Comparison of interdental brush size and label information marketed in Korea / 대한구강보건학회지

Objectives@#This study compares the labeling information on the sizes of interdental brushes marketed in Korea to their actual sizes. Moreover, it analyzes the relationship between the size of the passage hole diameter (PHD), brush diameter, stem diameter, and stem length. @*Methods@#Among the commercially available interdental brushes in Korea, 171 interdental brushes, 3 in each size, were collected from 9 companies. The labels of the collected interdental brushes were researched, and the PHD was measured and compared. The correlation between the passage hole diameter, brush diameter, stem diameter, and stem length was analyzed. Multiple regression analysis was performed to verify the effect of brush diameter, stem diameter, and stem length on the determination of the PHD. @*Results@#The sizes of the interdental brushes were expressed using the ISO labeling or the Small, Medium, Large (S, M, L) labeling and indicated in units of 0.1. The concordance rate of the measured PHD and named PHD was 39.7%. The measured brush diameter, stem diameter, and stem length increased as the interdental brush size increased. There was a significant correlation (P<0.01) between PHD, brush diameter, stem diameter, and stem length. The order of variables with the most to least significant influence on PHD was stem diameter (β=0.528), brush diameter (β=0.404), and stem length (β=0.074). @*Conclusions@#This study shows that the label and actual size of interdental brushes did not match, and the concordance rate between the measured and labeled PHDs was low. Therefore, the interdental brush size labels among manufacturers should be standardized. Moreover, these manufacturers must provide the correct size information for the interdental brushes.

Risk factors related to periodontal health of adolescents / 대한구강보건학회지

Objectives@#The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors related to periodontal health in middle school and high school adolescents. @*Methods@#This study was conducted using data from the Sixth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2013-2015). Among the 22,948 participants in the Sixth KNHANES, 1,222 participants (aged 12-18 years) who completed the systemic and oral health examinations and questionnaires were included in this study. Independent variables related to demographic socioeconomic status and oral health-related behaviors were the following: age, gender, household income, frequency of daily toothbrushing, smoking, alcohol drinking, annual dental visit, and periodontal treatment. The dependent variables were the prevalence of gingival bleeding or calculus and the number of sextants with gingival bleeding or calculus. @*Results@#Among the total participants, 34.1% were diagnosed with prevalence of gingival bleeding or calculus, and periodontal health was found to be at its worst at 17 years of age (41.6% of participants). Moreover, household income, alcohol drinking, annual dental visits, and frequency of daily toothbrushing were related to prevalence and the number of sextants with gingival bleeding or calculus. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for prevalence of gingival bleeding or calculus by alcohol consumption, toothbrushing less than twice per day, and number of DMFT were 5.00 (95% CI: 2.24-11.18), 2.21 (95% CI: 1.21-4.04), and 1.09 (95% CI: 1.02-1.17), respectively. @*Conclusions@#To prevent periodontal disease among adolescents, it is necessary to improve oral health-related behavior and its associated factors and continuous oral health education.

Preventive effect of a 18-year water fluoridation program for dental caries in a rural area of Korea / 대한구강보건학회지

Objectives@#The water fluoridation program in Hapcheon township area has been implemented since 2000. This study aimed to evaluate the caries-preventive effect of water fluoridation on permanent teeth after implementation of an 18-year community water fluoridation program in a suburban area. @*Methods@#A survey was conducted in 2018 with 359 subjects, aged 8, 10, and 12 years, residing in the Hapcheon township area. In this prospective cohort study, the data on caries prevalence obtained from 671 subjects, aged 8, 10, and 12 years, in 2000, when the community water fluoridation program was initiated in the township, were used as a cohort to evaluate the caries-preventive effect after 18 years. The caries-preventive effect of community water fluoridation on permanent teeth was estimated by comparison of the adjusted DMFT scores between the program and the control group, and between the pre- and post-program data after 18 years. The confounding factor, mean number of fissure-sealed teeth, was adjusted to estimate the caries-preventive effect of fluoridation on permanent teeth. @*Results@#Based on the results of the surveys conducted in Hapcheon-eup in 2000 and 2018, the mean number of fissure-sealed permanent teeth was 2.24 in 2000 and 1.38 in 2018. The mean DMFT scores of subjects aged 8, 10, and 12 years in 2018, adjusted for fissure-sealed permanent teeth in the fluoridated area, were significantly lower than those reported by the 2018 Korea National Children’s Oral Health Survey. In addition, the mean values of the adjusted DMFT scores of subjects aged 8, 10, and 12 years in 2018, after the 18-year fluoridation program, were significantly lower than those reported in 2000, the year the fluoridation program was initiated. @*Conclusions@#Community water fluoridation has a high caries-reducing effect; thus, the reintroduction of water fluoridation program is desirable to prevent dental caries.

Preventive effect of a 18-year water fluoridation program for dental caries in a rural area of Korea / 대한구강보건학회지

Objectives@#The water fluoridation program in Hapcheon township area has been implemented since 2000. This study aimed to evaluate the caries-preventive effect of water fluoridation on permanent teeth after implementation of an 18-year community water fluoridation program in a suburban area. @*Methods@#A survey was conducted in 2018 with 359 subjects, aged 8, 10, and 12 years, residing in the Hapcheon township area. In this prospective cohort study, the data on caries prevalence obtained from 671 subjects, aged 8, 10, and 12 years, in 2000, when the community water fluoridation program was initiated in the township, were used as a cohort to evaluate the caries-preventive effect after 18 years. The caries-preventive effect of community water fluoridation on permanent teeth was estimated by comparison of the adjusted DMFT scores between the program and the control group, and between the pre- and post-program data after 18 years. The confounding factor, mean number of fissure-sealed teeth, was adjusted to estimate the caries-preventive effect of fluoridation on permanent teeth. @*Results@#Based on the results of the surveys conducted in Hapcheon-eup in 2000 and 2018, the mean number of fissure-sealed permanent teeth was 2.24 in 2000 and 1.38 in 2018. The mean DMFT scores of subjects aged 8, 10, and 12 years in 2018, adjusted for fissure-sealed permanent teeth in the fluoridated area, were significantly lower than those reported by the 2018 Korea National Children’s Oral Health Survey. In addition, the mean values of the adjusted DMFT scores of subjects aged 8, 10, and 12 years in 2018, after the 18-year fluoridation program, were significantly lower than those reported in 2000, the year the fluoridation program was initiated. @*Conclusions@#Community water fluoridation has a high caries-reducing effect; thus, the reintroduction of water fluoridation program is desirable to prevent dental caries.

Evaluation of oral health-related quality of life in orthodontic patients using the modified Oral Impact on Daily Performance (OIDP) questionnaire / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated oral health-related quality of life (OHQoL) before and after orthodontic treatment (orthodontic-tx) using the modified Oral Impact on Daily Performance (OIDP) questionnaire. METHODS: Ninety-six subjects (32 males, 64 females; 48 ranging between 12–17 years, 48 ranging between 18–29 years) who completed orthodontic-tx in two dental clinics in Busan from May to December 2013 participated in this study. The participants self-reported their OHQoL on the Korean translated version of the OIDP before and during orthodontic-tx when the brackets were removed from their teeth. The OHQoL was again measured 1 month later. The visual analogue scale (VAS) from 0 (never) to 10 (definitely yes) was used to quantify the OHQoL. The physical, psychological, and social effects of the orthodontic-tx on daily performance were analyzed according to age and gender. RESULTS: The OHQoL score was lower during the orthodontic-tx (7.49±0.19) than before (5.51±0.18), but the final OHQoL score, after orthodontic-tx (9.39±0.07), was higher than the score before treatment. The trend was the same over all sub performances. Before orthodontic-tx, the OHQoL score related to psychological performance (6.98±0.22) was the lowest compared to physical and social performance. During orthodontic-tx, the scores related to physical performance, especially in the older (0.7 times) and female (0.62 times) groups, decreased the most compared to before treatment. Psychological performance, especially in the older (1.81 times) and female (1.66 times) groups, increased the most after orthodontic-tx. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed that orthodontic-tx affects the OHQoL according to age and gender. Specific approaches, classified by age and gender, are needed to improve the quality of life of orthodontic dental patients.

Elucidating the relationship of gingivitis and dental calculus with the periodontal health of 12-year-old children / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate factors related to the periodontal health of 12-year-old children.METHODS: In 2015, the Korean Children's Oral Health Survey from the Ministry of Health & Social Welfare conducted a nationwide representative sample comprised of 23,702 12-year-old children. The calibration-trained dentists examined the gingivitis and dental calculus of the children taking into consideration of the Löe and Silness gingival index to diagnose gingivitis with a modified gingivitis scale. We used questionnaires to collect data from the children on dental treatments, the experience of dental pain and gingival bleeding, self-perceived oral health, and oral health behaviors. Data were analyzed using a complex samples Chi-square test, general linear model, and logistic regression. Significance was determined at P < 0.05.RESULTS: The prevalence of gingivitis was higher among males (OR 1.57), among children with poor perception (OR 1.19), dental calculus (OR 3.68), or gingival bleeding experience (OR 2.00), and among children not using dental floss (OR 1.69) or tongue cleaner (OR 1.90). The prevalence of dental calculus was higher among children with gingivitis (OR 3.82) and among children who had not visited a dental clinic in the preceding year (OR 1.31). However, dental calculus was lower among children with a higher frequency of daily toothbrushing (OR 0.75), intake of cariogenic foods (OR 0.90), or a higher DMFT index (OR 0.91).CONCLUSIONS: Children with dental calculus and gingival bleeding who did not visit a dental clinic in the preceding year also had a higher prevalence of gingivitis and dental calculus. The prevalence of children's dental calculus was lower among children with a high frequency of daily toothbrushing.

Fluoride content of bottled water available in South Korea / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: The market for bottled water is increasing steadily in South Korea. Bottled water contains several naturally occuring minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, and fluoride. Fluoride is proven to be effective in preventing dental caries. In South Korea, the maximum permissible concentration of fluoride is 2 ppm for bottled water and 1.5 ppm for tap water. The aim of this study was to investigate the fluoride content of different commercially available brands of bottled water in South Korea, and compare the measured fluoride concentration to the concentration written on the label of each brand of bottled water. METHODS: Twenty-seven of the 59 different brands of bottled water produced in South Korea were investigated in this study. Three bottles of each brand were purchased from supermarkets, marts, and convenience stores in each region of Korea in August 2016. For each bottled water brand, the fluoride content was measured three times using a fluoride-ion selective electrode (Orion ionplus Fluoride Electrode 9609, Orion Research, USA). The calibration curve was generated using 0.2 and 2 ppm standard solutions, and confirmed using a 1 ppm standard solution. RESULTS: The mean fluoride content of the 27 brands of bottled water was 0.374±0.332 mg/L (range=0.040 to 1.172 mg/L). The fluoride content was labeled by the manufacturer, on each of the tested brands of bottled water. In eight brands, the labeled fluoride content differed from the experimental data. The minimum to maximum fluoride content measured from 10 brands showed a variation of 0.3 mg/L or more when compared to the labeled fluoride content. CONCLUSIONS: This study investigated the fluoride content of various brands of bottled water produced in South Korea and compared the measured fluoride levels with fluoride information on the bottle labels. To ensure that consumers are suitably informed regarding their exposure to fluoride, correct labelling of fluoride content in bottled water is important.

Comparison of traditional dental plaque indices with real stained plaque area / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare Plaque Percent Index (PPI), calculated by Patient Hygiene Performance Index (PHPI), Rustogi's modification of the Navy Plaque Index (RMNPI), and the Quigley & Hein Plaque Index (QHPI), with visual assessment. METHODS: Ninety-six subjects, aged between 30–65 years, were examined; twenty subjects were included in the final analysis. The subjects' teeth were stained and photographed. Dental coloring and intraoral camera photography were performed by a single examiner. The oral images obtained were analyzed using Image J to measure the area of dental plaque. The values of PHPI, RMNPI, and QHPI were calculated twice. Statistical analyses were performed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The results of the correlation analyses of PPI with PHPI, QHPI, and RMNPI were as follows: for PHPI, the correlation coefficient (r)=0.584; for QHPI, r=0.689; and for RMNPI, r=0.729. Further, the kappa indices of PHPI, QHPI, and RMNPI were 0.810, 0.677, and 0.590 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Among RMNPI, QHPI, and PHPI dental plaque indices, RMNPI and QHPI showed a high degree of correlation with the actual stained dental plaque area; on the other hand, PHPI showed the highest kappa index.

Association of the number of existing permanent teeth with the intake of macronutrients and macrominerals in adults aged 55-84 years based on the 5th KNHNES (2010-2012) / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the association between energy sources, fiber and mineral intake, and the number of existing permanent teeth in adults aged 55-84 years from the 5th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHNES) (2010-2012). METHODS: The subjects included 6,763 people who received oral examinations and answered questions on household income, smoking status and diet. We estimated the number of existing permanent teeth and food intake according to age group, sex, household income, and smoking status. A complex samples general linear model was applied to analyze the effect of nutrient intake on the number of existing permanent teeth adjusted for sex, household income, smoking status, and food intake. We calculated the mean intake of nutrients related to the number of existing permanent teeth in each tooth group. RESULTS: The reduction in the number of existing permanent teeth correlated with an increased carbohydrate intake and a decreased potassium intake. The carbohydrate intake was lower in subjects with 25 or more teeth than that in subjects with 9 or less teeth. Potassium intake was higher in subjects with 20 or more teeth. CONCLUSIONS: The number of existing permanent teeth showed a negative correlation with carbohydrate intake and a positive correlation with potassium intake. We should reduce carbohydrate intake and increased potassium intake from fruits and vegetables to prevent systemic disease caused by tooth loss.

The growth inhibitory effect of some vegetable oils on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the growth inhibitory effects of some vegetable oils on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacillus casei (L. casei). METHODS: Two bacterial strains and 5 kinds of test solutions (3 experimental groups: orange essential oil, olive oil, soybean oil; 1 positive control group: chlorhexidine solution; 1 negative control group: broth medium) were used in this study. S. mutans and L. casei pellets were exposed to 1 ml of one of the test solutions for 1 minute. Then, the treated bacterial cells were incubated in fresh broth medium for 0, 4, 8, 16, and 24 hours. The optical density of the broth medium was measured using an ELISA reader at 620 nm. A nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test (with Mann-Whitney U tests) was performed to compare the change in optical density between different groups at different time points. RESULTS: Bacterial growth was significantly inhibited in all experimental groups compared to the negative control group. The growth of L. casei was less affected by experimental oils than that of S. mutans. Orange essential oil had the maximum growth inhibitory effect on S. mutans up to 8 hours, similar to that in the positive control group (P<0.01). Experimental oils had greater growth inhibitory effect on L. casei than chlorhexidine solution. CONCLUSIONS: This in vitro study confirmed the growth inhibitory effect of some vegetable oils on S. mutans and L. casei. Rising of the mouth using these vegetable oils is expected to have an anti-plaque effect, but additional clinical studies are needed to confirm this.

Factors related to the experience of illegal dental treatments among Korean adults: The Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007-2009 / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to analyze the factors related to the illegal dental treatment experience (IDTX) among Korean adults. METHODS: The raw data for the analysis of IDTX among Korean adults were obtained from the dataset of the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2007-2009. Stratified weighted subjects aged > or =45 years were selected according to region by using clustered sampling methods. In total, the data of 9,254 subjects, who participated in the interview and dental examinations related to the experience of illegal dental treatments, were analyzed using chi-square test, general linear model, and logistic regression analysis with complex sampling design by considering demographic and socioeconomic variables (age, gender, region, educational level, household income, and medical and dental delivery system) as well as oral status variables (prosthesis and number of natural remaining teeth). RESULTS: IDTX rate was 30% among adults aged > or =65 years. The age group with a high IDTX rate coincided with the age group with a high number of lost teeth. Most of the IDTX cases were presumed to be prosthetic treatments. The model comprising demographic, socioeconomic, and oral status variables had the highest explanation power. Significant variables were educational level, household income, prosthesis status, and number of remaining teeth. Women and persons under the medicaid system were more likely to undergo illegal dental treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive prosthetic treatments are suggested to be included in the care services of the national health insurance and medicaid system to reduce the number of illegal dental treatments.

Cost-benefit analysis of a water fluoridation program for 11 years in Jinju, Korea / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to estimate the economic costs and benefits of a water fluoridation program in the city of Jinju, Korea. METHODS: In 2009, dental surveys were conducted on 2,315 children aged 6-12 years in Jinju, which had been fluoridated for 11 years. The decayed/missing/filled teeth (DMFT) scores of children in Jinju were compared to the DMFT scores of same-aged children in non-fluoridated small- and medium-sized cities in the fourth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted from 2007 to 2009 by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The reduced number of decayed permanent teeth by the water fluoridation program was estimated as the difference between the DMFT scores of children in Jinju and those in non-fluoridated small- and medium-sized cities. The economic benefits were estimated by the savings from reduced dental treatment costs by using the reduced number of decayed permanent teeth from the water fluoridation program. All annual costs and benefits were calculated from 1998 to 2009. The social rate and untreated rate of decayed teeth were applied as 3% and 20%, respectively. The annual benefit-cost ratio was estimated by using the annual benefits and cumulative program costs. RESULTS: The economic benefit in 2009 from a water fluoridation program was estimated as 57,496,000,000 Korean Won (KRW), and the cumulative cost in 2009 was estimated as 1,387,000,000 KRW. The net present value in 2009 from a water fluoridation program was 56,109,000,000 KRW. The benefit-cost ratio in 2009 was estimated as 41.4. CONCLUSIONS: The economic benefit of a water fluoridation program in Jinju city was evaluated as excellent.

Oral health status among some disabled person in Jinju / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the oral health status among some disabled persons in Jinju. METHODS: Two dentists taken calibration training from the national oral health survey examined the oral health status on 200 disabled persons in Jinju, in June 2008. The surveyed disabled persons aged 6 to 29 years have been supplied with oral health care services by dentists and oral hygienists of dental clinics established at their schools supported from Jinju Public Health Center since 2006. The data obtained from this survey were analyzed with SPSS statistical package and were compared with the data from other oral health reports on disabled persons examined in 2010 Korean Oral Health Survey by Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. RESULTS: Among the disabled persons in Jinju, DMF rate was 65.00%; DMFT index, 3.10; DT rate, 39.61%; MT rate, 8.94%; and FT rate, 51.45%. DMFT indexes and DT rates of the disabled persons in Jinju were evaluated to be higher than those of the disabled persons from 2010 Korean National Oral Health Survey. CONCLUSIONS: Oral health programs should be strengthened for the prevention and treatments of dental caries for disabled persons.

Salivary Bisphenol-A Levels due to Dental Sealant/Resin: A Case-Control Study in Korean Children

Dental sealants and composite filling materials containing bisphenol-A (BPA) derivatives are increasingly used in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between salivary BPA and the number of tooth surfaces filled with dental sealant, and to determine a cutoff BPA level. Salivary BPA concentration and the number of tooth surfaces filled with dental sealant/resin were determined in 124 age and gender matched children: 62 controls had no dental sealant/resin on their tooth surfaces and 62 cases had more than 4 tooth surfaces with dental sealant/resin. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and conditional logistic regression were performed after controlling for age, gender, salivary flow rate, salivary buffer capacity, frequency of snacking, and frequency of tooth brushing. Salivary BPA levels were 0.002 to 8.305 microg/L. The BPA level of control (0.40 microg/L) was significantly lower than that of case (0.92 microg/L) after controlling for confounders (P = 0.026). Although the 90th BPA percentile had an adjusted OR of 4.58 (95% CI 1.04-20.26, P = 0.045), the significance disappeared in the conditional logistic model. There may be a relationship between salivary BPA level and dental sealant/resin.

Immunohistochemical Characterization on the Effect of Immunomodulating Factor (IMF) from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans on Dendritic Cells, Lymphocytes and Macrophages in the Mouse Spleen / 대한해부학회지

This study was performed to investigate the effects of Immunomodulating factor (IMF), derived from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, on various immune cells in the mouse spleen. A single dose of IMF (10 microgram/kg) was administer-ed to BALB/c mice by intraperitoneal injection. After the mice were sacrificed in groups of five at 6 h and 24 h, the spleens were removed. The immunocytochemical characterization of the immune cells was carried out using the various monoclonal antibodies in cryostat-cut sections. We demonstrated in this study a strong stimulating effect of IMF on dendritic cells and B lymphocytes in the mouse spleen after IMF administration. The MOMA-1(+) immunoreactivity on the marginal metallophilic macrophages in the splenic marginal zone disappeared 6 h and reappeared 24 h after IMF treatment. However, various subpopulations of T lymphocytes, CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+), TCRalpha, beta(+) and Vbeta8(+) T cells in the mouse spleen did not show any significant change in their distributional pattern after IMF treatment. Dendritic cells were found to be increased in number in the periarterial lymphatitc sheath, and B lymphocytes were also increased in number in the lymphoid follicles of the spleen after IMF injection. In conclusion, IMF exhibited a potent stimulative effect on dendritic cells and B lymphocytes in vivo.

Immunohistochemical Study of Immune Cells, with a Special Emphasis on Macrophage Subpopulations in the Rat Spleen after Cyclophosphamide Treatment / 대한해부학회지

This study was undertaken to investigate the in vivo effects of cyclophosphamide (CY) on subpopulations of macrophages and other types of immune cells including dendritic cells (DCs) as well as on ICAM-1 expression in the spleen of rats. After a single dose of CY (150 mg/kg) was administered to Sprague-Dawley rats by intraperitoneal injection, the rats were sacrificed at 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days. The immunocytochemical characterization of the tissues were carried out using the monoclonal antibodies W3/25, OX8, HIS24, 8A2, OX6, OX62, ED1, ED2, ED3, and TLD-4C9 for analysis of macrophage subpopulations, DC(s), CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, B cells and ICAM-1 expression in cryostat-cut sections. CY exhibited a profound immunosuppressive effect on CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells as well as B cells as was expected. However, it was found that CY induced an increase in number of certain subpopulations of macrophages, including ED1(+), ED2(+) and ED3(+) macrophages. Contrarily, CY elicited a decrease in number of DCs. CY induced a conspi-cuous upregulation of ICAM-1 on certain populations of leukocytes. This increased expression of ICAM-1 after CY treatment appears to be related with the recruitment of certain populations of leukocytes. Most of these features began to appear from the first day and reached the maximun on the third and especially, the seventh day, but two weeks after CY administration, these phenomena declined. In conclusion, the present study provided a new insight into the differential effects of CY on various populations and subpopulations of immune cells in the rat spleen.

Immunohistochemical Study of TrkA Neurotrophin Receptor Expression during Thymic Regeneration / 대한해부학회지

Numerous studies have demonstrated interactions between the nervous/endocrine and the immune system. Increasing evidence suggests that some members of neurotrophins such as nerve growth factor (NGF) are involved in the control of immune system. Recent studies have demonstrated that the TrkA receptor, which serves as the high affinity receptor for NGF and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), is expressed in thymic epithelial cells. In the present study, we investigated the expression of the TrkA receptor in the rat thymus from a model of thymic involution and regeneration induced by cyclophosphamide. After single dose of cyclophosphamide (150 mg/kg) was administered to Sprague-Dawley rats by intraperitoneal injection, the rats were sacrificed at 3, 7 and 14 days. The immunocytochemical characterization of the thymus was carried out using cryostat-cut sections. We found an increased expression of TrkA immunoreactivity in the thymic epithelial cells, especially in the subcapsular epithelial cells in cyclophosphamide-treated rats. The cortical epithelial cells also showed an increased expression of TrkA immunoreactivity after cyclophosphamide treatment, although the expression level was lower than that of the thymic subcapsular epithelial cells. However, there was no significant alteration of TrkA immunoreactivity in the medullary epithelial cells of the thymus from cyclophosphamide-treated rats. In general, most of these phenomena disappeared two weeks after cyclophosphamide administration and thus, the immunohistochemical features became to be similar to those of normal thymus. In conclusion, it may be speculated that TrkA receptor via interaction with their ligands provides an important signal to the thymic epithelial cells, especially to the subcapsular epithelial cells, for the thymic regeneration during recovery from acute thymic involution. Thus, our results support the proposed immunoregulatory role of neurotrophins.

Immunohistochemical Characterization of Dendritic Cells after Systemic Administration of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B / 대한해부학회지

This study was performed to investigate the effects of Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) on dendritic cells (DCs) and other immune cells in the major lymphoid organs. A single dose of SEB (25 microgram/kg) was administered to BALB/c mice by intraperitoneal injection. After the mice were sacrificed in groups of three at 2 h, 6 h, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 1 week and 2 weeks, the spleen, lymph node and thymus were removed. The immunocytochemical characterization of the cells was carried out using various monoclonal antibodies in cryostat-cut sections. We demonstrated in this study the distribution patterns of DCs and their major costimulatory and adhesive molecules in the murine spleen, lymph node and thymus after SEB administration. We obtained the evidence for maturation of DCs in vivo in response to SEB. DCs were found in increased number in the periarterial lymphatitc sheath (PALS) of spleen, paracortex of lymph nodes and thymic medulla. CD86, ICAM-1 and MHC class II molecules were upregulated on the activated and matured DCs after SEB injection. The most salient feature of the present study was the differential expression pattern of the costimulatory and adhesive molecules on the activated DCs. In addition to DCs, T cells expressing T cell receptor Vbeta8 were increased in number after SEB treatment. In conclusion, SEB exhibited a potent and effective stimulative effect on DCs in vivo.

The Differential Effects of Cyclophosphamide on Dendritic Cells and Tissue Macrophages / 대한해부학회지

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of cyclophosphamide (CY) on dendritic cells (DCs) and ED2 positive tissue macrophages in adult rat lymphoid and non-lymphoid organs. A single dose of CY (150 mg/kg) was administered to Sprague-Dawley rats by intraperitoneal injection. After the rats were sacrificed in groups of three at 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks and 1 month, the tongue, heart, urinary bladder, thymus, spleen and cervical lymph nodes were removed. The immunocytochemical characterization of the cells was carried out using the monoclonal antibodies OX6, OX62 and ED2 in cryostat-cut sections. CY elicited a decrease in number of intraepithelial and interstitial DCs in urinary bladder and in number of interdigitating DCs in all the lymphoid organs examined in this study, whereas CY did not cause any alteration in the number and distribution pattern of dendritic cells in tongue and hearts. CY increased the size and number of tissue macrophages in all the organs examined in this study. Most of these features began to appear from the first day and reached the maximun on the third and seventh day, but two weeks after CY administration, these phenomena declined. In conclusion, CY has differential effects on the rat DCs and macrophages and also on the subpopulations of DC according to the location and the functional state.

A Case of Huge Cholesterol Granuloma Cyst in Temporal Bone with Intracranial Extension / 대한이비인후과학회지

Cholesterol granuloma is thought to arise as the consequence of obstruction of the air cell system. Once the ventilation is blocked, negative pressure builds with mucosal hemorrhage and blood extravasation into the air cell system. And the catabolism of blood releases cholesterol, hemosiderin, lipids and fibrin. It is the foreign body reaction of these products that leads to cholesterol granuloma and cholesterol granuloma cyst formation. The cholesterol granuloma and cholesterol granuloma cyst may develop in any portion of the pneumatic system of the temporal bone and small lesions are commonly encountered in the middle ear and mastoid air cells. But, huge cholesterol granuloma cyst is a unusual lesion and cholesterol granuloma cyst with extensive temporal bone destruction and intracranial extension has been rarely reported. Recently we experienced a case of huge cholesterol granuloma cyst with intracranial extension in a 38-year-old female, and report this case with review of literatures.