Objectives: We investigated the effects of compressive mechanical stress on osteoclastogenesis of synovial cells to clarify the mechanism of osteoclast formation by those cells in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Study design: Synovial cells were isolated from rat knee joints and continuously compressed using a conventional method. The expression of receptor activator nuclear factor kappaB ligand (RANKL) mRNA and protein in synovial cells was analyzed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence staining. Mouse bone marrow cells were cultured with synovial cells for 7 days to detect osteoclasts.
Results: The expressions of RANKL mRNA and protein in synovial cells were increased with compressive force. When mouse bone marrow cells were cultured with continuously compressed synovial cells, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinucleated cells were formed. Osteoprotegerin completely inhibited osteoclast formation induced by culturing with compressed synovial cells.
Conclusion: Our results indicated that the expression of RANKL in compressed synovial cells enhanced osteoclast formation, whereas continuous compressive force may induce osteoclastic bone destruction in the TMJ.