Effect of hepatocyte growth factor on the repair of defect in the articular disc in rabbit temporomandibular joint

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the therapeutic use of Hepatocyte growth factor(Adv.CMV.HGF) in temporomandibular joint disc defect.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve New Zealand white rabbits, weighing 2.5 - 3.0 kg, were used in this experiment. Defects(2 mm in diameter) were created in their TMJ discs. Recombinant Adv.CMV.HGF with gelatin sponge(Gelfoam(R)) as carrier was implanted in the defects. We divided the rabbits into four batches according to the duration of the implantation - of 1, 4, 8, 12 weeks - and both left and right TMJ of each rabbit in all groups were used in the research left joints were used as experiment group and right were control group. Each batch of rabbits was killed one, four, eight and twelve weeks after the experimentation respectively, and called Group A, B, C, and D. (Group A = 1 wk, B = 4 wks, C = 8 wks, and D = 12 wks)RESULTS: The experimental group showed a significant increase in the number of chondroblasts and active cell differentiation at the margin of the defects. Compared to the control group, in the experiment group chondroblasts increased and chondrocytes showed a columnar arrangement, which is witnessed at the time of cell differentiation.CONCLUSION: This study supports the case that Avd.CMV.HGF may be useful in the repair of articular disc of the rabbit TMJ.