Repair and/or reconstitution of invertebral discs

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for repair and reconstitution of invertebral discs in a subject which involves administration of STRO-1 + multipotent cells. The method of the invention is useful in the treatment of spinal conditions characterized by degeneration of the invertebral disc.

1 . A method for reconstituting and/or repairing an invertebral disc in a subject, the method comprising administering to the invertebral disc STRO-1 +  multipotential cells and/or progeny cells thereof. 
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the STRO-1 +  multipotential cells and/or progeny cells thereof are administered into the nucleus pulposus of the invertebral disc. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the STRO-1 +  multipotential cells are also positive for TNAP+ (STRO-3), VCAM-1+, THY-1+, STRO-2+, CD45+, CD146+, 3G5+ or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the STRO-1 +  multipotential cells are derived from an allogeneic source. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1  which further comprises administering to the invertebral disc a glycosaminoglycan (GAG). 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5  wherein the GAG is selected from the group consisting of hyaluronic acid (HA), chondroitan sulfate, dermatan sulfate, keratan sulfate, heparin, heparin sulfate, and galactosaminoglycuronglycan sulfate (GGGS). 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the subject has a spinal condition characterized by degeneration of the intervertebral disc. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 7  wherein the spinal condition is low back pain, age-related changes of the intervertebral disc or spondylolysis.