Behavioral signs of axial low back pain and motor impairment correlate with the severity of intervertebral disc degeneration in a mouse model

摘要: Abstract Background Context Chronic low back pain is debilitating and difficult to treat. Depending on the etiology, responses treatments vary widely. Although chronic frequently related intervertebral disc degeneration, relationship between degeneration severity clinical symptoms are still poorly understood. In humans, studies investigating limited by difficulty of obtaining samples from well-characterized patients pain-free controls. We have previously described secreted protein, acidic, rich in cysteine ( SPARC )-null mouse model pain. a matricellular protein involved regulating assembly composition extracellular matrix. The SPARC-null mice develop age-dependent increasing accompanied behavioral signs suggestive axial pain, radiating leg motor impairment. existence this allows for examination relationships vivo pathological ex vivo. Purpose goal study was explore lumbar using degeneration-related Study Design This used cross-sectional, multiple-cohort histological associated with degeneration. Methods wild-type control ranging 6 78 weeks age were study. determined analysis spine colorimetric staining scoring system adapted Pfirrmann scale. Behavioral impairment quantified as tolerance stretching grip force assay, hypersensitivity cold or mechanical stimuli hindpaw (acetone von Frey tests), latency fall rotarod respectively. Results exhibited decreased stretching, hypersensitivity, compared age-matched mice. increased both age, same proportion discs abnormal However, degree more severe mice, but not sensitivity correlated severity. Motor only. Conclusions These data suggest that internal disruption contributes results implications optimization mechanism-based strategies.