Abstract
Measurements of oxygen tension in the canine lumbar intervertebral disc, by the use of a polarographic oxygen electrode, were performed. The oxygen tension in the arterial blood was changed by regulating the oxygen concentration in the inspired air. The alterations in oxygen tension in the nucleus pulposus, as a function of distance to the vertebral endplate were determined. The response times registered in the disc matrix were relatively short (within five min.), which implies an efficient solute transport from the vertebral blood pool underneath the hyaline cartilage into the avascular intervertebral disc.
Highlights
The largest avascular tissue in the body is the disc between the vertebrae
The response times registered in the disc matrix were relatively short, which implies an efficient solute transport from the vertebral blood pool underneath the hyaline cartilage into the avascular intervertebral disc
In order to compare the different experiments, the first oxygen tension response - "the response time" - is defined as the time when the first significant increase in intradiscal oxygen tension was noted
Summary
The largest avascular tissue in the body is the disc between the vertebrae. The intervertebral disc is a specialized connective structure designed to give strength and mobility. For its normal function it must possess visco-elastic properties. Metabolic and/or mechanical changes are liable to interfere with properties that are needed for equalization and absorption of the various stresses put upon the vertebral column [13, 16]. As the intervertebral discs are large and avascular the question has been asked whether or not diffusion alone could adequately supply nutrients to the cells in various parts of the disc [11, 12]. Solute gradients (sulphate, oxygen, and lactate) in various places in the
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