The Expression And Significance Of Matrix Metalloproteinases-7 In Intervertebral Disc

Objective To study the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-7 among herniation and normal intervertebral disc; and to research the possible correlation of matrix metalloproteinase activity to lumbar intervertebral disc herniation, depending on the type of herniation.Methods Forty specimens of lumbar disc herniation (including 10 protrusions, 10 subligamentous extrusions, 10 trans! igamentous, and 10 sequestration.) and 10 specimens of normal discs were were immunostained with monoclonal anti-MMP-7, using the strept avidin-biotin complex method ( SABC method ). The results of staining were graded, which examined difference histology among the four herniation types.Results The MMP-7 postive cell ratio observed in sequestration and transligamentous extrusion specimens was significantly higher than that in subligamentous extrusion and protrusion, the MMP-7 postive cell ratio in herniation specimens was significantly higher than that in nonherniation specimens. There was no significant difference in MMP-7 postive cell ratio between the sequestration and transl igamentous extrusion type, as well as between subligamentous extrusion and protrusion type.Conclusion The MMP-7 may be involved in the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration and herniation.