Effects of estrogen on the proliferation and differentiation of human embryo mandibular condylar chondrocytes / 华西口腔医学杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the effects of different estrogen concentrations on the proliferation and differentiation of human embryo mandibular condylar chondrocytes (MCCs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In vitro-cultured MCCs were incubated and treated with estrogen at different concentrations. The MCCs were identified by toluidine blue and type II collagen immunocytochemical methods, and cell proliferation was monitored using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The addition of 10(-12) or 10(-6) mol x L(-1) exogenous estrogen inhibited the growth of MCCs, whereas addition of 10(-10) or 10(-8) mol x L(-1) exogenous estrogen promoted growth. These estrogen effects were time-dependent.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Estrogen can affect cellular MCCs proliferation and differentiation in a biphasic manner depending on the concentration. Estrogen may be vital in the maintenance of normal functions of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and may be involved in the progression of certain TMJ diseases.</p>