A large animal model that recapitulates the spectrum of human intervertebral disc degeneration.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The objective of this study was to establish a large animal model that recapitulates the spectrum of intervertebral disc degeneration that occurs in humans and which is suitable for pre-clinical evaluation of a wide range of experimental therapeutics.

Design

Degeneration was induced in the lumbar intervertebral discs of large frame goats by either intradiscal injection of chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) over a range of dosages (0.1U, 1U or 5U) or subtotal nucleotomy. Radiographs were used to assess disc height changes over 12 weeks. Degenerative changes to the discs and endplates were assessed via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), semi-quantitative histological grading, microcomputed tomography (μCT), and measurement of disc biomechanical properties.

Results

Dege

SUBMITTER: Gullbrand SE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5182186 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature