Effect of autonomic nerve stimulation on bleb formation in striated duct cells of the rat submandibular gland

Several previous investigations have shown that blebs form on the apical surface of the striated duct cells of the rat submandibular gland on feeding after starvation. In the present report the influence of autonomic nerve stimulation on bleb formation was studied by electron microscopy. Both parasympathetic and sympathetic stimulation were performed, using electric nerve stimulation. In addition, sympathetic nerve stimulation in combination with alpha- or beta-adrenergic blockers was used. Massive bleb formation took place in response to sympathetic nerve stimulation. This response was almost completely abolished by the administration of alpha- but not by beta-adrenergic blocker. Bleb formation was not seen after parasympathetic nerve stimulation.     

Techniques for achieving realistic color distribution in large composite resin restorations

A technique of using macrofilled and microfilled composite resins in conjunction with tints and opaquers has been described. The technique achieves a more realistic color distribution in large composite resin restorations, such as Class IV restorations, diastema closures, veneers, and large Class III restorations. In placing more natural distributions of color in composite resin restorations, a more pleasing appearance can be achieved.     

Immunohistological study with peroxidase-antiperoxidase staining in a case of generalized prepubertal periodontitis

A case of prepubertal periodontitis was observed and examined immunohistologically with peroxidase-antiperoxidase staining. The patient was an 11-year and 7-month-old Japanese girl, well-developed and well-nourished. Her parents were first cousins. Her chief complaint was the loosening and loss of the permanent teeth. There was a similar history of primary dentition. Her remaining permanent teeth were loosened with severe alveolar bone loss, but calculus deposit was minimal. Significantly, there was no palmar-plantar hyperkeratosis. General examination showed normal data except for the increase of the immunoglobulin concentrations. In neutrophil function tests chemotaxis was depressed, although phagocytosis, random migration and superoxide production were within normal limits. Histologically, neutrophils were seen in the gingival tissue and other findings were also similar to those of adult periodontitis. In immunohistological examination, IgG-bearing cells which mostly consisted of plasma cells predominated in the lesion. Considering the past history, the immunodeficiency and the absence of palmar-plantar hyperkeratosis, the case was diagnosed as prepubertal periodontitis.     

Diagnostic quality versus patient exposure with five panoramic screen-film combinations

Five film-screen combinations were used to make five density-matched panoramic radiographs of a tissue-equivalent phantom skull using the Midwest/Morita Panoral x-ray machine. The radiographs were evaluated as to their diagnostic quality by twenty dental radiologists. The results demonstrate that proper screen-film selection can significantly reduce patient exposure without compromising diagnostic quality.