The Effects of Age and Sex on the Expression of Aromatase in the Rat Temporomandibular Joint
- Autores: Shi-Bin Yu, Mei-Qing Wang, Wei Zhao, Hong-Tao Cao, Yan-Li Liu
- Localización: Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache, ISSN-e 2333-0376, ISSN 2333-0384, Vol. 20, Nº. 2, 2006, págs. 156-165
- Idioma: inglés
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Resumen
Aims: To investigate the expression of aromatase in temporomandibular joints(TMJs) of male and female rats of different ages.
Methods: The expression of aromatase in terms of protein and mRNA was examined by immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and in situ hybridization in the TMJs of Sprague-Dawley rats. The expression level of aromatase protein was also quantified by the density of aromatase-positive chondrocytes in TMJ condylar cartilage. A tritiated water assay was used to analyze the activity of aromatase in cartilage chondrocytes.
Results: Strong aromatase protein and mRNA hybridization signals were detected in hypertrophic and mature chondrocytes in all the cases examined. The density of aromatase-positive chondrocytes was relatively stable at higher levels before 8 weeks of age. The density decreased gradually in females after 8 weeks of age but not in males.
Conclusion: These results demonstrate that aromatase is expressed intensely in condylar cartilage and suggest that it may play an important role in pathophysiological mechanisms in condylar cartilage.
