1999 Volume 62 Issue 3 Pages 160-168
We investigated the localization of MMP-3 and TIMP-2 in the temporomandibular joint of MRL/lpr/lpr mice with rheumatoid arthritis using histological and immunohistochemical methods. There was a strong MMP-3 reaction in the proliferating synovial tissue originating from the pannus, and around the cells gathering in the surface cartilage at 32 weeks. TIMP-2 negative domains were found in the same places. Since MMP-3 was positive where TIMP-2 was negative, this seems to indicate a complimentary reration between the two. MMP-3 was intensely positive in the thinnest area of the articular disc during the growth process. We observed MMP-3 positive cartilage-like cells in the disc at an advanced age. Bone reaction was negative through the entire time of observation. These results suggest that the synovium, disc and cartilage create MMP-3 in the rheumatic temporomandibular joint and explain why the concentration of MMP-3 is high in rheumatoid synovial fluid.
