AIM. The aim of the present research is to demonstrate the importance of two growth factors, such as TGF] or bFGF, on the proliferation of fibroblasts extracted from the meniscal temporomandibular joint.
Material and Method. MJ disc cells were isolated from two pig heads, obtained from a local slaughterhouse. TMJs were harvested at no more than 4 hours from sacrifice and the articulation was entirely removed, together with its capsule. Following tissue decontamination by sterile iodine, the capsule was dissected under carefully selected sterile conditions.
Results. These results show that TGF] is the most important factor stimulating collagen synthesis in cultured TMJ fibroblasts
Conclusions. The largest benefit regarding TMJ fibroblast growth was induced by the treatment of the cultured cells by bFGF. This growth factor increased around 4 times the number of cells in the test wells. At the same time, TGF has stimulated fibroblast growth in culture, in a dose-dependent manner, yet the increase was slightly reduced compared to bFGF effects..
- fibroblasts
- TGF] or bFGF