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Cell clusters are a histological hallmark feature of intervertebral disc degeneration. Clusters arise from cell proliferation, are associated with replicative senescence, and remain metabolically active. Their precise role in stages of disc degeneration remain obscure. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate small, medium, and large size cell-clusters during degeneration. For this purpose, human disc samples were collected from 55 subjects, aged 37-72 years, 21 patients had disc herniation, 10 had degenerated non-herniated discs, and 9 had degenerative scoliosis of spinal curvature < 45°. 15 non-degenerated control discs were from cadavers. To corelate, abnormal loading on clustering process, 18-month-old, 10 male and 10 female sprague dawley rat spines were compressed with a custom-built loading device to induce tissue damage and stimulate attempted repair response. Clusters and matrix changes were investigated with histology, immunohistochemistry, and SDS-PAGE. Data obtained were analyzed with spearman rank correlation and ANOVA. Results revealed, small and medium-sized clusters were positive for cell proliferation markers Ki-67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in control, slightly degenerated human, and rat discs loaded for |
