Differentiation of intervertebral notochordal cells through live automated cell imaging system in vitro.

Study Design: We demonstrated the differentiation of notochordal cells by direct observation using a live automated cell imaging system. We also hypothesized that notochordal cells have characteristics of chondrocyte-like cells.

Objective: To determine characteristics of notochordal cells by matrix protein expression and their differentiation using a live automated cell imager.

Gene transfer of the catabolic inhibitor TIMP-1 increases measured proteoglycans in cells from degenerated human intervertebral discs.

Study Design: Cells from degenerated intervertebral discs were transduced with an adenoviral vector delivering cDNA of the catabolic inhibitor, TIMP-1, and alterations in the measured proteoglycan were assessed.

Objectives: To assess the potential of TIMP-1 to favorably modify the proteoglycan content of degenerated intervertebral disc cells.

Summary Of Background Data: Gene therapy with anabolic factors has resulted in increased proteoglycan synthesis in intervertebral disc cells.