Published papers

The auditory brainstem response (ABR) is a scalp recording of potentials produced by sound stimulation, and is commonly used as an indicator of auditory function. However, the ABR threshold, which is the lowest audible sound pressure, cannot be objectively determined since it is determined visually using a measurer, and this has been a problem for several decades. Although various algorithms have been developed to objectively determine ABR thresholds, they remain lacking in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and convenience. Accordingly, we proposed an improved algorithm based on the mutual covariance at adjacent sound pressure levels. An ideal ABR waveform with clearly defined waves I–V was created; moreover, using this waveform as a standard template, the experimentally obtained ABR waveform was inspected for disturbances based on mutual covariance. The ABR testing was repeated if the value was below the established cross-covariance reference value. Our proposed method allowed more efficient objective determination of ABR thresholds and a smaller burden on experimental animals.

Intercellular cross-talk between osteoblasts and osteoclasts is important for controlling bone remolding and maintenance. However, the precise molecular mechanism by which osteoblasts regulate osteoclastogenesis is still largely unknown. Here, we show that osteoblasts can induce Ca2+ oscillation-independent osteoclastogenesis. We found that bone marrow-derived monocyte/macrophage precursor cells (BMMs) lacking inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type2 (IP3R2)did not exhibit Ca2+ oscillation or differentiation into multinuclear osteoclasts in response to recombinant receptor activator of NF-κB Ligand/macrophage colony-stimulating factor stimulation. IP3R2 knockout BMMs, however, underwent osteoclastogenesis when they were cocultured with osteoblasts or in vivo in the absence of Ca2+ oscillation. Furthermore, we found that Ca 2+ oscillation-independent osteoclastogenesis was insensitive to FK506, a calcineurin inhibitor. Taken together, we conclude that both Ca 2+ oscillation/calcineurin-dependent and -independent signaling pathways contribute to NFAT1 activation, leading to efficient osteoclastogenesis in vivo. © 2008 by The National Academy of Sciences of the USA.