Fundamental Life Sciences

The major objectives of this division are not only to educate students who will conduct research and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the life sciences, but also to develop the basic and application studies on homeostatic regulation abilities of living systems in various situations. Due to the extensive conceptural and experimental advances in life science research in recent years, this field has acquired the status of a distinct scientific discipline. This division, an outgrowth of these developments, offers an integral program which provides broad experience in life science research, including a study of the relevant macro-molecular and cellular process and their underlying biochemical and cell-biological principles. A number of highly qualified biomedical scientists of the division provide a substantial and diverse set of resources for the training of students. The students may attend lectures dealing with common and relevant subjects of the three fields as well as those of the division. The division constitutes three special fields:

Structure and Function of the Human Body

This field is designed to give students advanced knowledge in human biology at the levels of cells, tissues, organs and the complete living organism. The field covers mainly studies on anatomy, histology, anthropology and forensic medicine.

The First Department of Anatomy

Akio Kikuta,Ph.D.,Professor
Tamiji Nakashima,Ph.D.,Assistant Professor

Morphological studies on mechanisms of blood cell recirculation and physiological active substance transfer within the body;
1. Molecular mechanisms of Immunocompetent cell migration within the lymphoid tissues:
2. Three-dimensional architecture of microvascular networks and connective tissue networks functioning as vascular and extravascular transfer paths:
3. Localization of physiological active substances transferred through microvasculature.

Department of Anatomy and Histology

Yoshiaki Doi, MD,Ph.D.,Professor
Hiroyuki Morimoto,DDS,Ph.D.,Associate Professor

1. Ultrastructural, immunocytochemical and biochemical analyses of cell differentiation and function.
2. Morphological analyses on endothelial cell-derived bioactive substances and neovascularization.
3. Morphological studies on post-translational modification and signal transduction.

Department of Forensic Medicine

Noriyuki Tanaka,Ph.D.,Professor

1. Studies on the mechanism of shock.
2. Studies on the organ injuries induced by the e.coli LPS and verotoxin.

Molecular and Cellular Biology

The research subject of this field is correlations between structures, properties, and reactivities at the molecular and cellular levels and the functioning of living systems. The field covers mainly studies on molecular genetics, biochemical oncology, molecular immunology and patho-histology.

Department of Biochemistry

Hikaru Ueno,MD,Ph.D.,Professor

We have found that cancer cells can obtain pluripotency as stem cells, and can
differentiate to various types of cells.
1. Analysis of properties and molecular mechanisms of cancer stem cells.
2. Molecular analysis of tumor angiogenesis, and development of anti-tumor
angiogenesis therapy.

Department of Molecular Biology

Kimitoshi Kohno,MD,Ph.D.,Professor
Hiroto Izumi,MD,Ph.D.,Associate Professor

1. Cancer research for molecular diagnosis and molecular target therapy.
2. Molecular mechanism of gene expression.

Department of Immunology and Parasitology

Tamotsu Kanazawa, MD,Ph.D.,Professor
Yasuhiro Yoshida, Ph.D.,Associate Professor

1. The main research project in our laboratory is to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms of immune responses and to understand the mechanism of immunological diseases such as allergies, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases and tumors. To complete these subjects, we are analyzing the control mechanism of cytokine production such as IL-4, IFN-ƒÁ and IL-12 using several antigens from tumors, bacteria and parasites. Furthermore, we are studying the effect of heavy metals and indoor air polltants on immune responses from the standpoint of ‡€occupational and environmental health‡€ for industrial workers.

Department of Pathology and Cell Biology

Yasuyuki Sasaguri,MD,Ph.D.,Professor

1. Cellular biological and experimental pathological research in vivo and in vitro on histamine functions from a vascular pathological point of view

Biological and Physiological Regulation

This field takes up the study of the physiological system in humoral and cellular regulatory mechanisms in the human body. These fields cover mainly research done in neurobiology, environmental physiology and pharmacodynamics.

Department of Physiology

Yoichi Ueta, MD, Ph.D., Professor

Studies on central regulation of the homeostasis and neurophysiological and neuroendocrine aspects of occupational health.
1. A role of neuroendocrine function on stress response and molecular mechanism.
2. A role of biologically active substances on the neuroendocrine system.
3. Analysis of electrophysiological characteristics and signal transduction in neurosecretory neuron.

Department of Cell and Systems Physiology

Masumi Inoue,MD,Ph.D.,Professor

1. Molecular mechanisms for channel expression in adrenal medullary cells
2. Molecular mechanisms for catecholamine secretion evoked by muscarinic receptor stimulation
3. Molecular mechanisms for GABA-induced catecholamine secretion
4. Hypoxia detection mechanisms in adrenal medullary cells

Department of Pharmacology

Nobuyuki Yanagihara,Ph.D.,Professor

1. Regulation of catecholamine synthesis, secretion and reuptake, and its signal transduction mechanism
2. Molecular biological research on receptors and ion channels in the Xenopus oocyte expression system
3. Nitric oxide research in the central nervous system
4. A new estrogen receptor in plasma membrane and effects of phytoestrogens on catecholamine synthesis and release

Applied Health Sciences

The major objectives of this division are not only to educate graduate students to be leading scientists or faculty staffs in the field of applied health sciences, but also to develop inter-disciplinary approaches which will be required for health promotion and disease prevention both in the present and future industrialized societies. The division was established to integrate the disciplines related to the human environment and the health applying ecological approach to health sciences. Therefore, in cooperation with other divisions, activities in this division will play an important role in attaining the goal of this university. The Division is made up of the following fields:

Environmental Health Science

Principles and methods for assessing various environmental factors related to health will be discussed. Maneuvers to control and to regulate hazardous environmental factors will be also covered.

Department of Environmental Health

Toshihiro Kawamoto,MD,Ph.D.,Professor
Tsunehiro Oyama,MD,Ph.D.,Associate Professor

1. Biological monitoring and biomarker
2. Development of chemical allergy diagnosis
3. Birth cohort study in environmental toxicology
4. Prevention of health disorders by smoking and alcohol
5. Carcinogens and cancer prevention

Department of Radiation Biology and Health

Toshiyuki Norimura,BS,Ph.D.,Professor
Akira Ootsuyama,MVet,Ph.D.,Associate Professor

1. Apoptotic repair of genotoxic tissue damage and role of p53 gene.
2. Molecular mechanisms of radiation-induced cancer.
3. Biological effects of low dose/dose-rate radiation.

Department of Environmental Health Engineering(Environmental Oncology)

Toshihiko Myojo, Ph.D.,Professor
Hiroshi Kasai,Ph.D.,Professor

1. Prevention and control technology of physical and chemical factors causing health problems in the working environment.
2. Risk assessment of toxic chemical materials (especially man-made fiber and nano-materials) with inhalation toxicity experiment.
3. Studies on the mechanism of carcinogenesis caused by active oxygen.

Department of Environmental Epidemiology

Ken Takahashi,MD,Ph.D.,MPH.,Professor
Eun-kee Park,Ph.D.,Associate Professor

1. Epidemiologic survey of occupational diseases and job-related diseases conducted as international collaborative research.
2. Application of epidemiological methods to identify and respond to modern needs of occupational health.
3. Ecological approach to assess the impact of changes in the global environment.

Preventive Medicine and Health Care

This field offers courses to evaluate the effect on health in various environmental situations by means of epidemiological and ecological approaches.
Methods of analyzing health care systems will be studied in order to enhance the efficiency of secondary and tertiary prevention. Epidemiological methodology will be developed and applied in the field studies on human beings.

Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health

Shinya Matsuda,MD,Ph.D.,Professor
Yoshihisa Fujino,MD,MPH,Ph.D.,Associate Professor

1. The current research issues of the department are as follows;

Department of Immunology and Parasitology

Tamotsu Kanazawa,MD,Ph.D.,Professor
Yoshio Osada,Ph.D.,Associate Professor

1. Immunological analysis of schistosomiasis
2. Pathophysiological analysis of malaria
3. Studies on transmission route of alveolar echinococcosis
4. Prevention for tropical diseases

Department of Health Policy and Management

Seichi Horie, MD,Ph.D., MPH ,Professor
Jinro Inoue,Ph.D.,Associate Professor

1. Occupational health legislations and ethics
2. Prevention of overwork related diseases
3. Prevention of heat stroke and measurement of core temperature
4. Prevention of noise-induced hearing loss induced by communication devices
5. Plantar pressure and posture
6. Evaluation of hearing protectors

Neuro|Behavioral Health

Basic concepts and advanced knowledge for clinical and toxicological approaches to neurotoxic diseases are introduced through animal experiments, biochemical neurology, neuropathology and neurophysiology. The field also offers courses in behavioral science and mental health which have an impact on human life in industrialized societies.

Department of Neurology

Sadatoshi Tsuji,MD,Ph.D.,Professor
Takenori@Uozumi,MD.,Associate Professor

1. Basic and clinical studies on the mechanism of neurotoxin in central and peripheral nervous systems,Neurophysiological, pathological, biochemical and molecular studies on central and peripheral nervous systems in various neurological disorders, Sensorimotor integration in movement disorders,
Noninvasive and invasive evaluation of higher brain functions,
Neurophysiological studies of higher brain functions by electrical stimulation of chronic subdural electrodes,Physiological assessment of motor, sensory and visual functions, Molecular and biochemical studies in epilepsy,
Treatment by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in psychiatric and neurological disorders, Research on autonomic nervous functions in psychosomatic disorders.

Department of Psychiatry

Jun Nakamura,MD,Ph.D.,Professor
Reiji Yoshimura,MD,Ph.D.,Associate Professor

1. Research for mental disorders at workplace
2. Molecular-pharmacological study for responses or blood levels of psychotropic drugs
3. Molecular-genetic study for psychiatric disorders
4. Neuroimaging study for psychiatric disorders
5. Research and development of stress management at work

Medical/Occupational Health Sciences

The major objectives of this division are not only to give postgraduate students special and instructive education as medical researchers and instructors in clinical and relevant basic medical science, but also to develop diagnostic techniques and rehabilitation methods in the field of general or occupational medicine including diseases caused by various accidents. The division constitutes three special fields:

Pathognomonic Science

Internal medicine, pathology and microbiology are required subjects. This course is expected to develop the studies on the diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors, autoimmune diseases and other critical infectious diseases caused by environmental factors and to clarify pathological and basic research:that is, through clinical studies on patients and the influence of the research on basic medicine, it is expected that an original study will be developed.

The First Department of Internal Medicine

Yoshiya Tanaka, MD, Ph.D., Professor
Kazuyoshi Saito, MD, Ph.D., Associate Professor

1. Molecular biological research to clarify pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as RA and SLE
2. Clinical research to establish new therapeutic strategies of autoimmune diseases@
3. Molecular biological research to clarify pathogenesis of endocrine and metabolic diseases including DM and osteoporosis
4. Clinical research to establish new therapeutic strategies of endocrine and metabolic diseases
5. Molecular biological research to clarify pathogenesis in hematology and oncology@

Department of Pathology and Oncology

Hiroshi Hashimoto,M.D.,Ph.D.,Professor
Masanori Hisaoka,M.D.,Ph.D.,Associate Professor

1. Immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, cytogenetical and molecular biological studies are conducted in order to elucidate morphological features, histogenesis and biological behavior of human tumors of soft tissue, bone, lung, and digestive organs using paraffin-embedded tissues, fresh frozen tissues and tissue culture cells from biopsy, surgical and autopsy specimens.

Department of Microbiology

Hatsumi Taniguchi,Ph.D.,Professor

1. Molecular analysis of intracellular growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
2. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation method of bacterial flora in clinical specimens of suspicious infectious disease
3. Environmental microbiology : Comprehensive molecular analysis of bacterial flora in soil, water and aerosol

Trauma Surgery

This field covers mainly surgery science including occupational surgical disability. In respect to clinical studies, the field offers credits for general surgery, orthopedics, and rehabilitation which has of late taken on greater social importance.

First Department of Surgery

Koji Yamaguchi,M.D.,Ph.D.,Professor

1. Phathogenesis and prevention of organ damage from the aspect of defence mechanism
2. Living body metabolism function and its reinforcement of organ failure
3. Basic and clinical studies on surgical digestive diseases
4. Environmental factor on carcinogenesis
5. Basic studies on colorectal cancer
6. Basic and clinical studies on familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary cancer
7. Basic and clinical studies on coagulation and haemostasis
8. Ultrastructural Findings in the organ damage of the surgical digestive disease

Second Department of Surgery

Fumihiro Tanaka,MD,Ph.D.,Professor
Takeshi Hanagiri,MD,Ph.D.,Associate Professor

1. Analysis of tumor-specific immune response against malignant tumors and development of tumor-specific immunotherapy.
2. Development of immunotherapies by cancer vaccine and tumor-specific antibody.
3. Detection of micrometastatic tumor cells to make an early detection of cancer.
4. Analysis of biological mechanism of development, growth, and metastasis of cancer.
5. Analysis of mechanism of drug-sensitivity and drug-resistance in molecular targeting agents for malignant tumors.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

Toshitaka Nakamura,M.D.,Ph.D.,Professor
Akinori Sakai,MD,Ph.D.,Associate Professor

1. Clinical and basic research on the diseases of the locomotion system
2. Relationship between low back pain and standing posture
3. ‚cegeneration of the bone and cartilage
4. Molecular mechanism of bone formation and resorption
5. Changes of bone mass and structure by regulating bone turnover
6. Bone dynamics in rheumatoid arthritis


Department of Rehabilitation Medicine

Kenji Hachisuka,MD,Ph.D.,Professor
Satoru Saeki,MD,DMSc,Associate Professor

1. Studies on pathophysiology of physical impairments and development of therpeutic exercises
2. Studies on pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of higher brain dysfunctions
3. development of evaluating instruments for disabilities and epidemiological studies
4. Studies on return to work for physically disabled persons

Occupational Medicine

This field covers mainly studies on internal, dermatological and urological medicine, as well as chronic occupational disabilities.
Highly qualified clinical or basic medical scientists of these three special fields are assigned to this division. The students may attend lectures dealing with common problems of the three fields as well as those of the division. A comprehensive knowledge in a student's speciality will be attained through taking systematic lectures consisting of internal medicine, surgery and basic medicine.

The Third Department of Internal Medicine

Masaru Harada,MD,Ph.D.,Professor
Akinari Tabaru,MD,Ph.D.,Associate Professor

1. Studies of the mechanisms of liver injury in viral hepatitis and the development of its treatment
2. Molecular mechanisms of Wilson disease
3. The role of Mallory-Denk body in various liver diseases
4. The role of autophagy in pathogenesis of various liver diseases
5. Elucidation of the pathology of acute and chronic pancreatitis and development of their new therapeutic strategies

Department of Dermatology

Motonobu Nakamura,MD,Ph.D.,Associate Professor

1. Mechanisms of contact hypersensitivity and itch
2. Photoimmunology and photobiology
3. Diagnosis and treatments of cutaneous lymphomas and malignant melanoma
4. Occupational skin diseases
5. Hair biology and regeneration

Department of Urology

Tetsuro Matsumoto,MD,Ph.D.,Professor
Naohiro Fujimoto,MD,Ph.D.,Associate Professor

1. Basic and clinical studies on urinary tract infections and urogenital cancer
2. Basic and clinical studies on injury of urogenital tract
3. Basic and clinical studies on operation for preservation of urinary tract, especially for reconstructive surgery
4. Clinical studies for endourology
5. Basic and clinical studies on male infertility and erectile dysfunction

Clinical/Biomedical Informatics

The major objectives of this division are not only to give postgraduate students special and instructive education as medical researchers and instructors in clinical and relevant applied medical science, but also to develop pathomedical informatics in the fields of clinical and diagnostic medicine. An overall interest in these research fields is encouraged, and collaborative programs can be arranged in related fields of study in other divisions of the Graduate School. Highly qualified medical scientists of the three special fields are assigned to this division. The students may attend lectures dealing with common problems of these fields as well as those of the Division:

Physiological Informatics

This field covers mainly the clinical studies on internal medicine, including research on the regulation of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as radiological diagnosis.

The Second Department of Internal Medicine

Yutaka Otsuji, MD, Ph.D., Professor
Masahiro Okazaki, MD, Ph.D., Associate Professor

1. Biological and biochemical mechanism of arteriosclerosis, physiology of circulation, electrocardiology, echocardiography, diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmia, pathophygiology of respiration, immuno-biochemistry of occupational and environmental lung disease, clinico-pathology of renal disease, pathophysiology of ischemic heart disease, immunology and morphology of renal disease.

Department of Radiology

Yukunori Korogi,MD,Ph.D.,Professor
Takatoshi Aoki,MD,Ph.D.,Associate Professor

1. Optimization of imaging examinations. Clinical application of computer-aided diagnosis on chest, breast, and neuro imagings.
2. Clinical studies on CT and MR.
3. Nuclear Medicine diagnosis using information processing.
4. Basic and clinical studies on combination treatment of radiation and hyperthermia for advanced cancer.

Department of Respiratory Medicine

Hiroshi Mukae,MD,Ph.D.,Professor
Chiharu Yoshii,M.D.,Ph.D.,FCCP.,Associate Professor

1. Diagnosis and treatment of interstitial lung diseases
2. Studies on airpollution and respiratory diseases
3. Studies on respiratory infection.

Department of Ergonomics

Masaharu Kumashiro,Ph.D.,Professor
Hiroyuki Izumi, Ph.D.,Associate Professor

1. Research of poor working posture for low back pain prevention
2. Research of mental workload and occupational stress
3. Research of aging and work ability

Pathological Informatics

This field covers mainly the clinical studies on central nervous systems including research on neurophysiology, ophthalmology, neurootology and anesthesiology.

Department of Neurosurgery

Shigeru Nishizawa,MD,Ph.D.,Professor
Junkoh Yamamoto,MD,Ph.D.,Associate Professor

1. Pathophysiology cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage
2. Early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Department of Ophthalmology

Akihiko Tawara,MD,DSc,Professor
Hiroyuki Kondo,MD,DSc,Associate Professor

1. Morphological, histochemical and immunohistochemical studies on eyes with or without ocular diseases including, glaucoma and retinal degenereation.
2. Clinical and experimental studies on ocular circulation.
3. Influence of VDT works on ocular functions.
4. Age related changes of optical functions such as ocular accommodation, pupillary reactions and convergence.
5. Genetic analysis for ocular diseases

Department of Otorinolaryngology

Hideaki Suzuki,MD,Ph.D.,Professor

1. Research on the pathogenesis of inflammatory upper respiratory tract diseases
Study on the treatment of middle ear diseases
Pathological and molecular biological analysis of head and neck tumors

Department of Anesthesiology

Takeyoshi Sata,MD,Ph.D.,Professor
Takashi Kawasaki,MD,Ph.D.,Associate Professor

1. Research regarding effects of anesthetics on changes of hemodynamics, metabolism, autonomic nerve regulation, endocrine and cytokines secretion induced by surgical stress.
2. Research on both pathogenesis and mechanism of pain and development of new therapy against severe pain.

Diagnostic Informatics

This field covers advanced courses in pediatrics, developmental physiology, obstetrics and patho-medical diagnostics.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Toru Hachisuga,MD,Ph.D.,Professor
Yusuke Matsuura,MD,Ph.D.,Associate Professor

1. Basic and clinical studies on gynecologic oncology, and reproductive medicine, and perinatal medicine mediated with an ultrasonographic technique.

Department of Pediatrics


Koichi Kusuhara, MD, PhD, Professor
Masayuki Shimono, MD, PhD, Associate Professor

Thrombosis as well as malignancy is a main cause of death in our country.
1. Research on genetic susceptibility to childhood diseases
2. Research on pathophysiology of febrile illnesses in childhood
3. Molecular analysis of bleeding disorders
4. Evaluation of higher brain fanction using event-related potential
5. Analysis of age-related change in gastric movement

Department of Laboratory and Transfusion Medicine

Toshiyuki Ota,MD,PhD,Professor

1. Study on properties and pathophysiological role of human autoantibodies
2. Measurement and clinical significance of proteins with or without posttranslational modification
3. Standardization and utility of musculoskeletal ultrasound in rheumatic diseases