J Korean Soc Spine Surg.  1997 Nov;4(2):195-202.

The Effect of Lactic Acid Concentration on Cell Morphology and Phenotype in Cultured Intervertebral Disc Cell of Rabbit

• Kim DJ
• Ji IH
• Wang JM
• Choi IH

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: Changes of morphology and phenotype of cultured cells in media added lactate were observed.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effect of lactate on morphology and phenotype of cultured intervertebral disc cell. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: It was reported that lactate and pH were important factor in the degeneration of intervertebral disc. However the effect of lactate on morphology and phenotype of cultured intervertebral disc cell have not been studied.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Cells were dissociated enzymatically from rabbit nucleus pulposus. After attaining monolayer growth, the cells were incubated in media added 2mM or 5mM lactate. Total cell counts and morphological changes of the cells were periodically observed. Changes in cell phenotype were investigated by use of anti-collagen antibody stain.
RESULTS
The cell groups added no lactate and 2mM lactate showed no difference in cell counts, morphology and phenotype. The cell group added 5mM lactate showed a reduction in final cell Counts and highel'ratio of fibroblastic cell in total population. Anti-collagen I Ab stained the Intra-and extra-cellular area of fibroblastic cells and intracellular area of chondrocytic cells.
CONCLUSIONS
The current study suggests that high concentration of lactate inhibit intervertebral disc cell proliferation and accelerate morphological and phenotypical change to fibroblastic cell.

MeSH Terms

Cell Count
Cell Proliferation
Cells, Cultured
Fibroblasts
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Intervertebral Disc*
Lactic Acid*
Phenotype*
Lactic Acid