Analysis of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Induced by Endplate Drilling or Needle Puncture in Complement C6-Sufficient and C6-Deficient Rabbits.

ABSTRACT: Previous studies indicate an implication of the terminal complement complex (TCC) in disc degeneration (DD). To investigate the functional role of TCC in trauma-induced DD in vivo, the model of endplate (EP) drilling was first applied in rabbits using a C6-deficient rabbit strain in which no TCC formation was possible. In parallel the model of needle puncture was investigated. Using a minimally invasive surgical intervention, lumbar rabbit intervertebral discs (IVDs) were treated with EP drilling or needle puncture. Degenerative effects of both surgical interventions were assessed by Pfirrmann grading and T2 quantification of the IVDs based on high-resolution MRI (11.7 T), as well as radiographic determination of disc height index. Pfirrmann grading indicated significant degenerative effec

SUBMITTER: Kuhn A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11351780 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature