Immunohistochemical expression of collagen type VII antibody in the human fetal temporomandibular joint discs

Objective: To study the articular disc morphology and to analyze the immunohistochemical expression of the type VII collagen marker in human fetal temporomandibular joint discs at different gestational ages. Methods: Twenty human fetal temporomandibular joint aged between 13 and 24 weeks gestational age were studied. Temporomandibular joint were supplied by the Universidade Federal de Uberaba. Fetal age was established by measuring the crown-rump length (CRL). The fetuses were fixed in a formalin solution at 10%, and the skin and subcutaneous tissue were removed to expose deeper anatomical structures. An immunohistochemical type VII collagen marker was used to determine the presence of the basal membrane in the temporomandibular joint disc. Results: Analysis of the immunohistochemical type VII collagen marker showed this type of collagen in the central region and upper surface of human fetal temporomandibular joint discs. Conclusion: The use of a type VII collagen marker in the temporomandibular joint disc during the second trimester of pregnancy shows that the articular disc has a basal membrane in its central region and upper surface.