Effect of bilateral extraction of molars on glycosaminoglycans in the synovial fluid of the temporomandibular joint in monkeys

This study was designed to determine the effect of bilateral extraction of all molars and premolars on glycosaminoglycans (GAG) in the synovial fluid of the monkey temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMJ radiographs were taken using standard techniques at intervals of 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 weeks following surgery. The synovial fluid was digested with pronase E and GAG were extracted using CPC at intervals of 2, 8, 16, and 24 weeks following surgery. Qualitative and quantitative changes in the GAG were examined by the carbazole reaction and electrophoresis on a cellulose acetate strip. The molecular weight distribution of GAG was examined by gel chromatography.The following results were obtained1) No morphological changes were observed in the condylar head or articular eminence, although the position of the condyle changed in a superoposterior direction in the 16 and 24 week groups.2) The GAG was composed of hyaluronic acid (HA) only.3) HA concentration as uronic acid was initially 2. 13 mg/m/, gradually decreasing with time.4) Gel chromatogrophy-measured HA in the experimental groups was eluated later than the control group, indicating a decrease in the molecular size of HA in the experimental groups. Decreased molecular size of HA was observed up until the 16 week; an increase to the 2 week level was observed in the 24 week group.It is suggested that bilateral extraction of molars in monkeys caused quantitative and qualitative changes in the HA of the synovial fluid.