Chemokine profile of herniated intervertebral discs infiltrated with monocytes and macrophages.

Study Design: Herniated lumbar disc specimens were analyzed using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction to determine the profile of chemokine expression.

Objective: To investigate the mechanism underlying the recruitment of inflammatory cells into herniated discs during the process of spontaneous regression.

Summary Of Background Data: Spontaneous regression of herniated intervertebral discs has been increasingly reported.