Relationship between TNF-alpha and TUNEL-positive chondrocytes in antigen-induced arthritis of the rabbit temporomandibular joint.

BACKGROUND: Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining is a widely accepted method for the detection of DNA fragmentation in nuclei of apoptotic cells. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha is closely associated with changes in condylar cartilage and modulates apoptosis in various tissues including cartilage. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between apoptotic chondrocytes and TNF-alpha in a rabbit model of arthritis.

METHOD: Unilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis was induced in 20 adult New Zealand White rabbits. From 1 day to 6 weeks after the induction of arthritis, immunohistochemical analysis for TNF-alpha and TUNEL was performed.

RESULTS: In condylar cartilage, TNF-alpha-positive cells and TUNEL-positive cells were localized together. TNF-alpha-positive chondrocytes seemed to precede TUNEL-positive cells.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that TNF-alpha may be involved in apoptosis and/or apoptotic necrosis of chondrocytes as TMJ arthritis progresses from the acute to chronic stage.