The Changes in Matrix Metalloproteinases and Collagens Expression of Rat Articular Cartilage After Continuous Mandibular Advancement: Immunohistochemical Study

Wisam W. Alhamadi

Abstract

Condylar growth modification is induced by mandibular advancement though the changes in Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) after mandibular advancement could be permanently stable are not yet proved. Therefore, our purpose is to investigate the effects of mandibular advancement on the rat TMJ by changing in Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and Collagens (COLs) expression immunohistochemically (IHC) after retention treatment. In this study, 54 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided to control group (n=24) and experimental group (n=30) for three months subgroups period.