The inability of MMP-7–deficient macrophages to infiltrate discs could not be attributed to a defect in macrophage migration. Using macrophages isolated from MMP-null mice, we report that macrophage-produced MMP-7 was required for proteoglycan degradation, loss of wet weight, and macrophage infiltration of cocultured discs. We developed a murine organ culture model in which intact intervertebral discs were cocultured with peritoneal macrophages to investigate the role of MMPs in HD resorption. Resorption is associated with a marked increase in infiltrating macrophages, and the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) MMP-3 and MMP-7 have been implicated in this phenomenon. Herniated disc (HD), one of the major causes of low back pain, is often resolved spontaneously without surgical intervention.
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