Microscopic analysis of the temporomandibular joint in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) using an occlusal interference.
The purpose of this study was to assess the tissue alterations in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of the New Zealand White rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.), after a unilateral occlusal interference insertion on the animal's right side back teeth. A total of 36 animals were used, thirty of which belonged to the experimental group and six to the control group. We established three experimental periods: 24 hours, three days and seven days. The control group animals were divided two by two; each pair followed the same experimental periods of the former one. The experimental group animals were submitted to the use of a 0.3 mm thick metallic cap with a visor. All animals were euthanized, and the TMJs were removed. Using a microscope for examination we observed, in all experimental periods, the presence of intra-articular hemorrhage in the supra- and infra-disk compartments as well as in the retro-disk zone. There were no inflammatory cells detected. The thickness of the condylar fibrocartilage presented significant alterations among the animals of the three experimental groups. In the left TMJs no inflammatory cells were detected. The results suggest that the insertion of a unilateral occlusal interference in rabbit back teeth does not cause any inflammatory intra-articular process within seven days; however, it does cause bilateral intra-articular hemorrhage and a larger compression of the condylar fibrocartilage in the joint opposite the side where the interference is placed. We also concluded that, in order to do research on the temporomandibular joint using animals, it is necessary have an independent (or separate) group of animals as controls.
Chaves
Karen
K
Department of Conservative Dentistry, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. kchaves@zaz.com.br
Munerato
Maria Cristina
MC
Ligocki
Anelise
A
Lauxen
Isabel
I
de Quadros
Onofre Francisco
OF
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000473:pathology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003769:Dental Occlusion, Traumatic / Q000150:complications*; D006395:Hemarthrosis / Q000209:etiology; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000473:pathology*; D011817:Rabbits; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000473:pathology*; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology*