Autologous Intervertebral Disc Cell Implantation

STUDY DESIGN: Work presented here used a small animal model to illustrate the feasibility of autologous disc cell implantation. OBJECTIVES: To develop a small animal model for autologous disc cell implantation. SUMMARY OF THE BACKGROUND DATA: The use of autologous disc cells in the potential treatment of disc degeneration offers attractive possibilities for novel therapies. Results are presented on the use of the sand rat (Psammomys obesus), a small rodent that spontaneously develops disc degeneration during aging, in experimental studies in which cells were harvested from a lumbar intervertebral disc, expanded in monolayer tissue culture, labeled with agents that allow subsequent immunolocalization of these cells, and implanted in a second disc site of the donor animal. METHODS: Tissue culture, disc…