TY - JOUR T1 - Extracellular Matrix in Disc Degeneration AU -
Feng, Haoyu AU - Danfelter, Mikael AU - Strömqvist, Björn AU -
Heinegård, Dick Y1 - 2006/04/01 N1 - 10.2106/JBJS.E.01341 JO -
The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery SP - 25 EP - 29 VL - 88 IS -
suppl_2 N2 - The extracellular matrix of the intervertebral disc
structures contains many molecules also found in cartilage. The
extremely polyanionic proteoglycans play a central role,
particularly in the nucleus, by creating an osmotic environment
leading to retention of water and ensuing resistance to
deformation—important for the resilience of the tissue.Another
major structural entity particularly important in the anulus is
the network of collagen fibers; fibril-forming collagen 1 is a
major constituent. The collagen fibrils in the anulus are
largely oriented in sheets around the nucleus. A number of
molecules present in the matrix regulate and direct the collagen
fibril assembly by interacting with the collagen molecule and
also the formed fibril. Several