Expression of Proteoglycan Coreprotein Gene in Human Lumbar Discs / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective\ To observe the expression of coreprotein gene in human lumbar discs in foetus and adult. Methods\ The coreprotein cDNA probe was prepared by RT-PCR. The mRNA level and distribution of coreprotein was observed in fetal and adult lumbar discs, using in situ hybridization method. Results\ 1) The highest expression lies in the lumbar nucleus pulposus of the fetal discs, less higher expression in the interior of the annulus fibrosus and the region between nucleus and annulus fibroses. 2) In adult disc tissue, few positive signals were shown. Low gene expression level of coreprotein in the subcultured disc cells was expressed. Conclusion\ The higher expression of coreprotein in fetal discs is chiefly located in the nucleus pulposus.