Phenotypic characterization of ligamentum flavum cells from patients with ossification of ligamentum flavum.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to determine the phenotypic characterization of ligamentum flavum cells from patients with ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF).


METHODS
Ligamentum flavum tissues were harvested from OLF and non-OLF patients during surgery. OLF and non-OLF cells were isolated from explant cultures. Cultured cells were analyzed using immunofluorescence staining and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.


RESULTS
OLF cells exhibited various appearances compared with the typical fibroblast-like morphology of non-OLF cells. Expressions of collagen type I and collagen type III were observed in OLF and non-OLF cells. OLF cells uniquely expressed osteocalcin, which is a marker for osteoblasts, and collagen type II which is a marker for chondrocytes, whereas they were negative in non-OLF cells.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings indicate that OLF cells have phenotypic characterization of osteoblasts and chondrocytes which could play a role in the pathophysiology of OLF.
Zhong
Zhao-Ming
ZM
Department of Orthopedic and Spinal Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 North Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, China.
Chen
Jian-Ting
JT
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D024042:Collagen Type I / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D024043:Collagen Type II / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D024142:Collagen Type VI / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017843:Ligamentum Flavum / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D008875:Middle Aged; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D015675:Osteocalcin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D055815:Young Adult
D024042:Collagen Type I; D024043:Collagen Type II; D024142:Collagen Type VI; D015675:Osteocalcin