[Disc-like changes and type II collagen mRNA expression in the bilaminar zone of rabbit temporomandibular joint following disc displacement].

OBJECTIVE

To study the adaptive alteration in bilaminar zone of rabbits' temporomandibular joint following disc displacement.

METHODS

Twenty-six Japanese white rabbits were used in this study. Among these rabbits,6 were used as controls. The right discs of other 20 rabbits were displaced anteriorly by operation. Four of these rabbits were killedatn 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks respectively after surgery. The TMJS were studied by HE staining, Alcin bluen staining and in situ detection of type II collagen mRNA expression.

RESULTS

There appeared cartilage metaplasia after one week following disc displacement. Typical chondrocytes could be found in the bilaminar zone. The new chondrocytes expressed type II collagen.

CONCLUSIONS

The bilaminar zone of TMJ will be remodeled following disc displacement and become a disc-like tissue to function as a disc.