ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the gene expression of bone morphogenetic protein(BMP)in human cervical disc.Methods:cervical disc specimen were obtained from patients undergoing anterior disc surgery,who had the signs of cervical disc herniation.Immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization studies were conducted to detect cells with BMP gene expression.Results:It showed positive staining of BMP-like immunohistoreactivity and its mRNA gene expression in degenerated discs,osteophytes,posterior longitudinal ligments,amd periosteum of vertebra.Conclusion:BMP may be relate to intervertebral disc degeneration as prolifertion-stimulating factor of chondrocytes that replace normal anular cells during disc degeneration but its mechanism needs further study.