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Immunolocalization of vimentin and α‐smooth muscle actin in dysfunctional human temporomandibular joint disc samples
Author(s) -
Leonardi R.,
Villari L.,
Piacentini C.,
Bernasconi G.,
Travali S.,
Caltabiano C.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of oral rehabilitation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.991
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-2842
pISSN - 0305-182X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2842.2002.00829.x
Subject(s) - vimentin , pathology , actin , temporomandibular joint , anatomy , biology , myofibroblast , phenotype , fibroblast , microbiology and biotechnology , immunohistochemistry , chemistry , medicine , cell culture , gene , genetics , fibrosis
The expression of vimentin and α‐smooth muscle (α‐SM) actin was examined in 10 human temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc samples, with internal derangement and in two control specimens, in order to evaluate the phenotypic characteristics of TMJ disc cells in relationship to histological findings. This was accomplished by means of monoclonal antibodies specific for vimentin and α‐SM actin and immunocytochemical technique. The study, revealed that every disc cell constantly expressed vimentin. Scattered α‐SM actin positive cells could be appreciated in normal TMJ discs and tissues with minor pathological findings. In TMJ discs with severe alterations, i.e. tears and clefts, almost fibroblast‐like cells, fibrochondrocytes and chondrocyte‐like cells were strongly immunolabelled by anti‐α‐SM actin antibody. According to these findings it can be assumed that vimentin is expressed by all disc cell populations and it appears not to be influenced by any disease condition of the disc; on the other hand the up‐regulation α‐SM actin immunolabelling seems to be correlated to histopathological findings of tears and clefts. Cells, with a contractile phenotype, close to such defects, could be involved in disc tissue contraction and repair. The plasticity of disc cell populations which evolve towards a different phenotype when subjected to action of macro‐ and micro‐environmental factors is also supported.