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The proteoglycan contents of the temporomandibular joint disc influence its dynamic viscoelastic properties
Author(s) -
Tanaka Eiji,
Aoyama Junko,
Tanaka Masao,
van Eijden Theo,
Sugiyama Masaru,
Hanaoka Koichi,
Watanabe Mineo,
Tanne Kazuo
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of biomedical materials research part a
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.849
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1552-4965
pISSN - 1549-3296
DOI - 10.1002/jbm.a.10496
Subject(s) - viscoelasticity , materials science , proteoglycan , temporomandibular joint , composite material , ultimate tensile strength , joint (building) , biomedical engineering , anatomy , orthodontics , cartilage , structural engineering , medicine , engineering
The collagen fibers and proteoglycans in the disc of temporomandibular joint provide resistance to various loadings. Thus far, however, the role of the proteoglycans in determining the viscoelastic properties of the disc has not been investigated. In the present study the hypothesis was tested that the viscoelastic behavior of the disc decreases by the removal of proteoglycans. In 32 bovine discs, dynamic tensile tests with a wide range of frequencies were performed. Before testing, specimens were treated with different concentrations of α‐amylase to remove proteoglycans. As the frequency increased from 0.1 to 100 Hz, the disc became more viscoelastic. Increasing the concentration of α‐amylase significantly decreased its viscoelasticity. It was concluded that proteoglycans play an important role in determining the viscoelastic properties of the disc and, therefore, give the disc a greater capacity for distributing and reducing stresses. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 65A: 386–392, 2003