[Changes of proteoglycans in lumbar intervertebral disc of bipedal rats with aging]

Using a computer based image analysis system and histological sections stained with Safranin O, we investigated systematically the variation of proteoglycans (PG) contents in the low lumbar discs of bipedal rats. Topographically, the PG concentration increased from the outer annulus to the inner nucleus pulposus region, which possesses the highest PG concentration. The PG content decreased with age, and a significant loss of PG was observed in the lumbar discs of bipedal rats as compared with controls, especially in the nucleus pulposus. These observations support the view that the higher abnormal mechanical stress accelerates disc degeneration.