[Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in cartilage in progression of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis].
OBJECTIVE
To study the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in cartilage of temporomandibular joint osteoarthriti (TMJOA), and to evaluate the role of iNOS in the progression of TMJOA.


METHODS
The goats were used and TMJOA was induced by injection of collagenase in upper joint space. The joints were obtained and were investigated by using immunohistochemistry at 2, 4, 12, 24 weeks after injection.


RESULTS
Almost no expression of iNOS in normal cartilage of TMJ. In the diseased joints, strong or definite iNOS reactivity was expressed.


CONCLUSIONS
iNOS plays an important role in the progression of TMJOA.
Gao
Zhan-Wei
ZW
Dept. of Plastic Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China.
Wang
Da-Zhang
DZ
Liu
Bao-Lin
BL
Ma
Hai-Huan
HH
D002356:Cartilage; D006801:Humans; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D052247:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; D010003:Osteoarthritis; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint
C496319:NOS2 protein, human; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D052247:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II