Inhibitory Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: A Preclinical Study in a Rabbit Model

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains multiple growth hormones that may stimulate tissue repair. This study aimed to assess the effects of PRP in a rabbit model of IDD (annulus fibrosus puncture). MATERIAL/METHODS: Thirty-six adult New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups: 0.1 mL PRP (group A), 0.1 mL phosphate-buffered saline (group B), and control (group C) (n=12/group). Annulus fibrosus puncture was performed to establish L4/5 and L5/6 IDD models. Two and 4 weeks later, 6 rabbits from each group were given an IVD injection at L4/5 and L5/6. Two or 4 weeks after injection, rabbits were scanned with X-ray and MRI before being sacrificed. IVDs were collected for hematoxylin and eosin, Masson’s trichrome, and Safranin O staining, and type II collagen immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Over time, IVD height and disc imaging signal intensity decreased gradually in groups B and C, but only slightly in group A (baseline: 100% for all groups; A: 95.9±4.2% at 4 weeks, 90.1±8.4 at 6 weeks; B: 75.3±5.7% at 4 weeks, 70.8±6.4% at 6 weeks; C: 74.7±5.5% at 4 weeks, 69.9±6.2% at 6 weeks; all P<0.001, P<0.01 between A vs. B and C). Degenerative histological changes in IVDs in groups B and C were more severe compared with group A. CONCLUSIONS: Platelet-rich plasma interventions can effectively attenuate the IDD process in rabbits.