Biologic Response of the Intervertebral Disc to Static and Dynamic Compression In Vitro

STUDY DESIGN: This study attempts to determine the biologic response of the intervertebral disc to static and dynamic compression in vitro. OBJECTIVE: To quantitate and compare the changes of histology, Type I and II collagens, aggrecan, interleukin (IL)-1beta, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha expression, and apoptosis in rabbit intervertebral discs following static and dynamic compression in vitro. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Compressive stimuli associated with weight-bearing and loading of the intervertebral disc are thought to be important regulators of disc cell metabolism. Very little is known about the different types of mechanical stimuli that may achieve regulation of intervertebral disc cell metabolism. We examined the biologic response of the rabbit intervertebral discs when exposed to static and dynamic compression in…