The expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 in human temporomandibular joint samples: an immunohistochemical study

Abstract

summary The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and to compare it with that control specimens. Expression of COX‐2 in the TMJ disc and the synovial membrane in 26 human TMJ samples (internal derangement of TMJ; n =16, and control; n =10) was measured by an immunohistological technique using paraffin‐embedded tissue and specific antihuman COX‐2 polyclonal antibody. There were obvious distinction of COX‐2 immunoreactivity between the control specimens and internal derangement cases, in the region of posterior and/or anterior loose connective tissues. In particular, intensive COX‐2 expression was detected in the synovial membrane of internal derangement cases. The findings of the present study suggest that COX‐2 might be an important mechanism regulating inflammation in the synovial membrane with internal derangement of TMJ.