Incision of the intervertebral disc induces disintegration and increases permeability of the dorsal root ganglion capsule

• STUDY DESIGN: The origin and the barrier properties of the characteristic reaction at the surface of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) exposed to the nucleus pulposus was studied using Alcian-Blue staining, van Gieson staining, and the application of Evans Blue Albumin (EBA) complex in rats. OBJECTIVE: To study the origin and the barrier properties of the capsule, including the characteristic reaction, at the surface of the DRG exposed to the nucleus pulposus. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Local application of nucleus pulposus may induce a characteristic reaction at the surface of the DRG. This reaction histologically resembles an acute inflammatory reaction. However, it is not evident if this is a swelling of the DRG capsule, if it is located between the capsule and neurons of the DRG, or if it is only an attached nucleus pulposus. METHODS: Nucleus pulposus from the discs was obtained. The nucleus pulposus was smeared on glass slides. Alcian-Blue with hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed for each smear. Herniation of the nucleus pulposus was made in the L4-L5 disc in rats. The L4 DRGs were resected 3, 24, and 72 hours after surgery, and sectioned. The sections were processed for Alcian-Blue staining, van Gieson staining, and EBA complex infiltration. The sections were observed using light or fluorescent microscopy. RESULTS: Smear of nucleus pulposus was stained bright blue indicating mucins. A characteristic reaction, "inflammatory crescent," was confirmed at the surface of the DRG exposed to the nucleus pulposus. No mucins were observed in the crescent using Alcian-Blue. The results of van Gieson staining showed that the reaction started both inside and outside the elastic fiber layer, the DRG capsule, within 3 hours. The EBA complex was capable of infiltrating into the DRG capsule 24 hours after disc incision. CONCLUSIONS: The disintegrated capsule showed an increased permeability even for a large molecule as albumin, which indicates a possible entrance route for various substances induced by locally applied nucleus pulposus.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Kirurgi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Surgery (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Animals

Female

Ganglia

Spinal/chemistry/*metabolism/*pathology

Injections

Spinal

Intervertebral Disk/chemistry/*metabolism/*pathology

Lumbar Vertebrae/chemistry/metabolism/pathology

Permeability

Rats

Rats

Sprague-Dawley

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