Abstract:
The aim of the study was to observe the effects
of immobilization on the histomorphology of rats’
intervertebral disc (IVD) and observe the protective
effects of widely used neutraceuticals, Omega
3 fatty acids and Co-enzyme Q 10 (CoQ10) on
it. The animal experimental study was carried
out in the National Institute of Health, Islamabad
in collaboration with the Anatomy Department,
Army Medical College, Rawalpindi. Forty Sprague
Dawley rats, weighing 250-300g, were chosen
and grouped into 4 equal sets. Control group A
was fed normal lab diet. In experimental group
B, along with the lab diet, an Ilizarov apparatus
was applied to the rats’ tails for immobilization. In
experimental groups C and D, the rats’ tails were
immobilized and given Omega 3 fatty acids (260
mg/kg body weight) and CoQ 10 (150 mg/kg body
weight) through oral gavage. At completion of the
study, IVDs of rats were analysed to see the histologic
changes in the nucleus pulposus (NP) and
annulus fibrosus (AF).
All the samples showed normal findings for NP
in control group A. Degenerative changes were
more significant in group B (p-value = 0.001)
as compared to group C (p-value=0.005) and D
(p-value=0.003). All the samples showed normal
findings for AF in control group A. Degenerative
changes were more significant in group B (p-value
=0.000) as compared to group C (p-value=0.011)
and D(p-value=0.003). Chronic immobilization of
vertebral column induces degenerative changes
in the cellular and matrix content of Intervertebral
discs. However, consumption of neutraceuticals
mitigates the consequences.
