Abstract | STUDY DESIGN: Localization of cathepsins D, K, and L in degenerated intervertebral discs was examined by immunohistochemistry. OBJECTIVES: SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: METHODS:
Paraffin-embedded sections of degenerated intervertebral disc tissue collected at the time of surgery (13 discs from 12 patients) were immunohistochemically stained with antibodies for cathepsins D, K, and L. For further characterization of the stained cells, immunohistochemical detection of CD68 and TRAP staining were performed. RESULTS:
Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed obvious signs of degeneration in all sections. Cathepsins D and L were immunolocalized in disc fibrochondrocytes at various sites exhibiting degeneration. Cathepsins K were found in tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinucleated cells, in particular near the cleft within the cartilaginous endplate. However, few cells were positive for these cathepsins in anulus fibrosus that maintained the lamellar structure of collagen fibers. CONCLUSIONS: Marked expression of cathepsins D and L was observed at the site of degeneration. Cathepsins D and K localized in tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinucleated cells existed at the cleft between the cartilaginous endplate and vertebral body. The site-specific localization of these cathepsins suggests the association of these proteinases with endplate separation and disorganization of the anulus fibrosus in degenerative spinal disorders.
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Authors | K Ariga, K Yonenobu, T Nakase, M Kaneko, S Okuda, Y Uchiyama, H Yoshikawa |
Journal | Spine
(Spine (Phila Pa 1976))
Vol. 26
Issue 24
Pg. 2666-72
(Dec 15 2001)
ISSN: 0362-2436 [Print] United States |
PMID | 11740352
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Cathepsins
- Cysteine Endopeptidases
- CTSL protein, human
- Cathepsin L
- CTSK protein, human
- Cathepsin K
- Cathepsin D
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Cathepsin D
(metabolism)
- Cathepsin K
- Cathepsin L
- Cathepsins
(metabolism)
- Cysteine Endopeptidases
- Female
- Humans
- Immunohistochemistry
- Intervertebral Disc
(metabolism, pathology)
- Male
- Middle Aged
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