Structural changes of the disc of temporomandibular joint in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes

Abstract

There is a significant prevalence of dental diseases in patients with diabetes. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders occupy one of the first places among them. However, there is no data on the diabetes effect on the disc of the TMJ.
 The aim of the study – to establish structural changes of TMJ disc in rats with hyperglycemia.
 Materials and Methods. Sixty white mature male rats were divided into 4 equal groups. Animals of first and second groups were simulated with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Rats of third and fourth groups were used as controls at appropriate period to the experimental. Slaughtering of animals was carried out after 30 and 60 days from the start of the experiment, after which the TMJ complexes and adjacent soft tissues were collected. Biological material was prepared according to conventional methods. Histological sections were examined with the help of microscopes.
 Results and Discussion. The structure of the disc of TMJ of control rats did not change. Its’ significant remodeling was visualized in animals with diabetes. Thickening of the walls of arteries and widening of venous lumen and swelling of the collagen fibers were observed after 30 days of the experiment. Thickening of the fibers of collagen and predominance of histiocytes were visualized after 2 months of the diabetes. Lumen of arteries were narrowed and plethora was observed in the veins of the hemomicrocirculatory bed.
 Conclusions. Restructuring of the disk of TMJ of rats with diabetes are manifested by mucoid swelling of collagen fibers and morphological changes in the hemomicrocirculatory vascular bed that can lead to dystrophy of the disc.