Rat Non-Compressive Model Study of Experimental Lumbar Nucleus Pulposus Prolapse

Objective:To design a new non-compressive animal model of lumbar nucleus pulposus prolapse. Methods: Sixteen male SD(Sprague-dawley) rats were chosen. The rats were divided into control group and experimental group. The saline or autologous nucleus pulposus of coccygeal vertebral was injected to the epidurale cavum of rat, making the non-compressive model of experimental lumbar nucleus pulposus prolapse. The cauda equina nerve conduction velocity and the histologic changes were observed. Results: Without mechanical compression, rat' s autologous nucleus pulposus displayed significant histologic changes. The conduction velocity changes of cauda equina nerve roots was pronounced. Conclusion: The non-compressive animal model is simple,reliable and cheap,and offeres model to study the mechanism of disc herniation.