Morphologic and molecular evidence for gap junctions and connexin 43 and 45 expression in annulus fibrosus cells from the human intervertebral disc

Data are presented which provide evidence for gap junction formation and connexin (Cx) 43 and 45 gene expression in human intervertebral disc cells in vivo and in vitro. These findings in cells from the annulus are important in conjunction with the well-recognized loss of disc cells during aging and...

Ausführliche Beschreibung

Gespeichert in:
Bibliographische Detailangaben
Veröffentlicht in:Journal of orthopaedic research 2001-09, Vol.19 (5), p.985-989
Hauptverfasser: Gruber, Helen E, Ma, Defang, Hanley, Edward N, Ingram, Jane, Yamaguchi, Dean T
Format: Artikel
Sprache:eng
Schlagworte:
Online-Zugang:Volltext
Tags: Tag hinzufügen
Keine Tags, Fügen Sie den ersten Tag hinzu!
Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung:Data are presented which provide evidence for gap junction formation and connexin (Cx) 43 and 45 gene expression in human intervertebral disc cells in vivo and in vitro. These findings in cells from the annulus are important in conjunction with the well-recognized loss of disc cells during aging and disc degeneration. As a result of this loss of cells, cell–cell communication, which we propose is an important, but as yet poorly understood, mechanism which links and coordinates cellular function throughout the entire population of disc cells, is also disrupted. These studies provide additional information on the fundamental cell biology of the disc cell and provide an additional framework for understanding aging, degeneration and potential repair of the human disc.
ISSN:0736-0266
1554-527X
DOI:10.1016/S0736-0266(00)00072-3