Histological Alterations from Condyle Repositioning with Functional Appliances in Rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to assess the morphological and histological alterations of the condyle of rats undergoing forward mandibular repositioning via functional appliance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Functional appliances were mounted onto the upper jaws of rats. Morphological analysis was conducted on micro-CT images of sacrificed animals. Histological changes in condyle were examined by immunohistochemistry using proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP-1), interleukin 1b (IL-1β), Aggrecan and Type II collagen. Osteoclast activity was identified by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining.

RESULTS: Morphological analysis confirmed the forward positioning of the condyles of rats by the appliance, but the position gradually returned to normal on days 14 after treatment. An increase in PCNA positive cells was observed in the posterior region of the condyles on days 7, whereas PCNA positive cells decreased in the anterior region. Aggrecan and Type II collagen localization increased in the posterior region throughout the entire period, but decreased in the anterior region on days 14. In both regions, IL-1β and VEGF localization was significantly increased for 14 days while MMPs localization was evident throughout the entire period. The TRAP positive cells were significantly elevated on days 3 and 7.

CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the functional appliance therapy induces significant morphological and histological changes in the anterior and posterior regions of the condyle and subsequently causes adaptive cellular functions such as chondrocyte differentiation and cartilage matrix formation.