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

电镜下观察连续压缩后免疫阳性的椎间盘细胞的超微结构。desmin阳性细胞细胞核较大，细胞器稀疏，属于低分化型。具有聚乳酸免疫反应性的关节盘细胞具有胞浆过程，胞浆过程也具有聚乳酸免疫反应。这一形态学特征表明desmin阳性细胞具有移动和迁移能力。此外，在desmin阳性细胞周围可见一些小血管。免疫组化观察显示，大量关节盘细胞被血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）免疫，部分面向关节腔的细胞出现血管内皮特异性抗体RECA-1。总之，新血管的形成有可能是对异常压缩力的反应。

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.