NO含量和NOS活性在兔软骨终板退变过程中的变化

目的 研究一氧化氮(NO)和一氧化氮合成酶( NOS)在软骨终板退变中的作用。方法 将24只新西兰白兔分为实验组(n=12)和对照组(n=12),实验组通过切除兔腰椎棘上、棘间韧带,咬除部分关节突关节,分离椎旁肌造成腰椎软骨终板退变模型,分别于术后12、24、36周对腰椎摄X线片,并检测不同时间段的软骨终板中NO含量和NOS活性。结果 X线片示软骨终板随时间的延长而逐渐钙化,且实验组较对照组钙化明显;实验组各组的NO含量及NOS活性较对照组增多(P<0.05),而24周与36周实验组间NO含量及NOS活性差异不明显(P>0.05)。结论 NO和NOS在软骨终板退变过程中,其含量相应增加,提示NO可能在软骨终板退变的形成和发展中起重要作用。

Changes of nitric oxide content and nitric oxide synthase activity during rabbit cartilage endplate degeneration

Objective To study the role of nitric oxide (NO) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the degeneration of rabbit cartilage endplate (CEP). Methods Twenty-four New Zealand rabbits were divided into experiment (n=12) and control (n=12) groups, and in the former group rabbit models of lumbar CEP degeneration was established by resection of all the lumbar supraspinous and interspinous ligaments and excision of part of the zygapophyseal joints followed by detachment of the posterior paravertebral muscles from the lumbar vertebrae. Lumbar X-ray was performed in both groups 12, 24 and 36 weeks after operation, respectively. The content of NO and NOS activity in the CEP were also measured. Results X-ray of the CEP reveal gradual calcification of the cartilage endplate with the elapse of time, which was more obvious in the experiment group. The content of NO and NOS activity was significantly increased in the experiment group after the operation (P<0.05), but their difference between the measurements at 24 and 36 weeks postoperatively was not obvious (P>0.05). Conclusion NO may play an important role in the development and progression of rabbit cartilage endplate degeneration.