Extracellular Matrix Changes in Joint Repair and Regeneration

• Main Authors: Hung-Li Tsai, 蔡弘曆
• Other Authors: Wen-Fu Lai
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2005
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/77183150650982890588

碩士 === 臺北醫學大學 === 生物醫學材料研究所 === 93 === Reconstituted type I collagen matrix extracted from the rat tail tendon was utilized to regenerate the temporomandibular joint disc in the rabbit. The aim of this study was to examine extracellular matrix changes and mechanisms of regeneration in the temporomandibular joint disc. Thirty-two New Zealand rabbits underwent either sham surgical procedures or partial temporomandibular joint discectomy. In animals that underwent partial discectomy, the discs were replaced by reconstituted collagen templates. Some of the surgerized animals did not receive any implant. Tissue sections of the surgerized temporomandibular joint were obtained at 1-, 2-, and 3-month interval after surgery. Tissue morphology was evaluated either by gross and histology. Collagen changes of the disc were determined using immunohistochemistry. To confirm the structure and function of regenerative disc, this study compared the differences of regenerative and native disc. Additionally the changes of extracellular matrix and cell morphology were taken to understanding the mechanism of disc regeneration. Histology showed that the joint appeared more severe degeneration in the partially discectomized joint without implantation when time passed. After 3 months, the cartilage was fully destroyed and the bone was entirely exposed. In untreated joints, the condyle exhibited type I collagen in the fibrous regions and type II collagen in areas of proliferative cartilage. In contrast, discs that recievied reconstituted collagen template regenerated and the extracellular matrix of regenerative disc could return normal to protect joint. Cells in the regenerative tissue expressed extracellular matrix first, and then the tissue formed fibers randomly. Gradually, fibers became regular and compact by tissue remodeling and collagen expression increased. The reparative cells differentiated into chondroblasts, and the peri-cellular fibers showed a heavy density. Cell morphology appeared smaller compared to the early stage of repair. Finally, the morphology, extracellular matrix composition and the collagen expression of the disc and condyle was similar to that of normal tissue. In conclusion, the reconstituted collagen template effectively facilitated a regeneration for the surgically discectomized discs. The regeneration of articular discs had correlate closely with extracellular matrix, especially type I and type II collagen.