Histopathology changes and transforming growth factor-bata1 expression in the ligamentum flavum of C 4/5 cervical instability animal models / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:Destroying posterior stable structure of cervical vertebra may facilitate the ligamentum flavum regeneration. Whether anterior cervical instability can induce the regeneration in posterior and adjacent ligamentum flavum remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:To observe the changes of transforming growth factor-β1 expression and histopathology in the ligamentum flavum of cervical instability animal models. METHODS:Thirty-six New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into control group and experimental group, with 18 rabbits in each group. In the experimental group, cervical instability animal models were established made through destroying annulus fibrosus by anterior puncture and absorbing nucleus pulposus in C4/5 . And no intervention was given to the control group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the control group, fibers in the C 3/4, 4/5, 5/6 ligamentum flavum arranged disorderly and the glass like degeneration was found in the experimental group. The expression of transforming growth factor-β1 in ligamentum flavum was increased, especial y in C 4/5 , in the experimental group. At 4, 8, 12 weeks, transforming growth factor-β1 expression in the C 3/4, 4/5, 5/6 ligamentum flavum segments was similar between the two groups. Experimental findings indicate that, anterior cervical instability can induce the regeneration in posterior ligamentum flavum, especial y in the injured segment.