Contributions of Interleukin-1α to radiculopathy induced by herniated nucleus pulposus

Objective:To determine whether Interleukin-1α(IL-1α)was involved in sciatica induced by her-niated nucleus pulposus in lumbar spine.Method:The nucleus pulposus harvested from autologous coccygeal vertebra was applied onto the surface of unilateral L4and L5nerve roots without compression.The mechanical withdrawal threshold of both paws were measured in different time after surgery.And immunohistochemistrical staining was introduced to detect IL-1αin the applied nucleus pulposus.Result:Obvious increase in paw mechanical sensitivity of the operated side occurred after application of autologous nucleus pulposus on the lumbar nerve root without compression.And immunohistochemistrical staining showed that IL-1αwas positive in the applied nucleus pulposus.Conclusion:The biologic effect of nucleus pulposus is an important factor in the pathogenesis of low lumbar and leg pain and IL-1α,one of the inflammatory factors,may be involved in the pathogenesis of pain.