Intracellular cAMP signaling-induced Ca influx mediated by calcium homeostasis modulator 1 (CALHM1) in human odontoblasts.

In odontoblasts, intracellular Ca signaling plays key roles in reactionary dentin formation and generation of dentinal pain. Odontoblasts also express several G protein-coupled receptors that promote production of cyclic AMP (cAMP). However, the crosstalk between intracellular cAMP and Ca signaling, as well as the role of cAMP in the cellular functions of odontoblasts, remains unclear.

Upregulation of in the salivary glands of mice exposed to a lunar gravity environment using the multiple artificial gravity research system.

Space is a unique environment characterized by isolation from community life and exposure to circadian misalignment, microgravity, and space radiation. These multiple differences from those experienced on the earth may cause systemic and local tissue stress. Autonomic nerves, including sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, regulate functions in multiple organs.

Plasma Membrane Ca-ATPase in Rat and Human Odontoblasts Mediates Dentin Mineralization.

Intracellular Ca signaling engendered by Ca influx and mobilization in odontoblasts is critical for dentinogenesis induced by multiple stimuli at the dentin surface. Increased Ca is exported by the Na-Ca exchanger (NCX) and plasma membrane Ca-ATPase (PMCA) to maintain Ca homeostasis. We previously demonstrated a functional coupling between Ca extrusion by NCX and its influx through transient receptor potential channels in odontoblasts.

Potassium Currents Activated by Depolarization in Odontoblasts.

Increased intracellular free Ca concentrations elicit plasma membrane depolarization, which leads to the activation of K currents. However, the precise properties of K currents activated by depolarization in odontoblasts remain to be elucidated. The present study identified biophysical and pharmacological characteristics of time-dependent and voltage-activated K currents in freshly dissociated rat odontoblasts using patch-clamp recordings in a whole-cell configuration.

Encapsulation of Either Hydrophilic or Hydrophobic Substances in Spongy Cellulose Particles.

We have reported cellulose particles with a spongy structure that we prepared by the solvent releasing method (SRM) from cellulose droplets composed of cellulose, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazoliumchrolide ([Bmim]Cl), and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). The spongy structure collapsed as the medium evaporated, resulting in dense cellulose particles. In this study, we encapsulated the hydrophilic and hydrophobic fluorescent substances in these particles to investigate the use of such particles in potential applications that require encapsulating of substances (e.

Preparation of cellulose particles using an ionic liquid.

Cellulose is a ubiquitous natural fiber used in various industrial materials and applications. We prepared micron-sized cellulose particles by the solvent releasing method (SRM) in which cellulose-[Bmim]Cl-N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) droplets are dispersed in hexadecane (HD) containing dissolved surfactant. The dispersion is then poured into a large amount of 1-butanol.