Functional changes in the temporomandibular joint mechanoreceptors associated with experimentally induced condylar resorption in rats

ObjectivesTo evaluate the influence of experimentally induced progressive condylar resorption (PCR) on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) mechanoreception.Materials and MethodsTwenty 13-week-old male albino Wistar rats were divided equally into control and PCR groups. A compressive force was loaded on the left TMJ of PCR group rats to induce condylar resorption. Single-unit activities of TMJ mechanoreceptors were also induced through passive jaw movement. Recording was performed for the left Gasserian ganglion at 3 days and 1 week after the establishment of PCR group. The effects of PCR on TMJ units were assessed by measuring the firing threshold, maximum instantaneous firing frequency, and average firing frequency.ResultsCompared with the control group, there were no significant differences in the firing threshold of the PCR group after 3 days. The thresholds were significantly higher 1 week after compressive force loading on the condyle. The maximum instantaneous firing frequencies and the average firing frequencies showed no significant differences after 3 days. However, these were significantly lower 1 week after compressive force loading.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that compressive force loading on the condyle may influence the function of TMJ mechanoreceptors.