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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
08:03
An In Vitro Organ Culture Model of the Murine Intervertebral Disc
Published on: April 11, 2017
Age changes to the anulus fibrosus in human intervertebral discs
S Bernick1, J M Walker, W J Paule
1Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Southern California, School of Medicine, Los Angeles.
Spine
|May 1, 1991
Summary
Aging causes progressive degeneration of lumbar intervertebral disc anulus fibrosus, characterized by collagen fiber breakdown and chondroid substance deposition. These changes compromise disc integrity, potentially contributing to disc pathology.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Orthopedics
- Gerontology
Background:
- The anulus fibrosus is a critical component of lumbar intervertebral discs.
- Understanding age-related changes in the anulus fibrosus is essential for disc health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related structural and compositional changes in the human lumbar intervertebral disc anulus fibrosus.
- To correlate these changes with potential disc pathology.
Main Methods:
- Histological examination of lumbar intervertebral discs from individuals aged 21-83 years.
- Collagen fiber arrangement analysis using silver nitrate impregnation.
- Staining techniques including Periodic-Acid-Schiff (PAS) and Alcian blue to assess matrix composition.
Main Results:
- Younger individuals (<40 years) showed intact anular laminas with obliquely oriented, argyrophilic collagen fibers.
- Middle-aged and older individuals exhibited progressive lamina degeneration, including fraying, splitting, and loss of collagen fibers.
- Degenerated areas were filled with PAS-positive material, and chondroid substance deposition was observed in aging discs, unlike in young discs.
Conclusions:
- Age-related degeneration of the anulus fibrosus involves collagen breakdown and abnormal matrix deposition.
- These structural changes lead to a loss of disc integrity.
- Compromised disc integrity may be a significant factor in the development of disc pathology.
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