Apoptosis and gene expression of collagenases but not gelatinases in rabbit disc fragment cultures.

Object: The object of this study was to characterize the biological response of isolated intervertebral disc fragments to in vitro culture conditions with respect to cell death and inflammatory and catabolic changes. The acquired data could help to gain a better understanding of the biological reaction of disc tissue when exposed to environmental changes along with altered nutritional and osmotic conditions, as are encountered in different in vitro disc models or disc diseases in vivo.

Methods: Intervertebral disc anulus fragments were isolated from Burgundy rabbits and cultured in standard media for 3 days.

Vertebral endplate trauma induces disc cell apoptosis and promotes organ degeneration in vitro.

There is a major controversy whether spinal trauma with vertebral endplate fractures can result in post-traumatic disc degeneration. Intervertebral discs, which are adjacent to burst endplates, are frequently removed and an intercorporal spondylodesis is performed. In any case, the biological effects within the discs following endplate fractures are poorly elucidated to date.

Establishment of a novel intervertebral disc/endplate culture model: analysis of an ex vivo in vitro whole-organ rabbit culture system.

Study Design: Ex vivo in vitro study evaluating a novel intervertebral disc/endplate culture system.

Objectives: To establish a whole-organ intervertebral disc culture model for the study of disc degeneration in vitro, including the characterization of basic cell and organ function.

Summary Of Background Data: With current in vivo models for the study of disc and endplate degeneration, it remains difficult to investigate the complex disc metabolism and signaling cascades.

Influence of diurnal hyperosmotic loading on the metabolism and matrix gene expression of a whole-organ intervertebral disc model.

It is generally agreed that the mechanical environment of intervertebral disc cells plays an important role in maintaining a balanced matrix metabolism. The precise mechanism by which the signals are transduced into the cells is poorly understood. Osmotic changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) are thought to be involved.