Assoc. Prof. Shigeru Kobayashi M.D., Ph.D.

Name:

Shigeru KOBAYASHI

Title:

Associate Professor

Date of birth:

September 2, 1957

Field:

Spinal Surgery

Membership:

International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine (ISSLS): Active Member, Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS): Active Member, Société Internationale de Chirurgie Orthopédique et de Traumatologie (SIROT): Member

Interests:

Ski, Swimming

Research Outline:

One of our main areas of interest is how disc pathology disturbs the blood supply and normal function of the nerve root. In order to study this in vivo we have developed techniques for imaging blood flow to the nerve root. We has examined how experimental manipulations such as compression or simulated disc herniation, affect blood flow in acute and chronic models by measuring changes in oxygen delivery using microelectrodes. We have also developed methods to follow blood flow and capillary permeability using MRI with gadolinium enhancement (Spine 1993). We have used these techniques to follow acute and also chronic changes to the circulation (Am J Neuroradiol, 2006, Spine 1995, 2003, 2007, 2008). We extended these studies to examine the effects of long-term compression on nerve tissue itself in particular in regard to changes in blood vessel wall permeability and in the blood-brain barrier (J Orthop Res, 2001, Spine 2007, 2008) and has thus developed a model of normal and pathological circulatory dynamics of the lumbar nerve root (Spine, 2000).

Message:

At present, we have developed our research interests to follow spontaneous regression of prolapsed intervertebral discs and the role of macrophages and inflammatory mediators in this process. We have also developed our research interests to follow tissue engineering of intervertebral disc using 3D-disc culture system　(J Neurosurg Spine 2007, J Orthop Res 2008). Our work has been able to elucidate the role of environment and nutrient supply of degenerated disc in this process. These studies have been published in several book chapters and proceedings as well as presented at meetings.