The effect of the exposure to continuous compressive force on disc cells in the temporomandibular joint- focusing on the intermediate filaments.

电镜下观察持续压力作用下结蛋白免疫阳性椎间盘细胞的超微结构。结蛋白阳性细胞核较大，细胞器稀疏，为低分化型。结蛋白免疫反应阳性的关节盘细胞具有胞质突起，其也具有结蛋白免疫反应。这种形态特征表明结蛋白阳性细胞具有运动和迁移能力。免疫组化显示关节盘细胞大量表达VEGF（血管内皮生长因子）和面向关节腔的一些细胞显示了血管内皮特异性抗体RECA-1。存在响应于异常压缩力而开始形成新血管的可能性。

Ultrastructue of the desmin immunopositive disc cell following exposure to continuous compressive force was examined under electron microscope. Desmin-positive cells possessed comparatively large nucleus and sparse organelle in thier cytoplasm, which means poorly-differentiated type. The articular disc cells showing desmin-immunoreactivity possessed cytoplasmic processes which had also immunoreaction of desmin. This morphological feature indicated that desmin positive cells have moving and migration ability. In addition, around the desmin positive cells, some small blood vessels were observed.Immunohistochemical observation showed that a lot of articular disc cells were immunestained with VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and some cells facing the articular cavity showed RECA-1 which is the antibody specific to vascular endothelium.In conclusion, there is a possibility that the formation of new vessels commenced in response to the extraordinary compressive force.