The Role of Nitric Oxide in Neuropathic Changes Induced by the Autograft of Nucleus Pulposus to the Sciatic Nerve in Rats.
- Author:
Tai Ryoon HAN
1
;
Jong Min LEE
;
Jong Chul CHOI
;
Jung Ran KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Nitric oxide;
Herniated intervertebral disc;
Nucleus pulposus;
Neuropathic pain
- MeSH:
Action Potentials;
Animals;
Autografts*;
Blotting, Western;
Fibroblasts;
Hyperalgesia;
Immunohistochemistry;
Intervertebral Disc;
Macrophages;
Mice;
Nerve Tissue;
Neural Conduction;
Neuralgia;
Nitric Oxide*;
Radiculopathy;
Rats*;
Sciatic Nerve*;
Transplants
- From:Journal of the Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine
2001;25(4):653-665
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the neuropathic changes induced by nucleus pulposus and possible role of nitric oxide (NO) in the pathogenesis of painful radiculopathy. METHOD: Autologous nucleus pulposus was harvested from the rat coccygeal intervertebral disc and grafted to the sciatic nerve. Pain behavior, neurophysiologic and pathologic changes were compared between autografted and sham operated group during 14-day-period. Western immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry with anti-nitrotyrosine mouse monoclonal antibody were used to compare the NO production and nerve damage in autografted and sham operated nerve tissues. RESULTS: Mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were observed 2 days after autograft of nucleus pulposus and persisted during 14-day-period (p<0.05). Motor nerve conduction latency was delayed and compound muscle action potential amplitude was decreased 5 days after autograft (p<0.05). Histologically, nucleus pulposus induced severe inflammatory reaction with fibroblast proliferation and foamy macrophage infiltration, which were persisted during 14-day- period. More nitrated proteins were detected consistently in nerve tissues with autograft of nucleus pulposus and immunohistochemical staining of nitrotyrosine was prominent around foamy macrophages. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that nucleus pulposus induce mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia and nerve dysfunction through inflammatory reaction with macrophage infiltration. NO and NO related tissue injury may play an important role in the pathogenesis of painful radiculopathy.
