The uptake of horseradish peroxidase in monkey temporomandibular joint synovium after occlusal alteration.

We conducted an electron microscopic study on the alterations in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) synovium of the monkey after it was subjected to unilateral bite-raising, by means of a maxillary occlusal splint. The uptake of intravenously injected horseradish peroxidase (HRP) by type A cells was demonstrated in the disturbed TMJ. The uptake of HRP decreased three to six wk after occlusal alteration, and was the same as in normal type A synovial cells after 16 wk.