Abstract:

Objective: The purposes of this study were to analyze the expression of 70 kD heat shock protein in the condyle of young rats after unilateral mastication, and investigate the mechanism of temporoinandibular joint disease caused by unilateral mastication. Methods: A total of 12 Wistar rats aged 4 weeks were divided randomly into the control and experimental groups, and the right upper and lower posterior teeth of rats in the experimental group was ground to the gingival level without occlusal contact. HE staining and immunohistochemical methods were performed to evaluate the expression of HSP70 eight weeks after the experiment. Results: The HSP70 was expressed in different areas of the temporomandibular joints, and the staining intensity and location of the positive signals in the mastication side of the temporomandibular joint were stronger than that of the non - mastication side. Conclusion : Elevated HSP70 expression can be found in the condylar cartilage of young rats after unilateral mastication. Further study is necessary to clarify the mechanism of unilateral mastication leading to temporomandibular joint disorder.

Key words: 70 kD heat shock protein, unilateral mastication, immunohistochemical method, temporornandibular, joint disease