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Rat spinal motion segment in organ culture: a cell viability study
Tae-Hong Lim1, Prem S Ramakrishnan, Gail L Kurriger
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
Spine
|May 25, 2006
Summary
A new organ culture method successfully maintains intervertebral disc (IVD) motion segments with vertebral bodies for 14 days, preserving cell viability and tissue integrity for mechanobiology studies.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Studying intervertebral disc (IVD) mechanobiology in vitro requires vertebral bodies for applying complex loads.
- Existing methods lack the ability to maintain IVD motion segments with vertebral integrity for extended periods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a methodology for maintaining an IVD motion segment in organ culture.
- To preserve the viability and tissue architecture of the IVD motion segment.
Main Methods:
- Dissected rat lumbar IVD motion segments.
- Maintained segments in an organ culture system.
- Evaluated cell viability using NitroBlue Tetrazolium histochemistry.
- Assessed tissue integrity and morphology via conventional histology.
Main Results:
- The organ culture system maintained IVD motion segment viability and tissue integrity for 14 days.
- Over 95% cell viability was preserved in the anulus fibrosus, nucleus pulposus, and end plates.
- Tissue morphology remained intact throughout the 14-day culture period.
Conclusions:
- Long-term organ culture of IVD motion segments is feasible.
- The inclusion of vertebral bodies aids in anchoring for biomechanical stimulation.
- This culture system serves as a valuable model for studying IVD degeneration and the impact of mechanical forces on IVD cells.
