Rabbit nucleus pulposus cells facilitate differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells into nucleus pulposus-like cells

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of inducing adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) to nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). Materials and Methods: ADSCs were isolated from rabbit while NPCs were isolated from an allogeneic rabbit. NPCs were co-cultured with the 3 rd generation ADSCs in co-cultured system. Only NPCs were cultured in single culturing group. Through the collagen type II collagen immunohistochemistry, we observed NPCs and then identify NPC. Proteoglycan messenger RNA (mRNA) and collagen type II mRNA level were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: In two group cells, collagen type II collagen were detected by immunohistochemistry. The amount of proteoglycan mRNA and collagen type II mRNA was both significantly higher in co-cultured group than in single cultured group. Conclusions: In some condition, ADSCs have the potency to differentiate toward nucleus pulposus-like cells. ADSCs are better seed cells for tissue engineering of artificial nucleus pulposus.