ABSTRACT
Chylothorax without chyle cervical leakage after neck dissection it is extremely rare. We report a case of bilateral chylothorax without chyle cervical leakage after left neck dissection, wherein partial left upper jaw resection and left radical neck dissection were performed in a 46-year-old woman who was diagnosed with left upper gingival cancer. The thoracic duct was ligated and cut during surgery and, although no obvious leakage of lymph was observed, dyspnea and cough reflex during deep inhalation were observed from the third postoperative day. Approximately 600 mL of yellowish-white pleural effusion was aspirated during bilateral thoracentesis, and chylothorax was diagnosed based on clinical findings and biochemical analysis results. The patient was put on a low-fat diet on the fourth postoperative day. Pleural effusion disappeared on imaging examination 16 days after thoracentesis.
ABSTRACT
Intratumoral ligation is used to treat venous malformations; however, its clinical course and efficacy remain largely unknown. We report the case of a patient with a large venous malformation of the tongue who underwent successful intratumoral ligation. A 26-year-old woman presented to our clinic with a chief complaint of tongue swelling. Based on the results of imaging examinations and her medical history, a lingual venous malformation was diagnosed. The lesion was too large for surgical resection and the patient refused sclerosing therapy. We therefore carried out intratumoral ligation. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, the lesion disappeared almost completely, and her tongue regained its normal shape and function. In conclusion, intratumoral ligation could be a useful technique for treating large orofacial venous malformations.
Subject(s)
Tongue , Female , Humans , Adult , Tongue/surgery , LigationABSTRACT
Cross-reactivity of metal allergies can make metal allergy treatment complicated because the background of immune response in cross-reactions remains unknown. In clinical settings, cross-reactivity among several metals has been suspected. However, the precise mechanism of immune response in cross-reactivity is unclear. Two sensitizations with nickel, palladium, and chromium plus lipopolysaccharide solution into the postauricular skin were followed by a single nickel, palladium, and chromium challenge of the oral mucosa to generate the intraoral metal contact allergy mouse model. Results showed that the infiltrating T cells in nickel-sensitized, palladium- or chromium-challenged mice expressed CD8+ cells, cytotoxic granules, and inflammation-related cytokines. Thus, nickel ear sensitization can cause cross-reactive intraoral metal allergy.
Subject(s)
Dermatitis, Allergic Contact , Mucositis , Animals , Mice , Nickel , Palladium , Dermatitis, Allergic Contact/etiology , ChromiumABSTRACT
The element chromium (Cr) is a component of several types of alloys found in the environment, or utilized in dentistry, that may cause intraoral metal contact allergy. However, the pathological mechanism of intraoral Cr allergy remains unclear because there is no established animal model of Cr allergy in the oral mucosa. In this study, we established a novel murine model of Cr-induced intraoral metal contact allergy and elucidated the immune response in terms of cytokine profiles and T-cell receptor repertoire. Two sensitizations with Cr plus lipopolysaccharide solution into the postauricular skin were followed by a single Cr challenge of the oral mucosa to generate the intraoral metal contact allergy model. Histological examination revealed that CD3+ T-cells had infiltrated the allergic oral mucosa one day after exposure to the allergen. The increase in T-cell markers and cytokines in allergic oral mucosa was also confirmed via quantitative PCR analysis. We detected Cr-specific T-cells bearing TRAV12D-1-TRAJ22 and natural killer (NK) T-cells in the oral mucosa and lymph nodes. Our model demonstrated that Cr-specific T-cells and potent NKT-cell activation may be involved in the immune responses of Cr-induced intraoral metal contact allergy.
Subject(s)
Chromium , Dermatitis, Allergic Contact , Animals , Mice , Chromium/toxicity , Dermatitis, Allergic Contact/etiology , Disease Models, Animal , Mouth Mucosa/pathology , Skin/pathology , T-LymphocytesABSTRACT
Palladium (Pd) is a component of several alloy types that are widely used in our environment, including several dental alloy types that cause adverse reactions such as hypersensitivity in the oral mucosa. However, the pathological mechanism of intraoral Pd allergies remains unclear because its animal model in the oral mucosa has not been established. In this study, we established a novel murine model of Pd-induced allergies in the oral mucosa, and explored the immune response of cytokine profiles and T cell diversity in terms of the T cell receptor. The Pd-induced allergy mouse was generated by two sensitizations with PdCl2, plus a lipopolysaccharide solution into the postauricular skin followed by a single Pd challenge of the buccal mucosa. Significant swelling and pathological features were histologically evident at five days after the challenge, and CD4-positive T cells producing high levels of T helper 2 type cytokines had accumulated in the allergic oral mucosa. Characterization of the T cell receptor repertoire in Palladium allergic mice indicated that Pd-specific T cell populations were limited in V and J genes but were diverse at the clonal level. Our model demonstrated that a Pd-specific T cell population with Th2 type response tendencies may be involved in the Pd-induced intraoral metal contact allergy.
Subject(s)
Dermatitis, Allergic Contact , Mucositis , Mice , Animals , Palladium , Disease Models, Animal , Receptors, Antigen, T-CellABSTRACT
The early diagnosis and isolation of infected individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remain important. Although quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) testing is considered the most accurate test available for COVID-19 diagnosis, it has some limitations, such as the need for specialized laboratory technicians and a long turnaround time. Therefore, we have established and reported a rapid diagnostic method using a small amount of saliva as a sample using a lightweight mobile qPCR device. This study aimed to improve the existing method and increase the detection sensitivity and specificity. The detection specificity of CDC N1 and N2 was examined by improving qPCR reagents and polymerase chain reaction conditions for the previously reported method. Furthermore, the feasibility of detecting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral RNA was examined using both the previous method and the improved method in patients with COVID-19. The results showed that the improved method increased the specificity and sensitivity. This improved method is useful for the rapid diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2.
ABSTRACT
Herein, we report the orthodontic management of a patient with excessive bone and permanent tooth loss after surgical cyst removal. The patient was a 13-year-old Japanese boy who was referred to our department by an oral surgeon. He had an edentulous space with alveolar bone loss and loss of 2 permanent molars in the left mandibular region, following surgical removal of a large dentigerous cyst. We decided to close this space orthodontically. First, we moved the left mandibular second premolar into the edentulous region and autotransplanted the left maxillary lateral incisor in the adjacent distal space. We then performed comprehensive orthodontic treatment to establish stable occlusion. Following treatment, functional and stable occlusion of all permanent teeth was achieved without any spaces. The findings from this case suggest that orthodontic treatment is effective in growing patients with edentulous spaces and alveolar bone loss.
ABSTRACT
Despite recent advances in treatment, the prognosis of oral cancer remains poor, and prevention of recurrence and metastasis is critical. Olaparib is a PARP1 inhibitor that blocks polyADP-ribosylation, which is involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) characteristic of tumor recurrence. We explored the potential of olaparib in inhibiting cancer invasion in oral carcinoma using three oral cancer cell lines, HSC-2, Ca9-22, and SAS. Olaparib treatment markedly reduced their proliferation, migration, invasion, and adhesion. Furthermore, qRT-PCR revealed that olaparib inhibited the mRNA expression of markers associated with tumorigenesis and EMT, notably Ki67, Vimentin, ß-catenin, MMP2, MMP9, p53, and integrin α2 and ß1, while E-Cadherin was upregulated. In vivo analysis of tumor xenografts generated by injection of HSC-2 cells into the masseter muscles of mice demonstrated significant inhibition of tumorigenesis and bone invasion by olaparib compared with the control. This was associated with reduced expression of proteins involved in osteoclastogenesis, RANK and RANKL. Moreover, SNAIL and PARP1 were downregulated, while E-cadherin was increased, indicating the effect of olaparib on proteins associated with EMT in this model. Taken together, these findings confirm the effects of olaparib on EMT and bone invasion in oral carcinoma and suggest a new therapeutic strategy for this disease.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell , Head and Neck Neoplasms , Mouth Neoplasms , Animals , Cadherins/genetics , Cadherins/metabolism , Carcinogenesis/genetics , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/metabolism , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Movement , Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/genetics , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Head and Neck Neoplasms/genetics , Humans , Mice , Mouth Neoplasms/metabolism , Neoplasm Invasiveness/genetics , Phthalazines , Piperazines , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/geneticsABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Acquiring adequate attached mucosa is important in restoring masticatory function with a removable dental prosthesis or dental implant. In patients with inadequate attached mucosa, a free gingival graft (FGG) with a custom stent is used. However, it is challenging to apply the conventional method for fabricating a stent with a reshaped cast in patients with reconstructed mandibles because the reconstructed mandible has limitations due to a titanium mesh, skin flap, and unique bone morphology. In the present report, we have proposed a new design and fabrication process for a mucocompressive splint via medical engineering to acquire the attached mucosa for the prosthodontic treatment of reconstructed mandibles. METHODS: Three-dimensional (3D) craniomandibular models were reconstructed from a computed tomography dataset after mandibular reconstruction. The dentition region was replaced with highly precise scan data of the dental casts using a 3D scanner. The alveolar ridge mucosa and teeth were ideally designed using the 3D model while referring to the anatomical structures. The jig used to fabricate the working dental cast with artificial gum in real space was designed and fabricated using a 3D printer. The alveolar ridge was altered into a simulated configuration on the articulator using a jig. A mucocompressive splint was fabricated on an altered dental cast. The splint was immediately seated on the mandible without any major adjustments after the FGG. CONCLUSION: Adequate attached mucosa for the prosthodontic treatment of a reconstructed mandible was obtained by the pre-surgical fabrication of a mucocompressive splint through medical engineering.
Subject(s)
Dental Implants , Mandibular Reconstruction , Humans , Mandible/surgery , Mandibular Reconstruction/methods , Splints , TitaniumABSTRACT
We report a palatal mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) with unusual pathological features showing salivary duct cyst-like architecture, varied epithelial linings (excretory duct, mucous goblet cell, and apocrine epithelium phenotypes), scarce luminal tumor plaques, and a large intraluminal oncocytic polyp. To our knowledge, such a unicystic variant of MEC with pedicled oncocytic proliferation in the lumen is unprecedented in the literature. In this particular case, the microscopic diagnosis of MEC is problematic because of the large number of potential mimics.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid/pathology , Palatal Neoplasms/pathology , Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid/diagnosis , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , Palatal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Young AdultABSTRACT
CONTEXT AND PURPOSE: To achieve success following surgical treatment of MRONJ, complete wound closure has been considered necessary; open wound management has not been generally recommended. Therefore, various closure techniques using local flaps have been reported. However, these techniques often increase surgical invasiveness, and there is minimal evidence regarding whether complete wound closure is preferable to open wound management following surgical treatment of MRONJ. The aim of this study was to clarify whether complete wound closure is necessary for successful healing following surgical treatment of MRONJ. PROCEDURES: This retrospective study included 52 patients with stage 2 and 3 MRONJ who underwent surgical treatment. Twenty-seven of the 52 patients received open wound management, while the remaining 25 received complete wound closure management. The outcomes of both groups were evaluated at the 6-month follow-up visit; 'success' was defined as complete mucosal covering without symptoms and 'failure' was defined as the presence of residual bone exposure or progression of disease. MAIN FINDINGS: In the open wound group, 23 patients (85.1%) exhibited 'success' and four patients (14.8%) exhibited 'failure'; in the closed wound group, 21 patients (84.0%) exhibited 'success' and four patients (16.0%) exhibited 'failure'. These outcomes were not significantly different between groups. PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS: Although complete wound closure has many advantages with respect to the healing process, open wound management is also acceptable for patients with difficulty achieving complete wound closure, as well as for surgeons who wish to reduce surgical invasiveness.
Subject(s)
Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw , Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw/etiology , Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw/surgery , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Surgical Flaps/surgery , Wound Closure Techniques , Wound HealingABSTRACT
Containment of SARS-CoV-2 has become an urgent global issue. To overcome the problems of conventional quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) tests, we verified the usefulness of a mobile qPCR device that utilizes mouthwash to obtain a saliva sample with the aim of developing a rapid diagnostic method for SARS-CoV-2. First, we examined whether anyone could easily operate this device. Then, we examined whether RNA in the mouthwash could be detected in a short time. In addition, we investigated whether it was possible to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 infection using mouthwash obtained from COVID-19 patients undergoing hospitalization. The results revealed that all subjects were able to complete the operation properly without error. In addition, RNase P was detected in the mouthwash without pretreatment. The average detection time was 18 min, which is significantly shorter than conventional qPCR devices. Furthermore, this device detected SARS-CoV-2 in the mouthwash of a COVID-19 patient undergoing hospitalization. The above findings verified the efficacy of this diagnostic method, which had a low risk of infection, was technically simple, and provided stable results. Therefore, this method is useful for the rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2.
ABSTRACT
(1) Background: Comparable prognoses after definitive chemoradiation therapy (CRT) to surgery alone for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have been previously reported; however, no robust prognostic markers have been established. The clonality of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and tumor microenvironments (TMEs) in ESCC relapsed after CRT were examined to explore prognostic markers. (2) Methods: Clonality of TIL and TME were examined in ESCC with and without preceding CRT, as well as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and healthy volunteers as controls. The clonality of TIL was assessed by T-cell receptor (TCR) α and ß repertoire analyses and evaluated by diversity indices. The TME was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction evaluating PD-L1 and CD8B. (3) Results: The clonal expansion of TIL was significantly induced within ESCCs and OSCCs, when compared to healthy volunteers, and was mostly induced within ESCCs after definitive CRT. Diversity indices of TIL were not associated with the prognosis, but the ratio of PD-L1 mRNA to CD8B mRNA in TME was significantly associated with a poor prognosis after salvage surgery (p = 0.007). (4) Conclusions: The clonal expansion of TIL is induced after definitive CRT for ESCC, and the ratio of PD-L1 mRNA to CD8B mRNA within tumor tissues is a prognostic marker candidate for salvage esophagectomy after CRT.
Subject(s)
Chemoradiotherapy/methods , Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma/therapy , Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology , Mouth Neoplasms/therapy , T-Lymphocytes/immunology , Tumor Microenvironment , B7-H1 Antigen/metabolism , Biomarkers, Tumor , Biopsy , Endoscopy , Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma/immunology , Esophagectomy , Humans , Mouth Neoplasms/immunology , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , Prognosis , Radiation Dosage , Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism , Salvage TherapyABSTRACT
Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH) is histopathologically characterized by papillary proliferation of vascular endothelial cells. IPEH in the mandible is very rare, such that only four affected patients have been described in the English-language medical literature. Thus, there is a poor understanding of the pathogenesis and clinical features of IPEH in the mandible. This case report describes a patient with IPEH in the mandible who had a history of repeated trauma involving the mandible due to boxing-related and baseball-related injuries. Imaging examinations had diagnostic limitations, in that they showed a multilocular radiolucency suggestive of a simple bone cyst of the mandible, whereas intraoperative findings revealed a fluid-free unicystic cavity lined by a thin red membrane. Thus, histopathologic examinations were necessary for definitive diagnosis. The specimen demonstrated a spongy structure consisting of many small papillary fibrous tissues, lined by a typical monolayer endothelium that expressed CD34, but did not express D2-40 or AE1/AE3. Moreover, the Ki-67 labeling index was <1%. Thus, the lesion was identified as intraosseous IPEH in the mandible. Although the pathogenesis of IPEH has been controversial, our findings in this case suggest that pathogenesis of IPEH may be related to a history of trauma.
Subject(s)
Endothelium, Vascular , Vascular Neoplasms , Diagnosis, Differential , Endothelial Cells , Humans , Hyperplasia/pathology , Mandible/diagnostic imaging , Mandible/surgery , Vascular Neoplasms/pathologyABSTRACT
Metal allergy is usually diagnosed by patch testing, however, the results do not necessarily reflect the clinical symptoms because of cross-reactivity between different metals. In this study, we established the novel mouse model of cross-reactive metal allergy, and aimed to elucidate the immune response in terms of T-cell receptor repertoire. This model was classified into two groups: the sensitization to nickel and challenge with palladium group, and the sensitization to chromium and challenge with palladium group. This model developed spongiotic edema with intra- and peri-epithelial infiltration of CD4+ T cells in the inflamed skin that resembles human contact dermatitis. Using T cell receptor analysis, we detected a high proportion of T cells bearing Trav8d-1-Traj49 and Trav5-1-Traj37 in the Ni- and Cr-sensitized Pd-challenged mice. Furthermore, mucosal-associated invariant T cells and invariant natural killer T cells were also detected. Our results indicated that T cells bearing Trav8d-1-Traj49 and Trav5-1-Traj37 induced the development of palladium-cross reactive allergy, and that mucosal-associated invariant T and invariant natural killer T cells were also involved in the cross-reactivity between different metals.
Subject(s)
Allergens/immunology , Cross Reactions/immunology , Dermatitis, Allergic Contact/etiology , Metals, Heavy/adverse effects , Palladium/adverse effects , Animals , Disease Models, Animal , Disease Susceptibility , Immunohistochemistry , Mice , Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism , T-Lymphocytes/immunology , T-Lymphocytes/metabolismABSTRACT
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (Parp)-1 catalyzes polyADP-ribosylation using NAD+ and is involved in the DNA damage response, genome stability, and transcription. In this study, we demonstrated that aged Parp-1-/- mouse incisors showed more frequent dental dysplasia in both ICR/129Sv mixed background and C57BL/6 strain compared to aged Parp-1+/+ incisors, suggesting that Parp-1 deficiency could be involved in development of dental dysplasia at an advanced age. Computed tomography images confirmed that dental dysplasia was observed at significantly higher incidences in Parp-1-/- mice. The relative calcification levels of Parp-1-/- incisors were higher in both enamel and dentin (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed (1) Parp-1 positivity in ameloblasts and odontoblasts in Parp-1+/+ incisor, (2) weaker dentin sialoprotein positivity in dentin of Parp-1-/- incisor, and (3) bone sialoprotein positivity in dentin of Parp-1-/- incisor, suggesting ectopic osteogenic formation in dentin of Parp-1-/- incisor. These results indicate that Parp-1 deficiency promotes odontogenic failure in incisors at an advanced age. Parp-1 deficiency did not affect dentinogenesis during the development of mice, suggesting that Parp-1 is not essential in dentinogenesis during development but is possibly involved in the regulation of continuous dentinogenesis in the incisors at an advanced age.
Subject(s)
Dental Pulp/pathology , Dentin Dysplasia/etiology , Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental , Incisor/pathology , Odontoblasts/pathology , Odontogenesis , Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase-1/physiology , Age Factors , Animals , Dental Pulp/metabolism , Dentin Dysplasia/pathology , Female , Incisor/metabolism , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Inbred ICR , Mice, Knockout , Odontoblasts/metabolismABSTRACT
RATIONALE: Oral adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) is rare and its origins are controversial. We here present a patient with oral ASC that developed after surgery for oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). PATIENT CONCERNS: A 70-year-old man with SCC on the oral floor underwent surgical resection. However, the enlarged ulcer presented on the oral floor 9 month after surgery. DIAGNOSES: The biopsy of the ulcer revealed a SCC. Imaging examinations detected enhancement of a large lesion expanded to the tongue, but no evidence of regional lymph node or distant metastasis was shown. Based on these results, local recurrence of the cancer was diagnosed (cT4aN0M0). INTERVENTIONS: The surgery for the recurrent tumor was performed. OUTCOMES: The pathological examination of the surgical specimen indicated recurrent tumor was ASC. Thus, histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses of both the initial SCC and the subsequent ASC were performed in an attempt to explore the origin of the ASC. As the results, pathological review of both tumors suggested the subsequent ASC was developed from the tumor cells with adenoid phenotype in the initial SCC. LESSONS: This report suggests that the oral ASC was origin from the oral SCC, which can contribute to new knowledge for pathogenesis of oral cancer.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Adenosquamous/pathology , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology , Mouth Neoplasms/pathology , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/pathology , Aged , Carcinoma, Adenosquamous/surgery , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/surgery , Fatal Outcome , Humans , Male , Mouth Neoplasms/surgery , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/surgeryABSTRACT
The longitudinal change in mandibular volume and configuration was quantitatively evaluated in a patient with craniofacial fibrous dysplasia (FD). The influence of mechanical stress on the enlargement that is characteristic of FD was verified via finite element analysis (FEA). The patient was a 38-year-old man diagnosed with craniofacial FD in the mandible. He underwent surgical reduction of FD, but the lesion continued to grow and caused facial asymmetry and masticatory disturbance because of missing teeth. An occlusal overlay removable partial denture was constructed for his lower jaw. Computed tomography (CT) images were acquired 4 times in 10 years, and 3-dimensional (3-D) models were reconstructed from these data. The 3-D models were analyzed volumetrically and morphologically and used for FEA. The FD lesion in the mandible enlarged nonuniformly and had site specificity. From the results of FEA, it is suggested that compression stress induced by the occlusal force through the denture may have influenced the direction of enlargement in FD.
Subject(s)
Craniofacial Fibrous Dysplasia , Adult , Bite Force , Finite Element Analysis , Humans , Male , Mandible , Stress, MechanicalABSTRACT
It is not widely known that incorrect use of oral bisphosphonates (BPs), such as chewing the medication, can cause oral ulcers. An 83-year-old woman with dementia was referred to our clinic with multiple oral ulcers. Blood and histopathological examinations were inconclusive. Further questioning revealed that the patient chewed the oral BP, resulting in oral ulceration. Patients with loss of cognitive function, such as dementia, are at risk of oral ulcers caused by incorrect use of BPs.
Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease , Bone Density Conservation Agents/adverse effects , Diphosphonates/adverse effects , Imidazoles/adverse effects , Oral Ulcer/chemically induced , Aged, 80 and over , Bone Density Conservation Agents/administration & dosage , Diphosphonates/administration & dosage , Female , Humans , Imidazoles/administration & dosageABSTRACT
Nickel is a component of several alloy types that are widely used in our environment, including several dental alloy types that cause intraoral metal contact allergy. However, metal-specific immune responses in the oral mucosa have not been elucidated because a suitable animal model has not been established. In this study, we established a novel murine model of nickel-induced intraoral metal contact allergy and aimed to elucidate the immune response in terms of T-cell receptor repertoire and cytokine profiles in inflamed oral mucosa. The intraoral metal contact allergy model was induced by two sensitizations of nickel plus lipopolysaccharide solution into the postauricular skin followed by a single nickel challenge of the buccal mucosa. Cytokine expression profiles and T-cell phenotypes were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. T cells accumulated in the cervical lymph nodes and inflamed oral mucosa were characterized by analyzing their T-cell receptor α- and ß-chain repertoires, and the nucleotide sequences of complementary determining region 3. Significant swelling and pathological features were histologically evident at 1 day after challenge in mice with nickel allergy. At 1 day after the challenge, CD8-positive T cells producing high levels of T helper 1 type cytokines had accumulated in the allergic oral mucosa. At 7 days after the challenge, excessive nickel allergy in the oral mucosa was suppressed by regulatory T cells. Characterization of the T-cell receptor repertoire in nickel allergic mice revealed the presence of natural killer T cells and T cells bearing Trav6-6-Traj57 at 1 day after the challenge. Our murine model of nickel-induced intraoral metal contact allergy showed that natural killer T cells and T cells bearing Trav6-6-Traj57 might be involved in the immune responses of nickel-induced intraoral metal contact allergy.