Presence, location and expression of sex steroid receptors in the temporomandibular joints of rats

Abstract

The temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) comprises disorders in joint structures and/or muscles related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Presents a high prevalence in females, suggesting a possible hormonal role, especially estrogens. Knowing that the hormonal action is dependent on the bindinghormone to its receptor, several studies have attempted to identify these components in temporomandibular tissues, but their results were not conclusive. This project aims to determine the possible presence of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone receptors in male and female rats TMJ, as well as its location and expression. The females will be considered with regard to age, within the ranges corresponding to the peak reproductive, premenopausal and postmenopausal of the women. The males will have ages corresponding to these phases. Furthermore, as receptor expression may change under certain conditions,it will be analyzed regarding the TMJ load received during function, considering the different incidence areas. Statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS software version 20.0, by appropriate tests.