[Distribution of calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactive fibres in the temporomandibular joint of rat].
OBJECTIVE
To observe the distribution of calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactive (CGRP-LI) nerve fibres in rat's temporomandibular joint (TMJ).


METHODS
The avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method and image analysis were employed to detect CGRP-LI nerve fibres in frozen sections of TMJs in eight rats.


RESULTS
CGRP-LI nerve fibres were plentifully distributed in TMJs except the central disc band and bone, mainly in the periphery of blood vessels, especially arteries. Density: anterior disc attachment and capsule, (454.6 +/- 72.8) mm(2); posterior portion, (302.7 +/- 43.4) mm(2); lateral portion, (240.2 +/- 23.6) mm(2); medial portion, (229.6 +/- 25.0)mm(2); and peripheral portion of disc, (202.4 +/- 35.2) mm(2).


CONCLUSIONS
CGRP-LI nerve fibres were widely distributed in rat TMJ and were a part of trigeminal sensory nerve. Density was highest in anterior disc attachment and capsule.
Liu
X
X
Department of Stomatology, the Eighty-first Hospital of PLA, Nangjing 210002, China.
Si
F
F
Zhou
S
S
D000818:Animals; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide / Q000032:analysis*; D017746:Joint Capsule / Q000293:injuries; D008297:Male; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000294:innervation*; D019224:Temporomandibular Joint Disc / Q000294:innervation
D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide