Canine intracranial meningioma with rosette-like collagen deposits.

A 13-year-old female Miniature Dachshund showed seizures and an intracranial mass was seen in the left temporal lobe. Three months after first surgical resection, a recurrence lesion was recognized. Histopathologically, proliferation of spindle cells with diffuse rosette-like eosinophilic deposits, which stained blue with Masson's trichrome stain, was observed. In electron microscopy, the rosette-like deposits were consisted of bundles of minute filaments which were assumed to be collagenous fibrils. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells were positive for vimentin and cytokeratin, and negative for E-cadherin, S100, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), oligodendrocyte transcription factor (Olig2), and CD204. The rosette-like collagen deposits were positive for type 4 collagen and negative for type 1 collagen. In this report, we describe histopathological features of a canine meningioma with the rosette-like collagen deposits.

Regioselective Diels-Alder reaction to open-cage ketolactam derivatives of C60.

Open-cage ketolactam fullerenes reacted with dienes on the rim of the orifice both regio- and stereoselectively. Unequivocal evidence for the structure of the Diels-Alder adduct was provided by 2D INADEQUATE 13C NMR studies on 13C enriched material, as well as via DFT-GIAO calculations. The theoretical calculations successfully model the regioselective and the endo stereoselective reaction, predicting molecular orbital control along with a repulsive steric interaction between the substituents on the nitrogen atom and those on the diene.

Zoledronic acid suppresses transforming growth factor-ß-induced fibrogenesis by human gingival fibroblasts.

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are analogues of pyrophosphate that are known to prevent bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclast activity. Nitrogen-containing BPs, such as zoledronic acid (ZA), are widely used in the treatment of osteoporosis and bone metastasis. However, despite having benefits, ZA has been reported to induce BP-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) in cancer patients. The molecular pathological mechanisms responsible for the development of BRONJ, including necrotic bone exposure after tooth extraction, remain to be elucidated. In this study, we examined the effects of ZA on the transforming growth factor-ß (TGF­ß)-induced myofibroblast (MF) differentiation of human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) and the migratory activity of hGFs, which are important for wound closure by fibrous tissue formation. The ZA maximum concentration in serum (Cmax) was found to be approximately 1.47 µM, which clinically, is found after the intravenous administration of 4 mg ZA, and ZA at this dose is considered appropriate for the treatment of cancer bone metastasis or bone diseases, such as Erdheim-Chester disease. At Cmax, ZA significantly suppressed i) the TGF­ß-induced promotion of cell viability, ii) the TGF­ß-induced expression of MF markers such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type I collagen, iii) the TGF­ß-induced migratory activity of hGFs and iv) the expression level of TGF­ß type I receptor on the surfaces of hGFs, as well as the TGF­ß-induced phosphorylation of Smad2/3. Thus, ZA suppresses TGF­ß-induced fibrous tissue formation by hGFs, possibly through the inhibition of Smad­dependent signal transduction. Our findings partly elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying BRONJ and may prove to be beneficial to the identification of drug targets for the treatment of this symptom at the molecular level.

An ATF4-Signal-Modulating Machine Other Than GADD34 Acts in ATF4-to-CHOP Signaling to Block CHOP Expression in ER-Stress-Related Autophagy.

Cells respond to ER-stress via ER-stress sensors, leading to the UPR and subsequent apoptosis; however, occasionally, they activate autophagy without subsequent apoptosis in response to ER-stress. We previously showed that the induction of apoptosis by ER-stress was related to the presence or absence of CHOP expression; nevertheless, how ATF4 expression is elicited without downstream CHOP expression is unknown. We studied the role of GADD34 on the induction of autophagy and/or apoptosis by NaF- or tunicamycin-induced ER-stress in HepG2 cells transfected with GADD34 siRNA. Although NaF and tunicamycin both induced PERK activation followed by eIF2α phosphorylation and ATF4 expression, CHOP expression was only induced by tunicamycin. Concomitant with the signaling change, autophagy was activated both by NaF and tunicamycin, and apoptosis was induced only by tunicamycin. After 4 h, GADD34 mRNA expression was also increased by NaF and tunicamycin. Suppression of GADD34 by GADD34 siRNA increased ATF4 expression in both NaF- and tunicamycin-treated cells. The GADD34 siRNA increased CHOP expression, which corresponded to increased ATF4 in tunicamycin-treated cells; however, the increased ATF4 did not induce CHOP expression in NaF-treated cells. In concert with signal changes, siRNA treatment additively increased the autophagic activity of both NaF- and tunicamycin-treated cells; however, apoptosis was produced and accelerated only for tunicamycin-treated cells. These findings indicate that GADD34 expression induced by ER-stress delays CHOP expression and retards apoptotic cell death, and that an ATF4-signal-modulating machine other than GADD34 acts on ATF4-to-CHOP signaling to block ATF4-induced CHOP expression in ER-stress related autophagy.

Cell-cell adhesion through N-cadherin enhances VCAM-1 expression via PDGFRß in a ligand-independent manner in mesenchymal stem cells.

Cell-cell adhesions induce various intracellular signals through hierarchical and synergistic molecular interactions. Recently, we demonstrated that a high cell density induces the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) through the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, the specific molecules that activated the NF-κB pathway were not determined. In the present study, in experiments with receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, VCAM-1 expression was completely suppressed by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor (PDGFR) inhibitors. In addition, VCAM-1 expression was significantly suppressed by knockdown with PDGFRß siRNA, but not with PDGFRα siRNA. However, VCAM-1 expression did not increase following treatment with PDGF. The overexpression of N-cadherin, a structural molecule in adherence junctions in MSCs, promoted VCAM-1 expression and induced the marked phosphorylation of the intracellular signaling factor, Src. In addition, VCAM-1 expression and Src phosphorylation were reduced by the overexpression of a dominant negative mutant of N-cadherin. These results suggest that cell-cell adhesion, through N-cadherin, enhances the expression of VCAM-1 via PDGFRß and the activation of Src in a ligand-independent manner in MSCs.

Cytopathologic diagnosis on joint lavage fluid for patients with temporomandibular joint disorders.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders (TMD) are usually diagnosed based on the patient's clinical findings and the results of image investigations; however, understanding of the inflammatory process in TMJ is difficult. In addition, many of the TMJ disease types share common principal symptoms. Therefore, TMJ diseases in the early stage can be misdiagnosed with TMD. It is hypothesized that cytopathologic examination of the joint lavage fluids is useful in interpreting the TMD-associated inflammatory process from a cellular aspect. The aim of this study was to assess the TMJ lavage fluid cytopathologically in TMD patients. Thirty-nine patients, clinically diagnosed as TMD, were included in the present study. Clinical symptoms of the patients were recorded. Forty-four samples of TMJ lavage fluid were collected and paraffin-embedded cell sections were made by cell block tissue array method. Cytologic conditions in upper articular cavity of TMJ were cytopathologically diagnosed and were compared with the clinical symptoms of each patient. Cell components were detected in 22 of the 44 analyzed joint lavage fluids. There was a correlation between cytopathologic findings and clinical symptoms. Variety of cytopathology and inflammatory conditions in patients with similar clinical symptoms were also found. The results suggested that cytopathologic examination of the joint lavage fluids from TMD patients is helpful for gaining an understanding of the inner local conditions of TMJ at the cellular level.

Combined intra-arterial infusion and systemic chemoradiotherapy for stage IV squamous cell carcinoma of the mandibular gingiva.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to show the effectiveness of combining intra-arterial infusion and systemic chemotherapy with concurrent radiotherapy for treatment of stage IV mandibular gingival cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 23 patients with mandibular gingival cancer were treated with either docetaxel by intra-arterial infusion followed by systemic chemoradiotherapy with cisplatinum and 5-fluorouracil as a monthly regimen, or with docetaxel and cisplatinum by intra-arterial infusion followed by systemic chemoradiotherapy with 5-fluorouracil as a weekly or biweekly regimen. Tumor responses, locoregional control, overall survival, disease-specific survival, and adverse events were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 23 patients enrolled in the study, 22 completed the treatment. With regard to clinical stages, 82 % were diagnosed as IVA and 18 % IVB. Complete and partial response was observed in 82 and 18 %, respectively. Five-year overall survival, disease-specific survival, and locoregional control were 51, 70, and 72 %, respectively. No statistically significant difference was seen between the monthly regimen and the weekly plus biweekly regimen, although the latter resulted in longer survival and 88 % control. CONCLUSION: Combined intra-arterial infusion and systemic chemoradiotherapy may be an effective treatment for patients with stage IV mandibular gingival cancer.

Dental pulp cells derived from permanent teeth express higher levels of R-cadherin than do deciduous teeth: implications of the correlation between R-cadherin expression and restriction of multipotency in mesenchymal stem cells.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to characterize the expression status of cadherins in dental pulp-derived mesenchymal progenitor/stem cells from deciduous and permanent teeth, and to determine how cadherins affect the multipotency of the progenitor/stem cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated and compared the expression status of cadherins in dental pulp-derived cells from deciduous teeth and in cells from permanent teeth by using an array of primers for amplification of RNA encoding human cell adhesion molecules and a real time PCR system. In order to elucidate how cadherins (which are differentially expressed in deciduous and permanent teeth) affect the multipotency of the dental pulp-derived progenitor/stem cells, the ability of the dental pulp cells to differentiate into adipocytes and osteoblasts was evaluated. RESULTS: R-cadherin was found to be vigorously expressed in the dental pulp cells derived from permanent teeth but not in the dental pulp cells derived from deciduous teeth. N-cadherin was found to be expressed essentially equally in both types of cells. The ability of the dental pulp cells of deciduous teeth to differentiate into adipocytes and osteoblasts was found to be much higher than that of cells obtained from permanent teeth. CONCLUSION: R-cadherin may be a key molecule for providing control over the multipotency of the dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Clinical significance of combined CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genotypes in Japanese patients requiring warfarin.

The individual management of anticoagulation therapy is important for safe medical outcomes, including those of oral surgery. Here, Japanese patients who received warfarin (n = 35) and normal controls (n = 125) were analyzed by real-time PCR to determine the frequencies of single nucleotide polymorphisms in VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex, subunit 1) and CYP2C9 and how these frequencies related to warfarin dose and PT-INR. The genetic polymorphisms CYP2C9(*2) (416 C > T), CYP2C9(*3) (1061 A > C), and intron 1-136 C > T in VKORC1 (1173 C > T) were measured. All patients had the wild-type CYP2C9 gene (*1/*1). All 160 cases had the wild-type (CC) type CYP2C9(*2), 93.8% had AA type CYP2C9(*3), 6.2% had AC type CYP2C9(*3), 1.2% had CC type VKORC1, 13.8% had CT type VKORC1, and 85% had TT type VKORC1. The CC type VKORC1 genetic polymorphism was associated with a significantly higher mean warfarin maintenance dose (4.5 ± 0.5 mg) than other VKORC1 genotypes (TT type 2.9 ± 0.1 mg: CT type 3.4 ± 0.3 mg). Categorization of the patients in terms of the combined CYP2C9 and VKORC1 haplotype (the warfarin-responsive index; WRI) revealed the mean daily warfarin maintenance dose was 3.0 ± 0.1 mg for WRI 1 and 3.7 ± 0.3 mg for WRI 2 (P < 0.012). The event survey revealed 2 patients with nonfatal cerebral hemorrhage had a WRI score of 2 (VKORC1 C/T heterozygosity genotype). Thus, CYP2C9 and VKORC1 haplotype analysis allows prediction of warfarin maintenance dosage. The findings may provide a personalized use of warfarin in the field of oral surgery.

Effect of partition board color on mood and autonomic nervous function.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the presence or absence (control) of a partition board and its color (red, yellow, blue) on subjective mood ratings and changes in autonomic nervous system indicators induced by a video game task. The increase in the mean Profile of Mood States (POMS) Fatigue score and mean Oppressive feeling rating after the task was lowest with the blue partition board. Multiple-regression analysis identified oppressive feeling and error scores on the second half of the task as statistically significant contributors to Fatigue. While explanatory variables were limited to the physiological indices, multiple-regression analysis identified a significant contribution of autonomic reactivity (assessed by heart rate variability) to Fatigue. These results suggest that a blue partition board would reduce task-induced subjective fatigue, in part by lowering the oppressive feeling of being enclosed during the task, possibly by increasing autonomic reactivity.

High-cell density-induced VCAM1 expression inhibits the migratory ability of mesenchymal stem cells.

MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells) migrate into damaged tissue and then proliferate and differentiate into various cell lineages to regenerate bone, cartilage, fat and muscle. Cell-cell adhesion of MSCs is essential for the MSC-dependent tissue regeneration after their homing into a damaged tissue. However, it remains to be elucidated what kinds of adhesion molecules play important roles in the cell-cell communication between MSCs. In order to identify adhesion molecules that facilitate mutual contact between MSCs, a comprehensive analysis of mRNA expression in adhesion molecules was performed by comparing profiles of expression status of adhesion molecules in MSCs at low- and high-cell density. We found that the expression level of VCAM1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1)/CD106 was clearly up-regulated in the human bone marrow-derived MSCs-UE7T-13 cells - under a condition of high cell density. Intriguingly, the migratory ability of the cells was clearly accelerated by a knockdown of VCAM1. Furthermore, the migratory ability of UE7T-13 cells was decreased by the over expression of exogenous VCAM1. In addition, the high cell density-induced expression of VCAM1 was clearly suppressed by NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB) signalling-related protein kinase inhibitors such as an IKK-2 (IκB kinase-2) inhibitor VI. In conclusion, the high cell density-induced VCAM1 expression through the NF-κB pathway inhibits the migratory ability of human bone marrow-derived MSCs.

Effects of reward and punishment on task performance, mood and autonomic nervous function, and the interaction with personality.

The effects of reward and punishment are different, and there are individual differences in sensitivity to reward and punishment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of reward and punishment on task performance, mood, and autonomic nervous function, along with the interaction with personality. Twenty-one healthy female subjects volunteered for the experiment. The task performance was evaluated by required time and total errors while performing a Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. We assessed their personalities using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) questionnaire, and mood states by a profile of mood states. Autonomic nervous function was estimated by a spectral analysis of heart rate variability, baroreflex sensitivity, and blood pressure. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant interaction of condition x time course on mood and autonomic nervous activity, which would indicate a less stressed state under the rewarding condition, but revealed no significant interaction of condition x time course on the task performance. The interactions with personality were further analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA applying the clinical scales of MMPI as independent variables, and significant interactions of condition x time course x Pt (psychasthenia) on task performance, mood, and blood pressure, were revealed. That is, the high Pt group, whose members tend to be sensitive and prone to worry, showed gradual improvement of task performance under the punishing situation with slight increase in systolic blood pressure, while showed no improvement under the rewarding situation with fatigue sense attenuation. In contrast, the low Pt group, whose members tend to be adaptive and self-confident, showed gradual improvement under the rewarding situation. Therefore, we should carefully choose the strategy of reward or punishment, considering the interaction with personality as well as the context in which it is given.

Tumoral calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease of the temporomandibular joint: identification on crystallography.

This paper reports a case of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystal deposition in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of a 59-year-old man with the chief complaint of severe pain in the left TMJ. On CT a radiopaque area was seen around the condylar process of the left TMJ with irregular destructive bony changes. A provisional diagnosis of crystalline-induced arthritis was made on histopathology of a biopsy specimen. Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction showed both CPPD and hydroxyapatite (HA) in the crystalline materials. Identification of these two types of crystal in crystal deposition disease of TMJ, using crystallography, is discussed.

Optokinetic nystagmus and after-nystagmus during a 6 hour bedrest study.

CONCLUSIONS: A lengthy alteration of gravity direction produced different effects on the intrinsic horizontal and vertical optokinetic oculomotor systems. OBJECTIVE: To examine both optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) and optokinetic after-nystagmus (OKAN) in a 6 h 6 degrees head-down bedrest study, in which the subjects were kept lying under simulated micro-gravity conditions. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In six normal healthy adults, we repeatedly (five times) and comparatively studied OKN and OKAN evoked by horizontal and vertical stimuli. Stage 1 was an upright sitting position. During the 6 h bedrest condition, we studied OKN and OKAN in 90 degrees recumbent lateral positions (stages 2, 3, and 4). In stage 5 the subject returned to an upright position. RESULTS: We confirmed that the change in gravity direction had various effects on the condition of OKN and OKAN. Also, we found that it took more than 3 h to reach a desirable level of systemic adaptive modification to the unique environmental condition. We considered that the early change was basically due to the changes in sensory inputs through the otolith organs, and the latter changes represented the adaptive process of the spatial orientation system. During the tilt, the occurrence rates of both horizontal and vertical OKANs were decreased; however, the conditions of these changes were different.

Naftopidil monotherapy vs naftopidil and an anticholinergic agent combined therapy for storage symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A prospective randomized controlled study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of alpha1-adrenoceptor (alpha1-AR) antagonist monotherapy with combination therapy using alpha1-AR antagonist and anticholinergic agent for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with storage symptoms as the chief complaint. METHODS: In this prospective comparative study, either 25-75 mg/day of naftopidil monotherapy (monotherapy group) or combination therapy using 25-75 mg/day of naftopidil and an anticholinergic agent (10-20 mg/day of propiverine hydrochloride or 2-6 mg/day of oxybutynin hydrochloride; cotherapy group) were administered for 12 weeks to 101 BPH patients with storage symptoms. RESULTS: International prostate symptom score (IPSS) and quality of life (QOL) index improved significantly in both groups, with no marked differences between groups. Maximum flow rate (Qmax) and residual urine volume (RUV) tended to improve in both groups, again with no marked differences between groups. However, median post-therapeutic RUV was significantly worse for the cotherapy group (45.0 mL) than for the monotherapy group (13.5 mL; P = 0.0210). Ratio of patients with increased RUV was also significantly worse for cotherapy (22.9%) than for monotherapy (5.0%; P = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Although the anticholinergic dosage was low, the present results suggest that naftopidil monotherapy was as useful as combination therapy of naftopidil and an anticholinergic agent. Therefore, naftopidil is a useful agent as the first choice in BPH patients with storage symptoms.

Effects of daily walking on subjective symptoms, mood and autonomic nervous function.

It is well known that moderate exercise is beneficial to health. However, the effects of exercise on subjective symptoms in relation to mood and autonomic nervous function have not yet been fully examined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of daily walking on subjective symptoms as well as on mood and autonomic nervous function in people who take no medication but have some general physical complaints. We assessed their symptoms by the Cornell Medical Index (CMI), and mood states by a profile of mood states (POMS) and a frontal alpha laterality ratio. Autonomic nervous function was evaluated by a supine rest basal level, reactivity to orthostatic challenge (physiological stimulus) and to a self-programmed videogame (psychophysiological stimulus) of heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), baroreflex sensitivity and blood pressure (BP). Repeated measures analysis of variance showed no significant group (control and walking group) x time (pre- and post- walking period) interaction of CMI scores. In contrast, the A-H sub-scale (anger and hostility) of POMS and basal HR significantly decreased after a 4-week walking period in a walking group compared to a control group. Negative mood score of POMS reduced, and basal high-frequency component of HRV and reactivity to orthostatic challenge of baroreflex sensitivity increased marginally significantly compared to the control group. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant contribution of A-H to the physical score of CMI, which showed a marginally significant reduction after the experimental period in the walking group. These results suggest that daily walking can improve mood states and shift autonomic balance to parasympathetic predominance, and may consequently contribute to the reduction of subjective symptoms.

Meningitis-retention syndrome. An unrecognized clinical condition.

BACKGROUND: A combination of acute urinary retention and aseptic meningitis has not been well known. This combination can be referred to as meningitis-retention syndrome (MRS), when accompanied by no other abnormalities. OBJECTIVE: To describe the results of a uro-neurological assessment in our patients with MRS. METHODS: In three patients (two men, one woman; age, 34-68 years), we performed urodynamic studies and relevant imaging and neurophysiological tests, in addition to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination. RESULTS: All three patients developed acute urinary retention along with headache, fever and stiff neck. None had obvious neurological abnormalities, other than a slightly brisk reflex in the lower extremities. One had previously experienced generalized erythematous eruptions, but none had pain, hypalgesia or skin eruptions in the sacral dermatomes suggestive of Elsberg syndrome (infectious sacral polyradiculitis; mostly genital herpes). Brain/spinal/lumbar plexus MRI scans and nerve conduction studies were normal. CSF examination showed mild mononuclear pleocytosis, increased protein content, and normal to mildly decreased glucose content in all patients; increased myelin basic protein suggestive of central nervous system demyelination in one; and increased viral titers in none. Urodynamic study revealed, during the voiding phase, an underactive detrusor in all patients and an unrelaxing sphincter in one. These clinical manifestations were ameliorated within 3 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: We reported three cases of MRS, a peculiar syndrome that could be regarded as a mild variant of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). Urinary retention might reflect acute shock phase of this disorder. Although MRS has a benign and self-remitting course, management of the acute urinary retention is necessary.

Interactive effects of task difficulty and personality on mood and heart rate variability.

Susceptibility to stress would presumably be different from person to person and be affected by the cause of the given stress. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interactive effects of task difficulty and subject's personality on mood and autonomic nervous function when stress was induced experimentally by tasks involving 3 degrees of difficulty: easy (Task A), difficult but controllable (Task B), and very difficult and uncontrollable (Task C). Twelve healthy female subjects volunteered for the experiment. We assessed their personalities using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) questionnaire. Mood states were evaluated by a profile of mood states and a frontal alpha laterality ratio (FALR). Autonomic nervous function was estimated by a spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV). Repeated measures analysis of variance applied to two groups (low- and high-) divided by a median split of MMPI clinical scales, revealed significant interactions of time course x task difficulty x Hs (hypochondriasis) in FALR and time course x task difficulty x Pt (psychasthenia) in a low-frequency component and in a high-frequency component of HRV, and in FALR. The differences between low- and high-Hs, and low- and high-Pt were more obvious in Task B session. High-Hs group, whose members tend to place overemphasis on existing physical disorders, showed more negative FALR throughout the session, which would indicate prolonged negative mood possibly due to the task. High-Pt group, whose members tend to be susceptible to stress, showed sympathetic predominance during task period and parasympathetic predominance after task period, which would imply a tendency to overreact. These results suggest that task difficulties would affect mood states assessed by FALR and/or autonomic nervous function differently depending on the subject's personality, especially on Hs and Pt.

Occurrence of the spinal reflex due to skin pressure in sudomotor and cutaneous vasoconstrictor nerve system of humans.

The effects of skin pressure applied to one side of the waist on sudomotor and vasoconstrictor nerve activity were compared with the effects on sweating and cutaneous blood flow in humans. The sweat rate and cutaneous blood flow were measured on left and right dorsal feet. Skin sympathetic nerve activity (SSNA) was recorded by microneurography from a microelectrode inserted in left and right peroneal nerves. Skin pressure was applied in a supine position to the area over the left or right anterior superior iliac spine under warm (T(a): 30-36 degrees C) and cool (T(a): 19-23 degrees C) conditions. Sudomotor and vasoconstrictor bursts were identified for quantitative analysis. The skin pressure increased the contralateral/ipsilateral ratio of the sweat rate. It also increased the contralateral/ipsilateral ratio of the cutaneous blood flow and the contralateral/ipsilateral ratio of the sudomotor burst amplitude. However, skin pressure did not induce any significant changes in the contralateral/ipsilateral ratio of the vasoconstrictor burst amplitude. The results indicate that an asymmetrical reflex effect of skin pressure on vasoconstrictor nerve activity was absent, suggesting that, whereas the ipsilateral suppression of sweating elicited by skin pressure was mediated by the sudomotor nerve system, the ipsilateral suppression of cutaneous blood flow was not mediated by the vasoconstrictor nerve system. Thus, the occurrence of the spinal reflex due to skin pressure is not uniform between the sudomotor and the vasoconstrictor nerve systems, which represent different organizations at the level of spinal cord.