| Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) |
OHISHI Tomoyuki Osaka University, Dental Hospital, Instructor, 歯学部附属病院, 助手 (30303978)
ATSUMI Yukako ATSUMI,Yukako, 大学院・歯学研究科, 講師 (90346164)
TOYOSAWA Satoru TOYOSAWA,Satoru, 大学院・歯学研究科, 講師 (30243249)
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| Research Abstract |
The Ruffini endings, a primary mechanoreceptor in the ligament, consists of axonal element and specialized Schwann cells, termed terminal Schwann cells. Morphologically, axonal terminals are extensively expanded, and possessed finger-like projections, called axonal spines or axonal microprojections which are important for perception of mechanical stimulation. Schwann cells are divided into two phenotypes ; myelin-forming Schwann cells and non-myelin-forming Schwann cells. The terminal Schwann cells of the periodontal Ruffini endings belong to non-myelin-forming Schwann cells. Although roles of ordinary Schwann cells, i.e. myelin-forming Schwann cells, are well understood, little is known on the functional roles of non-myelin-forming Schwann cells. In the present project, the role of terminal Schwann cells of periodontal Ruffini endings during regeneration and development is investigated. During the regeneration, the terminal Schwann cells express 25 kDa of heat shock protein (HSP25) transiently, indicating that HSP25 has the important roles in the maintenance of morphology of terminal Schwann cells. It is known that brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one of the key molecule for development and maintenance of periodontal Ruffini endings. In the BDNF +/-mice, the regeneration of periodontal Ruffini endings following nerve injury delayed, suggesting that BDNF is also important for nerve regeneration.
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