Ph.D., 2000, Graduate School of Hiroshima University

DDS, 1996, Tohoku University School of Dentistry

Tetsuji Nakamoto, DDS, Ph.D.

Research Assistant Professor of Pharmacology & Physiology in the Center for Oral Biology

Contact Information:
University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry
601 Elmwood Ave, Box 611
Rochester, New York 14642
Kornberg Medical Research Building(G-9625)
Phone: (585) 273-1737; Lab: (585) 275-8705
Fax: (585) 276-0190

Email: Tetsuji_Nakamoto@urmc.rochester.edu

Research: The regulation of ion and water transport in salivary glands.

OVERVIEW

Hyposalivation is a common consequence of Sjogren’s syndrome, and as a side effect of radiation therapy and certain medications. Artificial saliva and some pharmacological therapies have been introduced to compensate for salivary gland dysfunction, however, with very limited success. Alternative possible ways to restore function include gene transfer or induction of hyperplasia. The former involves increasing the expression of membrane proteins associated with fluid secretion, while the latter involves increasing salivary gland mass. The goal of both methods is to ultimately increase the amount of fluid secretion. Salivary glands are composed of two basic cell types, acinar and duct cells, but the main cellular target in both methods are frequently duct cells. However, most salivary gland reports have focused exclusively on acinar cells. To elucidate duct cell function, we are examining mice with gene disruptions (e.g., Na-H and anion exchangers, K and Cl channels, Na-K-2Cl cotransporter, and aquaporin 5). The expression level of these transport proteins differs in the two cell types. A multidisplinary approach is being utilized. We are comparing saliva secreted in vivo in response to various agonists whose effects on each cell type differ, as well as fluorometric and electrophysiology methods to analyze the dynamic changes in intracellular ions. In addition, we have recently established an arterial perfusion technique in mice, which is a powerful tool to determine the function of target membrane proteins.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Click to see publications by Dr. Nakamoto indexed in the National Library of Medicine's PubMed database