[Ultrastructure of the synovial membrane and the articular cartilage in the temporomandibular joint of the rabbits with occlusal trauma].
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of occlusal trauma on the ultra structure of rabbits' temporomandibular joints (TMJ) synovial membrane and articular cartilage.


METHODS
TMJs from six rabbits with occlusal trauma and three control rabbits were studied by transmission electron microscopy.


RESULTS
Degenerative changes of TMJ tissues were found. The articular surface of the condyle was damaged, and the chondrocytes showed signs of degeneration. The synovial lining cell consisted of a number of vimentin intermediate filaments (IFs) which were especially prevalent in the processes as well as paranuclearly. Microvilli on the cell membrane were commonly seen. The vermiform body in the deeper interstitium was also found. Our finding of punctate adherens between synoviocytes was firstly reported in the study.


CONCLUSIONS
The occlusal trauma is really a factor inducing degenerative changes of the TMJ.
Fu
K
K
School of Stomatology, Beijing Medical University, Beijing 100081.
Ma
X
X
Zhang
Z
Z
D000818:Animals; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D003769:Dental Occlusion, Traumatic / Q000473:pathology*; D011817:Rabbits; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000648:ultrastructure*