Development and regeneration potential of the mammalian intervertebral disc.

At the present time, the normal cell proliferation rate and regeneration processes in the intervertebral disc (IVD) are not fully known. Historically, the IVD has been considered an organ with little or no regenerative capacity. However, several studies have identified the presence of cells expressing progenitor/stem cell markers in adult cartilage tissue and recent data suggest that adult mammalian IVDs have regenerative capacity, albeit slow. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the present knowledge regarding IVD development, regeneration and repair mechanisms in mammals, with a special focus on human discs. At a time when regenerative medicine is making progress and biological treatment options, such as stem cell therapy, are suggested for patients with degenerated discs causing chronic low back pain, basic knowledge about disc cells and their regenerative capacity form a useful basis for the exploration of new treatment options.