The intervertebral disc is constantly subjected to forces generated by movement. But degeneration can disrupt normal biomechanics, generating uneven and complex loading patterns. Evidence suggests that these forces are converted into voltages through different mechanisms, such as streaming potentials. This implicates voltage-gated ion channels in the biological remodelling response of the disc to loading. These signalling pathways have not been studied, and this incomplete understanding of disc mechanotransduction may hinder regenerative therapies. The purpose of this study is to identify and determine the role of voltage-gated ion channels in the intervertebral disc and to investigate any changes in degeneration. Primary bovine and human disc cells were cultured in monolayer or alginate beads for experiments. Cells were treated with altered osmolarity alone or in combination with IL-1β. Ion flux was measured through calcium influx and will be further investigated using the xCelligence RTCA CardioECR. Immunohistochemistry was performed on human and bovine discs to evaluate expression levels of ion channels. RNA was extracted from bovine NP cells and will be analysed through PCR/Microarray for gene expression.Purpose and Background
Methods and Results
