Three dimensional microstructure of spinal endplate: relationship between nano-scale structure of nutrition canal and biochemical characteristics of intervertebral disc

腰椎间盘（IVD）营养减少是导致其退变的可能原因。营养管变窄可能导致IVD变性；然而，三维营养管微观结构尚未定量分析。本研究旨在利用高分辨率显微ct技术表征兔腰椎终板营养管的正常三维微观结构。本研究展示了一个由垂直和水平管道组成的营养管道三维网络。这项研究表明存在水平的管道相互连接垂直的管道。虽然水平管的作用还有待分析，但水平管似乎有助于端板内的流体流动。

Decreased lumbar intervertebral disc (IVD) nutrition is a possible cause for IVD degeneration. Narrowing of the nutrition canal possibly leads to IVD degeneration; however, 3D nutrition canal microstructure has not been analyzed in a quantitative manner. This study aimed to characterize the normal 3D microstructure of nutrition canal of the rabbit lumbar vertebral endplate using a high-resolution micro-CT technique. The present study demonstrated a nutrition canal 3D network which consisted of vertical and horizontal canals. This study showed existence of horizontal canals interconnecting the vertical canals. Although the horizontal canal’s role is yet to be analyzed, the horizontal canals appear to contribute fluid flows within the endplate.