Phenotypic characterization of ligamentum flavum cells from patients with ossification of ligamentum flavum

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this study was to determine the phenotypic characterization of ligamentum flavum cells from patients with ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF). Materials and Methods: Ligamentum flavum tissues were harvested from OLF and non-OLF patients during surgery. OLF and non-OLF cells were isolated from explant cultures. Cultured cells were analyzed using immunofluorescence staining and reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction. Results: OLF cells exhibited various appearances compared with the typical fibroblastlike morphology of non-OLF cells. Expressions of collagen type I and collagen type III were observed in OLF and non-OLF cells. OLF cells uniquely expressed osteocalcin, which is a marker for osteoblasts, and collagen type II which is a marker for chondrocytes, whereas they were negative in non-OLF cells. Conclusion: These findings indicate that OLF cells have phenotypic characterization of osteoblasts and chondrocytes which could play a role in the pathophysiology of OLF. © Copyright: Yonsei University College of Medicine 2009.