Evaluating an Interleukin-1β Injection to Induce Degeneration in the Rat Lumbar Intervertebral Disc NSF Summer Undergraduate Fellowship in Sensor Technologies

Early signs of degenerate intervertebral discs include a decrease in the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content within the nucleus pulposus and the annulus fibrosus, which has been linked to an alteration in the mechanics of the disc. However, the mechanisms for this reduction in GAG are currently unknown. An animal model that demonstrates disc degeneration would be useful not only for understanding the process of degeneration, but also for exploring methods of treatment or regeneration. Specifically, this study aimed to develop an in-vivo murine model resembling early intervertebral disc degeneration by introducing Interleukin-1β (IL-1) into the lumbar spine. IL-1 was injected into the nucleus pulposus of the lumbar intervertebral discs of rats, and these discs were evaluated using mechanical testing, biochemical assays, and histology at one and four weeks post-injection. A control group and a sham injection of PBS were used to evaluate the significance of the IL-1 injection. At one week, a reduction was seen in nucleus GAG content in the IL-1 discs. At four weeks, glycosaminoglycan restoration was seen in the IL-1β treated discs, suggesting the possibility of recovery of the disc. TABLE OF CONTENTS