[Effects of estrogen on the proliferation and differentiation of human embryo mandibular condylar chondrocytes].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of different estrogen concentrations on the proliferation and differentiation of human embryo mandibular condylar chondrocytes (MCCs).


METHODS
In vitro-cultured MCCs were incubated and treated with estrogen at different concentrations. The MCCs were identified by toluidine blue and type II collagen immunocytochemical methods, and cell proliferation was monitored using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay.


RESULTS
The addition of 10(-12) or 10(-6) mol x L(-1) exogenous estrogen inhibited the growth of MCCs, whereas addition of 10(-10) or 10(-8) mol x L(-1) exogenous estrogen promoted growth. These estrogen effects were time-dependent.


CONCLUSIONS
Estrogen can affect cellular MCCs proliferation and differentiation in a biphasic manner depending on the concentration. Estrogen may be vital in the maintenance of normal functions of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and may be involved in the progression of certain TMJ diseases.
Dept. of Oral Anatomy and Physiology, College of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical College, Zunyi 563003, China.
Lei
L
Pang
Dept. of Oral Anatomy and Physiology, College of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical College, Zunyi 563003, China.
Yuerong
Y
Zhang
Dept. of Oral Anatomy and Physiology, College of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical College, Zunyi 563003, China.
Zhonglin
Z
Liu
D002454:Cell Differentiation; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D019902:Chondrocytes; D004967:Estrogens; D006801:Humans; D008335:Mandibular Condyle; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint
D004967:Estrogens