Eni Šebeljaさん

It all began with my spontaneous decision to apply for a scientific research exchange at Hyogo Medical University. At the time, it felt more like a random leap of curiosity than a carefully planned step in my academic journey. When I told my parents about it, they were convinced I was joking, certain that I would never actually go through with such an idea. In the end, I was proud to be selected for what I knew would be an amazing journey. The excitement of being chosen was quickly followed by a wave of nervousness.

My first day at Hyogo Medical University was both exciting and overwhelming. The campus was larger than I had imagined, with modern facilities and a lively atmosphere. I was assigned to the Department of Neurophysiology, where I was welcomed by Professor Hidemasa Furue. From our very first meeting, he was kind, approachable, and genuinely interested in helping me make the most of my time at the university. He took the time to show me around the department, introduce me to other researchers, and explain the projects currently in progress. The entire team was incredibly supportive. Each member personally introduced me to their projects and research, explaining the purpose and methods in a way that was easy to follow. They made a genuine effort to ensure I understood every step, answering my questions with patience and clarity. Professor didn’t just focus on showing me everything in the lab, he also made a real effort to help me experience Japan and its culture. He shared many stories about local traditions and history, and even took us out to dinner where we enjoyed traditional Japanese dishes. He also brought a variety of Japanese snacks and sweets for us to try, turning those moments into fun and memorable cultural experiences.

As I mentioned earlier, I had the opportunity to learn about several experiments during my stay. To begin, I will describe in more detail the research conducted by Mingwei Zhao, titled Optogenetic Modulation of Spinal Pain Pathways for Potential Clinical Applications. On our first meeting, she introduced me to the aims and background of her study, and during our next session, she demonstrated the experiment itself. She explained that her work involved using in vivo mice, which were subsequently subjected to sleep deprivation. Following this procedure, a section of the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion was extracted. Using the patch clamp technique, she attempted to stimulate these tissues to record specific responses. The primary goal was to compare pain responses between mice exposed to sleep deprivation and those in the control group.

The next project I learned about was conducted by Akihiro Yamada, titled Properties of Nav1.8ChR2-positive and Nav1.8ChR2-negative afferent mechanoreceptors in the hindpaw glabrous skin of mice. He provided me with a detailed explanation of his work, which focused on how touch sensations are transmitted through Merkel cells. His research revealed that the transmitter responsible for this process is, in fact, the proton. This finding later became the foundation for further studies that confirmed the role of the hydrogen proton in pain transmission. His current research explores the relationship between pain and touch, specifically how they interact when, for example, pressing a painful area leads to a reduction in perceived pain. I found this topic particularly fascinating and truly hope his work will be successful.

Next, I had the opportunity to learn about the research of Satoshi Okumura, titled Olfactory Influence on Pain Thresholds Mediated by the Locus Coeruleus Descending Pathway. He first explained the main idea behind his work, which investigates how mice respond to pain when
exposed to different scents. He then demonstrated the experiment to me. Several bottles contained scents of varying intensities, some pleasant and others unpleasant, which were released to the mice one by one. After exposure, he tested and compared their pain responses under both pleasant and unpleasant olfactory conditions. Observing the experiment was truly fascinating and offered an intriguing perspective on the connection between sensory perception and pain modulation.

During my research at the Department of Neurophysiology, I became familiar with a fundamental technique widely used in neuroscience called patch clamp. This method enables scientists to examine the electrical properties of individual cells by measuring the ionic currents that pass through their membranes. The procedure involves attaching a tiny glass pipette to a small patch of a cell’s membrane, allowing researchers to record the flow of ions in and out of the cell. This information is crucial for understanding how cells communicate and function, especially in neurological studies. The patch clamp technique has several variations, each suited for specific types of investigations. One common type is the cell attached mode, where the pipette forms a tight seal on a small patch of the membrane without breaking it. This allows the study of ion channels in their natural environment. Another frequently used mode is the whole cell configuration, where the membrane patch is ruptured to provide electrical access to the entire cell. This setup enables researchers to measure the overall ionic currents across the cell membrane. Additionally, there are the inside out and outside out patch types. The inside out patch involves excising a patch of membrane with the intracellular side exposed to the external environment, which is particularly useful for studying how intracellular molecules affect ion channel behavior. Conversely, the outside out patch occurs when the pipette is pulled away after forming a whole cell configuration, resulting in a small membrane patch with the extracellular side facing outward. This configuration is ideal for examining the effects of extracellular substances on ion channels.

My friends Chiaki, Ikutoshi, and their group of friends were incredibly helpful throughout my stay. They guided us around, making sure we knew how to navigate the city and were always there whenever we needed assistance. One of the most memorable experiences they arranged was taking us to a baseball game of the famous Hanshin Tigers baseball team, tickets to which are notoriously difficult to obtain. Chiaki invited us to a traditional Japanese dinner and showed us how locals celebrate by lighting fireworks. Additionally, she taught us how to prepare traditional takoyaki during a multicultural dinner we hosted, where everyone cooked a dish from their own culture. Ikutoshi also showed us one polular restaurant and later we went bowling.

Participating in an exchange program in Japan was a transformative experience that combined cultural immersion with academic growth. During my time there, I not only had the opportunity to explore the country’s rich traditions and modern innovations, but also to conduct research that expanded my understanding of medicine. Living and studying in Japan allowed me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, improve my intercultural communication skills, and gain new perspectives that will shape both my personal and professional life. I am deeply grateful to everyone who played a part in making this chapter of my life truly unforgettable. Their support, kindness, and generosity not only enriched my experience but also left a lasting impact on me. I will carry the memories, lessons, and friendships I made during this time with me forever.