Jh. Quinn et al., Cyclooxygenase-2 in synovial tissue and fluid of dysfunctional temporomandibular joints with internal derangement, J ORAL MAX, 58(11), 2000, pp. 1229-1232
Purpose: This study investigated cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene expression i
n temporomandibular joint (TMJ) synovial tissue and fluid from patients wit
h internal derangement.
Patients and Methods: Seventeen synovial tissue biopsy specimens and 16 syn
ovial fluid samples mere obtained from patients (1 male and 11 female) duri
ng arthroscopic TMJ surgery. The samples were frozen at -70 degreesC and, b
y using Northern and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PC
R) analysis, the levels of COX-2 RNA in relation to beta -actin RNA message
levels were determined.
Results: COX-2 RNA message was detected in 16 of 17 synovial tissue samples
(94%) and 12 of 16 synovial fluid samples (75%) by using beta -actin RNA l
evels in the same sample (either tissue or fluid) as an internal control. S
amples were not quantified because of the same sample mass.
Conclusion: COX-2, an important inflammatory mediator, is present in the TM
J synovial tissue and fluid from patients with internal derangement. Theref
ore, COX-2 antagonists may be indicated in the treatment of TMJ arthralgia.
(C) 2000 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.