Inflammatory and degenerative effects of induced osteoarthritis/rheumatoid arthritis models on temporomandibular joint of rats

The present study compared three models of induction of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of rats. The induction method was by injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) + type II bovine collagen (CII). Twenty-four adult male rats were divided into four groups (n = 6): G1: Sham, 50 μL of 0.9% sodium chloride at the base of the tail and in each TMJ; G2: OA, 50 μL CFA+CII in each TMJ; G3: RA+OA, 100 μL of CFA+CII at the base of the tail and 50 μL CFA+CII in each TMJ; G4: RA, 100 μL of CFA+CII at the base of the tail. All injections were repeated 5 days later. Twenty-three days after the first injection, the animals were sacrificed and the TMJs were submitted to histomorphometric analysis and measurement of cytokines. The Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests were used (alpha=0.05). The total thickness of the condylar cartilage increased in G2 in relation to the other groups, G3 and G4 reduced in relation to G1; and G2 and G4 reduced in relation to G2 and G3. The levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α increased in the three induction models compared to G1. The level of IL-10 increased in G2 compared to the other groups and reduced in G3 and G4 compared to G1. CFA+CII induced inflammation and degeneration compatible with RA (advanced chronic stage) when injected in the tail, and compatible with OA (acute stage or early disease) when injected only in the TMJ. [Display omitted] •Three models of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis induction compared in rats.•Thickness of cartilage were observed by morphological/histochemical techniques.•Levels of cytokines were measured at the temporomandibular joint.