@article {Aydin:September 2005:0161-6412:609,
author = "Aydin, M. Volkan",
author = "Sen, Orhan",
author = "Kayaselcuk, Fazilet",
author = "Bolat, Filiz",
author = "Tufan, Kadir",
author = "Caner, Hakan",
author = "Altinors, Nur",
title = "Analysis and prevalence of inflammatory cells in subtypes of lumbar disc herniations under cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor therapy",
journal = "Neurological Research",
volume = "27",
year = "September 2005",
abstract = "Objective: The aim of the present study was to analyse inflammatory cells in lumbar disc tissue under cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor therapy, to detect their prevalence in different subtypes of lumbar disc herniations and to assess the influence of inflammatory reactions in herniated disc tissue on postoperative outcome.Methods: In this prospective study, intervertebral disc specimens were obtained from 50 patients. All the patients were given COX-2 inhibitor therapy (Rofecoxib) 25 mg/day for 10 days before surgery. The herniated disc specimens were routinely fixed in a 10% buffered formaline solution and paraffin-embedded; 5 &mum thin sections were stained with monoclonal antibodies CD-68 for macrophages, CD-45 RO for T cells and CD-20 for B cells. The specimens were microscopically examined and classified by two independent examiners in a blinded manner.Results: CD-68 macrophages were evident in herniated lumbar disc tissue in 40% of the cases, but abundant inflammation was observed in only 18% of the cases. Macrophages were significantly common in sequesters with a prevalence of 80%, and no macrophages were observed in the protrusions. We obtained the best outcome scores in the patients with a sequestrated lumbar disc herniation.Conclusion: Although most of the specimens from all the patients showed no significant inflammatory reaction, maybe due to COX-2 inhibitor therapy, they all needed surgery with no relief of the symptoms despite conservative therapy. Nerve root compression still seems to be the leading pathomechanism.",
pages = "609-612(4)",
url = "http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/maney/nres/2005/00000027/00000006/art00006"
doi = "doi:10.1179/016164105X49210"
}