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Spontaneous temporomandibular joint arthropathy in MRL-lpr/lpr mice
T Haraldson1, R Jonsson, A Tarkowski
1Department of Stomatognathic Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Abstract:
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in spontaneously arthritic MRL lpr/lpr (MRL/l) mice has been histologically analysed. After decalcification and standardized preparation of the joint tissue, histological sections were examined for presence of synovial hypertrophy, synovial villi, pannus tissue, erosions, cysts and signs of periarticular inflammation. In 12 of 13 TMJs examined, histopathological changes indicating a state of arthropathy were found. The most prevalent finding was synovial proliferation, which was frequently detected at the insertion of the synovial membrane to the bone. Two or more signs of inflammatory involvement including synovial proliferation, pannus tissue and bone erosion were seen in 5 mice with a predominance among the oldest mice (greater than or equal to 5 months of age). No lymphocytic cell infiltration was found in the analyzed synovial tissues of the TMJ. In contrast, lymphocytes were observed in the vicinity of periarticular blood vessels and tendons. It is concluded that the TMJ is frequently involved in the arthritic disease of autoimmune MRL/l mice.
Insights
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is frequently affected by arthropathy in autoimmune MRL/l mice. Histological analysis revealed significant joint changes, indicating widespread TMJ involvement in this autoimmune disease model.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Histopathology
Background:
- The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is susceptible to various arthritic conditions.
- Spontaneously arthritic MRL lpr/lpr (MRL/l) mice serve as a model for autoimmune diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To histologically analyze the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in MRL/l mice.
- To determine the extent and nature of arthropathic changes in the TMJ of MRL/l mice.
Main Methods:
- Histological examination of decalcified and prepared TMJ tissues.
- Assessment for synovial hypertrophy, villi, pannus, erosions, cysts, and periarticular inflammation.
Main Results:
- Arthropathic changes were observed in 12 out of 13 TMJs.
- Synovial proliferation was the most common finding, often at the synovial membrane insertion.
- Five mice showed multiple inflammatory signs, particularly older mice (≥5 months).
- Lymphocytic infiltration was absent in TMJ synovial tissues but present near periarticular vessels and tendons.
Conclusions:
- The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is frequently involved in the autoimmune arthritic disease of MRL/l mice.
- Histopathological findings support TMJ arthropathy as a component of the MRL/l mouse autoimmune condition.