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Surgical pinealectomy accelerates intervertebral disc degeneration process in chicken
Mehmet Turgut1, Hatice K Başaloğlu, Ciğdem Yenisey
1Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey. drmturgut@yahoo.com
Summary
Neonatal pinealectomy in chicks significantly reduced serum melatonin levels, leading to intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and spinal malformations. This suggests melatonin may influence IVD health.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Developmental Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a significant clinical issue with poorly understood mechanisms.
- The role of the pineal gland and its hormone, melatonin, in IVD health is largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of neonatal pinealectomy on IVD degeneration in chickens.
- To assess the relationship between melatonin levels, IVD degeneration, and spinal development.
Main Methods:
- Neonatal pinealectomy was performed on 3-day-old chicks.
- Serum melatonin levels were measured using ELISA.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), histopathology, and biochemical analysis (hydroxyproline content) were used to evaluate IVD degeneration and spinal health.
Main Results:
- Pinealectomized chicks exhibited significantly lower serum melatonin levels compared to controls.
- A high incidence of scoliosis (93%) was observed in the pinealectomized group.
- Histological examination revealed degenerated IVDs in pinealectomized chicks, unlike the normal IVDs in controls.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal pinealectomy in chicks induces significant changes in serum melatonin levels, promoting IVD degeneration and spinal malformations.
- These findings suggest a potential role for melatonin in the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration, warranting further investigation in human studies.