Effect of hyperbaric oxygenation on intervertebral disc degeneration: an in vivo study with sprague-dawley rats

An in vivo study was conducted to test the effect of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) on intervertebral disc degeneration in Sprague-Dawley rats.

To observe the changes in intervertebral disc height and levels of glycosaminoglycan, collagen, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in degenerated intervertebral discs after HBO therapy.

Although the involvement of IL-1β, PGE-2, NO, and low O2 concentration has been demonstrated in intervertebral disc degeneration, the actual mechanism is not clear. It has been reported that HBO influences changes in IL-1β, PGE-2, NO, and O2 concentration. Previously, a study demonstrated an in vitro positive effect of HBO on the human nucleus pulposus. Thus, an in vivo study in animals was necessary.

Twelve Sprague-Dawley rats were each injected with chondroitinase ABC in 2 proximal intervertebral discs of the tail. After treating with 100% oxygen at 2.5 atmospheres 2 hours per days for 10 days, the change in disc height was determined by radiography. The amounts of PGE-2, iNOS, glycosaminoglycan, and total collagen in the intervertebral disc were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Tissue morphology and the distribution of glycosaminoglycan, IL-1β, and iNOS in the intervertebral disc were assessed by histology and immunohistochemistry. The area of IL-1β in the intervertebral discs was quantified using image analysis software.

HBO therapy stopped the decrease in intervertebral disc height, caused an increase in the amount of glycosaminoglycan, and inhibited IL-1β, PGE-2, and iNOS production.

HBO provides a potential treatment modality for intervertebral disc degeneration.