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Compression suture: A method for simulating intervertebral disc degeneration in rats induced by excessive loading
Xuening Liu1,2,3, Fengguang Yang1,2,3, Hefang Xiao1,2,3
1Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, P.R. China.
Animal Models and Experimental Medicine
|February 26, 2026
Summary
This study developed a novel in vitro model of simulated excessive loading to investigate intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). The model successfully induced IDD in rats, offering a reliable tool for future research on this condition.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Orthopedics
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Excessive loading is a known cause of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD).
- Existing animal models for IDD have limitations in reliability and reproducibility.
- A need exists for a robust in vitro model to study the effects of excessive loading on IDD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an in vitro model simulating excessive loading for inducing intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD).
- To establish a reliable and reproducible platform for investigating the pathological mechanisms of IDD.
Main Methods:
- 24 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into compression suture and sham groups.
- A simulated excessive loading model was created using compression suturing of the tail skin.
- Radiological, histological, and molecular analyses were performed at 2, 6, and 10 weeks postoperatively.
Main Results:
- Compression loading led to decreased intervertebral disc height and nucleus pulposus water content.
- Histological analysis revealed disordered IVD structure and reduced proteoglycan content.
- Increased MMP-3/MMP-13 expression, decreased collagen II/aggrecan, and elevated inflammation/apoptosis in nucleus pulposus cells were observed.
Conclusions:
- Simulated excessive loading effectively induces intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) in an in vitro rat model.
- This model is reliable and highly reproducible, suitable for further IDD research.
- The findings provide a foundation for investigating the impact of excessive loading on IDD.
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