Functional changes of the temporomandibular joint mechanoreceptors induced by a lateral mandibular shift in rats.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate changes in functional characteristics of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) mechanoreceptors under mandibular lateral shift.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty 7-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into control and experimental groups. Rats in the experimental group received a modified guiding appliance (MGA) that was designed to shift the mandible to the left side in the occlusal position. Single-unit activities of the TMJ mechanoreceptors were evoked by indirect stimulation of passive jaw movement. Electrophysiologic recordings of TMJ units were obtained 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 weeks after MGA setting from the gasserian ganglion.

RESULTS

At 1 week after mandibular shift, the firing thresholds were the lowest and the maximum instantaneous frequencies were the highest in TMJ units. At 5 weeks, the firing thresholds in the nonshifted side were significantly lower than those in the shifted side. The maximum instantaneous frequencies in the nonshifted side were significantly higher than those in the shifted side at 1, 5, and 7 weeks.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the functional lateral shift of the mandible could alter the response properties of TMJ mechanoreceptors, particularly on the nonshifted side.