Satellite glial cells in sensory ganglia play a wider role in chronic pain via multiple mechanisms

Satellite glial cells are unique glial cells that surround the cell body of primary sensory neurons.An increasing body of evidence suggests that in the presence of inflammation and nerve damage,a significant number of satellite glial cells become activated,thus triggering a series of functional changes.This suggests that satellite glial cells are closely related to the occurrence of chronic pain.In this review,we first summarize the morphological structure,molecular markers,and physiological functions of satellite glial cells.Then,we clarify the multiple key roles of satellite glial cells in chronic pain,including gap junction hemichannel Cx43,membrane channel Pannexin1,K channel subunit 4.1,ATP,purinergic P2 receptors,and a series of additional factors and their receptors,including tumor necrosis factor,glutamate,endothelin,and bradykinin.Finally,we propose that future research should focus on the specific sorting of satellite glial cells,and identify genomic differences between physiological and pathological conditions.This review provides an important perspective for clarifying mechanisms underlying the peripheral regulation of chronic pain and will facilitate the formulation of new treatment plans for chronic pain.

Effectiveness of sensory integration therapy in children,focusing on Korean children:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Sensory integration intervention is highly related to the child's effective interaction with the environment and the child's development.Currently,various sensory integration interventions are being applied,but research methodological problems are arising due to unsystematic protocols.This study aims to present the optimal intervention protocol by presenting scientific standards for sensory integration intervention through meta-analysis.AIM To prove the effectiveness of sensory integration therapy,examine the latest trend of sensory integration studies in Korea,and provide clinical evidence for sensory integration therapies.METHODS The database of Korean search engines,including RISS,KISS,and DBpia,was used to search for related literature published from 2001 to October 2020.The keywords,“Children”,“Sensory integration”,“Integrated sensory”,“Sensorymotor”,and“Sensory stimulation”were used in this search.Then,a meta-analysis was conducted on 24 selected studiesRISS,KISS,and DBpia,was used to search for related literature published from 2001 to October 2020.The keywords,“Children”,“Sensory integration”,“Integrated sensory”,“Sensorymotor”,and“Sensory stimulation”were used in this search.Then,a meta-analysis was conducted on 24 selected studies.RESULTS Sensory integration intervention has been proven effective in children with cerebral palsy,autism spectrum disorder,attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder,developmental disorder,and intellectual disability in relation to the diagnosis of children.Regarding sensory integration therapies,1:1 individual treatment with a therapist or a therapy session lasting for 40 min was most effective.In terms of dependent variables,sensory integration therapy effectively promoted social skills,adaptive behavior,sensory processing,and gross motor and fine motor skills.CONCLUSION The results of this study may be used as therapeutic evidence for sensory integration intervention in the clinical field of occupational therapy for children,and can help to present standards for sensory integration intervention protocols.

Significant improvement after sensory tricks and trunk strength training for Parkinson’s disease with antecollis and camptocormia:A case report

BACKGROUND Patients with Parkinson's disease(PD)exhibit symptoms such as antecollis(AC)and camptocormia(CC).The pathology of these two conditions is unclear.Additionally,standard treatment methods have not been established.The article reports the case of a 65-year-old female patient with AC and CC who was treated with central and peripheral interventions to alleviate symptoms.CASE SUMMARY We present the case of a 65-year-old female PD patient with AC and CC.The course of the disease was 5 years.She was treated with rehabilitation strategies such as sensory tricks and trunk strength training.During the inpatient period,we compared and analyzed the patient's gait,rehabilitation assessment scale score,and angles of her abnormal trunk posture in the first week,the third week,and the fifth week.The patient's stride length increased,indicating that the patient's walking ability was improved.The Unified Parkinson's Disease Scale Part Three score and CC severity score decreased.Furthermore,the score of the other scale increased.In addition,the patient showed significant improvements in AC,upper CC,and lower CC angles.CONCLUSION This case study suggested that sensory tricks and trunk strength training are beneficial and safe for patients with AC and CC.

Research Progress of Volatile Substances Analysis and Sensory Evaluation of Soymilk

Soybean is one of the important crops in China. Soymilk, a traditional neutral plant-based protein drink, is rich in high quality proteins. Although soybean milk is rich in nutrients, its marketing among consumers, especially those in Western countries who are used to peaceful flavor, has been limited due to the adverse flavor impact brought by its special composition. In recent years, with the increasing attention to the nutritional value of soymilk, the flavor of soymilk has become a popular research object for scholars at home and abroad. The flavor components of soymilk are mainly volatile small molecular compounds produced by enzymatic reactions catalyzed by lipoxygenase(LOX). After formation, they interact with protein macromolecules to form the overall flavor of soymilk. At present, there are many methods to control the off-odor of soymilk at home and abroad, including physical heating methods, chemical methods, biological enzymatic digestion methods, mask methods, and a variety of breeding methods. These methods effectively reduce the off-odor of soymilk, but all of them have shortcomings. Currently, the sensory characteristics of the beany odor in soymilk are evaluated mainly by traditional human sensory scoring along with the assistance of modern instrument analysis of volatile flavor substances using headspace solid phase microextraction(SPME) gas chromatography coupled with-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). This paper summarized the research results of volatile flavor substances in soymilk in recent years and the sensory evaluation methods of soymilk at home and abroad, and looked forward to the future development direction, hoping to provide some theoretical bases and reference detection methods for solving the problem of soymilk flavor in the future.

Immunomodulation of Proton-activated G Protein-coupled Receptors in Inflammation

Proton-activated G protein-coupled receptors(GPCRs),initially discovered by Ludwig in 2003,are widely distributed in various tissues.These receptors have been found to modulate the immune system in several inflammatory diseases,including inflammatory bowel disease,atopic dermatitis,and asthma.Proton-activated GPCRs belong to the G protein-coupled receptor family and can detect alternations in extracellular pH.This detection triggers downstream signaling pathways within the cells,ultimately influencing the function of immune cells.In this review,we specifically focused on investigating the immune response of proton-activated GPCRs under inflammatory conditions.

Metabotropic glutamate receptors(mGluRs)in epileptogenesis:an update on abnormal mGluRs signaling and its therapeutic implications

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by high morbidity,high recurrence,and drug resistance.Enhanced signaling through the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate is intricately associated with epilepsy.Metabotropic glutamate receptors(mGluRs)are G protein-coupled receptors activated by glutamate and are key regulators of neuronal and synaptic plasticity.Dysregulated mGluR signaling has been associated with various neurological disorders,and numerous studies have shown a close relationship between mGluRs expression/activity and the development of epilepsy.In this review,we first introduce the three groups of mGluRs and their associated signaling pathways.Then,we detail how these receptors influence epilepsy by describing the signaling cascades triggered by their activation and their neuroprotective or detrimental roles in epileptogenesis.In addition,strategies for pharmacological manipulation of these receptors during the treatment of epilepsy in experimental studies is also summarized.We hope that this review will provide a foundation for future studies on the development of mGluR-targeted antiepileptic drugs.

Characterization of Domeless receptors and the role of Bd Domeless3 in anti-symbiont-like virus defense in Bactrocera dorsalis

The Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription(JAK/STAT)signaling pathway play a pivotal role in innate immunity.Among invertebrates,Domeless receptors serve as the key upstream regulators of this pathway.In our study on Bactrocera dorsalis,we identified three cytokine receptors:BdDomeless1,BdDomeless2,and BdDomeless3.Each receptor encompasses five fibronectin-type-III-like(FN III)extracellular domains and a transmembrane domain.Furthermore,these receptors exhibit the increased responsiveness to diverse pathogenic challenges.Notably,only BdDomeless3 is upregulated during symbiont-like viral infections.Moreover,silencing BdDomeless3 enhanced the infectivity of Bactrocera dorsalis cripavirus(BdCV)and B.dorsalis picorna-like virus(BdPLV),underscoring BdDomeless3’s crucial role in antiviral defense of B.dorsalis.Following the suppression of Domeless3 expression,six antimicrobial peptide genes displayed decreased expression,potentially correlating with the rise in viral infectivity.To our knowledge,this is the first study identifying cytokine receptors associated with the JAK/STAT pathway in tephritid flies,shedding light on the immune mechanisms of B.dorsalis.

Melanocortin 3,5 receptors immunohistochemical expression in colonic mucosa of inflammatory bowel disease patients:A matter of disease activity?

BACKGROUND Melanocortin 3 and 5 receptors(i.e.,MC3R and MC5R)belong to the melanocortin family.However,data regarding their role in inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD)are currently unavailable.AIM This study aims to ascertain their expression profiles in the colonic mucosa of Crohn’s disease(CD)and ulcerative colitis(UC),aligning them with IBD disease endoscopic and histologic activity.METHODS Colonic mucosal biopsies from CD/UC patients were sampled,and immunohisto-chemical analyses were conducted to evaluate the expression of MC3R and MC5R.Colonic sampling was performed on both traits with endoscopic scores(Mayo endoscopic score and CD endoscopic index of severity)consistent with inflamed mucosa and not consistent with disease activity(i.e.,normal appearing mucosa).RESULTS In both CD and UC inflamed mucosa,MC3R(CD:+7.7 fold vs normal mucosa,P<0.01;UC:+12 fold vs normal mucosa,P<0.01)and MC5R(CD:+5.5 fold vs normal mucosa,P<0.01;UC:+8.1 fold vs normal mucosa,P<0.01)were significantly more expressed compared to normal mucosa.CONCLUSION MC3R and MC5R are expressed in the colon of IBD patients.Furthermore,expression may differ according to disease endoscopic activity,with a higher degree of expression in the traits affected by disease activity in both CD and UC,suggesting a potential use of these receptors in IBD pharmacology.

Role of bitter contributors and bitter taste receptors:a comprehensive review of their sources,functions and future development

Bitterness,one of the 5“basic tastes”,is usually undesired by humans.However,abundant literature reported that bitter fruits and vegetables have beneficial health effects due to their bitter contributors.This review provided an updated overview of the main bitter contributors of typical bitter fruits and vegetables and their health benefits.The main bitter contributors,including phenolics,terpenoids,alkaloids,amino acids,nucleosides and purines,were summarized.The bioactivities and wide range of beneficial effects of them on anti-cancers,anti-inflammations,anti-microbes,neuroprotection,inhibiting chronic and acute injury in organs,as well as regulating behavior performance and metabolism were reported.Furthermore,not only did the bitter taste receptors(taste receptor type 2 family,T2Rs)show taste effects,but extra-oral T2Rs could also be activated by binding with bitter components,regulating physiological activities via modulating hormone secretion,immunity,metabolism,and cell proliferation.This review provided a new perspective on exploring and explaining the nutrition of bitter foods,revealing the relationship between the functions of bitter contributors from food and T2Rs.Future trends may focus on revealing the possibility of T2Rs being targets for the treatment of diseases,exploring the mechanism of T2Rs mediating the bioactivities,and making bitter foods more acceptable without getting rid of bitter contributors.

Exploring the vital role of microglial membrane receptors in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis: a comprehensive review

Neurodegenerative diseases constitute a broad category of diseases caused by the degeneration of the neurons.They are mainly manifested by the gradual loss of neuron structure and function and eventually can cause death or loss of neurons.As the global population ages rapidly,increased people are being diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases.It has been established that the onset of Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is closely linked with increasing age and its major pathological features include amyloid-beta plaques(Aβ),Tau hyperphosphorylation,Neurofibrillary tangles(NFTs),neuronal death as well as synaptic loss.The involvement of microglia is crucial in the pathogenesis and progression of AD and exhibits a dual role.For instance,in the early stage of AD,microglia surface membrane proteins or receptors can participate in immunophagocytosis,and anti-inflammatory functions and act as a physical barrier after recognizing various ligands such as Aβand NFTs.However,in the later stage of the disease,membrane receptors on the surface of microglia can cause its activation to release a substantial quantity of pro-inflammatory factors.Which can amplify the neuroinflammatory response.The rapid decline of normal immune phagocytosis can result in the continuous accumulation of abnormal proteins,leading to neuronal dysfunction and destruction of the formed physical barrier as well as the neurovascular microenvironment.It can also increase the transformation of microglia from anti-inflammatory phenotype M2 to pro-inflammatory phenotype M1,induce severe neuronal injury or apoptosis,and aggravate the progression of AD.Due to few articles have focused on the AD-related membrane protein receptors on microglia,thus in this paper,we have reviewed several representative microglial membrane proteins or receptors about their specific roles and functions implicated in AD,and expect that there will be more in-depth research and scientific research results in the treatment of AD by targeted regulation of microglia membrane protein receptors in the future.

Cortico-striatal gamma oscillations are modulated by dopamine D3 receptors in dyskinetic rats

Long-term levodopa administration can lead to the development of levodopa-induced dyskinesia.Gamma oscillations are a widely recognized hallmark of abnormal neural electrical activity in levodopa-induced dyskinesia.Currently,studies have reported increased oscillation power in cases of levodopa-induced dyskinesia.However,little is known about how the other electrophysiological parameters of gamma oscillations are altered in levodopa-induced dyskinesia.Furthermore,the role of the dopamine D3 receptor,which is implicated in levodopa-induced dyskinesia,in movement disorder-related changes in neural oscillations is unclear.We found that the cortico-striatal functional connectivity of beta oscillations was enhanced in a model of Parkinson’s disease.Furthermore,levodopa application enhanced cortical gamma oscillations in cortico-striatal projections and cortical gamma aperiodic components,as well as bidirectional primary motor cortex(M1)↔dorsolateral striatum gamma flow.Administration of PD128907(a selective dopamine D3 receptor agonist)induced dyskinesia and excessive gamma oscillations with a bidirectional M1↔dorsolateral striatum flow.However,administration of PG01037(a selective dopamine D3 receptor antagonist)attenuated dyskinesia,suppressed gamma oscillations and cortical gamma aperiodic components,and decreased gamma causality in the M1→dorsolateral striatum direction.These findings suggest that the dopamine D3 receptor plays a role in dyskinesia-related oscillatory activity,and that it has potential as a therapeutic target for levodopa-induced dyskinesia.

Novel Role of Calcium-Sensitive Receptors in Chronic Hypoxia-Induced Proliferation of Pulmonary Vein Smooth Muscle Cells

Objective:Vascular remodeling due to chronic hypoxia(CH)occurs not only in the pulmonary arteries but also in the pulmonary veins.Pulmonary vascular remodeling arises from the proliferation of pulmonary vascular myocytes.However,the mechanism by which CH induces the proliferation of pulmonary vein smooth muscle cells(PVSMCs)is unknown.This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which CH affects the proliferation of PVSMCs.Methods:PVSMCs were isolated from rat distal pulmonary veins and exposed to CH(4%O2,60h),and the expression of the calcium-sensitive receptor(CaSR)was detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence.MTT assay was used to detect the proliferation viability of the cells,and the changes in the intracellular calcium concentration were detected by laser confocal scanning technique.Results:CaSR expression was present in rat distal PVSMCs,and CaSR protein expression was upregulated under hypoxia.The positive regulator spermine not only enhanced CH-induced CaSR upregulation but also enhanced CH-induced increase in cell viability and calcium ion concentration.The negative CaSR regulator NPS2143 not only attenuated CH-induced CaSR upregulation but also inhibited CH-induced cell viability and calcium ion concentration.Conclusion:CaSR-mediated hyperproliferation is a novel pathogenic mechanism for the development of proliferation in distal PVSMCs under CH conditions.

In-vitro digestibility,protein digestibility corrected amino acid,and sensory properties of banana-cassava gluten-free pasta with soy protein isolate and egg white protein addition

Soy protein isolate and egg white protein were added to cassava-banana gluten-free pasta and the effects on the nutritional quality,digestibility properties,protein digestibility corrected amino acid(PDCAA),and sensory acceptance of the pasta was observed.Banana-cassava composite flour(75:25)was blended with soy protein isolate or egg white protein at the following rates:0,5,10,and 15 g/100 g flour.Cooked pasta samples were analysed for total phenolic content(TPC),antioxidant activity,amino acid profiles,protein content,starch digestibility,protein digestibility and protein digestibility corrected amino acid score(PDCAAS).Addition of both proteins decreased starch digestibility,increased protein digestibility,improved the balance of the amino acid profile,and PDCAAS whereas only soy protein isolate enhanced the TPC and antioxidant capacity of the banana-cassava pasta.An egg white protein-fortified banana-cassava pasta had better customer acceptance and purchase intent than soy protein isolate inclusion.

A Preliminary Study on Consumer Sensory Evaluation and Acceptance of Pomelo Peel Jelly

Pomelo peel is a by-product from pomelo consumption, but it is also rich in a variety of nutrients and functional substances. In order to solve the environmental problems caused by the large amount of discarded pomelo peels every year, in this study, we recycled pomelo peels to make pomelo yellow peel jelly (PYPJ) and pomelo white peel jelly (PWPJ) according to their different characteristics in pomelo peels. And the consumer sensory evaluation (n = 50) was carried out to explore the consumers’ evaluation and acceptance for these two innovative products. The results showed that both jellies received high mean scores for all sensory attributes expect PYPJ’ taste, and the consumer acceptances of PYPJ and PWPJ were 62% and 92%, respectively. These results displayed that there is a need to further improve PYPJ, and PWPJ is a product recognized by consumers. .

Expression and functional study of cholecystokinin-A receptors on the interstitial Cajal-like cells of the guinea pig common bile duct

BACKGROUND Many studies have shown that interstitial Cajal-like cell(ICLC)abnormalities are closely related to a variety of dynamic gastrointestinal disorders.ICLCs are pacemaker cells for gastrointestinal movement and are involved in the transmission of nerve impulses.AIM To elucidate the expression profile and significance of cholecystokinin-A(CCK-A)receptors in ICLCs in the common bile duct(CBD),as well as the role of CCK in regulating CBD motility through CCK-A receptors on CBD ICLCs.METHODS The levels of tyrosine kinase receptor(c-kit)and CCK-A receptors in CBD tissues and isolated CBD cells were quantified using the double immunofluorescence labeling technique.The CCK-mediated enhancement of the movement of CBD muscle strips through CBD ICLCs was observed by a muscle strip contraction test.RESULTS Immunofluorescence showed co-expression of c-kit and CCK-A receptors in the CBD muscularis layer.Observations of isolated CBD cells showed that c-kit was expressed on the surface of ICLCs,the cell body and synapse were colored and polygonal,and some cells presented protrusions and formed networks adjacent to the CBD while others formed filaments at the synaptic terminals of local cells.CCK-A receptors were also expressed on CBD ICLCs.At concentrations ranging from 10^(-6) mol/L to 10^(-10) mol/L,CCK promoted CBD smooth muscle contractility in a dose-dependent manner.In contrast,after ICLC removal,the contractility mediated by CCK in CBD smooth muscle decreased.CONCLUSION CCK-A receptors are highly expressed on CBD ICLCs,and CCK may regulate CBD motility through the CCK-A receptors on ICLCs.

Tardive sensory syndrome related to lurasidone:A case report

BACKGROUND Tardive sensory syndrome(TSS)is a subtype of tardive syndrome(TS),and its etiology is still uncertain.Lurasidone is an atypical antipsychotic that has high affinity for dopamine D2-and serotonergic 5HT2A-and 5-HT7-receptors.CASE SUMMARY A 52-year-old woman,previously diagnosed with schizophrenia,and with no history of movement disorders and no sensory paresthesia,had taken lurasidone,initiate dose 40 mg daily then up titration to 120 mg daily,since March 2021,and developed mandibular sensory(pain)paresthesia after 3 mo of administration.After switching from lurasidone to quetiapine,she reported obvious improvement in her mandibular pain.CONCLUSION It is noteworthy that TSS is a rare subtype of TS,and lurasidone,an atypical antipsychotic,usually has a lower risk of causing TS.In light of the temporal relationship,it is therefore concluded that use of lurasidone might have caused TSS in this patient.We reported this rare case as a reminder that clinicians should adopt a cautious approach when prescribing atypical antipsychotics,so as to prevent TS.

Association between brain N-acetylaspartate levels and sensory and motor dysfunction in patients who have spinal cord injury with spasticity:an observational case-control study

Spinal cord injury is a severe and devastating disease,and spasticity is a common and severe complication that is notoriously refractory to treatment.However,the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying spasticity and its development remain largely unknown.The goal of the present study was to find differences,if any,in metabolites of the left precentral gyrus and basal ganglia of patients who have spinal cord injury with or without spasticity,and to explore the relationship between the brain metabolite concentrations and clinical status.Thirty-six participants were recruited for magnetic resonance spectroscopic examination:23 with spinal cord injury(12 with spasticity and 11 without spasticity)and 13 healthy controls.We acquired localized proton spectra from the precentral gyrus and basal ganglia via 10 mm^(3) voxels.Notably,univariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that the lower that the N-acetylaspartate concentration(a marker for neuronal loss)was in the precentral gyrus of the patients,the lower their ASIA(American Spinal Injury Association)light-touch scores,pinprick scores,and motor scores.Additionally,longer durations of injury were associated with higher N-acetylaspartate levels in the precentral gyrus.Compared with the healthy participants and patients without spasticity,N-acetylaspartate levels in the patients with spasticity were significantly lower in both the precentral gyrus and basal ganglia.Lower N-acetylaspartate levels also correlated with greater sensory and motor dysfunction in the patients who had spinal cord injury with spasticity.

The role of purinergic receptors in neural repair and regeneration after spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury is a serious injury of the central nervous system that results in neurological deficits.The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying spinal cord injury,as well as the mechanisms involved in neural repair and regeneration,are highly complex.Although there have been many studies on these mechanisms,there is no effective intervention for such injury.In spinal cord injury,neural repair and regeneration is an important part of improving neurological function after injury,although the low regenerative ability of nerve cells and the difficulty in axonal and myelin regeneration after spinal cord injury hamper functional recovery.Large amounts of ATP and its metabolites are released after spinal cord injury and participate in various aspects of functional regulation by acting on purinergic receptors which are widely expressed in the spinal cord.These processes mediate intracellular and extracellular signalling pathways to improve neural repair and regeneration after spinal cord injury.This article reviews research on the mechanistic roles of purinergic receptors in spinal cord injury,highlighting the potential role of purinergic receptors as interventional targets for neural repair and regeneration after spinal cord injury.

Nutritional, Textural, Sensory Properties and Storage Stability Evaluation of Newly Formulated Strawberry Bar

An analytical study was conducted to develop a strawberry bar and analysis of the nutritional quality and storage stability of a newly formulated strawberry bar. In proximate analysis moisture, ash, pH, acidity, vitamin C, total phenolic content, and antioxidant of strawberry pulp were found 82%, 0.5%, 2.57, 1.38%, 49 mg/100g, 0.33%, 75.17% whereas, in the strawberry bar, it was found 18%, 0.71%, 2.10, 1.10%, 22 mg/100g, 0.14%, 56.13% respectively. For textural properties analysis, the textural profile of the strawberry bar such as hardness, factorability, viscosity, cohesiveness, adhesiveness, springiness, gumminess, chewiness, probe diameter, threshold, filtering range of strawberry bar was found 5.538 × 104 N/m, 0.000 N/m2, 1.687 × 104 N/m2, 0.6636, 2.908 × 103 J/m3, 0.8664, 3.675 × 104 N/m2, 3.184 × 104 N/m2, 20.000 mm, 5 N, 0.4 N respectively whereas the maximum level was 17.4 N at 29.628 seconds and the minimum level was -5.3 N at 30.166 seconds. The sensory evaluation of the strawberry bar was conducted based on nine-point hedonic scales. The sensory evaluation results indicated that the appearance of the strawberry bar was liked very much and the taste, texture, color, aroma, and overall acceptability of the strawberry bar were liked moderately by panelists. In microbiological analysis, the Total Viable Count (TVC) and Total Coliform Count (TCC) of the strawberry bar were found safe levels for up to third days. But on the sixth day, the TCC of the strawberry bar was not found and the TVC of the strawberry bar was found 17 × 104 cfu/g respectively which is higher than the permitted value (Gulf Standard: 105 cfu/g). From the microbial point of view, the newly formulated strawberry bar was safe to consume for up to 3 days but not for 6 days.

Influence of Tea Leaf Particle Size on Catechin Extraction and Green Tea Sensory Acceptance

The intensity of the bitterness of catechins increases with increased concentration, but the taste palatability decreased in green tea extract. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a blend of tea leaf particles of various sizes would result in a good balance between catechin content and appreciable taste. The control is common tea (CT) with 6 - 10 mm long leaves. Blend tea (BT) was prepared by mixing 5 mm and 120 - 130 mm long tea leaves in a ratio of 3:2. The catechin content of hot water extracts was analyzed by HPLC, and the sensory test was conducted with 99 volunteers. In BT, the total catechin content was significantly higher than that in CT. The sensory test results revealed that BT was less bitter and had more preferable color than CT. More catechins were extracted from BT, but it tasted less bitter. Thus, the recalibration of the tea leaf particle size can result in good balance between catechin content and palatability.