J. P. H. J. Rutges, P. G. J. Nikkels, F. C. Oner, K. D. Ottink, A. J. Verbout, R. J. M. Castelein, L. B. Creemers, W. J. A. Dhert


July 2010, Volume 19, Issue 8, pp 1340 - 1346 Original Article Read Full Article 10.1007/s00586-010-1378-x

First Online: 10 April 2010

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) regulate connective tissue architecture and cell migration through extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and are associated with both physiological and pathological processes. Although they are known to play a role in skeletal development, little is known about the role of MMPs in intervertebral disc (IVD) development. Sixteen fetal human lumbar spine segments, obtained at autopsy, were compared with five normal, non-fetal L4–L5 IVDs. Intensity and/or localization of immunohistochemical staining for MMP-1, -2, -3 and -14 were evaluated by three independent observers. MMP-2 production and activation was quantified by gelatin zymography. MMP-1 and -14 were abundantly present in the nucleus pulposus (NP) and notochordal (NC) cells of the fetal IVDs. In non-fetal IVDs, MMP-1 and -14 staining was significantly less intense (p = 0.001 and p 


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