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The pattern of interleukin-12 and T-helper types 1 and 2 cytokine expression in herniated lumbar disc tissue

Jong-Beom Park1, Han Chang, Yong-Sik Kim

  • 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Uijongbu St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Uijongbu-si, Kyunggi-do, Korea. spinepjb@catholic.ac.kr [corrected]

Spine
|October 24, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Lumbar disc herniation involves an immune response. This study found higher T-helper Type 1 cytokines in noncontained discs and higher T-helper Type 2 cytokines in contained discs, suggesting a role in immune privilege.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Orthopedics
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Herniated lumbar disc tissue may elicit an immune response.
  • Inflammatory cells, cytokines, antibodies, and immunoglobulins are found in herniated disc tissue.
  • Lumbar disc tissue is potentially an immune-privileged site.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the immunologic status of lumbar disc tissue.
  • To determine the type of immune reaction in response to lumbar disc herniation.

Main Methods:

  • Analyzed 40 herniated lumbar disc tissues (20 contained, 20 noncontained).
  • Measured concentrations of interleukin-12, T-helper Type 1 (IFN-gamma), and Th2 (IL-4) cytokines using ELISA.
  • Compared cytokine concentrations between contained and noncontained disc groups.

Main Results:

  • Interleukin-12 and interferon-gamma were significantly higher in noncontained discs compared to contained discs.
  • Interleukin-4 was significantly higher in contained discs compared to noncontained discs.
  • Interleukin-12 and interferon-gamma expression negatively correlated with IL-4 expression.

Conclusions:

  • Preferential Th2 cytokine expression in contained discs contributes to immune privilege.
  • Exposure to the epidural space may increase IL-12, altering T-helper Type 1/2 balance in herniated discs.
Abstract

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