Characterization of the AWARE 10 two-gigapixel wide-field-of-view visible imager.

System requirements for many military electro-optic and IR camera systems reflect the need for both wide-field-of-view situational awareness as well as high-resolution imaging for target identification. In this work we present a new imaging system architecture designed to perform both functions simultaneously and the AWARE 10 camera as an example at visible wavelengths. We first describe the basic system architecture and user interface followed by a laboratory characterization of the system optical performance. We then describe a field experiment in which the camera was used to identify several maritime targets at varying range. The experimental results indicate that users of the system are able to correctly identify ~10 m targets at between 4 and 6 km with 70% accuracy.

The skin surface pH and its different influence on the development of acne lesion according to gender and age.

BACKGROUND: Skin pH is one of the important physiological parameters of the skin. Changes in the pH play a role in the pathogenesis of several skin diseases, including acne. PURPOSE: To assess the correlation between the pH and the age, and between the pH and the development of acne lesions, in a large acne patients group. We also evaluated the difference between the genders. METHODS: A total of 540 patients clinically diagnosed with acne vulgaris were included. The clinical digital photographs were taken, and the acne lesions were counted. The pH was measured, using the skin-pH-meter . Area-weighted pH was calculated and statistical analysis was performed, according to age and gender. RESULTS: The female had higher pH than the male acne patients. The T-zone had higher pH than that of the U-zone. In female acne patients, age and the area-weight pH showed a positive correlation. Male acne patients had more inflammatory lesions. And U-zone showed more acne lesions than T-zone. There are negative correlations between the area-weight pH and the number of acne lesions, in the T-zone of the female acne patients and positive correlation at the inflammatory lesions on the T-zone of male acne patients. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to evaluate the correlations between pH, age, gender, and acne development in a large acne patients group using an objective, bioengineering method within the viewpoint of skin pH. We could expect that there are gender differences in the correlation between pH, age, and acne development. From this result, we could provide a clue to the treatment of acne, that maintaining the pH balance according to the difference of gender and age is an essential consideration.

Instant single-photon Fock state tomography.

Heralded single photons are prepared at a rate of approximately 100 kHz via conditional measurements on polarization-nondegenerate biphotons produced in a periodically poled potassium-titanyl phosphate crystal. The single-photon Fock state is characterized using high-frequency pulsed optical homodyne tomography with a fidelity of (57.6+/-0.1)%. The state preparation and detection rates allowed us to perform on-the-fly alignment of the apparatus based on real-time analysis of the quadrature measurement statistics.

Effect of glass phase on the dissolution of hydroxyapatite.

Nano size defect formation at grain boundary during the dissolution of hydroxyapatite in water was evaluated by adding several sintering additives for sinterability enhancement. In the case of sintered pure hydroxyapatite, significant dissolution occurred after immersion in distilled water or in simulated body fluid. The dissolution initiated at the grain boundaries creating nano-size defects like small pores that afterwards grew up to micro scale by increasing immersion time. This dissolution resulted in grain separation at the surfaces and finally in fracture. The dissolution concentrated on the grains adjacent to pores rather than those in the dense region. So hydroxyapatite ceramics containing glass powders were prepared to prevent the dissolution by strengthening grain boundary. Calcium silicate and phosphate glasses were added at 0 to 10 mass% and sintered at 1200 degrees C for 2 h in air with moisture protection. Glass phase was incorporated into hydroxyapatite to act as the sintering aid followed by crystallization in order to improve the mechanical properties without reducing biocompatibility. Dissolution tests, as well as X-ray diffraction and SEM showed little decomposition of hydroxyapatite to secondary phases and the fracture toughness increased compared to pure hydroxyapatite.

Morphological and cytochemical characteristics of periodontal Ruffini ending under normal and regeneration processes.

Current knowledge on the Ruffini endings, primary mechanoreceptors in the periodontal ligament is reviewed with special reference to their cytochemical features and regeneration process. Morphologically, they are characterized by extensive ramifications of expanded axonal terminals and an association with specialized Schwann cells, called lamellar or terminal Schwann cells, which are categorized, based on their histochemical properties, as non-myelin-forming Schwann cells. Following nerve injury, the periodontal Ruffini endings of the rat incisor ligament can regenerate more rapidly than Ruffini endings in other tissues. During regeneration, terminal Schwann cells associated with the periodontal Ruffini endings migrate into regions where they are never found under normal conditions. Also during regeneration, alterations in the expression level of various bioactive substances occur in both axonal and Schwann cell elements in the periodontal Ruffini endings. Neuropeptide Y, which is not detected in intact periodontal Ruffini endings, is transiently expressed in their regenerating axons. Growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43) is expressed transiently in both axonal and Schwann cell elements during regeneration, while this protein is localized in the Schwann sheath of periodontal Ruffini endings under normal conditions. The expression of calbindin D28k and calretinin, both belonging to the buffering type of calcium-binding proteins, was delayed in periodontal Ruffini endings, compared to their morphological regeneration. As the importance of axon-Schwann cell interactions has been proposed, further investigations are needed to elucidate their molecular mechanism particularly the contribution of growth factors during the regeneration as well as development of the periodontal Ruffini endings.

Alteration in the expression level of calbindin D28k in the periodontal ligament of the rat molar during experimental tooth movement.

The present immunohistochemical study was designed to investigate changes in the distribution and expression level of calbindin D28k in the periodontal ligament during experimental tooth movement in the rat molar to clarify the physiological role of this protein in the ligament. In normal animals, calbindin D28k-like immunoreactivity appeared sparsely in spindle-shaped cells in the alveolar half of the periodontal ligament. Electron microscopic observations showed that these immunoreactive cells were characterized by well-developed rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and phagosomes--which often contained collagen fibers--suggesting that these cells could be categorized as periodontal fibroblasts. Twelve hours following the onset of the experimental tooth movement, cells positive for calbindin D28k increased in number in the periodontal ligament, especially in the alveolar half of the pressured side. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that the calbindin D28k-immunopositive cells had morphological features similar to those of fibroblasts in the normal ligament, and that these cells occasionally made contact with immunonegative macrophage-like cells. Immunopositive cells gradually decreased in number, and the distribution of the cells and intensity of the immunoreactivity returned to normal levels by 14 days following the induction of the experimental tooth movement. The present results suggest that calbindin D28k plays an important role in the homeostasis and cyto-protection of fibroblasts in the periodontal ligament at the initial phase of experimental tooth movement.

The Ruffini ending as the primary mechanoreceptor in the periodontal ligament: its morphology, cytochemical features, regeneration, and development.

The periodontal ligament receives a rich sensory nerve supply and contains many nociceptors and mechanoreceptors. Although its various kinds of mechanoreceptors have been reported in the past, only recently have studies revealed that the Ruffini endings--categorized as low-threshold, slowly adapting, type II mechanoreceptors--are the primary mechanoreceptors in the periodontal ligament. The periodontal Ruffini endings display dendritic ramifications with expanded terminal buttons and, furthermore, are ultrastructurally characterized by expanded axon terminals filled with many mitochondria and by an association with terminal or lamellar Schwann cells. The axon terminals of the periodontal Ruffini endings have finger-like projections called axonal spines or microspikes, which extend into the surrounding tissue to detect the deformation of collagen fibers. The functional basis of the periodontal Ruffini endings has been analyzed by histochemical techniques. Histochemically, the axon terminals are reactive for cytochrome oxidase activity, and the terminal Schwann cells have both non-specific cholinesterase and acid phosphatase activity. On the other hand, many investigations have suggested that the Ruffini endings have a high potential for neuroplasticity. For example, immunoreactivity for p75-NGFR (low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor) and GAP-43 (growth-associated protein-43), both of which play important roles in nerve regeneration/development processes, have been reported in the periodontal Ruffini endings, even in adult animals (though these proteins are usually repressed or down-regulated in mature neurons). Furthermore, in experimental studies on nerve injury to the inferior alveolar nerve, the degeneration of Ruffini endings takes place immediately after nerve injury, with regeneration beginning from 3 to 5 days later, and the distribution and terminal morphology returning to almost normal at around 14 days. During regeneration, some regenerating Ruffini endings expressed neuropeptide Y, which is rarely observed in normal animals. On the other hand, the periodontal Ruffini endings show stage-specific configurations which are closely related to tooth eruption and the addition of occlusal forces to the tooth during postnatal development, suggesting that mechanical stimuli due to tooth eruption and occlusion are a prerequisite for the differentiation and maturation of the periodontal Ruffini endings. Further investigations are needed to clarify the involvement of growth factors in the molecular mechanisms of the development and regeneration processes of the Ruffini endings.

Immunohistochemical observation of growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43) in the developing circumvallate papilla of the rat.

The distribution and development of growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43)-like immunoreactivity (-LI) in the rat circumvallate papilla (CVP) were compared to those of protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5)-LI. In the adult, thick GAP-43-like immunoreactive (-IR) structures gathered densely in the subgemmal region. Some of these further penetrated the apical epithelium and trench wall epithelium. At least two types of GAP-43-IR structures were recognized; taste bud-related and non-gustatory GAP-43-IR neural elements. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that GAP-43-LI was localized predominantly in the Schwann cells, and a few axons displayed GAP-43-LI in the lamina propria. In the trench epithelium, GAP-43-LI was detected in the cytoplasmic side of the axonal membrane. Some intragemmal GAP-43-IR axons made synaptic-like contacts with taste bud cells. At least four developmental stages were defined on the basis of the changes in distribution of GAP-43-LI. In stage I [embryonic day (E) 16-17] GAP-43-IR structures accumulated at the lamina propria just beneath the newly-formed circumvallate papilla. In stage II (E18-19) GAP-43-IR nerve fibers began to penetrate the apical epithelium. In stage III [E20-postnatal day (P) 0] GAP-43-IR nerve fibers first appeared in the trench wall epithelium. Penetration of GAP-IR nerve fibers occurred in the inner trench wall epithelium first, and then in the outer trench wall epithelium. In stage IV (P1-) the distribution of GAP-43-LI was similar to that observed in the adult; but the density of GAP-43-LI was much higher than in adults. PGP 9.5-LI showed a similar distribution pattern to that of GAP-43-LI, except for round-shaped cells in the apical epithelium at the late embryonic stages, and in taste bud cells and intralingual ganglionic cells which lacked GAP-43-LI. The similarities in distribution patterns of GAP-43-LI and PGP 9.5-LI during the development and mature circumvallate papilla suggest that GAP-43 may be a key neuronal molecule for induction and maintenance of the taste buds.

Growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43) in the regenerating periodontal Ruffini endings of the rat incisor following injury to the inferior alveolar nerve.

Alterations in the levels of growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43)-like immunoreactivity (-LI) were examined in the lingual periodontal ligament of the rat incisor following two types of injury (resection and crush) to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). In normal animals, GAP-43-like immunoreactive (IR) structures were observed as tree-like ramifications in the alveolar half of the lingual periodontal ligament of incisors. Under immunoelectron microscopy, GAP-43-LI appeared in the Schwann sheaths associated with periodontal Ruffini endings; neither cell bodies of the terminal Schwann cells nor axonal profiles showed GAP-43-LI. During regeneration of the periodontal Ruffini endings following resection of the IAN, GAP-43-LI appeared in the cytoplasm of the terminal Schwann cell bodies and axoplasm of the terminals. The distribution of GAP-43-LI in the Ruffini endings returned to almost normal levels on days 28 and 56 following the injury. The changes in the distribution of GAP-43-LI following the crush injury were similar to those following resection; however, expression of GAP-43-LI was slightly higher for the entire experimental period compared with the resection. The transient expression of GAP-43 in the terminal Schwann cells and axonal profiles of the periodontal Ruffini endings following nerve injury suggests that GAP-43 is closely associated with axon-Schwann cells interactions during regeneration.

Carbonic anhydrase isozyme II immunoreactivity in the mechanoreceptive Ruffini endings of the periodontal ligament in rat incisor.

The present study describes the distribution of carbonic anhydrase isozyme II (CA II) in the lingual periodontal ligament of the rat incisor. Some thick nerve fibers in the nerve bundle displayed CA II-like immunoreactivity (LI) as well as non-neuronal elements such as osteoclasts. At the alveolar half of the lingual periodontal ligament of the incisor, thick CA II-like immunoreactive (-IR) nerve fibers showed a tree-like raminification, but thin and beaded CA II-IR nerve fibers were rare. Under the electron microscope, CA II-LI were diffusely localized in the axoplasm of the axon terminals surrounded by Schwann sheaths which were immunonegative for CA II. The cell bodies of the terminal Schwann cells associated with the periodontal Ruffini endings did not exhibit CA II-LI. The present immunohistochemical evidence indicates that CA II may participate in the regulation of the intra-neuronal ion in the periodontal Ruffini endings which are thought to be in a state of high neuronal activity.

Calretinin-like immunoreactivity in the Ruffini endings, slowly adapting mechanoreceptors, of the periodontal ligament of the rat incisor.

The distribution and ultrastructural localization of calretinin (CR)-like immunoreactivity (-LI) were investigated in the lingual periodontal ligament of rat incisors. Some thick nerve fibers within the nerve bundle displayed CR-LI; these CR-like immunoreactive (-IR) nerve fibers entered the alveolar half of the lingual periodontal ligament of the incisor where dendritic terminal arborization was exhibited. Thin and beaded CR-IR nerve fibers were rarely observed in the periodontal ligament. Observations of adjacent sections immunostained with protein gene-product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) revealed that most, if not all, PGP 9.5-IR nerve terminals showing a dendritic arborization expressed CR-LI. Immunoelectron microscopic observations showed that electron-opaque immunoreaction products were localized in the axoplasm of the axon terminals, except for the mitochondria, which were surrounded by Schwann sheaths and multiple-layered basal lamina. Neither cell bodies, the cytoplasmic extension of terminal Schwann cells, nor other cellular elements such as periodontal fibroblasts exhibited CR-LI. The present findings suggest that Ruffini endings, an essential mechanoreceptor in the periodontal ligament and categorized as a slowly adapting mechanoreceptor, express CR-LI, and that CR may participate in the Ca2+ homeostasis against external stimuli in the periodontal Ruffini endings.

Regulations of collagen synthesis by ascorbic acid, transforming growth factor-beta and interferon-gamma in human dermal fibroblasts cultured in three-dimensional collagen gel are photoaging- and aging-independent.

Decreased collagen synthesis and loss of responsiveness to growth factors are well known phenomena in in vivo or in vitro aged cells. Ascorbic acid and some cytokines such as transforming growth factor-beta and interferon-gamma are important regulators of collagen synthesis. To investigate the responsiveness of fibroblasts with regard to the photoaging and aging process, we examined the effect of ascorbic acid, TGF-beta, and IFN-gamma on collagen synthesis in dermal fibroblasts from three newborn foreskins (1 day old) and in both exposed and unexposed skin fibroblasts from 4 old individuals (60-76 years old) cultured in monolayer and in collagen gel. We demonstrated that basal levels of collagen synthesis decreased with increasing age. Photoaged fibroblasts in collagen gel showed greater basal collagen synthesis than aged fibroblasts in the same individuals, but similar basal collagen synthesis in monolayer cultures. Even though basal levels of collagen synthesis in collagen gel are downregulated in a photoaging- and aging-dependent manner, collagen synthesis by ascorbic acid in collagen gel, and by TGF-beta and IFN-gamma in both monolayer culture and collagen gel were regulated in a photoaging- and aging-independent manner. In monolayer culture, however, the responsiveness to ascorbic acid in newborn fibroblasts was greater than in photoaged and aged fibroblasts. Our results suggest that there are differences in collagen synthesis between photoaged and aged cells, depending on culture conditions. Responsiveness to ascorbic acid, TGF-beta and IFN-gamma related to collagen synthesis in photoaged and aged fibroblasts in collagen gel appears to be the same as in newborn fibroblasts, even though basal levels of collagen synthesis are downregulated in a photoaging- or aging-dependent manner.

Immunohistochemical localization of calbindin D28k in the periodontal Ruffini endings of rat incisors.

It was examined whether calbindin D28k (CB) might be located in the rat incisor periodontal Ruffini ending, an essential mechanoreceptor in periodontal ligament, by light- and electron-microscopic immunohistochemistry. Some thick nerve fibers showing CB-like immunoreactivity (LI) entered the lingual half of the periodontal ligament of the incisor and showed the dendritic terminal arborization. Electron-dense immunoreaction products indicating CB-LI were distributed diffusely in axoplasm of the axon terminals, no mitochondria, however, were not labeled. Neither cell bodies nor cytoplasmic extensions of the terminal Schwann cells exhibited CB-LI. CB was presumed to be involved in the maintenance of Ca2+ homeostasis in the mechano-electric transduction in mechanoreceptors in the periodontal ligament.

Regeneration of periodontal primary afferents of the rat incisor following injury of the inferior alveolar nerve with special reference to neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactive primary afferents.

Regeneration of primary afferents and the expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the lingual periodontal ligament of the rat incisor were examined following different types of injury (resection or crush) of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) combined with superior cervical ganglionectomy. In normal animals, protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5)-like immunoreactivity (-LI) was localized in the middle areas of the alveolus-related part of lingual periodontal ligament; some of these nerve fibers showed terminal ramification and morphologies resembling those of the periodontal Ruffini endings, and very few thin varicose NPY-like immunoreactive (-IR) nerve fibers were detected around the blood vessels. Three days following crush injury of the IAN, the number of PGP 9.5-IR nerve fibers decreased, then increased to the normal levels around 10-15 days following injury. NPY-IR primary afferents first appeared around 5 days following crush injury, increased in number gradually, reaching a peak around 14 days, and then decreased. No NPY-IR primary afferents were detected 56 days following crush injury of the IAN. The terminal morphology of NPY-IR primary afferents observed around 10-14 days following injury was similar to that of PGP 9.5-IR nerve fibers in the normal animals, but less expanded. The changes in distribution of PGP 9.5-IR and NPY-IR nerve fibers following resection were similar to those observed following crush injury but regeneration was slightly delayed. The present results suggest that injury-evoked NPY is closely associated with the regeneration process of mechanoreceptors in the periodontal ligament following injury of the IAN.

Calbindin D28K-like immunoreactive nerve fibres in the predentine of rat molar teeth.

Immunoelectron-microscopy was applied to reveal the existence of nerve fibres and terminals showing calbindin D28k (CB)-like immunoreactivity (IR) in the rat molar tooth pulp. In the root pulp, thick, smooth-surfaced CB-IR nerve fibres were in bundles accompanying the blood vessels. In the coronal pulp, the fibres arborized repeatedly and extensively. CB-IR nerve fibres had a predominantly thick, smooth-surfaced appearance, though parts appeared thin and beaded. Occasionally some thin, varicose CB-IR nerve fibres ran along the odontoblasts, penetrating into the predentine alongside the dentinal tubules. They could be traced for approx. 10-20 microns into the predentine from the pulp-predentine border. Immunoelectron-microscopy revealed that only some of the nerve terminals in the predentine showed CB-IR, and that predentinal CB-IR nerve terminals were located close to the odontoblast processes. No synaptic structures were observed between them. The presence of CB-IR nerve terminals in the predentine suggests that many, if not all, CB-IR nerve fibres could be nociceptors. The CB could be involved in Ca2+ homeostasis during the activation of nociceptors.

Immunocytochemical demonstration of beta 1-subunit of Na+/K(+)-ATPase in the mechanoreceptive Ruffini-like endings of the rat incisor ligament.

The localization of one of the isoforms of Na+/K(+)-ATPase, the beta 1-subunit, was investigated in the periodontal Ruffini endings of rat incisors by light- and electron-microscopic immunocytochemistry. Immunoreactivity for the rat beta 1-subunit followed the pattern of dendritic terminal arborization in the alveolar half of the lingual periodontal ligament. Ultrastructurally, the reaction products were localized in dilatations of axons, possibly the terminals of Ruffini-like endings in the periodontal ligament. No immunoreactivity was seen in Schwann cells. The immunostaining results support the view that the beta 1-subunit of Na+/K(+)-ATPase is the predominant isoform in sensory neurones, and that this protein is a useful marker for periodontal Ruffini-like endings.

Congenital onychodysplasia of the index fingers--Iso-Kikuchi syndrome. A case involving the second toenail.

We report a case of congenital onychodysplasia of the index fingers (Iso-Kikuchi syndrome) in a 2-year-old boy who had nail deformities on both index fingers and the left second toe. He had a micronychia of the left index fingernail, malalignment and abnormal lunula of the right index fingernail and micronychia and malalignment of the left second toenail. Congenital onychodysplasia of the index fingers (COIF) is a rare condition characterized by various forms of nail dysplasia commonly involving the index fingers, but not infrequently also the neighbouring fingers such as the middle fingers and thumbs. The five criteria characterizing COIF include the following: (i) congenital occurrence; (ii) unilateral or bilateral index finger involvement; (iii) variability in nail appearance; (iv)possible hereditary involvement; and (v) frequently associated bone abnormalities. The nails of COIF include the full spectrum of nail dysplasia, from an irregular lunula, malalignment, micronychia (hypoplastic and rudimental), polyonychia (split rudimental), and anonychia, specifically affecting the index fingers. Our patient represents various forms of nail dysplasia of the both index fingers and left second toe such as micronychia, malalignment and abnormal lunula. To our knowledge, the association with second toenail dysplasia in COIF has not previously been reported.

Protein gene-product 9.5 in developing mouse circumvallate papilla: comparison with neuron-specific enolase and calcitonin gene-related peptide.

The present study was made to investigate the ontogeny of protein gene-product 9.5 (PGP 9.5)-like immunoreactivity (-LI) in the developing mouse circumvallate papilla (CVP), and its distribution was compared to that of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). In adult CVP, PGP 9.5-LI was observed in the subgemmal nerve plexus; some thin PGP 9.5-like immunoreactive (-IR) nerve fibers penetrated taste buds and apical epithelium. PGP 9.5-LI was also observed in the spindle-shaped cells in taste buds, and a small number of round- or oval-shaped ganglionic cells in the lamina propria. The distribution of NSE-LI was comparable to that of PGP 9.5-LI. CGRP-LI was observed in the nerve fibers only; distribution of CGRP-IR nerve fibers was similar to that of PGP 9.5-IR nerve fibers, although the number of CGRP-IR nerve fibers was smaller than that of PGP 9.5-IR nerve fibers. At least six developmental stages were defined with regard to the developmental changes in the distribution of PGP 9.5-LI from embryonic day (E) 12 to adulthood: Stage I (E12-13)-a dense nerve plexus of PGP 9.5-IR nerve fibers was detected in the lamina propria beneath the core of newly-formed papilla. Stage II (E14-16) - thin PGP 9.5-IR nerve fibers penetrated the apical epithelium, and a few round-shaped cells in the apical epithelium also displayed PGP 9.5-LI. Stage III (E17-18) - thin PGP 9.5-IR nerve fibers penetrated the inner lateral epithelium of the trench. Stage IV [Postnatal day (P) 0-3] - many PGP 9.5-IR nerve fibers penetrated the outer lateral epithelium of the trench; later in this stage, taste buds appeared. Stage V (P5-10) - a small number of PGP 9.5-IR cells in the taste buds appeared, and their number increased gradually. Stage VI (P14-adult) - the number of PGP 9.5-IR taste cells increased and reached the adult level, while the number of PGP 9.5-IR nerve fibers decreased. The development of NSE-LI was similar to that of PGP 9.5-LI. CGRP-IR nerve fibers were detected at E12 in the lamina propria, and the development of the intraepithelial CGRP-IR nerve fibers was similar to that of PGP 9.5-IR nerve fibers. The present results indicate that invasion by nerve fibers of the epithelium of lingual papillae occurs in a complex manner, and that these nerve fibers may participate in the formation of the taste buds.

The effects of peripheral nerve injury of the masseteric nerve on the levels of calcium binding proteins and neuropeptide Y, and their correlation in the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus of the rat.

Combined retrograde neuronal tracing with FluoroGold (FG) and a double immunofluorescence method was performed to examine the effects of peripheral nerve injury of the masseteric nerve (MassN) on the levels of two calcium binding proteins (CaBPs), parvalbumin (PV) and calbindin D28k (CB), and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus (MesV) in the rat. In the normal MesV, many medium- to large-sized unipolar PV-like immunoreactive (-IR) cells were detected through the entire rostrocaudal extent, but CB-IR cells were rarely observed. No NPY-IR cells were observed in the normal MesV. The distributions of these three neurochemical markers in the MesV contralateral to the transection of Mass were almost identical to those observed in the normal MesV. Four days following transection and application of FG to the MassN, approximately 52% (572/1104) and 38% (414/1104) of FG-labeled cells (FG cells) in the MesV displayed PV-like immunoreactivity (-LI) and NPY-LI, respectively; Approximately 24% (265/1104) of FG cells showed both PV-LI and NPY-LI. Approximately 47% (265/572) of FG cells with PV-LI showed NPY-LI or 64% (265/414) of FG cells with NPY-LI displayed PV-LI. Fourteen days following transection and application of FG, the percentage of FG cells with PV-LI significantly decreased to 36% (365/1024) compared to that observed 4 days post-injury; approximately 44% (448/1024) of FG cells displayed NPY-LI; approximately 38% (141/365) of FG cells with PV-LI showed NPY-LI and approximately 31% (141/448) of FG cells with NPY-LI displayed PV-LI. In contrast, FG cells showing CB-LI were very rare on 4 days (1%; 15/1182) or 14 days (1%; 16/1085) following MassN transection. The present results indicate that the levels of PV in the MesV decreased 14 days following the MassN injury compared to those observed 4 days post-injury and rapid induction of NPY in the injured MesV neurons, and that the correlation between CaBP and NPY in the MesV following the MassN transection is different from that observed in the trigeminal ganglion, which is equivalent to the MesV, following peripheral nerve injury of the inferior alveolar nerve.

Immunoelectron microscopic study on neuropeptide Y in the periodontal ligament of the incisor following peripheral nerve injury to the inferior alveolar nerve in the rat.

Immunoelectron microscopic analysis was carried out to examine whether neuropeptide Y (NPY)-like immunoreactivity (-LI) is localized in mechanoreceptors in the lingual periodontal ligament of the rat incisor following peripheral nerve injury to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). In the lingual periodontal ligament of normal animals, no NPY-like immunoreactive (-IR) primary afferents were observed, except for a very few sympathetic perivascular nerve fibers which showed NPY-LI. Fourteen days following chronic constriction injury to the IAN combined with sympathectomy of the superior cervical ganglion, thick NPY-IR nerve fibers showing tree-like raminifications were detected in the shear zone between the tooth-related part and alveolus-related part as well as in the alveolus-related part. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that expanded NPY-IR nerve terminals were covered with several Schwann sheaths and that a part of the axoplasm expanded to the surrounding tissues. These ultrastructural features of NPY-IR structures were identical to those of periodontal Ruffini endings, categorized as slowly adapting mechanoreceptors. Thick (6-8 microns in diameter) NPY-IR axons were also observed without any apparent myelin sheath. The present results provide further evidence that NPY is closely associated with thick axons, probably myelinated nerves and Ruffini endings, following peripheral nerve injury.