Association between the intima media thickness of lumbar arteries and the cell density of lumbar intervertebral discs: a postmortem study among Sri Lankan adults

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Disc degeneration is an important cause of low backache. Cartilage cells help to maintain the structure of the disc. The lumbar arteries provide blood supply to the lumbar discs. The tunica media affects the mechanical properties of the vessel wall and thereby control the blood supply to the tissues. OBJECTIVES: To describe the association between the intima media thickness (expressed as a percentage of total thickness) of 4th lumbar artery and the mean cell density of the 4th lumbar disc. METHODS: Descriptive cross sectional study was done on 4th lumbar discs and 4th lumbar arteries of postmortem specimens. H&E sections were prepared on the annulus fibrosus of lumbar discs and lumbar arteries. By using a graticule number of cells per 4mm2 were counted in each disc specimen in ten low power fields and the mean cell density was calculated. With a graticule measurement of intima media thickness (IMT) and total thickness of lumbar arteries were taken on each artery specimen in ten low power fields. Mean of IMT expressed as a percentage of TT was calculated. Correlation coefficient was calculated to find out the association between the IMT and the mean cell density. RESULTS: Postmortem specimens of 31 subjects aged between 21-96 years (mean age 46 years. SD 19 years) were examined. 24 were males. There was a significant association between the IMT and the cell density (r = 0-37, P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: IMT of lumbar arteries had a significant positive association with the cell density.