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Study of changes in rat mandibular condyle under intermittent cyclic and continuous compressive stress
Cheng Gong1, Juan Wen1, Huijuan Wang1
1Department of Orthodontics, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
Archives of Oral Biology
|February 11, 2021
Summary
Intermittent compressive stress promotes recovery in rat mandibular condyle cartilage, unlike continuous stress. Subchondral bone showed minimal response to mechanical loading, indicating cartilage
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthodontics
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Mandibular condyle cartilage is susceptible to mechanical stress.
- Understanding the impact of different loading patterns is crucial for tissue repair.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated the differential effects of intermittent versus continuous loading on condylar cartilage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of intermittent and continuous compressive stress on rat mandibular condyles.
- To compare the regenerative capacity of condylar cartilage under varying mechanical loading conditions.
- To assess the response of subchondral bone to different types of mechanical stress.
Main Methods:
- Ninety rats were divided into five groups: control, 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day intermittent cyclic loading, and continuous loading.
- Compressive mechanical stresses were applied to the condyles.
- Histomorphometry, immunochemical staining (Type-II collagen), and micro-CT scanning were performed after one, two, and four weeks.
Main Results:
- Continuous loading significantly decreased cartilage thickness, chondrocyte numbers, extracellular matrix, and proliferation, with no apparent repair.
- Intermittent loading (1-day and 3-day) showed similar pathological changes but better proliferative activity than continuous loading.
- The 7-day intermittent loading group demonstrated significant recovery after two weeks, including increased cartilage thickness and chondrocyte numbers; subchondral bone remodeling was not significantly different across loading groups.
Conclusions:
- Intermittent compressive stress facilitates active remodeling and recovery of condylar cartilage, unlike continuous stress which causes damage.
- Subchondral bone is less sensitive to mechanical pressure compared to condylar cartilage.
- With sufficient intervals, condylar cartilage exhibits potential for recovery from moderate mechanical stress.
