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Related Concept Videos

Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction01:29

Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction

Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...
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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...
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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...
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Optical Sectioning and Visualization of the Intervertebral Disc from Embryonic Development to Degeneration
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Leptin expression by annulus cells in the human intervertebral disc.

Helen E Gruber1, Jane A Ingram, Gretchen L Hoelscher

  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC 28232, USA. helen.gruber@carolinashealthcare.org

The Spine Journal : Official Journal of the North American Spine Society
|April 17, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Leptin and its receptors are present in human annulus cells, and these cells produce leptin. This discovery suggests leptin may play a role in maintaining disc cell numbers.

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cell Biology
  • Tissue Engineering

Background:

  • Leptin is a known metabolic and endocrine hormone involved in energy homeostasis and growth.
  • Its role in bone remodeling and as a growth factor is established.
  • Leptin expression and receptor presence in disc tissue were previously unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate leptin production by human annulus cells in vivo.
  • To determine the presence of leptin receptors on annulus cells in vivo and in vitro.
  • To quantify leptin production by annulus cells in three-dimensional culture.

Main Methods:

  • Immunocytochemistry was used to detect leptin and leptin receptors in human annulus tissue.
  • Annulus cells were cultured in three-dimensional models.
  • Conditioned media from cell cultures were analyzed for leptin production.

Main Results:

  • Intracellular leptin and leptin receptors were identified in human annulus cells.
  • Leptin production by annulus cells was confirmed through conditioned media analysis.
  • Findings were consistent across tissue from young and adult subjects.

Conclusions:

  • This study reveals the presence of leptin and its receptors in human annulus cells.
  • The findings indicate a potential novel role for leptin in disc biology.
  • Future research should explore leptin's mitogenic function in disc cell maintenance.