THE EFFECTS OF INDUCED DENTAL MALOCCLUSION ON THE FIBROCARTILAGE DISCOF THE ADULT-RABBIT TEMPOROMANDIBULAR-JOINT

Unilateral cast occlusal splints were fitted to the mandibular posteri or teeth of adult rabbits, for periods of 1-28 days. The reactivity of the mandibular disc was examined by the effect on cell proliferation across the anterior, intermediate and posterior discal bands, as measu red by metaphase arrest using vincristine sulphate. The effect on the disc was to activate cell proliferation on the splinted side. Intensit y of response varied according to the length of time after fitting the splint, and the site involved. The findings suggested that the adult mandibular disc may participate in compensatory change at a cellular l evel and thus respond to changing functional loads placed upon the adu lt temporomandibular joints.