TUMOR-NECROSIS-FACTOR IN SYNOVIAL-FLUID OF PATIENTS WITH TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS

Purpose: To assess tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activity in synovial fl uid from patients with temporomandibular disorders. Patients and Metho ds: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activity in synovial fluid from 27 pat ients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) was studied using the MT T tetrazolium WEH1 164 clone 13 cell cytotoxicity assay. Results: No d etectable TNF levels were found in five patients with a masticatory mu scle disorder, but elevated TNF levels were found in 5 of 11 patients with TMJ disc displacement, and in 9 of 11 patients with degenerative joint disease. Conclusion: The findings of biologically active TNF in the synovial fluid of these patients suggests that it may play a role in the pathogenesis of certain temporomandibular disorders.