Expression and significance of Matrix Metalloproteinase-13 in lumbar degeneration disc of rats

Objective To detect the expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-13 in the lumbar intervertebral disc of rats and investigate the role of Matrix Metalloproteinase-13 in the development of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration.Methods Twenty four male rats were randomly divided into two groups.The groups were named normal group and experimental group which were operated to develop rat's lumbar degeneration disc model.The expression of MMP-13 was examined by the method of the immunohistochemistry.Results It was observed in histology that the cell in nucleus pulposus were reduced in experimental group.The positive expression of MMP-13 tissues of experimental group was significant higher than that in control group.The expression of MMP-13 protein in the experimental group was increased obviously(P0.05).Conclusion It plays critical roles for MMP-13 in the development of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration.