Distribution of leucine-enkephalin like immunoreactive nerve fibers in feline temporomandibular joint: an immunohistochemical PAP method
Liu, J.; Xing, F.; Fan, X.; Xu, Y.; Li, Y.
Hua Xi Kou Qiang Yi Xue Za Zhi 15(4): 290-293
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 1000-1182 PMID: 11479968 Document Number: 483338
In this paper, the immunohistochemical PAP method has been used for the investigation of the distribution of leucine-enkephalin (L-ENK) like immunoreactive fibers in feline temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The results demonstrated as follows: the TMJ capsule, anterior and posterior disc attachments all contained L-ENK immunoreactive nerve fibers which appeared largely as the fine plexi fibers. The density of the distribution of L-ENK positive nerve fibers was the highest in the subsynovium of TMJ capsule, and the plexi structures proceeding to the synovial membrane were observed. The density of the distribution in the lateral joint capsule was the same as the density of distribution in the anterior and posterior discs attachments. No L-ENK positive fibers were detected in the central portion of joint disc. These results indicate that there is the material basis of endogenous analgesic mechanism in TMJ and provide the neuroanatomical basis for exploring physiological functions such as analgesic, immunological and anti-inflammatory effects of ENK nerve fibers in TMJ.