Anatomy

Staff List

Summary of Activity

The purpose of our study is to clarify functional roles of the brain and the nervous system on a neuroanatomical basis. Projects are underway to reveal the functionally essential neuronal population (minimum neuron number related to a specific function) and to promote the neural and axonal regeneration in the central and peripheral nervous system. Additionally, quantification of the whole number of specific neurons is estimated by reliable stereological techniques.

Research Subject

• ・ Functionally essential neuronal population
• ・ Morphological and functional correlates of the various nervous system
• ・ Functional regeneration of the central olfactory tract
• ・ Functional regeneration of the peripheral nerve

Outlook for Research

Recently, regenerative medicine is regarded as an effective method to repair nerve damage.
It is very important to determine how many neurons or how many axon fibers are essential for maintaining the function. We aim to promote neuronal regeneration and functional recovery.

Major Publications

1. Fukushima N, Kobayashi T, Kakegawa A, Sumitomo N, Nagira A, Moriizumi T. Hypoglossal nerve injury with long nerve resection leading to slow motoneuron death. Neurosci Lett 715: 134668, 2020.

2. Kakegawa A, Fukushima N, Sumitomo N, Nagira A, Moriizumi T, Mori Y. Continuous and Connective Fibers of the Lateral Ankle Ligament Complex. J Foot Ankle Surg 59: 679-684, 2020.

3. Karasawa M, Yokouchi K, Kawagishi K, Moriizumi T, Fukushima N. Effects of various lengths of hypoglossal nerve resection on motoneuron survival. J Clin Neurosci 60: 128-131, 2019.

4. Karasawa M, Yokouchi K, Kawagishi K, Moriizumi T, Fukushima N. Effects of repeated nerve injuries at different time intervals on functional recovery and nerve innervation. J Clin Neurosci 48: 185-190, 2018.

5. Fukushima N, Yokouchi K, Kuroiwa M, Kawagishi K, Moriizumi T. Acetyl-l-carnitine enhances myelination of regenerated fibers of the lateral olfactory tract. Neurosci Lett 653: 215-219, 2017.

6. Fukushima N, Karasawa M, Yokouchi K, Sumitomo N, Kawagishi K, Moriizumi T. Stereological assessment of the total number of hypoglossal neurons after repeated crush injuries to the hypoglossal nerve in adult rats. Neurol Res 39: 183-188, 2017.

7. Kuroiwa M, Fukushima N, Yokouchi K, Kawagishi K, Moriizumi T. Morphological analysis of regenerated bulbar fibers in relation to neonatal olfaction. Brain Res Bull 127: 66-73, 2016.

8. Karasawa M, Yokouchi K, Kakegawa A, Kawagishi K, Moriizumi T, Fukushima N. Effect of graded nerve pressure injuries on motor function. J Neurosurg 122: 1438-1443, 2015.

9. Kakegawa A, Yokouchi K, Itsubo T, Kawagishi K, Karasawa M, Moriizumi T, Fukushima N.　Correlation between motor function and axonal morphology in neonatally sciatic nerve-injured rats. Anat Sci Int 90: 97-103, 2015.

10. Fukushima N, Yokouchi K, Kawagishi K, Karasawa M, Kuroiwa M, Moriizumi T. Two specific tongue regions receive bilateral hypoglossal innervation: A study in neonatal rat pups. Arch Oral Biol 60: 432-438, 2015.