Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026

Preparation of Intact Bovine Tail Intervertebral Discs for Organ Culture
Published on: February 2, 2012
Dynamics of CD44+ bovine nucleus pulposus cells with inflammation
J R Ferreira1,2,3,4, J Caldeira1,2, M Sousa1
1I3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
Abstract:
Intervertebral Disc (IVD) degeneration has been associated with a chronic inflammatory response, but knowledge on the contribution of distinct IVD cells, namely CD44, to the progression of IVD degeneration remains elusive. Here, bovine nucleus pulposus (NP) CD44 cells were sorted and compared by gene expression and proteomics with the negative counterpart. NP cells were then stimulated with IL-1b (10 ng/ml) and dynamics of CD44 gene and protein expression was analyzed upon pro-inflammatory treatment. The results emphasize that CD44 has a multidimensional functional role in IVD metabolism, ECM synthesis and production of neuropermissive factors. CD44 widespread expression in NP was partially associated with CD14 and CD45, resulting in the identification of distinct cell subsets. In conclusion, this study points out CD44 and CD44-based cell subsets as relevant targets in the modulation of the IVD pro-inflammatory/degenerative cascade.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Response I: Vascular and Cellular
Inflammatory Response II: Inflammatory Exudate and Tissue Repair
The typical wound exudate is odorless, transparent, straw-colored, thin, and watery. Exudate, however, can differ depending on the state of wound healing. Likewise, the...
Chronic Inflammation: Introduction
Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction
Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology

