The Effects of Exogenous Crosslinking on Hydration and Fluid Flow in the Intervertebral Disc Subjected to Compressive Creep Loading and Unloading

Abstract

The effects of genipin crosslinking on matrix permeability and proteoglycan retention can alter hydration levels and fluid flow in the intervertebral disc. Resulting increases in fluid flow, including a doubling of flow to and from the nucleus, could lead to enhanced nutritional inflow and waste product outflow for the disc, and may have implications for emerging cell-based therapies.