Macrophage Infiltrations and Expressions of Matrix Metallproteinases in Intervertebral Disc

Study Design : Immunohistologic staining of Intervertebral discs at surgery was performed using CD68, matrix metalloproteinase-1(MMP-1) and matrix metalloproteinase-3(MMP-3). Objectives : 1. To investigate the histologic characteristics of the macrophage infiltrations in herniated discs and degenerative discs. 2. To investigate the difference of immumoexpression of MMP-1 and MMP-3 activity to herniated discs and degenerative discs. 3. To investigate the possible correlation between the macrophage infiltrations, MMP-1 and MMP-3 in herniated discs and degenerative discs. Summary of Literature Review : Spontaneous absorption of herniated disc is associated with infiltrating macrophages and matrix metalloproteinases. Matrix metalloproteinases(MMP) are main matrix degradative enzymes in intervertebral disc. Materials and Methods : Sixty-seven specimens of degenerative disc specimens and one hundred and two specimens of lumbar disc herniation were immunostained with monoclonal antibodies to CD68, anti-MMP-1, and anti-MMP-3. Results : The granulation tissue containing many CD68-positive macrophages was commonly observed in herniated disc and not in degenerative disc. The immunoexpression of MMP-1 and MMP-3 were observed in herniated and degenerative disc and there were the differences of intensity and localization of MMP-1 and MMP-3 expression in herniated disc and not in degenerative disc. There was no correlation between the macrophage infiltrations, MMP-1 and MMP-3 expression. Conclusions : The macrophage infiltrations were specific in the granulation tissue of herniated discs. The differents patterns of immunoexpressions of MMP-1 and MMP-3 were observed in herniated and degenerative discs.