Figure 4

Construct glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen content and GAG and nitrites released into the treatment medium. GAG and collagen content of nucleus pulposus (NP) constructs (n = 5), and GAG and nitrites released into the media (n = 3), after treatment with IL-1β or IL-1ra conditioned media or both, were determined. (a) GAG content of NP constructs. (b) Collagen content of NP constructs. (c) GAG released into the treatment medium. (d) Nitrites released into the treatment medium. Values are mean ± standard deviation. *P < 0.05 versus untreated constructs; ◆P < 0.05 versus IL-1β-only treated constructs. IL-1β, interleukin-1 beta; IL-1ra, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist.