Effects of Advanced Age on the Morphometry and Degenerative State of the Cervical Spine in a Rat Model

Aging causes changes in the geometry of the human cervical spine that may influence the tissue response to applied loads. Rat models are often used to study spinal cord injuries (SCI) and have the potential to enhance our understanding of the effect of age on SCI. The goal of this study was to characterize the morphometry and degenerative state of the cervical spine in Fisher 344 rats, and to determine the influence of age on these variables. Fifteen rats were split into three age groups: young adult (3 months of age), aged (12–18 months) and geriatric (30 months). Following tissue harvest we used a μCT scanner to image the cervical and upper thoracic spine from each specimen. Analysis software was used to measure variables including canal pinch diameter (the most rostral point on the dorsal aspect of a vertebral body to the most caudal aspect of the lamina on the immediately rostral vertebra), vertebral canal depth, width, and area, vertebral body height, depth, width, and area, and intervertebral disc thickness. Orthopaedic surgeons used midsagittal images to rate the degenerative state of the intervertebral discs. For all measures except disc thickness there was a significant increase (mean (SD) = 15.0 (9.7)%) for the aged compared to young specimens (P < 0.05). There were significant differences between the aged and geriatric specimens for only vertebral body depth (P = 0.016) and area (P = 0.020). Intervertebral disc degeneration was significantly greater on the ventral aspect of the spinal column (P < 0.001), with a trend toward increased degeneration in the geriatric specimens (P = 0.069). The results suggest that age‐related morphometric differences may need to be accounted for in experimental aging models of SCI in rats. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

The Significance of Calcified Fibrocartilage on the Cortical Endplate of the Translational Sheep Spine Model

To gain an understanding of the vertebral cortical endplate and factors that may affect the ability to achieve skeletal attachment to intervertebral implants and fusion, this study aimed to characterize the hypermineralized tissue on the cortical endplate of the vertebral body on a commonly used animal model. Skeletally mature sheep were injected with tetracycline prior to euthanasia and the C2‐C3, T5‐T6, and L2‐L3 spinal motion segments were excised and prepared. Vertebral tissues were imaged using backscatter electron (BSE) imaging, histology, and tetracycline labeling was used to assess bone remodeling within different tissue layers. It was determined that the hypermineralized tissue layer was calcified fibrocartilage (CFC). No tetracycline labels were identified in the CFC layer, in contrast to single and double labels that were present in the underlying bone, indicating the CFC present on the cortical endplate was not being actively remodeled. The average thickness of the CFC layer was 146.3 ± 70.53 µm in the cervical region, 98.2 ± 40.29 µm in the thoracic region, and 150.89 ± 69.25 µm in the lumbar region. This difference in thickness may be attributed to the regional biomechanical properties of the spine. Results from this investigation indicate the presence of a nonremodeling tissue on the cortical endplate of the vertebral body in sheep spines, which attaches the intervertebral disc to the vertebrae. This tissue, if not removed, would likely prevent successful bony attachment to an intervertebral device in spinal fusion studies and total disc replacement surgeries. Anat Rec, 296:736–744, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Damage to the human lumbar cartilage endplate and its clinical implications

The cartilaginous endplate (CEP) is a thin layer of hyaline cartilage, and plays an important role in the diffusion of nutrients into the intervertebral discs. Its damage may seriously affect the disc degeneration, and result in low back pain (LBP). However, the structural features of damaged CEPs have not been well characterized, and this hinders our understanding of the etiology of disc degeneration and pain. To present the structural features of micro-damaged CEPs in patients with disc degeneration and LBP that might even be regarded as an initial factor for disc degeneration, we performed a histological study of micro-damaged CEPs harvested from human lumbar intervertebral discs and analyzed its clinical implications. Human lumbar CEPs were excised from 35 patients (mean age 60.91 years) who had disc degeneration and LBP. Control tissue was obtained from 15 patients (mean age 54.67 years) with lumbar vertebral burst fractures. LBP and disability were assessed clinically, and all patients underwent anterior vertebral body fusion surgery. CEPs together with some adjacent nucleus pulposus (NP) were sectioned at 4 µm, and stained using H&E, Safranin O/Fast Green, and Alcian Blue. Immunostaining and PCR were used to identify various markers of degeneration, innervation, and inflammation. Histology demonstrated physical micro-damage in 14/35 CEPs from the disc degeneration group. Six major types of damage could be distinguished: fissure, traumatic nodes, vascular mimicry, incorporation of NP tissue within the CEP, incorporation of bone within the CEP, and incorporation of NP and bone within the CEP. Pain and disability scores (ODI: p = 0.0190; JOA: p = 0.0205; JOABPEQ: p = 0.0034) were significantly higher in those with micro-damaged CEPs (N = 14) than in those with non-damaged CEPs (N = 21). CEP damage was significantly associated with elevated MMP3 (p = 0.043), MMP13 (p = 0.0191), ADAMTS5 (p = 0.0253), TNF-α (p = 0.0011), and Substance P (p = 0.0028), and with reduced Sox9 (p = 0.0212), aggrecan (p = 0.0127), and type II collagen (p = 0.0139). In conclusion, we presented a new classification of human lumbar micro-damaged CEPs. Furthermore, we verify disc degeneration, innervation, and discogenic pain in micro-damaged CEPs.     

Posterior distraction forces of the posterior longitudinal ligament stratified according to vertebral level

Introduction Although considered significant in resisting midline intervertebral disc herniation, the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) has had relatively few studies performed regarding its morphology and function. We performed the present experiment to discern the amount of posterior tensile force necessary to disrupt the PLL at each vertebral level. Materials and methods Twenty-five adult cadavers underwent laminectomies of vertebrae C1 to S1. After removal of the spinal cord, nerve roots, and dura mater, the PLL was identified for each vertebral level and a steel wire placed around its waist in the midline and a tensile gauge attached and posterior tension applied perpendicular to the spine. Forces necessary to failure of the PLL were noted for each vertebral level. Results The PLL was found to be stronger in the thoracic spine compared to the cervical and lumbar vertebrae (P < 0.05). Dividing the vertebral levels in this manner, we found an average posterior distraction force to failure of 48.3 N in the cervical region, 61.3 N in the thoracic region, and 48.8 N in the lumbar region. Conclusions These findings support clinical observations that thoracic disc herniation is rare. We hypothesize that this clinical observation is partially due to a stronger PLL in the thoracic spine.     

Inhibition of vertebral endplate perfusion results in decreased intervertebral disc intranuclear diffusive transport

Impaired nutrition of the intervertebral disc has been hypothesized to be one of the causes of disc degeneration. However, no causal relationship between decreased endplate perfusion and limited nutrient transport has been demonstrated to support this pathogenic mechanism. To determine the importance of endplate perfusion on solute diffusion into the nucleus pulposus and to show causality of endplate perfusion on intranuclear diffusion in large animal lumbar intervertebral discs, diffusive transport into ovine lumbar intervertebral discs was evaluated after inhibiting adjacent vertebral endplate perfusion. Partial perfusion blocks were created in vertebrae close and parallel to both endplates of lumbar discs of anaesthetized sheep. To assess diffusivity of small molecules through the endplate, N2O was introduced into the inhalation gas mixture and concentrations of intranuclear N2O were measured for 35 min thereafter. Post mortem, procion red was infused through the spinal vasculature and perfusion through the endplate was assessed by quantifying the density of dye-perfused endplate vascular buds in histology sections. Perfusion of the endplates overlying the nucleus pulposus was inhibited by almost 50% in the partially blocked discs relative to the control discs. There was also a nine-fold decreased transport rate of intranuclear N2O in partially blocked discs compared with control discs. The density of perfused endplate vascular buds correlated significantly to the amount of transported intranuclear N2O (r2 = 0.52, P = 0.008). The vertebral endplate was demonstrated to be the main route of intravascular solute transport into the nucleus pulposus of intervertebral discs, and inhibition of endplate perfusion can cause inhibited solute transport into the disc intranuclear tissue.     

椎间盘突出患者椎间盘Fas基因的表达

背景：临床中发现腰椎间盘突出症常在一个家族中多人甚至全部发病,而且发病的部位、原因、症状基本一致,这表明基因在该种病症中扮演着重要的角色。 目的：分析家族性腰椎椎间盘突出症患者椎间盘内Fas凋亡基因表达的特点。 方法：用半定量RT-PCR方法检测15例家族性腰椎椎间盘突出患者、21例普通椎间盘突出患者、5例新鲜尸体椎间盘的软骨终板和髓核组织中Fas基因的表达情况。 结果与结论：家族性椎间盘突出与普通椎间盘突出患者终板内Fas基因的表达均高于新鲜尸体椎间盘终板内Fas基因的表达,差异有显著性意义(P < 0.05),家族性椎间盘突出与普通椎间盘突出患者终板内Fas基因的表达差异无显著性意义(P > 0.05)。家族性椎间盘突出患者髓核内Fas基因表达与普通椎间盘突出患者、新鲜尸体髓核内Fas基因表达相比较,差异无显著性意义(P > 0.05)。结果可见家族性椎间盘终板中Fas基因的表达增加可能是继发性的,可以通过阻止终板退变来达到阻止椎间盘退变的目的。     

骨保护素基因敲除小鼠腰椎间盘退变与腰椎骨质疏松

背景：骨保护素基因敲除小鼠已被证明会表现出明显的骨质疏松及骨关节炎表型。 目的：观察骨保护素基因敲除小鼠随年龄增长腰椎间盘退变和骨质疏松的动态变化关系。 方法：分别取出生后4,8,12周的骨保护素基因敲除纯合子小鼠及正常对照组小鼠的L3椎体和L4/5椎间盘,运用Micro-CT检测L3椎体松质骨微结构指标;用苏木精-伊红染色法观察L4/5椎间盘形态学,测量椎间盘及软骨终板高度。 结果与结论：骨保护素基因敲除纯合子小鼠组L3椎体骨小梁数量、骨小梁厚度、骨体积分数较正常组均明显下降(P < 0.05),而骨小梁分离度、结构模型指数较正常小鼠增高(P < 0.05)。8周及12周的骨保护素基因敲除纯合子小鼠的L4/5椎间盘软骨终板出现退变征象,软骨终板排列不规则,并有骨髓腔组织进入软骨终板及外层纤维环。提示骨保护素基因在维持椎间盘正常的结构和功能方面起到重要作用,骨保护素基因缺失后可导致椎间盘退变和椎体骨质疏松。     

术前MRI对经皮椎体强化术中骨水泥渗漏风险的预测价值

【摘 要】 目的:探讨术前磁共振成像（MRI）对经皮椎体强化术（PVA）中骨水泥渗漏风险的预测价值。 方法:选择广东省中医院珠海医院2016年5月~2018年5月收治的60例（共88个手术椎体）骨质疏松性椎体压缩性骨折患者,均行PVA术。术前行MRI检查,术后行DR进行复查。计算骨水泥渗漏发生率,比较临床因素［包括不同性别、不同年龄（≤70岁、＞70岁）、手术方式［经皮椎体后凸成形术（PKP）、经皮椎体成形术（PVP）］、椎体部位（胸椎、胸腰段、腰椎）、骨水泥注入量［（≤4 mL、＞4 mL）］及MRI征象（包括终板损伤、达终板骨折线、椎间盘损伤、椎体裂隙）对骨水泥渗漏发生率的影响。绘制受试者工作特征曲线分析MRI征象对骨水泥椎间盘渗漏的预测价值。 结果:性别、年龄、椎体部位及骨水泥注入量对骨水泥渗漏发生率的影响无统计学差异（P>0.05）;PKP的骨水泥渗漏发生率为26.67%（16/60）,低于PVP的50%（14/28）,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。术前MRI检查显示椎体终板损伤、椎体裂隙、椎间盘损伤、达终板骨折线的骨水泥渗漏发生率分别为27.40%、57.89%、30.30%、54.55%,高于无上述征象椎体的14.73%、27.54%、15.22%、27.27%,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。同时合并上述任意两种MRI征象、任意3种MRI征象、任意4种MRI征象患者的骨水泥渗漏发生率分别高达43.59%、56.00%、100%。同时合并任意两种MRI征象预测骨水泥渗漏的敏感度与特异度分别为0.818、0.553;同时合并任意3种MRI征象预测骨水泥渗漏的敏感度与特异度分别为0.727、0.763;同时合并4种MRI征象预测骨水泥渗漏的敏感度与特异度分别为0.727、1.000。 结论:PKP术后的骨水泥渗漏风险低于PVP,推荐骨质疏松性椎体压缩性骨折采取PKP术。另外,术前可行MRI检查,通过患者MRI征象对骨水泥渗漏风险进行预测。     

Improving the fixation of an artificial intervertebral disc

The fixation of an artificial intervertebral disc has been studied especially with respect to the dimensions, the convexity of the endplates and the size of the fixation elements. From literature and cadaveric vertebrae, the dimensions and shape of the lumbar vertebral endplates were determined and the dimensions of fixation ribs for the artificial intervertebral disc were calculated. To withstand shear forces and prevent dislocation, two sagittal ribs, each 3.5 mm in height and at least 20 mm in length and four transversal ribs, each 1.5 mm in height and with a total length of 60 mm are sufficient. A range of five different sagittal diameters was selected as sufficient for all patients. At least 72.6 % of the endplate of the vertebrae is covered. A convexity with a radius of 140 mm limits the gap to 0.62 mm.     

Finite element modeling of the cervical spine: role of intervertebral disc under axial and eccentric loads

An anatomically accurate, three-dimensional, nonlinear finite element model of the human cervical spine was developed using computed tomography images and cryomicrotome sections. The detailed model included the cortical bone, cancellous core, endplate, lamina, pedicle, transverse processes and spinous processes of the vertebrae; the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral discs; the uncovertebral joints; the articular cartilage, the synovial fluid and synovial membrane of the facet joints; and the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments, interspinous ligaments, capsular ligaments and ligamentum flavum. The finite element model was validated with experimental results: force–displacement and localized strain responses of the vertebral body and lateral masses under pure compression, and varying eccentric anterior-compression and posterior-compression loading modes. This experimentally validated finite element model was used to study the biomechanics of the cervical spine intervertebral disc by quantifying the internal axial and shear forces resisted by the ventral, middle, and dorsal regions of the disc under the above axial and eccentric loading modes. Results indicated that higher axial forces (compared to shear forces) were transmitted through different regions of the disc under all loading modes. While the ventral region of the disc resisted higher variations in axial force, the dorsal region transmitted higher shear forces under all loading modes. These findings may offer an insight to better understand the biomechanical role of the human cervical spine intervertebral disc.     

模拟腰椎后路间盘摘除植骨与置融合器术T12-S1腰段脊柱粘弹性实验研究

根据国人腰椎的特点，设计研制了一种纯钛腰椎置入融合器，并进行生物力学测试，方法是取18具新鲜成年男性T12－S1腰椎标本,测定完整腰椎（正常组）模拟后路间盘摘除植骨组（对照1组）和模拟后路间盘摘除置入融合器组（对照2组）T12－S1段腰椎 的应力松弛和蠕变－时间曲线及数据。用回归分析的方法处理实验数据，得出了归一化应力松弛函数、蠕变函数及曲线，对后路间盘摘除植骨与置入纯钛融合器对 脊柱稳定性的影响进行分析讨论。     

Differentiation and classification of thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae

The literature states that transitional vertebrae at any junction are characterized by features retained from two adjacent regions in the vertebral column. Currently, there is no published literature available that describes the prevalence or morphology of thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae (TLTV). The aim of this study was to identify the qualitative characteristics of transitional vertebrae at the thoracolumbar junction and establish a technique to differentiate the various subtypes that may be found. A selection of vertebral columns from skeletal remains (n = 35) were evaluated in this study. Vertebrae were taken based on features that are atypical for vertebrae in each relative region. The transitional vertebrae were qualitatively identified based on overlapping thoracic and lumbar features of vertebrae at the thoracolumbar junction. The following general overlapping characteristics were observed: aplasia or hypoplasia of the transverse process, irregular orientation on the superior articular process and atypical mammillary bodies. The results show that the most frequent location of the transitional vertebrae was in the thoracic region (f = 23). The second most frequent location was in the lumbar region (f = 10). In two specimens of the selection (f = 2), an additional 13th thoracic vertebra was present which functioned as a transitional vertebra. This study concluded that one can accurately identify the characteristics of transitional vertebrae at the thoracolumbar junction. In addition, the various subtypes can be differentiated according to the region in the vertebral column the vertebra is located in and the relative number of vertebral segments in the adjacent regions of the vertebral column. This provides a qualitative tool for researchers to differentiate the transitional vertebrae from distinctly different typical thoracic or lumbar vertebrae at the thoracolumbar junction.     

The vertebral level of origin of spinal nerves in the rat

Several dissections were performed to determine the level of spinal cord termination and the vertebral level at which the dorsal and ventral roots of spinal nerves C1-S4 emerged from the spinal cord in the rat. These levels of emergence were then compared to the level of exit from the vertebral canal. The dissections demonstrated that the effect of differential growth between spinal cord and vertebral column begins in the lower cervical region and becomes progressively more pronounced throughout thoracic and lumbar levels. The disparity between the vertebral level of emergence of spinal roots from the spinal cord and their level of exit via intervertebral foramina was found to be considerably larger than was previously reported by Greene ('68). It was further noted that the spinal cord terminated at the level of the intervertebral disc between the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae, not between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae as reported by Greene ('68).     

脊柱内固定后椎间盘营养途径的实验研究

目的：为了研究脊柱内固定后椎间盘的营养途径。方法：24只日本大耳白兔，行墨汁灌注后，观察同一动物非固定区中椎间盘与固定区域椎间盘的墨汁分布情况，观察相同位置对照组与实验组的墨汁分布情况。结果：软骨终板有血管从中经过，椎间盘营养来源分主要和次要途径，内固定后软骨终板和椎体之间产生分离，椎间盘会新生较多小血管，且血管缓慢而淤积。结论：内固定节段椎间盘处于低应力状态下，一定时间后，营养代谢的改变会导致椎间盘退行样变的发生。     

How maturity influences annulus‐endplate integration in the ovine intervertebral disc: a micro‐ and ultra‐structural study

The annulus‐endplate anchorage system plays a vital role in structurally linking the compliant disc to its adjacent much more rigid vertebrae. Past literature has identified the endplate as a region of weakness, not just in the mature spine but also in the immature spine. The aim of this structural study was to investigate in detail the morphological changes associated with annulus‐endplate integration through different stages of maturity. Ovine lumbar motion segments were collected from two immature age groups: (i) newborn and (ii) spring lamb (roughly 3 months old); these were compared with a third group of previously analysed mature ewe samples (3–5 years). Sections from the posterior region of each motion segment were obtained for microstructural analysis and imaged in their fully hydrated state via differential interference contrast (DIC) optical microscopy. Selected slices were further prepared and imaged via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyse fibril‐level modes of integration. Despite significant changes in endplate morphology, the annular fibre bundles in all three age groups displayed a similar branching mechanism, with the main bundle splitting into several sub‐bundles on entering the cartilaginous endplate. This morphology, previously described in the mature ovine disc, is thought to strengthen significantly annulus‐endplate integration. Its prevalence from an age as young as birth emphasizes the critical role that it plays in the anchorage system. The structure of the branched sub‐bundles and their integration with the surrounding matrix were found to vary with age due to changes in the cartilaginous and vertebral components of the endplate. Microscopically, the sub‐bundles in both immature age groups appeared to fade into the surrounding tissue due to their fibril‐level integration with the cartilaginous endplate tissue, this mechanism being particularly complex in the spring lamb disc. However, in the fully mature disc, the sub‐bundles remained as separate entities throughout the full depth of their anchorage into the cartilaginous endplate. Cell morphology was also found to vary with maturity within the cartilaginous matrix and it is proposed that this relates to endplate development and ossification.     

腰椎间盘退变对软骨终板生物力学特性影响的有限元分析

目的　研究腰椎终板不同位点的压应力分布规律,分析腰椎间盘退变对软骨终板压应力的影响。 方法　选取一青壮年男性新鲜尸体的腰椎运动节段标本,螺旋CT机对腰椎运动节段进行连续CT扫描,利用有限元分析方法,建立L4/5运动节段有限元分析模型,在此基础上建立椎间盘退变模型。模拟椎间盘正常状态和椎间盘退变状态,在L4、L5椎体终板上选择具有代表性的结点,分别代表椎体终板正中部、左右侧边缘、后中部和前中部,对上下软骨终板压应力分布进行有限元分析。 结果　椎间盘退变组较正常组的终板压应力均显著增大,上下终板在轴向加载、前屈、后伸、左旋和右旋加载时椎间盘退变组较正常状态时应力分布均显著增大,具有统计学意义（P<0.05）。 结论　腰椎椎间盘退变因素对终板的应力分布有明显影响, 随着椎间盘退变,椎间盘软骨终板应力显著增大。     

Developmental Failure of Segmentation in a Caudal Vertebra of Apatosaurus (Sauropoda)

A vertebral element assigned to an Apatosaurus cf. ajax from the Late Jurassic Morrison Formation is described. The specimen exhibits an unusual morphology where two vertebrae are nearly seamlessly fused together, including the haemal arch that spans them. This morphology is thought be the result of a developmental abnormality. CT scans of the specimen reveal a thin zone of dorsoventral thickening between the two neural arches consistent with cortical bone. Contrast in internal morphology differentiates the anterior and posterior vertebral bodies with the anterior expressing greater porosity, which increased accommodation for barite‐rich calcite precipitation. No vacuities are observed to suggest the former presence of an intervertebral disk or intervertebral joints: the absence of an intervertebral disc or intervertebral joints is indicative of a condition known as block vertebra. Block vertebrae occur with the loss, or inhibition, of somitocoele mesenchyme early in embyogenesis (i.e., during resegmentation of the somites responsible for the formation of the affected vertebra). The derivatives of somitocoele mesenchyme include the intervertebral disc and joints. Although vertebral paleopathologies are not uncommon in the fossil record, this specimen is the first recognized congenital malformation within Sauropoda. Anat Rec, 297:1262–1269, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

骨质疏松症患者脊柱胸腰段椎体力学稳定性变化与椎体压缩性骨折风险预测的有限元分析

目的:通过有限元分析骨质疏松症（OP）患者的脊柱胸腰段椎体在不同运动状态下椎体力学稳定性变化,与人体正常模型进行对比分析,针对椎体是否存在压缩性骨折的风险进行预测,为干预性策略标准化建立和完善提供理论和生物力学依据。方法:选择没有脊柱胸腰段椎体伤病史的健康志愿者男女各1人;选择2例住院老年OP女性患者胸腰椎CT及MRI扫描资料。建立T11~L2骨质疏松性椎体的三维有限元模型并验证有效性。在正常生理载荷分析不同运动状态下的生物力学变化,对两组模型之间椎体、关节突关节、终板、纤维环、松质骨、椎间盘、髓核的Von Mises应力及椎体最大位移进行比对分析,同时对应力云图进行比对,分析其生理与病理关节应力变化。结果:正常人体与OP患者脊柱椎体的材料属性、弹性模量、刚度、强度以及所处的力学生物学环境变化进行分析结果表明,OP患者在脊柱前屈、后伸、左右侧弯、左右旋转、轴向7种不同运动状态下与正常人体脊柱胸腰段相比较,椎体、关节突关节、椎间盘、终板、纤维环、髓核的Von Mises应力有明显降低趋势,椎体最大位移呈现增大趋势。此外本研究对OP模型的建立并非采用文献中降低正常皮质骨、松质骨、终板弹性模量的模型,而是采用临床中根据CT数据、临床症状、骨密度等明确诊断的OP患者数据,与目前文献所提供的模型数据对比,更符合临床OP患者真实的脊柱胸腰段椎体与附属结构的生物力学特性和属性变化。与正常人体模型相比较,从筋骨系统进行分析,骨与肌肉、韧带所代表的动静力变化都有明显降低,这也印证了临床真实数据的变化。结论:OP患者脊柱胸腰段椎体应力分布不均匀、应力的集中趋势导致脊柱胸腰段椎体、椎间盘、髓核、纤维环、关节突及周围附属结构应力异常变化,即骨弹性模量的异常改变、周围附属结构的束缚力下降,引起筋骨系统平衡失常和长期稳定性下降,进而增加脊柱胸腰段椎体骨折的退变过程和风险,通过有限元分析针对椎体压缩性骨折风险建立标准化预防策略,提供理论和生物力学依据。     

转化生长因子β1及血管内皮细胞因子在颈椎病椎体软骨终板中的表达变化

目的：研究TGF-β1、VEGF在终板软骨细胞中的表达，探讨椎间盘退变的发病机理。方法：应用免疫组化SP染色法检测TGF-β1、VEGF在15例颈椎病及13例正常椎体软骨终板中的表达，并对其阳性表达结果进行比较。结果：TGF-β1在正常终板软骨细胞表达的阳性细胞数为39．0％±1．96％，与颈椎病终板软骨细胞表达的阳性细胞数28．2％±2．18％相比，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。VEGF在正常的终板软骨细胞表达的阳性细胞数为22．2％±2．13％，与颈椎病终板软骨细胞表达阳性细胞数14．3％±1．68％相比，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论：TGF-β1和VEGF共同参与了椎间盘退变的形成和发展，在椎间盘退变的发病中可能起重要的作用。调节细胞因子（TGF-β1、VEGF）在终板软骨细胞中的表达，可能为椎间盘退变的治疗提供一种新的途径。