ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the chondrocyte apoptosis in rabbit temporomandibular joint after anterior disc displacement.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Experimental anterior disc displacement was induced surgically in 20 Japanese rabbits without opening their temporomandibular joint bursas. Histopathologic and apoptotic (TUNEL) analysis was used to evaluate the changes in articular cartilage, disc and synovium.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Condyle chondrocyte showed apoptosis most obviously at 1 or 2 weeks after surgery, and apoptotic cells concentrated in proliferative zone and hypertrophic zone. 4 or 6 weeks after surgery, the joint went into a remodelling period.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Chondrocyte apoptosis in temporomandibular joint will be activated after anterior disc displacement, which initiates the remodelling in temporomandibular joint.</p>