Objective:This investigation aimed at explore the total distribution of neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactive (NPY-LI) fibers and their changes post-trauma in rat temporomandibular joints (TMJs).Methods: Six groups of rats were killed individually before trauma, 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after trauma. TMJs were extracted totally, and the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method and image analysis were employed to detect NPY-LI fibers in frozen sections of TMJs.Results: NPY-LI fibers were distributed extensively in TMJs, except the central disc band and bone, and they were mainly located around blood vessels, especially arteries. The densities of fibers in the six groups were 160.4±27.5, 95.8±16.4, 88.6±14.5, 114.3±17.0, 135.0±20.7, 158.6 ±19.5(unit:mm+2).Conclusion: NPY-LI nerve fibers are distributed extensively in the periphery of blood vessels of TMJs and densities changed dynamically when TMJs were impacted. NPY may play an important role in pathologic change of TMJ by regulating local blood circulation.
