ABSTRACT
Objective: To observe the effects of He-Ne laser on the expression of extracellular matrix and its regulatory factors in degenerated temporomandibular joint(TMJ) of rabbits. Methods: 40 New Zealand adult white rabbits were randomly divided into normal group,sham model group,TMJOA model group and laser treatment group(n = 10),the rats in treatment group were treated by He-Ne laser irradination at acupoints. The rats in each group were divided into 1 d and 11 d groups(n = 5). The animals were respectively killed 1 d and 11 d after operation and HE staining was used to observe the histomorpholy. The protein expression of extracellular matrix and its regulatory factors were examined by Western blot. Results: After He-Ne laser treatment,the fiber layer of condylar cartilage was slightly loose,part of the fiber was newly produced. The level of Col-2,PRG-4,TIMP-1,BMP-2 was up-regulated and the of MMP-13 was down-regulated in the 11 d treatment group. Conclusion: He-Ne laser irradiation on acupoints may up-regulate the expression of extracellular matrix (Col-2 and PRG-4) and its regulatory factors (TIMP-1 and BMP-2),down-regulate the expression of MMP-13.