In vitro proliferation and osteoblastic phenotype expression of cells derived from human vertebral lamina and iliac crest.

STUDY DESIGN: Osteoblastic cells derived from vertebral lamina and iliac crest were isolated and cultured under the same conditions (osteogenic medium, pH, temperature, and CO2 levels). OBJECTIVE: To compare proliferation and expression of osteoblastic phenotype of cells derived from vertebral lamina and iliac grafting. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Many factors play a role in the success of bone graft in spinal fusion including osteoblastic cell population. Two common sources of graft are vertebral lamina and iliac crest, however, differences in proliferation and osteoblastic phenotype expression between cells from these sites have not been investigated. METHODS: Cells obtained from cancellous bone of both vertebral lamina and iliac crest were cultured and proliferation was evaluated by direct cell counting and viability detected by Trypan blue. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was evaluated by thymolphthalein release from thymolphthalein monophosphate and matrix mineralization by staining with alizarin red S. Gene expression of ALP, osteocalcin, runt-related transcription factor 2, Msh homeobox 2, bone morphogenetic protein 7, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 precursor, osteoprotegerin, and receptor activator of NF-kB ligand was analyzed by real-time PCR. All comparisons were donor-matched. RESULTS: Proliferation was greater at days 7 and 10 in cells from vertebral lamina compared with ones from iliac crest without difference in cell viability. ALP activity was higher in cells from vertebral lamina compared with cells from iliac crest at days 7 and 10. At 21 days, mineralized matrix was higher in cells derived from vertebral lamina than from iliac crest. At day 7, gene expression of ALP, osteocalcin, runt-related transcription factor 2, Msh homeobox 2, bone morphogenetic protein 7, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 precursor, receptor activator of NF-kB ligand, and osteoprotegerin was higher in cells derived from vertebral lamina compared with iliac crest. CONCLUSION: Cell proliferation and osteoblastic phenotype development in cells derived from cancellous bone were more exuberant in cultures of vertebral lamina than of iliac crest.

Electromyographical study of the iliocostalis lumborum, longissimus thoracis and spinalis thoracis muscles in various positions and movements.

The iliocostalis lumborum, longissimus thoracis and spinalis thoracis muscles were studied electromyographically in six male individuals between 18 and 23 years old. They were connected to co-axial needle electrodes while in orthostatic, kneeling and sitting positions performing movements of flexing, extending and rotating the trunk. In the total flexing of the trunk the muscles did not present any action potential. The results showed intense potential for action while flexing the trunk 45 degrees, extending the trunk beginning at 45 degrees of flexing and in homolateral rotation for the muscles analyzed in the orthostatic position, emphasizing the iliocostalis lumborum muscle in the extension of the trunk which registered very strong action potentials in all individuals. There were similar results for movements of flexing and extending the trunk in the kneeling position, emphasizing the longissimus thoracis muscle in the movement of hyperextension. In the sitting position the more intense potentials were for the movements of extension, flexing with rotation and homolateral rotation of the trunk, emphasizing the longissimus thoracis muscle with strong potentials.