RÉSUMÉ
Objective To detect the level of granulation tissue and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1,3(MMP-1,3) in the tissues originated from both herniated and non-herniated intervertebral discs. Methods Forty specimens of herniated lumbar disc and twelve specimens of non-herniated one were stained with hematoxylin-eosin to determine the amount of granulation tissue, and immunohistochemically stained to detect MMP-1,3 expression. Results In specimens of sequestration and transligamentous extrusion, the amount of granulation tissue including macrophages,fibroblasts and capillary was more than that in the specimens of subligamentous extrusion and protrusion as well as non-herniated disc. Most of cells in granulation tissue and chondrocytes had MMP-1,3 expression. The expression level of MMP1,3 in sequestration and transligamentous extrusion specimens was significantly higher than that in subligamentous extrusion and protrusion, and in herniated specimens was also significantly higher than that in non-herniated specimens.There was no significant difference in the MMP1,3 expression level between the sequestration and transligamentous extrusion, between subligamentous extrusion and protrusion. Conclusion The expression of MMP1,3 was associated with the degradation and herniation of intervertebral disc. MMP1,3 may be involved in the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration and herniation.