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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
05:46
A Proinflammatory, Degenerative Organ Culture Model to Simulate Early-Stage Intervertebral Disc Disease.
Published on: February 14, 2021
Lubricin distribution in the human intervertebral disc.
Kristy M Shine1, Jacob A Simson, Myron Spector
1Tissue Engineering, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA.
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume
|September 3, 2009
Summary
Lubricin, a key joint lubricant, is present in human intervertebral discs, particularly in the nucleus pulposus. This finding supports further research into lubricin
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Histology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Lubricin (superficial zone protein) is a lubricating glycoprotein found in musculoskeletal tissues.
- Its presence and distribution in the human intervertebral disc (IVD) were previously uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the presence and distribution of lubricin in human nucleus pulposus and anulus fibrosus tissues.
- To investigate lubricin's localization in IVD cells, extracellular matrix, and tissue surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining of lubricin in 28 human intervertebral discs from 14 cadavers.
- Semiquantitative evaluation of extracellular matrix staining and quantitative assessment of cellular staining.
Main Results:
- Lubricin was detected in the extracellular matrix and on surfaces of the nucleus pulposus and anulus fibrosus.
- Greatest matrix staining was in the nucleus pulposus; nearly 10% of nucleus pulposus cells stained positively for lubricin.
- Cellular and matrix staining correlated, suggesting intrinsic cell synthesis.
Conclusions:
- Confirms lubricin presence in human IVDs with a unique distribution compared to other species.
- Establishes a basis for investigating lubricin's role in pathological disc conditions.
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