Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
11:28
Imaging CD4 T Cell Interstitial Migration in the Inflamed Dermis
Published on: March 25, 2016
Auto-immunological basis of disk degeneration
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|November 1, 1976
Summary
Elevated immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels were observed in patients experiencing backache, suggesting a link between cellular immunity and disk degeneration. This finding may aid in developing diagnostic tests for spinal conditions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Orthopedics
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Disk degeneration is a common cause of backache.
- The role of cellular immunity in disk degeneration is not fully understood.
- Immunoglobulin levels may be altered in patients with spinal conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between cellular immunity and disk degeneration.
- To explore the potential of using immunoglobulin levels and lymphocyte microstimulation as diagnostic markers.
- To determine if serum IgM levels differ between patients with and without backache.
Main Methods:
- Ninety-four subjects were categorized into five groups based on symptoms and radiographic evidence.
- Tests were devised to measure immunoglobulin levels and lymphocyte microstimulation.
- Cellular immunity to disk antigens was assessed.
Main Results:
- Cellular immunity to disk antigens was evident in cases of disk degeneration.
- Serum IgM levels were significantly higher in individuals with backache compared to asymptomatic individuals, regardless of age.
- The findings suggest a potential immune response associated with disk degeneration.
Conclusions:
- Disk degeneration may involve a primary or secondary cellular immune response.
- Elevated serum IgM levels are associated with backache.
- Further research could lead to novel diagnostic approaches for disk-related disorders based on immune markers.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells, tissues, and organs. This results from an overactive immune response against substances and tissues normally present in the body. Let's delve into the concept and mechanism of autoimmune diseases from an immune system point of view, explore different causes and examples of such diseases, and discuss potential solutions.
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...
01:12Chronic Inflammation: Introduction
Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, dysregulated immune response that persists for weeks to years when the inciting stimulus is difficult to eradicate or when self‑antigens drive ongoing reactivity. Morphologically, it is defined by mononuclear cell infiltration, progressive tissue destruction, and concurrent attempts at healing via angiogenesis and fibrosis. Compared with acute inflammation, edema is less prominent while cellular infiltration predominates; triggers include persistent...
01:26Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Type 1 diabetes mellitus arises from an immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in an absolute deficiency of insulin. This process develops in genetically susceptible individuals when autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and immunologic dysregulation converge to trigger a targeted attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The β-cells are located within the islets of Langerhans and are essential for regulating blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of...
01:27Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction
Degenerative disc disease is a chronic condition in which intervertebral discs gradually lose structure and function. It is not infectious or autoimmune; rather, it results from age-related biochemical and mechanical changes, influenced by genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors.Structure and Function of DiscsThe spine contains 23 intervertebral discs that absorb load, distribute forces, maintain spacing, and allow flexibility. Each disc consists of a nucleus pulposus, a gel-like core...
01:23Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology
The symptoms of degenerative disc disease arise from a combination of mechanical compression, vascular compromise, and biochemical inflammation, which together disrupt nerve function and produce pain.Mechanical CompressionDisc degeneration reduces height and elasticity, predisposing to herniation of the nucleus pulposus, a major cause of radicular pain. Herniations may be protrusion (bulging with intact annulus), extrusion (nucleus extends beyond disc but remains connected), or sequestration...
01:25Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...