[Ultrastructural changes in joint capsule in TMJ disturbance syndrome].

The joint capsule is one of component parts of joint. In order to clear the changes of the capsule in TMJ disturbance syndrome, we studied 3 normal capsules and 7 patient's capsules by light microscope and electron microscope. The results are: under LM, some fibrous materials are found on the surfaces of synovial membranes in TMJ disturbance syndrome. The synovial membranes in disease become thicker than usual. The connective tissue shows hyaline degeneration. Under EM, the surfaces of synovial membranes are covered by an irregular granulated or filamentous substance. Collagens are denatured or dissolved. Among fibrils amorphous moderate-electron dense materials are present. The authors think that these changes are associated with the autoimmune reaction in TMJ disturbance syndrome and increase the destruction of TMJ in this disease.