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Updated: Aug 20, 2026
A Morphometric and Cellular Analysis Method for the Murine Mandibular Condyle
Published on: January 11, 2018
MMP-3 and -8 expression is found in the condylar surface of temporomandibular joints with internal derangement
P Tiilikainen1, P Pirttiniemi, T Kainulainen
1Department of Prosthetic Dentistry and Stomatognathic Physiology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Finland. petri.tiilikainen@oulu.fi
Background:
Internal derangement is one of the most common disorder of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and -8 expression in articular condylar surface with different stages of TMJ internal derangement according to Wilkes (Minn Med, 1978; 61: 645-52) and osteoarthrosis (OA) according to Dijkgraaf et al. (J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 1995; 53: 1182-92).
Methods:
The study was based on 54 condylar specimens obtained during TMJ surgery. Immunohistochemistry using antibodies specific to MMP-3 and -8, represented in cartilage destruction, was carried out.
Results:
In all tissue specimens, MMP-3 expression was intense in the surface layer but showed less intensive staining in the deeper layers. Some MMP-8 expression was also seen. The severity of TMJ internal derangement, however, did not seem to have a statistically significant correlation (P<0.05) with the expression of these enzymes.
Conclusion:
The study confirms that distinct expression of MMP-3 and -8 is found in the condylar surface of TMJs with internal derangement.
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