Histological Evaluation of the Sheep’s Cervical Spine Segment 3/4 – A Histomorphological and Histomorphometrical Study

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0264.2007.00829.x
• Publication Date: 2008-05-12T12:12:30Z
• Authors: C. Koch; F. Kandziora; H. Huenigen; J. Plendl
• Keywords: Trichrome; Intervertebral Disc; Safranin; Trichrome stain

The 2-year-old sheep is a frequently used model in spinal orthopaedic research; however, so far no investigations have been performed on physiological tissue of untreated animals. In this study, the cervical spine segment 3/4 eight female Merino was evaluated histologically and histomorphometrically. Specimens were stained with Masson-Goldner-Trichrome, Safranin-Orange/Lightgreen, Safranin-Orange/von Kossa Astrablue. Analysis bone mass, mass cartilage mineralized defined region interest performed. A new finding study that--although regarded as adult--tissue growth plate still detected. Moreover, revealed that nucleus pulposus notochordal cells are existent, suggesting complex remodelling sheep.