To assess tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activity in synovial fluid from patients with temporomandibular disorders.
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activity in synovial fluid from 27 patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) was studied using the MTT tetrazolium WEHI 164 clone 13 cell cytotoxicity assay.
No detectable TNF levels were found in five patients with a masticatory muscle disorder, but elevated TNF levels were found in 5 of 11 patients with TMJ disc displacement, and in 9 of 11 patients with degenerative joint disease.
The findings of biologically active TNF in the synovial fluid of these patients suggests that it may play a role in the pathogenesis of certain temporomandibular disorders.