Objective: To determine the expression and localization of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 in condylar cartilage of adolescent rats following occlusion vertical rising procedures.
Methods: Forty male rats of 5 weeks of age were randomly divided into the experiment group (n=20) and the control group (n=20). The rats in the experiment group were fitted with upper posterior bite rising splints on their upper molar. Five rats from each group were killed at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after the procedures, and their left condylar cartilages were taken for the determination of the expression of TGF-beta1 through SABC.
Results: The rats in the experiment group had significantly less expression of TGF-beta1 in condylar cartilage than the controls. The rats in the experiment group had the lowest TGF-beta17 day after the procedure. The level of TGF-beta1 increased over time. More TGF-beta1 positive cells were found in the rats of the experiment group than those in the control 28 days after the procedure.
Conclusion: Occlusal vertical rising stimulates the expression of TGF-beta1 in condylar cartilage, which may be part of the adaptive remodeling of condylar cartilage in adolescent rats.