Extracellular Matrix Behaviour in Masseter Muscle of Patients Affected by Unilateral Posterior Crossbite: An Immunofluorescence Study

Unilateral posterior crossbite is a malocclusion disease that involves morpho-functional characteristics of masseter muscle; normal or increased activity contralateral muscle and reduced the ipsilateral during unilateral have been shown. Since extracellular matrix plays key role in mechano-transduction transmitting forces contraction, aim present study was to analyse behaviour this type through immunofluorescence reactions against laminin, collagen IV, MMP-2 MMP-9. Our results show an expression Laminin, Collagen MMP-9 side if compared side. No differences found between muscles. IV associated with hypertrophy atrophy, our support existence hypertrophic response probably aims compensate altered function one.