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Large Animal Models of Disc Degeneration

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The Intervertebral Disc

Abstract

Intervertebral discs are largely of embryonic notochordal origin and impart a unique biomechanical function to the spine of vertebrate animals (Singh et al. 2005). The intervertebral disc is anatomically comprised of two constituents: a proteoglycan-rich nucleus pulposus contained within a collagen 1-rich annulus fibrosus (Singh et al. 2005). Together, these structures effectively dissipate mechanical loads within the spine while allowing controlled motion between adjacent vertebrae. The biologic environment of the disc is uniquely harsh due to the avascular nature of the tissue and the long distance between metabolically active cells and their nutritional source. Tissue degeneration progresses through a well-defined series of changes (Singh et al. 2005) including breakdown of the long-chain proteoglycan constituents of the extracellular matrix, loss of water-binding capacity, decreased cellularity, and annular disorganization/disruption (Lotz 2004).

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Courtesy of Drs. Reed and Woddie, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington, KY

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA

    Shyam A. Patel BS

  2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Rothman Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA

    Christopher K. Kepler MD

  3. Department of Clinical Studies, University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, New Bolton Center, Kennett Square, PA, 19348, USA

    Thomas P. Schaer VMD

  4. Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Rothman Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA

    D. Greg Anderson MD

Authors
  1. Shyam A. Patel BS
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  2. Christopher K. Kepler MD
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  3. Thomas P. Schaer VMD
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  4. D. Greg Anderson MD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Thomas P. Schaer VMD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Jefferson Medical College Div Ortho Rsch/Dept Othro Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

    Irving M. Shapiro

  2. Jefferson Medical College Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

    Makarand V. Risbud

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Patel, S.A., Kepler, C.K., Schaer, T.P., Anderson, D.G. (2014). Large Animal Models of Disc Degeneration. In: Shapiro, I., Risbud, M. (eds) The Intervertebral Disc. Springer, Vienna. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-1535-0_18

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-1535-0_18

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