The Expression and its significance of vascular endothelial growth factor in lumbar intervertebral discs

Objective:To observe the expression and distribution of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and discuss its significance during the process of disc development,maturation and degeneration.Method:The discs were derived from 16 embryos,8 adolesents,12 adults and 42 herniated patients under aseptic condition.The expression of VEGF were tested by immunohistochemistry techniques.Result:The results showed that the positive staining appeared in notochord cells and vascular endothelial cells of embryo discs,and some degenerated/herniated disc,especially in extrusion and sequesters types( P 0.01).The positive rates of embryo and herniated discs was 87.5% and 83.3% respectively.Conclusion:There were endogenous VEGF in discs during the periods of embryo development and some herniated disc tissues.It may play its roles during the process of disc development,maturation and degeneration.The expression of VEGF was related with course of illness and herniation type regarding herniation group.