Involvement of PI3K/Akt pathway in rat condylar chondrocytes regulated by PTHrP treatment

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the mutual communication of the parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/threonine protein kinase (PI3K/Akt) pathway on the proliferation and differentiation of condylar chondrocytes from Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats.

Methods

Condylar chondrocytes from the condylar cartilage were cultured and an organ culture system of mandibular condyles was employed. The distribution of PI3K, phospho-Akt (p-Akt), and PTHrP in condylar cartilage was detected by either immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence. The second passage chondrocytes and condyle specimens in the organ culture system were treated with PTHrP, LY294002, PTHrP and LY294002 in combination, or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), separately. The mRNA and protein levels of type II (Col II) and type X collagen (Col X) were investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot analysis. The condyle growth in organ culture system was analysed by haematoxylin–eosin staining.

Results

PTHrP, PI3K, and p-Akt were mainly located in the proliferative and hypertrophic zones. PTHrP promoted the proliferation of condylar chondrocytes, while LY294002 limited this effect. The mRNA and protein levels of Col II and Col X in these cells were reduced by PTHrP and enhanced by LY294002. Organ culture showed a significant enhancement of condyle elongation with PTHrP treatment or a combination of PTHrP and LY294002 treatment. After treatment with LY294002, the length of condyles was reduced compared with the samples treated with DMSO.

Conclusions

We conclude that the PI3K/Akt pathway plays an essential role in the proliferation and differentiation of condylar chondrocytes and is a potential target for PTHrP in regulating chondrocyte differentiation at condylar cartilage.     

Effects of growth hormone and functional appliance on mandibular growth in an adolescent rat model

Objectives:To investigate the individual and synergistic effects of growth hormone (GH) and functional appliance (FA) on mandibular growth in an adolescent rat model.Materials and Methods:Forty adolescent (6-week-old) female Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (10 rats in each group). The control group received a sham treatment (intra-abdominal injection of phosphate-buffered saline), the GH group received an intra-abdominal injection of recombinant human growth hormone, the FA group was treated with a mandibular advancement device, and the GH+FA group received both the GH and FA treatments. The amount of mandibular growth in each group was measured quantitatively using cone-bean computed tomography. The growth of condylar cartilage and expression of matrix metalloproteinases–1 and –13 (MMP-1 and MMP-13) and type II and X collagen (Col II and Col X) were assessed using histological staining and immunostaining techniques.Results:After 4 weeks, there was significant mandibular growth in the FA group compared with the control group (P < .05). The GH+FA group had significantly greater mandibular length, thickness of condylar cartilage, and expression of MMP-1, MMP-13, Col II, and Col X in the cartilage than the other groups (P < .05). The GH+FA group and GH group had significantly greater weight than the FA and control groups (P < .05).Conclusions:The FA as well as GH+FA stimulated mandibular growth in adolescent rats.     

Functional appliance therapy accelerates and enhances condylar growth.

The present study was designed to quantitatively assess the temporal pattern of expression of Sox 9, the regulator of chondrocyte differentiation and type II collagen, the major component of the cartilage matrix during forward mandibular positioning, and compare it with the expression during natural growth. Female Sprague-Dawley rats, 5 weeks old, were used. Results showed that the expression of Sox 9 and type II collagen are accelerated and enhanced when the mandible is positioned forward. Furthermore, we monitored the amount of new bone formation during mandibular advancement and after the removal of bite-jumping appliances. A substantial increase was observed in the amount of newly formed bone when the mandible was positioned forward. No significant difference in new bone formation could be found after the appliance was removed when compared with natural growth. Thus, functional appliance therapy accelerates and enhances condylar growth by accelerating the differentiation of mesenchymal cells into chondrocytes, leading to an earlier formation and increase in amount of cartilage matrix. This enhancement of growth did not result in a subsequent pattern of subnormal growth for most of the growth period; this indicates that functional appliance therapy can truly enhance condylar growth.     

TMJ development and growth require primary cilia function

Primary cilia regulate limb and axial skeletal formation and hedgehog signaling, but their roles in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) development are unknown. Thus, we created conditional mouse mutants deficient in ciliary transport protein Kif3a in cartilage. In post-natal wild-type mice, primary cilia were occasionally observed on the superior, inferior, or lateral side of condylar cells. Cilia were barely detectable in mutant chondrocytes but were evident in surrounding tissues, attesting to the specificity of chondrocyte Kif3a ablation. Mutant condyles from 3-month-old mice were narrow and flat along their antero-posterior and medio-lateral axes, were often fused with the articular disc, and displayed an irregular bony surface. The polymorphic layer in P15 mutants contained fewer Sox9-expressing chondroprogenitor cells because of reduced mitotic activity, and newly differentiated chondrocytes underwent precocious hypertrophic enlargement accompanied by early activation of Indian hedgehog (Ihh). Interestingly, there was excessive intramembranous ossification along the perichondrium, accompanied by local expression of the hedgehog receptor Patched-1 and up-regulation of Osterix and Collagen I. In summary, Kif3a and primary cilia are required for coordination of chondrocyte maturation, intramembranous bone formation, and chondrogenic condylar growth. Defects in these processes in Kif3a condylar cartilage are likely to reflect abnormal hedgehog signaling topography and dysfunction.     

Expression of type X collagen and capillary endothelium in condylar cartilage during osteogenic transition--a comparison between adaptive remodelling and natural growth

Adaptive remodelling of the condylar cartilage in response to mandibular protrusion constitutes the rationale for bite-jumping appliances to solicit growth modification. By investigating the expression of type X collagen and capillary endothelium, this study was designed to evaluate the osteogenic transition of chondrogenesis during adaptive remodelling of condylar cartilage and compare it with that under natural condylar growth. One hundred female Sprague-Dawley rats, 35 days of age, were divided into five experimental groups (n = 15, fitted with bite-jumping appliances) where condylar adaptation was created by forward repositioning of the mandible, and five control groups (n = 5) where the condyles underwent natural growth. The animals were sacrificed at 3, 7, 14, 21 and 30 days and 7 mum serial sections of the condyles were processed for in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analyses. The expression of type X collagen in the hypertrophic zone and capillary endothelium in the erosive zone of condylar cartilage were examined to evaluate osteogenic transition, a critical programme leading to endochondral ossification. The results showed that (1) The temporal pattern of the expression of type X collagen and capillary endothelium during condylar adaptation coincided with that during natural condylar growth. (2) The amount of the expression of these two factors during condylar adaptation was significantly higher than that during natural growth (P < 0.001). It is suggested that condylar adaptation in growing rats triggered by mandibular forward positioning enhances osteogenic transition which eventually results in increased bone formation.     

Postnatal expression of chondrogenic and osteogenic regulatory factor mRNA in the rat condylar cartilage

ObjectivesThe condylar cartilage is a key site of growth and development of the mandible. The aim of this research was to determine the mRNA expression levels of a number of chondrogenic and osteogenic regulatory factors in the condylar cartilage of the postnatal rat.Materials and methodsCondyles were extracted from 40 rats aged 4, 10, 21 or 90 days with 10 rats assigned to each age group. The condyles from one rat from each age group was fixed and decalcified in 10% EDTA for histology. Using cryogenic grinding combined with QIAzol reagent total RNA was purified from pooled samples collected for each age group. Each pool contained six condyles (N = 3). mRNA expression levels for 28 genes were determined using qPCR.ResultsHistological analysis revealed distinct morphological differences in the condyle tissue of the 4, 10, 21 and 90 day old postnatal rats. Expression of all examined genes was detected. High levels of mRNA for Alpl, Bglap, Col1a1, Col2a1, Runx2, Sox9 and Sp7 but not Msx1 were detected. Fgf1 and Fgf2 were expressed at a similar level. No significant difference (defined as ± fold-regulation > 2 and P < 0.05) in the gene mRNA expression levels was found when days 10, 21 or 90 were compared to day 4.ConclusionsApparent morphological changes of the rat condylar cartilage are not reflected in a change in the expression levels of the chondrogenic and osteogenic regulatory factor mRNA investigated in this study.     

氯通道阻断剂NPPB对鸡喙外胚间充质细胞增殖分化影响的研究

目的 氯离子通道阻断剂NPPB对鸡喙外胚间充质细胞(chicken mandibular mesenchymal cells,CMMC)增殖及分化能力的影响。方法 应用MTT、实时定量PCR的方法,观察NPPB阻断氯离子通道后,鸡喙外胚间充质细胞在AA-BGP诱导成骨过程中,细胞增殖及Sox9mRNA、Runx2mRNA及Col10mRNA的表达的变化。结果 在AA-BGP诱导组及无AA-BGP诱导组,NPPB均抑制了CMMC的增殖(P<0.05)。在AA-BGP诱导组及无AA-BGP诱导组,NPPB下调Col10mRNA及Runx2mRNA的表达水平均有显著性差异(P<0.05),Sox9mRNA的表达水平没有显著改变。结论 阻断氯离子通道可抑制鸡喙外胚间充质细胞增殖,并影响细胞向肥大化的软骨细胞分化,可能通过调节Runx2水平影响分化。     

Condylar cartilage: A scanning electron microscope study of anorganic mammalian condyles

The mandibular condyles of four mammalian species (sheep, cat, monkey, and human) were rendered anorganic in NaOCl and examined by SEM. A mineralized cartilage front was identified in all specimens on the basis of a comparable morphology of chondrocyte lacunae and a calcospheritic pattern of mineralization. Species-specific differences in the cartilage surfaces were found to exist. The role of this cartilage in condylar remodeling and pathology is discussed. Attention is drawn to the fact that mineralized cartilage was identified on the articular aspect of all adult mammalian anorganic condyles examined.     

Changes in condylar cartilage after anterior mandibular displacement in juvenile pigs

Adaptive remodelling of the mandibular condyle in response to mandibular advancement is the mechanism exploited by orthodontic forward displacement devices.ObjectiveThis work investigated the expression of collagens, matrix metalloproteinases and vascular endothelial growth factor during this process.DesignTwenty juvenile pigs were randomly divided into two experimental groups, where the treatment group was fitted with mandibular advancement splints, and the control group was not. Changes in the mRNA content of condylar cartilage tissue was then were measured by real-time PCR using specific primers after 4 weeks of treatment.ResultsThe temporal pattern of the expression of Col1 and MMP13 during condylar adaptation coincided with that during natural condylar growth. The amount of the expression of Col10 during condylar adaptation was significantly lower (p < 0.05), whereas the expression of Col2, MMP8 and VEGF was significantly higher compared to natural growth (p < 0.05).ConclusionsIt is suggested that condylar adaptation in growing pigs triggered by mandibular forward positioning results not only from passive adaptation of cartilage, but also involves growth affected processes. Our results showed that mechanical strain produced by mandibular advancement induced remodelling and revascularization in the posteriocranial mandibular condyle. These results are mostly consistent with former published histological and histomorphometrical analyses.     

Developmental characteristics of secondary cartilage in the mandibular condyle and sphenoid bone in mice

ObjectiveSecondary cartilage develops from osteochondral progenitor cells. Hypertrophic chondrocytes in secondary cartilage increase within a very short time and then ossify rapidly. In the present study, we investigated the sequential development process of osteochondral progenitor cells, and the morphology and size of hypertrophic chondrocytes in secondary cartilage.DesignICR mice at embryonic days (E) 14.5–17.5 were used. The mandibular condyle and the medial pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone were observed as secondary cartilage, and the cranial base and the lateral pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone, which is primary cartilage, were observed as a control. Thin sections were subjected to immunostaining and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining. Using a confocal laser microscope, 3D stereoscopic reconstruction of hypertrophic cells was performed. To evaluate the size of hypertrophic chondrocytes objectively, the cell size was measured in each cartilage.ResultsHypertrophic chondrocytes of secondary cartilage first expressed type X collagen (Col X) at E15.5. SRY-box 9 (Sox 9) and ALP were co-expressed in the fibroblastic/polymorphic tissue layer of secondary cartilage. This layer was very thick at E15.5, and then rapidly became thin. Hypertrophic cells in secondary cartilage were markedly smaller than those in primary cartilage.ConclusionsThe small hypertrophic cells present in secondary cartilage may have been a characteristic acquired in order for the cartilage to smoothly promote a marked increase in hypertrophic cells and rapid calcification.     

Growth regulation of the rat mandibular condyle and femoral head by transforming growth factor-{beta}1, fibroblast growth factor-2 and insulin-like growth factor-I

The mandibular condyle is a major growth site and is known to adapt to functional factors. Numerous studies have been performed on the effects of growth factors on the metabolism of primary cartilages, but only a few investigations have examined their action on primary and secondary cartilages. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)), and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) on the growth of secondary cartilage from the mandibular condyle and primary cartilage from the femoral head of new-born rats. In addition, synergy between these growth factors was investigated. The level of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and DNA synthesis was analysed after 5 days in culture with the growth factors. The effects of TGF-beta(1) and FGF-2 on growth, tissue organization, and the GAG and collagen content were also evaluated.The stimulation of cell proliferation by the growth factors was higher in the mandibular condyles than in the femoral heads. The content of the matrix components was reduced more by FGF-2 in the mandibular condyles than in the femoral heads. Both TGF-beta(1) and FGF-2 antagonized the stimulatory effects of IGF-I on GAG synthesis in the two types of cartilage. In contrast, the total growth of mandibular condyles was not affected by TGF-beta(1) and FGF-2 while that of femoral heads was strongly reduced. This was mainly due to the inhibition of chondrocyte hypertrophy. These results show that in spite of the extensive effects of growth factors on the metabolism of mandibular condyles, their dimensional growth was not affected.     

Murine TMJ loading causes increased proliferation and chondrocyte maturation

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of forced mouth opening on murine mandibular condylar head remodeling. We hypothesized that forced mouth opening would cause an anabolic response in the mandibular condylar cartilage. Six-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were divided into 3 groups: (1) control, (2) 0.25 N, and (3) 0.50 N of forced mouth opening. Gene expression, micro-CT, and proliferation were analyzed. 0.5 N of forced mouth opening caused a significant increase in mRNA expression of Pthrp, Sox9, and Collagen2a1, a significant increase in proliferation, and a significant increase in trabecular spacing in the subchondral bone, whereas 0.25 N of forced mouth opening did not cause any significant changes in any of the parameters examined. Forced mouth opening causes an increase in the expression of chondrocyte maturation markers and an increase in subchondral trabecular spacing.     

Distribution of plasma-membrane Ca2+ pump in mandibular condyles from growing and adult rabbits

Chondrocytes may control the mineralization of the extracellular matrix of condylar cartilage by several mechanisms including the release of microvesicles involved in the initial nucleation, the creation or modification of the local matrix to help propagate or restrict mineralization, and the regulation of the ionic environment at the calcifying foci within the matrix. The plasma membrane Ca2+-Mg2+ ATPase (Ca2+ pump) is known to play a part in the vectorial efflux of calcium in a variety of cells including chondrocytes. The purpose here was to study the distribution of Ca2+-pump protein in mandibular condyles from growing and adult rabbits, and compare the expression of that protein in progressively differentiating chondrocytes whose final stage is associated with a mineralized extracellular matrix. Ca2+-pump antigen was identified immunohistochemically in six growing and six adult rabbit mandibular condyles with a Ca2+ pump-specific monoclonal antibody. The presence of Ca2+-pump antigen was established in hypertrophic chondrocytes, and in osteoblasts and osteoclasts of subchondral bone. Slot-blot analysis of nitrocellulose-immobilized chondrocyte homogenates showed that the amount of Ca2+ pump in growing cartilage was more than twice that in adult cartilage (p < 0.05). The demonstration of Ca2+-pump antigen in the hypertrophic chondrocytes of growing rabbit condyles is consistent with a role for the plasma-membrane Ca2+ pump in the calcification of mandibular condylar cartilage.     

FAM20C在小鼠下颌髁突发育过程中的时空表达

目的 观察小鼠髁突发育过程的不同阶段,FAM20C在髁突软骨中的时空表达特点,试探究其在小鼠髁突发育过程中的可能作用机制。方法 苏木精-伊红(HE)染色和改良番红O-固绿染色观察胚胎17.5 d和出生后0、7、21 d 4组小鼠髁突软骨及软骨下骨的形态学变化。免疫组化染色观察相应时间点FAM20C在小鼠髁突软骨组织中的定位及表达。测量FAM20C阳性表达的平均光密度值,并进行单因素方差分析。结果 HE染色和改良番红O-固绿染色结果表明：随着软骨内骨化的进展,髁突软骨细胞层长度减少,软骨下骨体积增加,下颌髁突体积增大;免疫组化结果表明：4组小鼠髁突软骨组织中均有FAM20C阳性表达,FAM20C主要表达于髁突软骨增殖软骨细胞层和前肥大软骨细胞层,少量表达于肥大软骨细胞层及软骨下骨层,随着髁突发育,FAM20C表达逐渐减少。统计学结果显示,各时间点FAM20C阳性表达差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论 FAM20C参与小鼠下颌髁突发育,可能通过调节髁突软骨细胞的增殖和分化在髁突形成中发挥重要作用。     

Ihh signaling regulates mandibular symphysis development and growth

Symphyseal secondary cartilage is important for mandibular development, but the molecular mechanisms underlying its formation remain largely unknown. Here we asked whether Indian hedgehog (Ihh) regulates symphyseal cartilage development and growth. By embryonic days 16.5 to 18.5, Sox9-expressing chondrocytes formed within condensed Tgfβ-1/Runx2-expressing mesenchymal cells at the prospective symphyseal joint site, and established a growth-plate-like structure with distinct Ihh, collagen X, and osteopontin expression patterns. In post-natal life, mesenchymal cells expressing the Ihh receptor Patched1 were present anterior to the Ihh-expressing secondary cartilage, proliferated, differentiated into chondrocytes, and contributed to anterior growth of alveolar bone. In Ihh-null mice, however, symphyseal development was defective, mainly because of enhanced chondrocyte maturation and reduced proliferation of chondroprogenitor cells. Proliferation was partially restored in dual Ihh;Gli3 mutants, suggesting that Gli3 is normally a negative regulator of symphyseal development. Thus, Ihh signaling is essential for symphyseal cartilage development and anterior mandibular growth.     

Origin of mandibular condylar cartilage in mice,rats, and humans: Periosteum or separate blastema?

ObjectiveTo investigate if mandibular condylar cartilage is derived from the periosteum of the ossifying mandible or from a separate, programmed blastema.Materials and methodsFetal mice at E14.0–16.0, fetal rats at E16.0–18.0, and human embryos at 9 and 10 wks of gestation were used. The initial formation of rat condylar cartilage was investigated by using serial sections and enzyme-histochemistry to detect alkaline phosphatase activity. Histological observations of serial sections of human fetuses as well as 3D-reconstruction models were also analyzed. The expression of collagen type mRNA in developing rat condylar cartilage was directly compared with that in mice by performing in situ hybridization.ResultsAn anlage of the rat condylar process (condylar anlage) was clearly identified in the posterior position of the ossifying mandible and was continuous with it at E16.0. Newly formed rat condylar cartilage was observed at E16.5 and was continuous with the ossifying mandible. Mesenchymal cells in the condylar anlage at E16.0 showed alkaline phosphatase activity and chondrocytes in the newly formed condylar cartilage also showed enzymatic activity. Thus, rat mandibular condylar cartilage that derives from alkaline phosphatase-positive periosteum-like cells is continuous with the ossifying mandible, as previously demonstrated in mice, but rapid differentiation into hypertrophic chondrocytes in rats is not remarkable compared to that in mice. The condylar anlage and the newly formed cartilage were also continuous with the ossifying mandible in human embryos.ConclusionsMammalian mandibular condylar cartilage derives from the periosteum of the ossifying mandible in mice, rats, and humans.     

Osteochondral angiogenesis in rat mandibular condyles with osteoarthritis-like changes

ObjectiveTo investigate angiogenesis at the osteochondral junction and changes in expression of pro- and anti-angiogenic factors in rat mandibular condyles with osteoarthritis-like changes.MethodsIn order to evoke osteoarthritis-like lesions in mandibular condyles, disordered occlusion was created experimentally in rats. Osteochondral vascularity was assessed histologically at 20 and 24 weeks. Protein and mRNA levels of pro-angiogenic factors including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and matrix metalloproteases 9 (MMP9), and anti-angiogenic factor chondromodulin-I (CHM-I) were investigated by means of immunohistochemical staining and real-time PCR.ResultsOsteochondral angiogenesis was demonstrated as increased numbers of vascular channels terminating in the calcified cartilage and non-calcified cartilage in 20- and 24-week experimental groups compared with controls (all P < 0.05). In the experimental groups, VEGF, CTGF and MMP9 were highly expressed in the tissues adjacent to the osteochondral junction. However, CHM-I was more expressed in the superior but not deep hypertrophic chondrocytes. Compared to their age-matched controls, the protein levels of VEGF and CTGF were higher in 20-week experimental group, and the protein and mRNA levels of CTGF, MMP-9, and CHM-I increased in the 24-week experimental group (all P < 0.05).ConclusionIn the present rat model, osteochondral angiogenesis was observed in mandibular condyles with osteoarthritis-like changes, accompanied with local upregulation of VEGF, CTGF and MMP9. Although the increase in CHM-I may moderate pro-angiogenic factors effects in the superior cartilage, the deficiency of deep hypertrophic chondrocytes to express CHM-I may permit vascular invasion into condylar cartilage.     

Condyle and mandibular bone change after unilateral condylar neck fracture in growing rats

Unilateral fracture of the condylar neck in immature subjects might lead to mandible asymmetry and condyle remodelling. A rat model was used to investigate mandibular deviation and condylar remodelling associated with condyle fracture. 72 4-week-old male rats were randomly divided into three groups: an experimental group (unilateral transverse condylar fracture induced surgically), a sham operation group (surgical exposure but no fracture), and a non-operative control group (no operation). The rats were killed at intervals up to 9weeks after surgery, and outcomes were assessed using various measures of mandible deviation, histological and X-ray observation, and immunohistochemical measures of expression levels of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and type II collagen (Col II). The fracture led to the degeneration of mandibular size, associated with atrophy of fractured condylar process. Progressive remodelling of cartilage and increasing expression levels of CTGF and Col II were found. The authors conclude that condylar fracture can lead to asymmetries in mandible and condyle remodelling and expression of CTGF and Col II in condylar cartilage on both the ipsilateral and the contralateral sides.     

An impact of masticatory muscle function on IL-1beta and SOX9 expression in condyle

The importance of masticatory muscle function on the growth and differentiation of condyle was examined. The aim of this study was to investigate how reduced masticatory muscle function influences intrinsic regulatory factors which govern growth and differentiation of condylar cartilage. Masseter muscles of 3-week-old Wistar rats were resected bilaterally. Masseteric resected animals and corresponding control animals were sacrificed at 3, 6, 12 and 21 days post-resection. The condyles were then processed for histological and immunohistochemical analysis. The expression patterns of an inhibitory regulator (IL-1beta) and a master regulator (Sox9) of chondrogenesis in condylar cartilage of growing rats were investigated. Quantitative analysis shows that masseteric resection significantly increased the number of IL-1beta positive cells in proliferative layer. In contrast, the number of Sox9 positive cells was significantly decreased compared to the control animals. It can be concluded that the reduced articular function due to masseteric resection decreased condylar cartilage cell differentiation which led to the decrease in the thickness of condylar cartilage.