Abstract
Physiologic loading of the intervertebral disc may lead to changes in the osmotic pressure experienced by the resident cells. In this study, changes in gene expression levels for extracellular matrix and cytoskeletal proteins were quantified in disc cells subjected to hypo-osmotic (255 mOsm) or hyper-osmotic conditions (450 mOsm), relative to iso-osmotic conditions (293 mOsm). Important differences were observed in osmolarity and between cells of different regions, corresponding to the transition zone and nucleus pulposus. Under hypo-osmotic conditions, gene expressions for aggrecan and type II collagen were up-regulated in the transition zone, but not in the nucleus pulposus cells. Genes for the small proteoglycans, biglycan, and decorin, but not lumican, were up-regulated in transition zone cells following incubation in either hypo- or hyper-osmotic media. The same genes were down-regulated in nucleus pulposus cells under either hypo- or hyper-osmotic conditions. Differences in the response to altered osmolarity between cells of the intervertebral disc may relate to their different cytoskeletal structures or embryological origins.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
