Effect of experimental malocclusion on the microvascular architecture of the temporomandibular joint disk in the Japanese monkey

Abstract

Investigations were made on the changes with experimental malocclusion in the microvascular architecture of the temporomandibular joint disks of Japanese monkeys. All maxillary posterior teeth were extracted and the occlusal surfaces of all mandibular posterior teeth were reduced. The animals were sacrificed at 4, 8, 16 and 24 weeks. Microcasts prepared by injection of acryl plastic were coated with gold for electron microscopic observation. Initially, the distribution of blood capillaries decreased in the posterior portion of the disk while increasing somewhat in the anterior region. However, in time the disk tissue gradually returned to normal.