An organ culture system for the study of the nucleus pulposus: description of the system and evaluation of the cells.

Study Design: The goal of this study was to develop a methodology to maintain intervertebral discs in organ culture, thereby preserving tissue architecture and metabolic function in a three-dimensional environment.

Methods: Using a microdissection technique, intervertebral discs were removed from rat lumbar vertebrae. The discs were maintained in organ culture, and cell viability was evaluated histochemically and using probes that measured mitochondrial function and thiol status.

Comparative gene expression profiling of normal and degenerative discs: analysis of a rabbit annular laceration model.

Study Design: A rabbit annular laceration model was used to investigate intervertebral disc gene expression in normal and lacerated discs.

Objectives: To determine and compare the pattern of expression of potentially important genes in normal and lacerated discs and to determine if the changes in gene expression were similar to human degenerative discs.

Summary Of Background Data: Little is known regarding gene expression in normal or degenerating disc tissue.