%). Electron microscopically, the ciliary cells showed 9 + 2 pattern as a typical feature of the respiratory epithelial cells, whereas abnormal features in ciliary cells comprising of absence of central microtubles and irregular arrangement of peripheral microtubles were identified in advance lesions. The basal lamina was swollen and thickened. A tendency of anchoring fibrils to disappear was noticed. Lamina propria consisted of densely accumulation of collagen bundles but sometimes the bundles were sparsely observed. The results suggested that the pathogenesis and growth of POMC had relationship with epithelial degeneration, hyalinization of the lamia propria and thickened basal membrane as regressive changes, edema, retention of the involvements, inflammatory cell infiltration, proliferation and dilatation of the capillary vessels as peripheral circulation disorders, relining and proliferation of the epithelium, squamous metaplasia and fibrosis as progressive changes after surgical operation of maxillary sinusitis as an iatrogenic disorder.

CD148 is a transmembrane tyrosine phosphatase that has been implicated in the regulation of cell growth and transformation. However, the signalling mechanisms of CD148 are incompletely understood. To identify the specific intracellular molecules involved in CD148 signalling, we carried out a modified yeast two-hybrid screening assay. Using the substrate-trapping mutant form of CD148 (CD148 D/A) as bait, we recovered the p85 regulatory subunit of PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase). CD148 D/A, but not catalytically active CD148, interacted with p85 in a phosphorylation-dependent manner in vitro and in intact cells. Growth factor receptor and PI3K activity were also trapped by CD148 D/A via p85 from pervanadate-treated cell lysates. CD148 prominently and specifically dephosphorylated p85 in vitro. Co-expression of CD148 reduced p85 phosphorylation induced by active Src, and attenuated the increases in PI3K activity, yet CD148 did not alter the basal PI3K activity. Finally, CD148 knock-down by siRNA (short interfering RNA) increased PI3K activity on serum stimulation. Taken together, these results demonstrate that CD148 may interact with and dephosphorylate p85 when it is phosphorylated and modulate the magnitude of PI3K activity.

Epulis, a relatively common benign polypoid lesion of the gingiva, may be pathologically classified into several subtypes. Although an epulis is thought to be reactive cell proliferation in the gingiva to various stimuli, the mechanism of pathogenesis is unclear. The present study examined histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses to elucidate the cell proliferation in epulis osteoplastica (n=8) using Ki-67 monoclonal antibody MIB-1 as a marker of proliferation and compared that to cell proliferation in epulis fibrosa (n=8). Epulis osteoplastica consisted of massive, trabecular, or woven bone formation surrounded by a proliferation of fibroblasts and blood vessels with minimal inflammatory cell infiltration under the mucosal squamous epithelium. Scanty osteoblastic lining was observed around the bone. Epulis fibrosa was composed of a proliferation of fibroblasts, collagen fibers, and blood vessels with minimal inflammatory cell infiltration ; no evidence of bone formation was found. Immunohistochemically, positive reactivities for MIB-1 were observed in the fibroblasts of epulis osteoplastica and epulis fibrosa, although positive cell rates were higher in epulis osteoplastica than in epulis fibrosa. The findings suggest that epulis osteoplastica has neoplasm-like characteristics unlike epulis fibrosa.

Relaxin (RLX) is a hormone in the insulin/RLX family of structurally related hormones. It has been shown to bind to receptors LGR7 and LGR8 in the leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor family. Furthermore, RLX influences many other physiologic processes such as collagen turnover, angiogenesis, and antifibrosis. Immunohistochemical studies have reported that RLX was localized in ovarian and other tissues. The present study focused on the localization of RLX in rat periodontal ligaments, midpalatal suture, and dental pulp tissue. To determine the localization of RLX proteins, an immunohistochemical study was performed. Positive immunoreactivity for RLX was identified in osteoblasts, osteoclasts, fibroblasts, collagen fibers, odontoblasts, and predentin in the periodontal ligaments, dental pulp, and midpalatal suture. Therefore, RLX may be involved in the process of collagen metabolism in the oral tissues.

Recent studies have demonstrated that low-energy laser irradiation stimulates bone formation in vitro and in vivo. However, very little is known about the effects of laser irradiation on osteoclastogenesis. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) is essential and sufficient for osteoclastogenesis. The present study was designed to examine the effects of low-energy laser irradiation on expressions of M-CSF and c-fms during experimental tooth movement. A total of 10 g of orthodontic force was applied to rat molars to cause experimental tooth movement. A Ga-Al-As diode laser was used to irradiate the area around the moved tooth and the amount of tooth movement was measured for 7 days. Immunohistochemical staining with M-CSF and c-fms was performed. RT-PCR was also performed to elucidate the expression of c-fms from irradiated rat osteoclast precursor cells. In the irradiation group, the amount of tooth movement was significantly greater than that of the non-irradiation group at the end of the experiment. Cells positively stained with M-CSF and c-fms were found to be significantly increased in the irradiation group on days 2 and 3 as compared with the non-irradiation group. Further, c-fms expression in osteoclast precursor cells was detected at an early stage (days 2 and 3) in the irradiation group. These findings suggest that low-energy laser irradiation stimulates the velocity of tooth movement via the expressions of M-CSF and c-fms.

Pleomorphic adenoma, which is the major histopathological type of salivary gland tumor, shows polymorphous features including proliferating epithelial components with tubulo-ducatal and/or solid nests and mesenchyme-like components with myxomatous, myxo-chondromatous, and/or fibrohyalinized tissues. The process of metaplasia, which involves progressive changes in tissues, results in the transformation of fully differentiated cells of one type into differentiated cells of another type in various organs and diseases. Therefore, metaplastic change is an important morphological factor that determines the individual characteristics and typical histogenesis of various lesions. The purpose of the present study was to investigate metaplastic changes histopathologically and immunohistochemically using antibodies against high-molecular-weight keratin (34βE12), mitochondrial protein (MIT) and gross cystic disease fluid protein-15 (BRST-2) in order to clarify the morphological nature and mechanism of the metaplastic change in pleomorphic adenomas. These antibodies are known to be useful markers of squamous, oncocytic and apocrine-like metaplasia, respectively. Histopathologically, the parenchyma of pleomorphic adenoma consisted of double-layered epithelial elements showing luminal and abluminal arrangements, continuously adjacent to mesenchyme-like elements with myxomatous, myxochondromatous and/or hyalinized tissues. The epithelial parenchyma contained squamous eddies with polygonal cells and/or horny keratin pearls (10/10 cases), eosinophilic cuboidal and/or columnar oncocytic cells (8/10 cases), and also apocrine-like features (3/10 cases). Immunohistochemically, 34βE12-positive cells corresponded to the squamous eddies, whereas MIT- and BRST-2-positive cells corresponded to the eosinophilic, oncocytic cells and apocrine-like cells, respectively. In addition, positive immunoreactivity for 34βE12, MIT and BRST-2 was evident at luminal sites, and 34βE12 was expressed at abluminal sites in this tumor. These results suggest that metaplasia of squamous epithelium is associated with both ductal or luminal differentiation and abluminal differentiation of basal and myoepithelial cells, whereas, metaplastic changes of oncocytes and apocrine cells are related to ductal, luminal proliferation, comprising the typical polymorphous features of pleomorphic adenoma.

Mucous cysts are relatively common lesions in the oromaxillofacial region. A mucous cyst is composed of a mucoid substance and foamy mononuclear macrophages (mucinophages), with inflammatory cell infiltration and the overgrowth of blood vessels and fibrous tissue forming a mucoid granuloma. Although the mucoid substance characteristics and the inflammatory characteristics are thought to be important factors, details of the histopathogenesis in relation to the mucinophages remain unclear. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the pathogenesis of mucous cysts with reference to the histochemical and immunohistochemical characteristics of thirteen cases and a review of the literature. Lectin histochemistry and immunohistochemistry showed that mucinophages gave a strong reaction to concanavalin A and lysozyme, and a weak or negative reaction to wheat germ agglutinin. In contrast, the mucoid substance, salivary ducts and acinar cells were strongly to weakly reactive to wheat germ agglutinin and weakly or negatively reactive to concanavalin A. The reactivity to the other lectins and salivary markers in mucous cysts was similar with those in the salivary gland tissues. These results suggested that mucoid degeneration resulted from phagocytosis by the mucinophages and that the mucoid substance in mucous cysts was derived from the saliva. The cell rate of CD68-positive mucinophages was higher in mucous cysts than in control tissues. The cell rates of panT-positive T-cells and panB-positive B-cells were lower in mucous cysts than in control tissues. In addition, the count of mast cells showing metachromasia with toluidine blue at pH 2.5 in mucous cysts was equal to that in control tissues. For immunoglobulin-producing plasma cells, the IgE positivity rate was higher in mucous cysts than in control tissues, whereas the IgA positivity rate was lower in mucous cysts than in control tissues. These results suggested that the accumulation of mucinophages, which had phagocytotic and antigen-presenting abilities, was mainly associated with the pathogenesis of the mucous cyst, in addition to a local T-cell-mediated cellular immune mechanism or to an acute allergic immunoresponse by IgE-producing cells and mast cells.

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT), which is hitstopathologically composed of pseudoductal cells intermingled with polygonal cells, is a rare odontogenic lesion. On the other hand, ameloblastoma (AM) which tends to grow slowly is most common odontogenic tumor of the jaws. The aim of this study was to compare with the proliferative activity in epithelium of AOT and AM. In addition, the role of cellular proliferation in the pseudoductal cells and polygonal cells of AOT was immunohistochemically and histochemically investigated using several proliferative markers as follows : Ki-67, PCNA and AgNORs. These labelling indexes were calculated in them. The mean Ki-67 and PCNA labeling indexes in AOT were statistically lower than those in AM (p

背景:唾液腺に発生する腺房細胞癌の一亜型として乳頭・嚢胞状パターンを伴うものが存在するが, その細胞学的判定基準は十分に確立されていない. 今回, 耳下腺原発の腺房細胞癌の乳頭. 嚢胞状型の1例を経験したので, その細胞所見を中心に報告する.症例:80歳, 男性. 左耳下腺腫瘤を主訴に当院耳鼻科を受診した. 術前の穿刺吸引細胞診では, 赤血球の破壊物やヘモジデリンを貧食したマクロファージとともに, 卵円形や円柱状の腫瘍細胞が乳頭状, 孤立性あるいはシート状に出現していた. 核は円形, クロマチンは細～粗穎粒状に分布, 核小体は明瞭であった. 細胞質は豊富で顆粒状, 泡沫状, 明調, 空胞状と多彩, 一部の細胞質内にライトグリーン好染性の小滴状構造物を認めた. 組織学的に, 腫瘍実質は, 狭小な血管結合織性問質を基軸として乳頭・嚢胞状に増殖していた. 腫瘍細胞は比較的明瞭な核小体を1, 2個有し, 軽度の核の濃染化・大小不同がみられ, 細胞質が泡沫状を呈していた.結論:細胞学的特徴は, 乳頭・嚢胞パターンを呈し, 腫瘍細胞は卵円形や円柱状で, 明瞭な核小体, 細胞質は顆粒状, 泡沫状, 明調, 空胞状など多彩であることであった.

BACKGROUND: Sialolith is a pathological calcification found inside salivary glands, composed principally of apatite crystals. The purpose of this study was to investigate detailed structural properties to gain insight into the formation of sialolith. METHODS: A 45 mm long sialolith from a human submandibular gland was studied using micro-FTIR and three types of X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques: i) conventional, ii) micro-focus, and iii) “selected-area XRD” (SA-XRD). RESULTS: The longitudinal section of the sialolith showed a stratified structure perpendicular to the long axis. XRD and FTIR showed that the bulk of the sialolith was composed of carbonate hydroxyapatite. Micro-XRD revealed that crystal orientation was slightly different in each incremental zone. “SA-XRD” showed that the average unit cell dimensions of apatite crystals were different for each zone. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the stratified structure in the sialolith was a result of intermittent and incremental additional growth reflecting compositional changes in the microenvironment.

Papillary cystadenocarcinoma is an uncommon neoplasm of salivary gland origin that rarely occurs in the major salivary glands. This report describes a rare case of papillary cystadenocarcinoma of submandibular gland origin that was diagnosed on a fine needle aspiration biopsy. A 73-year-old woman was referred to us because of a painless swelling of the submandibular gland. A fine needle aspiration biopsy revealed a malignant tumor of the salivary gland. The submandibular gland containing the tumor was dissected free, together with three associated lymph nodes. The histological diagnosis was papillary cystadenocarcinoma. The postoperative course was uneventful.

目的:子宮頸部および膣に原発する明細胞腺癌の細胞形態の特徴と類似病変との鑑別点を中心に検討した.方法:1996～2000年の5年間に, 慈恵医大柏病院産婦人科で摘出された子宮頸部原発5例, 腟原発1例の明細胞腺癌を対象とし, 術前の擦過細胞診標本を細胞学的に検討した.成績:明細胞腺癌の細胞学的特徴は,(1) 裸核状腫瘍細胞の出現.(2) hobnail細胞の出現.(3) 核形は円形～卵円形で核縁の肥厚は認めない.(4) クロマチンパターンは細顆粒状で密に均等分布.(5) 核小体は大型明瞭, 形状は円形で単一が主体.(6) 細胞質は豊富で顆粒状～淡明.(7) 硝子様物質の出現.(8) 少数例だがbizarreな多核巨細胞が混在するものや逆に多形性の乏しい例が存在するであった. 組織学的に腫瘍表層部で3例は乳頭状, 3例は充実性増殖を示し, 胞体は淡明から好酸性で顆粒状, 細胞異型の乏しいものから多形性の著しいものまで明細胞腺癌のバリエーションは多彩であった.結論:上記の細胞学的所見を認識することにより, 細胞診による明細胞腺癌の診断は可能であると考えられる.

A rare case of myoepithelioma of the buccal gland in a 54-year-old Japanese woman is reported. As the swelling exhibited a normal mucosal color and was relatively well defined, showing no ulcers, a benign salivary gland tumor was suspected upon clinical inspection. Microscopically, the parenchyma of the present case mainly consisted of plasmacytoid cells with round nuclei and eosinophilic cytoplasm, and partial spindle cells with eccentric nuclei. The stroma was composed of fibro-hyalinized or myxoid connective tissue that separated from the parenchyma. Immunohistochemically, the cytoplasm of the plasmacytoid and spindle cells was moderately positive for vimentin and GFAP, whereas the buccal gland adjacent to the tumor was negative for these antibodies. S-100 protein reactivity is strong for both types tumor cells. Actin reactivity was negative for both types of tumor cells, notwithstanding the fact that myoepithelial cells of the buccal gland were positively stained. Anticytokeratin reactivity was weak for both types of tumor cells in portions of the plexiform and solid areas; nevertheless, the buccal glands were moderately positive.These results suggest that neoplasmic myoepithelial cells exhibit abnormal differentiation and modification. There have been only two published reports of myoepithelioma arising from the buccal gland in the literature to date. (J. Oral Sci.42, 39-42, 2000)

Magnetic resonance imaging of 14 histopathologically confirmed cases of osteomyelitis of the mandible was retrospectively reviewed. The findings of magnetic resonance imaging were compared with conventional radiography, computed tomography, bone scintigraphy, and histopathologic examinations. All lesions in bone marrow were shown as areas of low (64%) or low-to-intermediate (36%) signal intensity on T1-weighted images, and areas of high (29%), mixed (high and low, 21%; high and intermediate, 36%) or low (14%) signal intensity on T2-weighted images. Histopathologically, high T2-weighted signal intensity areas that showed enhancement after contrast injection corresponded to active infection. These were not collections of pus but were predominantly areas of granulation tissue. Magnetic resonance imaging showed larger areas of abnormality than plain radiography or computed tomography. Bone scintigraphy did not accurately reveal the locations of lesions but showed heterogeneous increased uptake in all patients. MRI was an extremely useful technique for assessing osteomyelitis of the mandible.