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Amyloid in intervertebral discs. A histopathological investigation of intervertebral discs from 30 randomly selected
Abstract:
Material from intervertebral discs obtained from 30 randomly selected autopsies was examined histologically for amyloid deposits. Various degrees of amyloid degeneration were found in the disc tissue from 28 of the autopsies. In the annulus fibrosus, the amyloid was lying between the thick bundles of collagen fibers, compared to a more diffuse nodular distribution in the nucleus pulposus, frequently in close relation to chondrocytes. With regard to the lumbar discs, a significant correlation was found between the occurrence of islands of chondroid tissue in the annulus fibrosus and amyloid degeneration. Significantly more amyloid was observed in disc tissue in older age groups, while the amount of amyloid was similar in discs from men and women. Calcium-pyrophosphate-dihydrate (pyrophosphate) was found in the tissue of 6 of the 7 women over the age of 70. Calcium phosphate was seen in 22 of the autopsies--more frequently in the annulus fibrosus than in the nucleus pulposus. There was no topographical relationship between calcium phosphate and amyloid.
Insights
Amyloid degeneration is common in intervertebral discs, particularly in older individuals. This study found amyloid deposits in 28 of 30 autopsies, with varying distribution in disc tissues.
Area of Science:
- Spinal Anatomy and Degeneration
- Biomaterials Science
- Pathology
Background:
- Intervertebral disc degeneration is a common condition.
- Amyloid deposits have been observed in various tissues, but their presence in intervertebral discs requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of amyloid deposits in human intervertebral discs.
- To explore potential correlations between amyloid degeneration and other disc pathologies or demographic factors.
Main Methods:
- Histological examination of intervertebral disc tissue from 30 autopsies.
- Assessment of amyloid deposits, chondroid tissue, calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate, and calcium phosphate.
Main Results:
- Amyloid degeneration was found in 28 out of 30 autopsy cases.
- Amyloid distribution varied between the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus.
- A correlation was observed between chondroid tissue and amyloid degeneration in lumbar discs.
- Amyloid prevalence increased significantly with age but showed no sex-based difference.
- Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate and calcium phosphate were also detected, with no direct relationship to amyloid.
Conclusions:
- Amyloid degeneration is a frequent finding in aging intervertebral discs.
- The presence of chondroid tissue may be associated with amyloid degeneration in lumbar discs.
- Further research is needed to understand the clinical implications of amyloid deposits in the spine.