Innervation And The Expression Of Nerve Growth Factor In The Tissues Of The Lumbar Intervertebral Discs

ObjectiveTo observe innervation and the expression of nerve growth factor and discuss its significance in normal and lumbar intervertebral discs herniation.MethodsTwenty-nine tissue samples surgically removed from 29 patients with herniated discs(L3～S1)and 6 tissue samples(T12～L2)from 6 persons with lumbar fracture anterior release were studied.In the immunohistochemical study,an anti-PGP9.5 antibody for nerve fibre,the expression of NGF was tested by immunohistochemistry techniques.ResultsThere was no direct relationship between the patient's age and the positive rate of expression of PGP9.5 and NGF(P＞0.05).Positive rate of expression of PGP9.5 and NGF in those with a longerer course of illness of less than one year was higher than that of those whose course shorter than one year(P＜0.05).The positive rate of expression of PGP9.5 and NGF in extrusion type and sequestration type was higher than protruded type(P＜0.05).A positive correlation between the positive rate of expression of PGP9.5 and NGF(P＜0.05)was observed.ConclusionThus nerves in disc herniation tissue evidently re-birthed.These results demonstrate that NGF participate in the innervation process.The results also suggest that NGF may play a key initial role in innervation process,nerve fibre may contribute to process of low back pain.