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Updated: Feb 24, 2026
Murine Model of Advanced Periodontitis Induced by Nylon Ligature in the Second Upper Molar
Published on: May 30, 2025
Impaired periodontium and temporomandibular joints in tumour necrosis factor-α transgenic mice
Toni Dobsak1,2, Patrick Heimel1,2,3, Stefan Tangl1,2
1Core Facility Hard Tissue and Biomaterial Research, Karl Donath Laboratory, School of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Aim:
Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α is a pathological factor causing the characteristic symptoms of periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis. In this study, we describe the phenotypes of human TNF-α transgenic mice (hTNFtg) with respect to their periodontium and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Material And Methods:
Periodontal structures, TMJ and skull shape of hTNFtg mice and wild-type (WT) littermates were assessed by microcomputed tomography, automated segmentation, geometric morphometrics and histologic ground sections.
Results:
We show that hTNFtg mice have an eroded lamina dura and reduced periodontal ligament space compared to (WT) littermates. Transgenic mice further exhibit severe destruction of the TMJ. Geometric morphometrics revealed that hTNFtg mice have a more laterally positioned TMJ with a concomitantly enlarged zygomatic process. Mandibular and maxillary teeth occluded properly.
Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that chronic inflammation in hTNFtg mice causes destructive changes of the periodontium and the TMJ.
