Effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma-releasate on intervertebral disc degeneration in the rabbit anular puncture model: a preclinical study

Arthritis Res Ther. 2012 Nov 5;14(6):R241. doi: 10.1186/ar4084.

Abstract

Introduction: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a fraction of plasma in which several growth factors are concentrated at high levels. The active soluble releasate isolated following platelet activation of PRP (PRP-releasate) has been demonstrated to stimulate the metabolism of IVD cells in vitro. The in vivo effect of PRP-releasate on degenerated IVD remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the reparative effects of autologous PRP-releasate on degenerated intervertebral discs (IVDs).

Methods: To induce disc degeneration, New Zealand white rabbits (n = 12) received anular puncture in two noncontiguous discs. Autologous PRP and PPP (platelet-poor plasma) were isolated from fresh blood using two centrifugation techniques. Four weeks after the initial puncture, releasate isolated from clotted PPP or PRP (PPP- or PRP-releasate), or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; control) was injected into the punctured discs. Disc height, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2-mapping and histology were assessed.

Results: Anular puncture produced a consistent disc narrowing within four weeks. PRP-releasate induced a statistically significant restoration of disc height (PRP vs. PPP and PBS, P<0.05). In T2-quantification, the mean T2-values of the nucleus pulposus (NP) and anulus fibrosus (AF) of the discs were not significantly different among the three treatment groups. Histologically, the number of chondrocyte-like cells was significantly higher in the discs injected with PRP-releasate compared to that with PBS.

Conclusions: The administration of active PRP-releasate induced a reparative effect on rabbit degenerated IVDs. The results of this study suggest that the use of autologous PRP-releasate is safe and can lead to a clinical application for IVD degeneration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chondrocytes / drug effects
  • Chondrocytes / physiology
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Female
  • Injections
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / administration & dosage*
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Intervertebral Disc / diagnostic imaging
  • Intervertebral Disc / drug effects
  • Intervertebral Disc / physiopathology
  • Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / etiology
  • Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / physiopathology
  • Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / therapy*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma / metabolism
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma / physiology*
  • Punctures / adverse effects
  • Rabbits
  • Radiography
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins