• M H Coppes, E Marani, R T Thomeer, and G J Groen.
• Department of Neurosurgery, Groningen University, The Netherlands.
• Spine. 1997 Oct 15; 22 (20): 2342-9; discussion 2349-50.

Study DesignThe authors investigated the innervation of discographically confirmed degenerated and "painful" human intervertebral discs.ObjectiveTo determine the type and distribution patterns of nerve fibers present in degenerated human intervertebral discs.Summary Of Background DataThe innervation of intervertebral discs has previously been extensively described in fetal and adult animals as well as humans. However, little is yet known about the innervation of severely degenerated human lumbar discs. The question may be posed whether a disc that has been removed for low back pain possesses an increased innervation compared with normal discs.MethodsThe presence of nerve fibers was investigated using acetylcholinesterase enzyme histochemistry, as well as neurofilament and substance P immunocytochemistry. From 10 degenerated and 2 control discs, the anterior segments were excised and their nerve distribution studied by examining sequential sections.ResultsIn all specimens, nerve fibers of different diameters were found in the anterior longitudinal ligament and in the outer region of the disc. In 8 of 10 degenerated discs, fibers were also found in the inner parts of the disc. Substance P-immunoreactive nerve fibers were sporadically observed in the anterior longitudinal ligament and the outer zone of the anulus fibrosus.ConclusionsFindings indicate a more extensive disc innervation in the severely degenerated human lumbar disc compared with normal discs. The nociceptive properties of at least some of these nerves are highly suggested by their substance P immunoreactivity, which provides further evidence for the existence of a morphologic substrate of discogenic pain.

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