Annulus Fibrosus Cells Interact With Neuron-Like Cells to Modulate Production of Growth Factors and Cytokines in Symptomatic Disc Degeneration

Abstract

These studies suggest that AF cells are involved in an inflammatory reaction and that the interactions between AF and neuron-like cells enhance the production of growth factors responsible for neovascularization and nerve ingrowth. AF injury has the potential to initiate neovascularization/nerve ingrowth and an inflammatory reaction through the interactions of AF and neural tissues.