Spine
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This study implemented immunohistochemistry to assay prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptor EP2 expression in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of rats after painful cervical facet joint injury. ⋯ Painful cervical facet joint distraction induces an immediate and sustained increase of EP2 expression in the DRG, implicating peripheral inflammation in the initiation and maintenance of facet joint pain. The transient increase in neuronal EP2 suggests, as in other painful joint conditions, that after joint injury nonneuronal cells may migrate to the DRG, some of which likely express EP2.
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An in vitro and in vivo evaluation of intervertebral disc (IVD)-derived stem/progenitor cells. ⋯ We propose that the IVD NP represents a regenerative niche suggesting that the IVD could represent a readily accessible source of precursor cells for neural repair and regeneration.