Effects of intraoral splint wear on proteoglycans in the temporomandibular joint disc.

Abstract Intraoral splints are a common dental treatment for dysfunctions of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), but their effects on the structures of the joint, specifically the disc, have not been well investigated. This study examined proteoglycans (PGs) of the TMJ disc of the miniature pig and tested for alterations resulting from intraoral splint wear. Sixteen female pigs were divided into three groups: control (C), control splint (CS), and protrusive splint (PS). Splinted groups received chrome-cobalt ramp splints which were worn continuously for 2 months. PG content within various disc locations was determined by colorimeteric assay. PG synthesis and type were examined by labeling with 35 S-sulfate and SDS–PAGE analysis. Average water content of the disc was 77.1%, which places it at the high end of the normal range for collagenous biomaterials (60–80%). PGs migrating to the positions typical of aggrecan, biglycan, and decorin on SDS–PAGE were present in all locations of all groups. The highest content and synthesis of PGs were always found in the intermediate band of the disc regardless of group ( P P