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Sheep lumbar intervertebral discs as models for human discs.
J E Reid1, J R Meakin, S P Robins
1Department of Bio-Medical Physics & Bio-Engineering, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK.
Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon)
|May 30, 2002
Summary
Sheep lumbar discs show varying water and collagen content, with collagen fiber angles changing across regions. These findings support sheep discs as a model for human intervertebral disc research.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Research
- Spinal Biomechanics
Background:
- Sheep lumbar intervertebral discs are utilized in research to model human disc conditions.
- Understanding the compositional and structural properties of sheep discs is crucial for validating their use as a human model.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify water content, collagen content, and collagen fiber orientation in distinct regions of sheep lumbar discs.
- To assess the suitability of sheep lumbar discs as a model for human intervertebral discs.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory analysis of 21 sheep lumbar discs obtained from an abattoir.
- Water content determined by oven drying.
- Collagen content measured via hydroxyproline analysis.
- Collagen fiber orientation angles analyzed using X-ray diffraction.
Main Results:
- Water content increased from the outer annulus (74%) to the nucleus (86%).
- Collagen content decreased from the outer annulus (30%) to the posterior annulus (16%).
- Collagen fiber orientation angles decreased from the outer annulus (59°) to the posterior annulus (51°).
Conclusions:
- Sheep lumbar intervertebral discs exhibit compositional and structural gradients similar to human discs.
- These findings validate the use of sheep lumbar discs as a relevant model for human intervertebral disc studies.
- The data provides insights into material properties relevant for intervertebral disc implant development.