[Gene expression of fibrous main collagen in the lumbar disc].
OBJECTIVE
To study the patterns of gene expression of main collagen, type I and type II in lumbar discs.


METHODS
The level of collagen gene mRNA expression of type I and type II was investigated by in situ hybridization on fetal, adults and pathologic specimens with cDNA probe. Collagen in various specimens was observed by staining of sirius scarlet.


RESULTS
Positive mRNA hybridization signals of collagen type I were concentrated around outlayer of annulus fibrosus. Type II collagen was highly expressed in nucleus pulposus. In adult and pathologic specimens, no hybridization signal of type II collagen was observed, and the expression level of type II collagen mRNA decreased. Positive signals appeared in nucleus pulposus.


CONCLUSIONS
Obvious changes took place in the regulation of collagen gene expression with aging. Expression of collagen in adult and pathological disc was decreased. Abnormal appearance could be seen between collagen gene type I and type II. Expression of collagen type I mRNA appeared in nucleus pulposus.
Lu
Z
Z
Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003.
Hu
Y
Y
Feng
C
C
D003094:Collagen / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D005333:Fetus; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000378:metabolism*; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000378:metabolism*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D003094:Collagen