title: Histologic evaluation of temporomandibular arthritis induced by mild mechanical loading in rabbits.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We still lack knowledge of causative factors in arthritis related to temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The goal of the present study was to investigate whether applying a mechanical loading on the glenoid fossa can induce arthritis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Coil springs were placed in 24 rabbits so as to exert a force of 100 g between the orbital edge and the antegonial notch. At 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after the surgery, six samples of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) were removed for histologic examination.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results showed that mild synovitis began 1-2 weeks after the start of loading, and the degree of synovitis was significant at 4 weeks, and that morphologic changes occurred in the articular eminence and condyle, while type II collagen in the cartilage of the articular eminence degraded prior to that in the condyle.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results revealed that mild, continuous mechanical loading to the glenoid fossa induces synovitis of the articular capsule, and induces organic changes of the articular cartilage without destroying these tissues.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kanazawa Medical University, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa, Japan. 1-kkk@kanazawa-med.ac.jp
authors.forename: Kazuma
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fujimura
authors.forename: Susumu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kobayashi
authors.forename: Toshikazu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Suzuki
authors.forename: Natsuki
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Segami
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001168:Arthritis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D002356:Cartilage / Q000473:pathology; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000473:pathology; D024043:Collagen Type II / Q000032:analysis; D006965:Hyperplasia; D017746:Joint Capsule / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000473:pathology; D009915:Orbit / Q000503:physiopathology; D011817:Rabbits; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013585:Synovitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D013997:Time Factors; D016474:Weight-Bearing
chemical_list: D024043:Collagen Type II