Transgenic mice overexpressing human TNF-α experience early onset spontaneous intervertebral disc herniation in the absence of overt degeneration.

ABSTRACT: There is a well-established link between cytokine expression and the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration. Among these cytokines, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) are the most commonly studied. To investigate whether systemic hTNF-α overexpression affects intervertebral disc health, we studied the spine phenotype of Tg197 mice, a widely used hTNF-α transgenic line. These mice were studied at 12-16 weeks of age using comprehensive histochemical and immunohistological analysis of the spinal motion segment. Micro-CT analysis was performed to quantify vertebral trabecular bone architecture. The Tg197 mice evidenced spontaneous annular tears and herniation with increased vascularity in subchondral bone and significant immune cell infiltration. The full-thick

SUBMITTER: Gorth DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6315044 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature