Search JIM Advanced Search

Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine ›› 2007, Vol. 5 ›› Issue (1): 39-44.doi: 10.3736/jcim20070108

• Original Experimental Research • Previous Articles     Next Articles

A rabbit model of cervical spondylosis established by stimulation of wind, cold and dampness

Yong-jun Wang, Qi Shi, Quan Zhou, Chen-guang Li, Jiang-ming Cheng, Mei Liu, Yang Yang, Chong-jian Zhou   

  1. Institute of Spine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
  • Online:2007-01-31 Published:2007-01-21

Objective: To make an animal model of cervical spondylosis (arthralgia syndrome type) with stimulation of wind, cold, and dampness. 

Methods: Twenty-four 8 months old male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly allocated into four groups: normal control group, light stimulation group, moderate stimulation group and severe stimulation group. The wind speed was 10.8-13.8 m/s, the temperature was (5±0.5) ℃, and the humidity was 100%. The rabbits of light, moderate, and severe stimulation groups were kept in the above-mentioned environments for 4 hours everyday, and for a total of 32, 64, and 128 hours, respectively. The intervertebral discs were stained with HE method, and observed with a light microscope. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), 6-ketone-prostaglandin F (6-K-PGF) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) contents were measured by ELISA. Fas and Bcl-2 expressions were examined by immunohistochemical avidin-biotin peroxidose complex technique. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) mRNA expressions were examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

Results: The nucleus pulposus of rabbits in the light and moderate stimulation groups shrunken, and in the severe stimulation group, the anulus fibrosus loosed or ruptured, and the cartilage end-plate became proliferated. Compared with rabbits in the normal control group, the PGE2 content rose in the light stimulation group, the contents of PGE2, 6-K-PGF, and TXB2 increased, the expressions of IL-1β and TNF-α mRNAs and Fas were up-regulated, and the expressions of TGF-β mRNA and Bcl-2 were down-regulated in the moderate and severe stimulation groups. The expression of Fas was up-regulated mostly and Bcl-2 was down-regulated mostly in the severe group. 

Conclusion: Moderate and severe stimulations of wind, cold and dampness can lead to degeneration of cervical intervertebral discs of rabbits. The model corresponds to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine about arthralgia syndrome caused by wind, cold and dampness.

Key words: cervical vertebrae, wind-cold-dampness, arthralgia syndrome, rabbit

CLC Number: 

  • R681.5

Figure 1

SHH-250GS improved artificial climate mode maker boxStimulus intensity: wind force, 6 degree; temperature, (5±0.5) ℃; humidity, 100%. Rabbits of light, moderate, and severe stimulation groups were stimulated for 4 hours everyday, and for a total of 32, 64, and 128 hours, respectively."

Figure 2

Morphological observation of intervertebral discs (HE staining, ×10)A: Normal control group; B: Light stimulation group; C: Moderate stimulation group; D: Severe stimulation group. The disc structure of the normal control group was fine, in which annular fibrosus and nucleus pulposus were fine arranged. The disc nucleus pulposus of both light and moderate stimulation groups was shrunk, and the annular fibrosus was loosened. The disc annular fibrosus of the severe stimulation group was loosen and broken, and the cartilage end-plate was thickened."

Table 1

Contents of PGE2, 6-K-PGF1α and TXB2 in intervertebral discs ($\bar{x}±S$ ,pg/mg)"

Group n PGE2 6-K-PGF TXB2
Normal control 6 61.36±6.34 746.23±223.13 216.45±68.11
Light stimulation 6 396.71±24.26** 978.19±235.46 429.82±131.26
Moderate stimulation 6 550.56±83.77** 1 084.06±182.23 619.23±205.62
Severe stimulation 6 438.72±66.06** 1 250.44±281.21* 955.80±203.35**

Table 2

OD value ratios of IL-1β, TNF-α and TGF-β mRNAs in intervertebral discs ($\bar{x}±S$)"

Group n IL-1β mRNA TNF-α mRNA TGF-β mRNA
Normal control 6 0.852 3±0.026 4 0.890 3±0.010 1 1.152 9±0.044 2
Light stimulation 6 0.915 3±0.006 1** 0.962 3±0.012 8** 1.054 9±0.015 8**
Moderate stimulation 6 0.924 5±0.002 3** 0.981 0±0.071 4** 0.931 9±0.014 0**△△
Severe stimulation 6 0.959 6±0.005 7**△△▲ 1.010 2±0.010 7** 0.862 5±0.035 2**△△

Figure 3

Expression of Fas in four groups (Immunohistochemical staining, ×200)A: Normal control group; B: Light stimulation group; C: Moderate stimulation group; D: Severe stimulation group."

Figure 4

Expression of Bcl-2 in four groups (Immunohistochemical staining, ×200)A: Normal control group; B: Light stimulation group; C: Moderate stimulation group; D: Severe stimulation group."

[1] 王拥军, 施杞, 彭宝淦 . 颈椎病危险因素的病例对照研究[J]. 中国中医骨伤科杂志, 1997,5(6):12-16
Wang YJ, Shi Q, Peng BG . A case-control study on the risk factors of cervical spondylosis[J]. Zhongguo Zhong Yi Gu Shang Ke Za Zhi, 1997,5(6):12-16
[2] 施杞, 郝永强, 彭宝淦 , 等. 动静力平衡失调与颈椎病——颈椎病动物模型的实验研究[J]. 上海中医药大学学报, 1999,13(1):52-56
Shi Q, Hao YQ, Peng BG , et al. Imbalance of the dynamic and static force and cervical spondylopathy--Experimental study of animal model with cervical spondylopathy[J]. Shanghai Zhong Yi Yao Da Xue Xue Bao, 1999,13(1):52-56
[3] 施杞, 王拥军, 吴士良 , 等. 风寒湿刺激对家兔颈椎间盘MMP-1、MMP-3活性的影响[J]. 中国骨伤, 2002,15(6):340-342
Shi Q, Wang YJ, Wu SL , et al. Effect of activity change of MMP-1, MMP-3 of cervical intervertebral discs of rabbits by irritancy of Wind-Cold-Dampness factors[J]. Zhongguo Gu Shang, 2002,15(6):340-342
[4] Willburger RE, Wittenberg RH . Prostaglandin release from lumbar disc and facet joint tissue[J]. Spine, 1994,19(18):2068-2070
doi: 10.1097/00007632-199409150-00011 pmid: 7825047
[5] Kang JD, Georgescu HI, Mclntyre-Larkin L , et al. Herniated cervical intervertebral discs spontaneously produce matrix metalloproteinases, nitric oxide, interleukin-6, and prostaglandin E2[J]. Spine, 1995,20(22):2373-2378
[6] 施杞, 彭宝淦 . 人工麝香对退变颈椎间盘炎症抑制作用实验研究[J]. 中国中医骨伤科杂志, 1997,5(3):1-3
Shi Q, Peng BG . The experimental study of the inhibitory effect of synthetic moschus on inflammation of degenerative cervical disc[J]. Zhongguo Zhong Yi Gu Shang Ke Za Zhi, 1997,5(3):1-3
[7] Takahashi H, Suguro T, Okazima Y , et al. Inflammatory cytokines in the herniated disc of the lumbar spine[J]. Spine, 1996,21(2):218-224
doi: 10.1097/00007632-199601150-00011 pmid: 8720407
[8] Rand N, Reichet F, Floman Y , et al.Murine nucleus pulposus-derived cells secrete interleukins-1-beta,-6,10 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in cell culture [J].Spine, 1997, 22(22):2598-2601, discussion 2602
[9] Taskiran D, Stefanovic-Racic M, Georgescu H , et al. Nitric oxide mediates suppression of cartilage proteoglycan synjournal by interleukin-1[J]. Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 1994,200(1):142-148
[10] Hutchinson NI, Lark MW MacNaul KL, et al.In vivo expression of stromelysin in synovium and cartilage of rabbits injected intraarticularly with interleukin-1 beta[J]. Arthritis Rheum, 1992,35(10):1227-1233
[11] Ignatowski TA, Covey WC, Knight PR , et al. Brain-derived TNFalpha mediates neuropathic pain[J]. Brain Res, 1999,841(1-2):70-77
doi: 10.1016/S0006-8993(99)01782-5 pmid: 10546989
[12] Inui Y, Nishida K, Doita M , et al. Fas-ligand expression on nucleus pulposus begins in developing embryo[J]. Spine, 2004,29(21):2365-2369
doi: 10.1097/01.brs.0000143172.07771.fc pmid: 15507796
[13] Takada T, Nishida K, Doita M , et al. Fas ligand exists on intervertebral disc cells: a potential molecular mechanism for immune privilege of the disc[J]. Spine, 2002,27(14):1526-1530
[14] Wang W, Passaniti A . Extracellular matrix inhibits apoptosis and enhances endothelial cell differentiation by a NF κB-dependent mechanism[J]. J Cell Biochem, 1999,73(3):321-331
[15] 王拥军, 施杞, 周重建 , 等. 中医学对颈椎病的认识[J]. 中国临床康复, 2004,8(20):4077-4078
Wang YJ, Shi Q, Zhou CJ , et al. Comprehension on cervical spondylosis from view of traditional Chinese medicine[J]. Zhongguo Lin Chuang Kang Fu, 2004,8(20):4077-4078
[16] 姜杰, 常向明, 施杞 . 风寒湿对家兔颈椎间盘组织IL-1β mRNA表达的影响[J]. 现代康复, 2000,4(8):1190-1191
Jiang J, Chang XM, Shi Q . Wind cold dampness effect on expression of interleukin-1β mRNA in tissues of cervical intervertebral discs of rabbits[J]. Xian Dai Kang Fu, 2000,4(8):1190-1191
[17] 姜杰, 施杞 . 颈部风寒湿刺激对实验家兔氧自由基代谢的影响[J]. 暨南大学学报(医学版), 1999,20(6):79-83
Jiang J, Shi Q . Efficacy of wind, cold and dampness in the cervical porton oxygen free radical metabolism of rabbits[J]. Jinan Da Xue Xue Bao (Yi Xue Ban), 1999,20(6):79-83
[18] 姜杰, 常向明, 施杞 . 风寒湿对家兔颈椎间盘组织iNOS mRNA表达的影响[J]. 中国病理生理杂志, 2001,17(9):886-889
Jiang J, Chang XM, Shi Q . Effects of wind cold and dampness on the expression of iNOS mRNA in tissues of cervical intervertebral discs from rabbits[J]. Zhongguo Bing Li Sheng Li Za Zhi, 2001,17(9):886-889
[19] 王拥军, 施杞, 周重建 , 等. 根汤与桂枝汤对兔颈椎间盘组织IL-1β, iNOS, TNFα, TGFβ mRNA表达的调节作用[J]. 中西医结合学报, 2003,1(4):273-276
Wang YJ, Shi Q, Zhou CJ . et al. Regulation effects of Gegen recipe and Guizhi recipe on expression of IL-1β, iNOS, TNFα, TGFβ mRNA in degenerated cervical intervertebral disk in rabbits[J]. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao, 2003,1(4):273-276
[1] Qi-qi Mao , Xu Sun, Dong-ni Qiu, Xiao-dong Fu, Yi Liu, Wen-jian Wang. Effects of Fufang Jiangzhi No.3 on cholesterol-bile acid metabolism in rabbits with hypercholesterolemia. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2010, 8(5): 453-457.
[2] Hui Qiang, Kun-zheng Wang, Chen Zhang, Zhi-bin Shi, Li-hong Fan. Panax notoginseng saponins protect rabbit bone marrow stromal cells from hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2010, 8(2): 131-137.
[3] Bin Cheng, Xin Wang, Lei Wang, Kai Cao, Lei Duan, Feng-tao Li. Changes of mitochondrial apoptosis in spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury and the effects of Herba Erigerontis Breviscapi Injection preconditioning intervention in rabbits. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2009, 7(9): 842-847.
[4] Ling-hui Dai, Yong Xu, Yan-hao Xiong, Feng Gao, Jiong Hu, Ning Du. Effects of manipulation therapy in repairing rabbit articular cartilage defects. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2009, 7(4): 372-378.
[5] You-xue Chen, Guo-ping Li, Hong-en Yao, Su-fan Li, Li-gong Duan. Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Recipe in prevention and treatment of tibial stress injuries in rabbits. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(7): 738-743.
[6] GD Zhao, KJ Gao, YM Tian, ZW Ye, W Li, HP Song, ZY Cai. Experimental study of Gukangling Decoction combined with technetium [99Tc] methylene diphosphonate injection in treating osteoporotic rabbits. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(3): 298-303.
[7] Hui-qin Yang, Li-rong Chen. Effects of sinomenine on synovial fluid and serum content of interleukin-1β in rabbits with osteoarthritis. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(12): 1275-1279.
[8] Fu-guo Yang, An-yong Zhang, Zuo-yuan Chen, Zhe-xun Chen, Ge-xin Liu, Guo-xiong Dong. Effects of salvianolic acid B on cardiovascular endothelial cells and platelet activation in a rabbit model of ischemia-reperfusion. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(12): 1250-1254.
[9] Ya-zhong Zuo, Min Fang, Shu-yun Jiang, Jun-tao Yan. Clinical research of manipulation therapy for lower cervical instability. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2007, 5(5): 587-589.
[10] Nan-nan Chen, Shi-lin Huang, Yang Xiang, De-jie Zhang, Ai-xia Guo, Ai-ping Chen. Effects of inactivated rabbit serum containing compound realgar and natural indigo tablet on cell line NB4. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2007, 5(1): 65-68.
[11] Jun-jun She​, Zi-ming Wang​, Xiang-ming Che​, Cheng-en Pan​. Research of β-elemene interventional treatment on VX2 carcinoma transplanted on kidney in rabbits. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2006, 4(6): 611-614.
[12] Yong-jun Wang, Qi Shi, Chen-guang Li, Quan Zhou, Zhi-jun Hu, Mei Liu, Chong-jian Zhou. Study of Yiqi Huayu Bushen Recipe and its decomposed formulas in regulating gene expressions in degenerated cervical intervertebral discs of rats. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2006, 4(6): 615-619.
[13] Jun-jun She​, Zi-ming Wang​, Xiang-ming Che​, Cheng-en Pan​. Radiosensitization of β-elemene on VX2 carcinoma transplanted on kidney in rabbits in vivo. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2006, 4(4): 392-396.
[14] Gui-kang Wei, Jian Wei, Hong-hai Zhou, Bin-bin Zhou, Feng Chen, Rong Huang, Xin-jiao Li. Influence of cervical curvature change on the nerve root and vertebral artery of patients with cervical spondylosis and clinical observation of manipulation treatment. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2003, 1(4): 259-261.
[15] Li Chen, Hong-sheng Zhan. An transcranial Doppler ultrasonography and X-ray study of cervical vertigo patients treated by manipulation in supine position. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2003, 1(4): 262-264.
Viewed
Full text


Abstract

Cited

  Shared   
  Discussed   
[1] Jin-rong Fu. Establishment of multivariate diagnosis and treatment system of modern gynecology of traditional Chinese medicine. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 22-24
[2] Hao Li, Ming-jiang Yao, Wen-ming Zhao, Jie Guan, Lin-lin Cai, Ling Cui. A randomized, controlled, double-blind trial of Huannao Yicong capsule in senile patients with mild cognitive impairment. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 25-31
[3] Zhi-chun Jin. Problems in establishing clinical guideline for integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 5-8
[4] SUN Ming-yu, ZUO Jian, DUAN Ji-feng, HAN Jun, FAN Shi-ming, ZHANG Wei, ZHU Li-fang, YAO Ming-hui. Antitumor activities of kushen flavonoids in vivo and in vitro. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 51-59
[5] Min Cheng, Qiong Feng, Shu-wen Qian, Hui Gao, Cui-qing Zhu. Preliminary assay of p-amyloid binding elements in heart-beneficial recipe. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 68-72
[6] Ning-qun Wang, Liang-duo Jiang, Zong-xing Li. Research progress in asthma-related quality of life. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 93-97
[7] Jing-yuan Mao, Chang-xiao Liu, Heng-he Wang, Guang-li Wei , Zhen-peng Zhang, Jie Xing, Wang Xian liang , Ying-fei Bi . Effects of Shenmai Injection on serum concentration and pharmacokinetics of digoxin in dogs with heart failure. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2010, 8(11): 1070-1074
[8] Zhi-mei Wang, Bin Zhang. A study on translation of ellipses in Huangdi Neijing from perspective of hermeneutic theory. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2010, 8(11): 1097-1100
[9] Gui Yu, Jie Wang. Thinking on building the network cardiovasology of Chinese medicine. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2012, 10(11): 1206-1210
[10] Pedro Saganha João, Doenitz Christoph, Greten Tobias, Efferth Thomas, J. Greten Henry. Qigong therapy for physiotherapists suffering from burnout: a preliminary study. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2012, 10(11): 1233-1239