Are animal models useful for studying human disc disorders/degeneration?

Abstract

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is an often investigated pathophysiological condition because of its implication in causing low back pain. As human material for such studies is difficult to obtain because of ethical and government regulatory restriction, animal tissue, organs and in vivo models have often been used for this purpose. However, there are many differences in cell population, tissue composition, disc and spine anatomy, development, physiology and mechanical properties, between animal species and human. Both naturally occurring and induced degenerative changes may differ significantly from those seen in humans. This paper reviews the many animal models developed for the study of IVD degeneration aetiopathogenesis and treatments thereof. In particular, the limitations and relevance of these models to the human condition are examined, and some general consensus guidelines are presented. Although animal models are invaluable to increase our understanding of disc biology, because of the differences between species, care must be taken when used to study human disc degeneration and much more effort is needed to facilitate research on human disc material.Keywords Intervertebral disc degeneration Á Animal models Á In vivo Á In vitro All of the authors contributed equally to this publication and are listed simply in alphabetical order.

Transcriptional profiling distinguishes inner and outer annulus fibrosus from nucleus pulposus in the bovine intervertebral disc

“…The cow is considered to have a similar IVD as humans, with retention of few notochordal cells [16,23]. However, the exact relationship between cow age and NC content is not well established.…”

Staying connected: structural integration at the intervertebral disc–vertebra interface of human lumbar spines

“…They have shown that these fibrils penetrate beyond the cement line and merge with those present in both the CEP and VEP. This work has been performed in sheep, where it is known that, as in other animal species, the growth plate for the vertebrae is located within the centre of the vertebral body [1]; in contrast to in humans where it is an integral part of the CEP. The effect of growth plate location and the degeneration process on collagen integration at the CEP-VEP interface thus remains unclear.…”

Development of percutaneously insertable/removable interspinous process spacer for treatment of posture-dependent lumbar spinal-canal stenosis: preclinical feasibility study using porcine model

“…Feasibility and safety assessment of percutaneous insertable/removable interspinous spacer A young porcine model (3-month-old, female, LWD) was selected due to its relative similarity in size in spinous processes to adult human beings [1], especially in the upper level of the lumbar spine such as L1-2 and 2-3. A total of 14 animals were used for this current study.…”