STUDY DESIGN: Localization of cathepsins D, K, and L in degenerated intervertebral discs was examined by immunohistochemistry. OBJECTIVES: To determine the involvement of cathepsins in the pathomechanism of @entity1797 by monitoring the immunolocalization of cathepsins in degenerated intervertebral disc tissue. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Cathepsins D, K, and L are enzymes that contribute to the matrix destruction seen in the articular cartilage affected by @entity571 and @entity309 . However, little is known about the contribution of these cathepsins to @entity1797 . METHODS: @entity982 -embedded sections of degenerated intervertebral disc tissue collected at the time of surgery (13 discs from 12 @entity1 ) were immunohistochemically stained with antibodies for cathepsins D, K, and L. For further characterization of the stained cells, immunohistochemical detection of @entity469 and TRAP staining were performed. RESULTS: @entity1710 and @entity1711 staining revealed obvious signs of degeneration in all sections. Cathepsins D and L were immunolocalized in disc fibrochondrocytes at various sites exhibiting degeneration. Cathepsins K were found in tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinucleated cells, in particular near the cleft within the cartilaginous endplate. However, few cells were positive for these cathepsins in anulus fibrosus that maintained the lamellar structure of collagen fibers. CONCLUSIONS: Marked expression of cathepsins D and L was observed at the site of degeneration. Cathepsins D and K localized in @entity5272 -resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinucleated cells existed at the cleft between the cartilaginous endplate and vertebral body. The site-specific localization of these cathepsins suggests the association of these proteinases with endplate separation and disorganization of the anulus fibrosus in @entity179 .

Localization of cathepsins D, K, and L in degenerated XXXX intervertebral discs.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients'] @entity5272 :: ('MESH:C029768', 'Chemical') :: ['tartrate'] @entity571 :: ('MESH:D010003', 'Disease') :: ['osteoarthritis'] @entity1797 :: ('MESH:D055959', 'Disease') :: ['intervertebral disc degeneration'] @entity469 :: ('968', 'Gene') :: ['CD68'] @entity1711 :: ('MESH:D004801', 'Chemical') :: ['eosin'] @entity982 :: ('MESH:D010232', 'Chemical') :: ['Paraffin'] @entity1710 :: ('MESH:D006416', 'Chemical') :: ['Hematoxylin'] @entity179 :: ('MESH:D019636', 'Disease') :: ['degenerative spinal disorders'] @entity309 :: ('MESH:D001172', 'Disease') :: ['rheumatoid arthritis']
@entity1 :: (9606,Species) :: ['human']
