Hi, I am doing research in intervertebral disc cells. Studies have demonstrated that nucleus pulposus (NP) cells need anoxia environment to approach functional capacity in the disc for collagen 2 secrection. However, do the annulus fibrosus (AF) cells behavior in the same way or they need oxygen to function well in the disc as they are in the outer region anatomically? I am waiting for your precious opinions about this issue.
Actually both types of cells need some oxygen. We routinely culture them in hypoxic environment and have tried 2%, 5%, 10% oxygen vs 21% oxygen. 5% oxygen seems to be optimal. I hope this answers your question.
Dr Jivko V Stoyanov,
Thank you very much. Yes, I agree that 5% seems to be a benefical environment for NP cells, and there are many studies that are consistent with your research outcome. As for the AF cells, I hypothesize that they might need a higher oxygen concentration to reach their function as they are normally in the outer region of the disc. Have you do some research on this topic?
Once again thank you for your answer.
Sun
Is therefore possible to infer that differential secretion of type I and type II collagen would be more likely related to the cell type rather than to the oxygen concentration ?
Michel.
Dear Dr. Sun,
I think your hypothesis is confirmed by the simple anatomical fact that the normal AF is vascularized (although scarcely), while NP is an avascular structure.
We have done some preliminary experiments whereby the cells can at least survive for a short time without any oxygen. Whether they are bio-active and producing matrix is yet to be determined. I think most people would agree that around 5% oxygen is most optimal for producing appropriate ratios of aggrecans/gags and collagens.
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