Introduction Within the avascular intervertebral disk (IVD) local cells are considered autologous regulators of cellular function. Previously cytokine expression, particularly IL-1 and TNF1,2, has been identified and associated with both homeostatic mechanisms and the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration. To date little is known of chemokine expression within the human IVD and here we investigated the hypothesis that an altered chemokine expression profile is associated with IVD degeneration. Materials and Methods Expression of 11 chemokine and 6 associated receptor genes was investigated using qRT-PCR in human IVD samples from nondegenerate and degenerate study groups. Immunohistochemistry was used to localize protein production of certain chemokines and to relate this to the observable grade of degeneration in human IVD tissue. Results Altered gene expression patterns of chemokines and their receptors were observed between nondegenerate and degenerate groups including; upregulation of CCL3 (Fig. 1A) and downregulation of CX3CL1 in degeneration, and upregulation of receptors CCR1, CXCR1, and CXCR2 in degeneration. Protein expression of IL-16, CCL2, CCL3 (Fig. 1B), CCL4, CCL7, and CXCL8 was localized to nucleus pulposus cells and CCL2, CCL3 (Fig. 1C), and CXCL8 expression was seen to correlate with the observable grade of tissue degeneration. Conclusion This study demonstrates the altered gene expression patterns of certain chemokines and their receptors in human IVD degeneration and the positive correlation between expression of certain chemokines and characteristic signs of IVD degeneration. This suggests chemokines may be involved in the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration. I confirm having declared any potential conflict of interest for all authors listed on this abstract Yes Disclosure of Interest None declared Le Maitre et al., (2005) Arthritis Research & Therapy. 7, R732-R745 Le Maitre et al., (2007) Arthritis Research & Therapy. 9, R77