The effect of altered functional forces on the expression of bone-matrix proteins in developing mouse mandibular condyle

Mechanical forces are known to have an effect on bone formation, maintenance and remodelling, and there is evidence that the development of the mandibular condyle in the rat is influenced by the consistency of the diet. Here a mouse model was used to investigate the relation between food, condylar development and the expression of bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteopontin (OPN), osteocalcin (OC) and type I collagen (COL I). Twenty-four 19-day-old male mice were randomly divided into three groups. Groups 1 and 2 were fed hard pellets and soft powdered food, respectively, for 2 weeks. Group 3 mice were fed soft food for 1 week followed by a week of hard pellets. Incisors of mice in groups 2 and 3 were trimmed twice a week to reduce occlusal forces. After killing the animals, mandibular condyles were collected for RNA extraction, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analyses. Histological sections showed that the condyles of mice in group 2 were underdeveloped, with a thinner layer of cartilage and fewer bone trabeculae. Northern hybridization of total RNA of the condyle from mice in this soft-food group also exhibited a significant decrease in the amounts of BSP, OPN, OC and COL I, representing 79%, 75%, 77% and 79% respectively, of that from mice fed hard food. In situ hybridization of these bone-matrix proteins demonstrated signals in bone-forming cells and BSP mRNA was also seen in the hypertrophic cartilage cells in the developing condyle. Immunohistochemical study demonstrated an obvious difference in the intensity of staining, especially for BSP. Results from group 3 were similar to those from group 1. The observed decrease in bone matrix-protein expression confirms that the consistency of the diet affects the development of the mouse mandibular condyle and that a soft diet diminishes the rate of bone formation.