Growth factor expression in degenerated intervertebral disc tissue. An immunohistochemical analysis of transforming growth factor beta, fibroblast growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor.

Degenerated intervertebral disc has lost its normal architecture, and there are changes both in the nuclear and annular parts of the disc. Changes in cell shape, especially in the annulus fibrosus, have been reported. During degeneration the cells become more rounded, chondrocyte-like, whereas in the normal condition annular cells are more spindle shaped.

Complement membrane attack complexes in pathologic disc tissues.

Study Design: Complement membrane attack complexes were located in lumbar spine disc tissues by immunohistochemistry. Their occurrence was compared in control discs obtained from organ donors (CD), discs showing a normal macroscopic anatomy, samples of intervertebral disc herniations (DH), and intervertebral discs found to be degenerated by discography, but not herniated (DD).

Objective: To look for a possible role of complement activation, specifically complement membrane attack complexes, an end product of the classic immune complex-mediated complement activation pathway, in disc pathophysiology.

Oncoprotein c-Fos and c-Jun immunopositive cells and cell clusters in herniated intervertebral disc tissue.

The oncoproteins c-Fos and c-Jun create a transcriptional site early response activating protein (AP-1) mediating the regulation of gene expression in response to extracellular signalling by, for example, cytokines. These proteins are important in the signalling pathway from the cell membrane to the nucleus. Previously, oncoproteins have been located in articular synovium and in chondrocytes, participating in transcription.

Blood clots in vessels surrounding symptomatic nerve roots in disc herniation patients: a pilot study.

Mechanical compression and biochemical influences, e.g. by various inflammatory cells and mediators, have been suggested to be involved in the pathophysiology of sciatica.