Expression of b-FGF in Different Type of Herniated Nucleus Pulposus / 대한정형외과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To clarify b-FGF expression in different types of herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) as angiogenesis marker, and to identify the novel vasculature in avascular nucleus pulposus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven disc specimens removed surgically from patients who underwent discectomy for L4-5 HNP. The control disc specimens were obtained from five patients who underwent surgery for spine fracture or idiopathic scoliosis. According to MRI and operative findings, HNP was classified into 3 groups; protruded, extruded and sequestrated. The study involved; 7 protruded cases, 10 extruded cases and 10 sequestrated cases. Specimens were analyzed by western quantitative comparisons were performed upon the different bands. H-E stain and immunohistochemistry of CD 34 were performed to identify vessels in the avascular nucleus pulposus. RESULTS: The expression of b-FGF was not significantly increased in the protruded disc (p>0.05), but was significantly increased in the extruded disc as compared with the protruded disc (p<0.05) and in the sequestrated disc in compared with the extruded disc (p<0.05). Immunohistochemical study revealed novel vasculature at the periphery of the sequestrated disc. CONCLUSION: It is possible to confirm that sequestrated HNP is exposed to more vigorous regression via new vessel infiltration into the avascular nucleus pulposus tissue.