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Changes in endplate vascularity after an outer anulus tear in the sheep
R J Moore1, O L Osti, B Vernon-Roberts
1Division of Tissue Pathology, Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science, Adelaide, Australia.
Spine
|August 1, 1992
Summary
Anular fibrosus lesions in sheep discs caused temporary blood vessel growth in nearby end plates. Vascularity returned to normal levels within two years, showing disc healing.
Area of Science:
- Spinal research
- Vascular biology
- Intervertebral disc pathology
Background:
- Intervertebral disc degeneration is a common cause of low back pain.
- End plate vascularity changes are implicated in disc pathology.
- Understanding the disc's response to injury is crucial for developing treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the vascular response of the intervertebral disc end plate to an anular fibrosus lesion.
- To determine the time course of vascular changes following experimental injury.
Main Methods:
- A standardized anular fibrosus lesion was created in lumbar intervertebral discs of 31 skeletally mature sheep.
- End plate vascularity was quantified using histological analysis at the operated and non-operated sides.
- Measurements were taken at baseline, 2 months, 1 year, and 2 years post-operation.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in end plate vascularity was observed on the operated side at 2 months post-lesion (P < 0.05).
- Vascularity on the operated side significantly decreased by 1 year and continued to decline towards baseline levels by 2 years.
- No significant vascular changes were noted on the non-operated side, indicating a localized response to injury.
Conclusions:
- Experimental anular fibrosus lesions induce a transient, localized increase in end plate vascularity.
- The intervertebral disc demonstrates a capacity for vascular remodeling and return to baseline levels post-injury.
- These findings contribute to understanding the biological response of the disc to mechanical injury.